With our little one expected in early December, the excitement is palpable! Eunji and I have been researching and preparing for our baby, Ahrin’s arrival. It took some time for us to figure out things to buy for our baby. Between scheduling baby showers and sharing our joy, many friends and family have inquired about our baby-prep shopping list. We thought a post detailing our purchases would be helpful to keep things streamlined (and to adhere to the DRY – Don’t Repeat Yourself – principle). Here is the list of things we bought.
However, a quick caveat: Since our little star hasn’t made their grand entrance yet, we can’t offer comprehensive reviews on all items, barring a few like the books I’ve delved into or the prenatal vitamins we’ve chosen. As we get more hands-on experience, I’ll keep this list updated with fresh insights.
- Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Pre-pregnancy and During Pregnancy Must-haves:
Books:
Two standout titles for me are Expecting Better and Cribsheet by Emily Oster. Navigating the labyrinth of pregnancy advice online is overwhelming, with a ton of conflicting suggestions. An economics professor at Brown University, Emily Oster sheds light on widely-held beliefs, debunking myths stemming from flawed studies and highlighting insights from well-conducted research. While ostensibly written for expectant moms, I strongly feel that partners should dive into these pages. Understanding, even if just a fraction of what our partners undergo, is the least we can do.
Prenatal Vitamins:
These are non-negotiable. Especially critical for the formation of the neural tube – the precursor to the baby’s brain and spine – the folic acid in these vitamins is essential in preventing significant birth defects. To emphasize their importance, starting these at least three months before planning conception is generally recommended. We have been using One A Day Women’s Prenatal 1 Multivitamin.
(Update) From the third trimester, we started taking different vitamins as we found the digestion became harder over time.
Rainbow Light Prenatal One Multivitamin
Pink Stork Prenatal Probiotics for Women
Nordic Naturals Prenatal DHA, Strawberry: Omega 3 for baby’s brain development. Strawberry flavor covers the fish smell.
Baby Arrival Preparation
Bassinet: SNOO Smart Sleeper
As tech enthusiasts, the SNOO had us intrigued. Designed by Dr. Harvey Karp, the author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block,” the SNOO seamlessly blends technology and design to enhance a baby’s sleep. From its responsive technology that reacts to a baby’s cries by emulating the womb’s soothing environment to its safety-first design and its modern aesthetics – it’s a marvel of innovation. While it’s a premium product, we believe the promise of better sleep in those crucial first six months is priceless. And coming recommended by tech-savvy colleagues? The clincher for me was when one of them quipped, “If it works, it’s the best thing your money can buy.” Fingers crossed, our daughter becomes a SNOO fan, ensuring peaceful nights for the entire family.
Crib/Baby Bed : Nestig’s The Cloud Crib
This beautiful 3-in-1 Cloud Crib exudes quality. Not only was it a breeze to set up, but the mini mattress also caught our eye. I’m keen to share a detailed review once our baby gives it a whirl.
Stroller: UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller
Choosing a stroller turned out to be a more daunting task than picking out a car. Think about it: while you can take cars out for a test drive, strollers don’t quite offer the same experience. Sure, you can give them a quick push around the store, but that hardly compares to the variety of terrains and real-life scenarios you’ll be navigating. Every stroller model, it seems, boasts its unique features, making the choice all the more complex.
And oh, let’s not even get started on the vast world of stroller terrains – it’s easy to fall down that rabbit hole!
After days filled with intensive research, poring over reviews, and seeking recommendations, the UPPAbaby Vista V2 Stroller emerged as a front-runner. Its reputation speaks volumes, with many parents singing its praises for durability, ease of use, and versatility. While I’ve heard tales of parents accumulating an array of strollers over time, each for different occasions and needs, I’m confident that the UPPAbaby Vista V2 will serve most of our requirements. Its sleek design combined with practical functionalities makes it stand out. And for those urban adventures or park outings, this stroller promises to be a reliable companion.
In the end, while the world of strollers might be vast and, at times, overwhelming, it’s reassuring to know that with a little research and trust in fellow parents’ experiences, you can find that perfect fit for your family’s adventures.
Car Seat: Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat
One of the most thoughtful and useful gifts we received from our baby registry was the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat. From the moment we unboxed it, we could tell that this wasn’t just any regular car seat. The build quality immediately stood out, boasting premium materials that promised comfort and durability.
What genuinely sets the Graco 4Ever DLX apart from other car seats on the market is its incredible adaptability. As the name suggests, this car seat is designed to grow with your child. It smoothly transitions between four different seat modes, ensuring that your child has a secure and comfortable seat from infancy to early tweens. This adaptability means parents won’t be making frequent trips to the store every couple of years to get a new car seat – a fact that our wallets appreciate!
On top of its convenience and adaptability, safety is, without a doubt, the most crucial aspect of any car seat. In this department, the Graco 4Ever DLX doesn’t disappoint. It’s comforting to know that it meets or even exceeds the US FMVSS 213 child restraint criteria for front crash tests. This commitment to safety and the glowing reviews it has garnered made us feel even more confident about our choice.
