Preparing for Nursery and for Myself

Since my pregnancy was confirmed, I've been being a constant looker at craigslist website. What am I looking for? Baby items, of course! So far, I got a very nice baby crib (by Delta Luv) that converts to a toddler ro twin size bed. The owner even threw in a matching baby cradle and changing pads for free. That's what I love about dealing with other craigslisters. I also got a traveler system (by Graco) which is a combination of stroller and infant car seat.

I did research through several baby-parents magazines and websites to find out what items we need to have for the nursery room and for the baby itself. From there I made a shopping list based on priority what we need the most. This may be useful for anyone of you who are now expecting.

1. Baby crib. Choose one with at least two mattress-height positions. Crib with stationary sides is best because there are no moving parts that could malfunction and could lead to accident.


2. Crib mattress. Choose the one that is firm.


3. Sheet protector/mattress pad


4. Mattress sheets. You will need 3-4 of it. Ideally with elastic all around.


5. Baby monitor.


6. Lamp


7. Glider/rocking chair. This will be a great companion when nursing.


8. Diaper pail.


9. Small hamper. I'd like to separate my baby's laundry from regular laundry.


10. Toy storage

For baby's clothing:

1. 8 bodysuits


2. 3 shirt-and-pant sets


3. 4 coveralls (one piece footed outfits)


4. 1 sweater


5. 6 pairs of socks


6. 2 large hooded towels


7. 6 sleep gowns with elastic bottom


8. 2 sleep sacks


9. 6-10 burp cloths


10. 2 receiving blankets


11. 1 swaddling wrap


12. coat. If your baby is born during winter.


13. knit hat

Baby gears:

1. Infant car seat. Chose the one with higher weight limit to extend its usefulness


2. Stroller. Choose the one that either allows your newborn to fully recline or accomodates the infant car seat.


3. Umbrella stroller/ jogger/jogging stroller.


4. Convertible car seat.


5. Sling/front carrier


6. Infant baby tub


7. diaper bag


8. Bouncer, and/swing. Works best to soothe the baby


9. Playyard


10. stationary activity center/ tummy time activity

I bought travel system that serves both as infant car seat and stroller. I didn't buy the umbrella stroller, instead I bought jogger stroller that will help me exercise to get back to my pre-pregnant shape. I found one that is very nice, almost brand new, at a 'yard sale' price on craigslist. You'll never know what a nice deal you could find on craigslist!

I bought some maternity clothes, eventhough my belly is not so much bulkier than before. I am just a little carried away by euphoria of being pregnant. After all, this is my first pregnancy in 38 years of age. I read my pregnancy guide book, search for more infos online. Mainly is to find out how to keep baby and me healthy without leaving my vegetarian diet during pregnancy. During my research, I also found an interesting book "Hypnobirthing Method" by Marie Longan at Amazon. This book teaches the breathing techniques to redirect focus during labor and delivery so that the mother and baby could experience natural and comfortable birthing with less or even no pain. Once I got the book, I started the breathing exercise daily.