shopping, from an expecting father’s point of view

Erin and I went shopping yesterday. In summary – holy crapt, there is a lot of stuff to buy. This little turkey has no idea how need he is, and he’s not even born.

We hit RightStart, Pottery Barn Kids, Bellinis and the Land of Nod. Overall, RightStart seemed the most helpful (to me) and solved 2-3 of our needs right away (stroller, car seat and potentially the crib). The Land of Nod had a bunch of cool stuff for kids and seemed liked it covered the bases for every age of child. Pottery Barn Kids sucked except for the super cute stuffed animal dog we bought.

Here are what we believe our basic needs are:

  • Crib: This one is tough. I want a crib that covers the basics…one that is sturdy and simple. I think Erin is more into the fancy woodwork. I liked the Oeuf from RightStart. It was white with a wooden base and metal footing – somewhat modern and very sturdy. I think Erin liked a few of the sleigh type cribs from the Land of Nod. We still need to do some more research and hit a place called Lazaars before making a decision. Approximate price: ?
  • Changing table: I guess there is no rule about matching this up with the crib, but it seems likely we will. I also liked the Oeung since it’s drawers glided nicely and there were no knobs to deal with. Approximate price: ?
  • Glider: This requirement is formerly known as the wooden rocking chair. We actually have one of those, and there is no way it’s going to be used since it’s not comfortable. We liked a glider at Belinni’s. Only bummer is that this thing was close to $1000 bucks. For that much cake, we might as well buy a nice leather recliner. Approximate price: $1000
  • Stroller: We looked at a bunch at RightStart. Given that we have two dogs and are active, the 16″ Bob is the way to go. Lots of storage, can climb anything, folds up easily and a full crossbar that is reversible. I’ve already made our decision on this and don’t want to discuss this anymore since I feel like it is one decision point in the coming thousands that is complete :) Approximate price: $350
  • Car seat: I think we’re going with the Graco Snug Ride. Guess we’ll only be using this for a few months anyway as we’ll get a bigger one when the kid gets…bigger. Approximate price: $130

After three hours of shopping, I was happy that we made some good progress, but also a little wiped out. I’m totally open to some of Erin’s friends and our family jumping in and periodically taking my place with this some of this stuff :)

This entry was posted on Monday, July 7th, 2008 at 9:10 am and is filed under Updates. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a comment. Pinging is currently not allowed.

  • Hey there, it is Brianne! Yep, looking at baby products and deciding what to get is very overwhelming. You guys are looking at some pretty expensive stores! Have you checked out Babies R Us? I know, it is very commercial, but honestly it has everything! I love going there. The BOB stroller, great choice. I have done a lot of research on that stroller and it seems to be a top choice. Stay away from the Bumbleride-it is a lot like the BOB but it is heavy, hard to fold and does not manuerver well when running. However, it is nice to have the whole Travel System that most of the common brands, like Graco sell. We have a SnugRide (along with the whole Travel System) and it works so well, I love it. When you mentioned the cribs, you did not mention anything about a lifetime crib. Have you looked into those? They are a crib that turns into a day bed which then turns into a full size bed. As for changing tables, so many people told me not to get one...I disagree! I do use it all the time and yes, if Grayce needs changing, I go upstairs and change her on the changing table...which matches her whole bedroom set. As far as the glider...I feel it is essential! Many nights I sat in the glider feeding Grayce...at midnight, at 2am, at 5am...I think it put me to sleep more than her. Now we use it to read stories before bedtime. Anyways, I could on and on about baby stuff! You know me, I have an opinion about almost everything...but at least with this, I have done the research...lots of it in fact!
  • Hey Brianne! That's a lot of solid advice, thanks. Would you be interested in shopping with Erin? :)
  • Ummm, I am baby crazy! Of course I would love to go shopping with Erin. As much as you hate it though, I am sure you don't want to miss out!
  • Wooooo! Congrats. I can't believe our most up to date conversation occurred via Facebook, and now a blog. We are complete tech NERDS!

    Outstanding news for both of you, Erin you look great. From a male's perspective, let me offer my thoughts:

    Rocker/Glider: You want something comfortable, no doubt, but think about Macy's or some other department store like Carson's. We found a glider we could pick the fabric, it was Scotch Guarded so we could match the room, and you get a nice warranty with those stores, including on site cleaning. Also, if you get up in the middle of the night in your boxers and need to rock your boy, the last thing you need is cold leather pressed up against you. GOing with leather might also be just reconsider due to the potential fluids that WILL find their way onto that sucker. You don't wanna break the bank on a glider. Cost - we spent about $450.

    Great commentary on the crib, changing table, stroller, etc. With the stroller, I have found having two is the best bet. Granted you take on a little more expense, but no stroller meets every need. Find one with big wheels, I can't recall the Bob, but we just got back from the beach. Our jogging stroller - Jeep - was awesome. Running, walking, on the beach, on pavement, getting over curbs, it's a breeze. It is not ideal for shopping or tight maneuvering considering the front wheel is stationary, but would not trade it for anything. Our other one is a Peg Perego, and great for just about everything else...including packing up, putting in your car, or bringing on a trip. We struggled with getting the Jeep condensed enough in a rental car, and checking it plane side, but it was worth the frustration to have it on the beach.

    Everything else is a learning experience. Don't sweat the decisions because no matter what, you'll find something you like and something you hate.

    I really like the Orbit. Expensive, but it looks to save a tremendous amount of back stress getting the child seat in and out of the car, rotating them out of the sun, etc. We sold a few others on it, but nothing wrong with the Snugrider...we have and it's great. They grow out of them before you know it.

    No doubt as your friend mentioned, you can find some much better deals at some other stores...though the boutique's make it more appealing with their more fashionable furniture.
  • Hey guys, I must say after two boys using and abusing everything I have a pretty good idea of what is durable and what is not!

    I definitely recommend 2 strollers: 1 travel system for ease, comfort, and easy folding & 1 jogger for more rugged adventures. Make sure to get one with a movable sun visor (full mobility offers complete protection from sun and wind). Often we are out towards sunset and I have to put it all the way down to the tray to keep the sun out.

    I opted not to get a changing table, but use the top of a short dresser with a changing pad attached. I thought it would be more practical for future use. Gliders are awesome, especially in the middle of the night. I agree, don't spend to much because you will inevitably spill something or baby will spit up.

    The travel system with the portable car seat is ideal for the first few months, but my second little guy didn't like the carrier so he actually moved to a convertible car seat at 3 months. Whereas my first stayed in the carrier for 12 months. Sure keeps your arms in shape!

    Just remember every baby is different and has their own personality. So all the planning in the world will never cover all your bases. Go with the flow... As much fun as it is to splurge and buy the best of everything for your baby, remember that baby is going to grow up and start asking for what he wants...they get much more expensive when they learn to talk and have an opinion! As much as I dislike ubiquitous commercial stores, Babies R Us has all the essentials. Shop decor elsewhere, but don't go broke before college! Good luck, so glad it's you and not me - LOL :)
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