tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post8622856940551160085..comments2023-05-03T05:22:30.162-04:00Comments on Mary Haseltine: What I Didn't Really Need for that First BabyMary @ Better Than Edenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-91530535863246571102015-01-30T07:02:21.269-05:002015-01-30T07:02:21.269-05:00Just to look cute and maybe a photo op? But we ne...Just to look cute and maybe a photo op? But we never had one because it seemed silly to have one so they could be in it for less than a minute in between towel and pjs!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-12560515233402246772015-01-30T02:11:23.178-05:002015-01-30T02:11:23.178-05:00I never understood the use of baby towel bathrobes...I never understood the use of baby towel bathrobes. When you take a baby out, if you don't get a diaper on it fast enough it will pee and have to take another bath.Mimi G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12993414601395205954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-13955986084549592402015-01-27T06:23:18.845-05:002015-01-27T06:23:18.845-05:00Definitely! Most of our items added for subsequen...Definitely! Most of our items added for subsequent babies were bought either consignment or through Craigslist!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-18075150256476345682015-01-26T19:54:00.486-05:002015-01-26T19:54:00.486-05:00So true. We got rid of so much stuff, it seemed l...So true. We got rid of so much stuff, it seemed like we had less stuff after each baby instead of getting more. I did buy a lot of onesies though. My fourth was a reflux-pukey baby, and he would go through 6-8 in a day. I would also add to consider shopping at church consignment sales if they have them in your area. Not only do babies not need so much stuff, they don't really need *new* stuff, and I've found great deals at our church sales :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02566467604923699388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-4619406999987998322015-01-26T14:15:25.342-05:002015-01-26T14:15:25.342-05:00I remember using it a few times that way before I ...I remember using it a few times that way before I got rid of it but found the bouncy seat did the same thing. But if you prefer it, then I'm glad you have it! Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-90011414977395756732015-01-26T13:57:01.394-05:002015-01-26T13:57:01.394-05:00We totally still use the Boppy all the time! Alth...We totally still use the Boppy all the time! Although not for nursing... After John Paul I kind of didn't see the point because I had gotten good at nursing without a pillow (well, except for tandem-nursing the twins) - we mostly use it for propping the baby up so he's not just lying on the floor, and it's great when they're beginning sitters!Rosiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12888635342531960478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-31672586840027986632015-01-26T06:12:42.257-05:002015-01-26T06:12:42.257-05:00So awesomely kind of you to do that. Thank you. &l...So awesomely kind of you to do that. Thank you. <3Conceiving Hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770621765962940873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-77384847932718244152015-01-26T05:49:28.044-05:002015-01-26T05:49:28.044-05:00I'm so glad you find it helpful. I'm addi...I'm so glad you find it helpful. I'm adding you to the list of those I pray for who struggle with that heavy cross.Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-45741092898174875692015-01-26T05:25:30.781-05:002015-01-26T05:25:30.781-05:00As an infertile woman (the kind who conceives and ...As an infertile woman (the kind who conceives and loses a lot), I find that these kinds of lists are *so* helpful. Let the moms tell me from their trial and error what worked and what didn't! I love the idea of finally being able to have a baby and not having to wade through baby clutter to figure out what works best. I see allllll of our friends drowning in bassinets and lotions and plush toys, like you mentioned, so I knew those were traps before I read this. Taking notes and reading while we wait on God to make us parents in the meantime... :)Conceiving Hopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03770621765962940873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-18656854868406521062015-01-25T07:37:10.874-05:002015-01-25T07:37:10.874-05:00You should totally write one! I'd read it! H...You should totally write one! I'd read it! Hmmm…an unnecessary crap link-up may be in order :)Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-36771487204062449692015-01-25T07:36:19.484-05:002015-01-25T07:36:19.484-05:00Thanks, Hannah!Thanks, Hannah!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-74263708103349128122015-01-24T19:10:28.230-05:002015-01-24T19:10:28.230-05:00Amen to all of dat! You totally beat me to the pu...Amen to all of dat! You totally beat me to the punch for this kind of post but I'm still wanting to write one too! Maybe you should call all mother bloggers to link up with all their unnecessary crap lists? Carolyn_Svellingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03508416600061194482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-11421744010286185602015-01-24T18:07:23.418-05:002015-01-24T18:07:23.418-05:00Yes! Exactly. Amen. I don't have much here ......Yes! Exactly. Amen. I don't have much here ... I change my baby's diapers on our bed, over a travel changing pad. And you're so right about the Diaper Genie thing. I have a small step-lid trashcan in our room and it never smells!Hannah D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/09013961111364431546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-20188164063136584392015-01-24T15:03:07.924-05:002015-01-24T15:03:07.924-05:00Just FYI, avocado oil is great for sensitive and r...Just FYI, avocado oil is great for sensitive and really dry, irritated skin, and it has a neutral smell.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00747308009364094199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-84329066513117518672015-01-24T12:57:18.310-05:002015-01-24T12:57:18.310-05:00Thanks, Lisa!Thanks, Lisa!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-10222070922286416742015-01-24T12:57:03.621-05:002015-01-24T12:57:03.621-05:00I love snuggling babies at Mass but I admit, there...I love snuggling babies at Mass but I admit, there definitely have been times when I know if I try to transfer the baby when already asleep, the whole congregation will have to pay! But even during those times I'm always checking (and secretly hoping!) that baby will wake up so I can take them out! It's good to have a grandma's perspective on this!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-80882908241040501552015-01-24T10:12:11.235-05:002015-01-24T10:12:11.235-05:00I laughed at this post, Mary. Just recently I was ...I laughed at this post, Mary. Just recently I was telling my future daughter-in-law that babies need onesies, diapers and an actively-involved parent. So much of what people buy today is just used to park baby and do something else -- something self-involved. Other than cooking and cleaning (and taking care of brothers and sisters) there is nothing you can't do while holding baby (a wrap or snugli is helpful for exhausted arms). I used to get so annoyed at people (sorry if these are your readers) who bring baby into Mass and let him sleep through Mass in his car seat -- that's prime snuggling time! Babies need to be held -- even if they are sleeping. Now that I am almost at the age of most grandmas, I can see how ridiculous all those things are, though I have to say your dependence on some things would depend on how much of a "prepper" you are. I always liked having a packed diaper bag (or in the case of my last child -- an attractive backpack style purse-- but that was just because I liked knowing everything I might need was ready. Some people are better at flying by the seats of their pants.<br /><br />PS I liked your comment about the wipe warmer. I had one with my last child and there is nothing like a nice warm wipe in the middle of a cold winter night (or should I say nothing stirs a drowsy baby like a cold wipe in the middle of a cold winter night). Now that I am more conscious of chemicals we use, I would probably use wet washcloths in a container with a wipe warmer wrapped around it.Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00747308009364094199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-32622244864299420732015-01-24T07:22:10.966-05:002015-01-24T07:22:10.966-05:00I agree with all. Love it thanks!I agree with all. Love it thanks!Lisa K.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10623087053353163693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-88350846813548043102015-01-24T06:59:26.569-05:002015-01-24T06:59:26.569-05:00Ha! the beeswax smell changes that a bit…but it&#...Ha! the beeswax smell changes that a bit…but it's still yummy. Okay, I have a baby item confession. I actually really like the wipes warmer! (That might have to go on another list ;) We didn't have one until our fourth baby and with cloth wipes I find it really helpful to keep them wet so you don't have to run back and forth to the sink. We only used it for the first year or so and I used to make fun of them, too…but now I love it! And yes, open shelf changing tables with a toddler around are just asking for a mess! For the salve I do a 1 oz. to 8 oz. combo of melted beeswax to olive oil. I steep the olive oil for a few days in some herbs and after its melted I sometimes add a few drops of essential oils. For some reason the last time I made it came out a bit softer so I may up the beeswax a little bit next time. I have a bit more on that here: http://www.betterthaneden.com/2011/11/homemade-mama-and-baby-gift.htmlMary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-87086536695023132662015-01-24T06:51:06.308-05:002015-01-24T06:51:06.308-05:00I'd love for you to write something like that!...I'd love for you to write something like that! A lot of hospitals and doctors (very very very slowly) around here are going back to more evidence-based medicine and *trying* to make some good changes. They still have a long way to go but there are seeds there which is hopeful. I find it SO interesting that in an age when we can so easily communicate and share information around the world that medical and health information and social practices still seems to be pretty isolated to each country. I'm always very intrigued to hear what is normal pregnancy, baby, and child raising info in other parts of the world. Not sure how different Australia would be but I'd love for you to share on that as well!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-7983700150004590332015-01-24T06:03:38.498-05:002015-01-24T06:03:38.498-05:00Totally agree. Just thinking about the nappy bag ...Totally agree. Just thinking about the nappy bag (diaper bag) when my first was born, I used to take EVERYTHING with me, now I have a slightly larger handbag and dash out the door with bare minimum. <br />Enjoying your posts:) was thinking I should write my list, but then again I'm in the midst of pecking away at a post on the changes in parenting I've experienced in 20 years. Got thinking about this in hospital last year when our baby was born. Advice is so different. Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04448595911801738792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-41271214825093389542015-01-23T21:21:48.096-05:002015-01-23T21:21:48.096-05:00Agreed! The other item that makes me chuckle is a ...Agreed! The other item that makes me chuckle is a wipes warmer. We never got a changing table, just a $10 pad to plop on our twins' dresser, and I'm very glad now that I see the magnetic pull open shelving has on toddlers. Must. Pull. All. The. Things. Onto. The. Floor! I'm guessing changing table storage stops being much use as soon as a kid is mobile? Kid #3 mostly gets changed downstairs so I don't have to pen the toddlers in safely before carrying her upstairs. We just keep diapers, burp cloths, and a pack of wipes in the pantry. For some reason half the people who gave us baby gifts all had the same bright idea: "Oh, I bet nobody thought to give them baby towels!" We received...a lot. Thanks to twins, we did need a couple of bouncy seats/swings so I had places to soothe one baby while feeding or changing the other, but we received three as handmedowns so they weren't an expense. How do you make your beeswax/olive oil salve? My kids' skin gets extremely dry (very typical for black children and adults) and needs to be moisturized constantly. We use jojoba and coconut oil, with Aquaphor when it gets super dry in winter and nothing else is enough. I did try olive oil once, but I couldn't hold them without sniffing and getting hungry for an Italian dinner...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-12397829049610858512015-01-23T18:28:18.477-05:002015-01-23T18:28:18.477-05:00Our kids are small and they still seem to only rea...Our kids are small and they still seem to only really fit them for a few months anyway. I should've added those super cute but totally impractical baby bathrobes, too…we never had one but I imagine they're one of those things you use once for the photo op and then never again ;)Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-30743659129943764122015-01-23T15:01:30.522-05:002015-01-23T15:01:30.522-05:00We got a whole ton of baby towels and washcloths a...We got a whole ton of baby towels and washcloths and hooded things, and I think I used one of them one time, if that. They're just not thick enough to dry well or big enough to really wrap a baby up in - so big-people-towels have been our go-to as well. I admit that all the little baby specific ones are cute on the shelf but totally unnecessary! Hannah Gokiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00700388883523161435noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-640846201971673514.post-27208812244520442522015-01-23T14:02:18.985-05:002015-01-23T14:02:18.985-05:00Yes, an emergency diaper in the glove box is essen...Yes, an emergency diaper in the glove box is essential! We use cloth wipes at home but I try to keep a pack of disposable ones in the car, too, because yes, so useful!Mary @ Better Than Edenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05409924891343767874noreply@blogger.com