apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

We did the same, took only used items we thought we would use and registered carefully. I was determined to be a minimalist about the whole thing. And we were fortunate enough to have people giving us used stuff right and left.

The surprise part came when I was given a lot of items I didn't think I would use and then when the baby came we used almost everything. I also didn't want battery powered toys or plastics etc. but I have to say that we caved on the bouncy seat. We were given one by my cousin and it has a vibrating setting that we found the baby loves.
I guess I'm willing to let a few things go if it makes him happy. I am really proud that we took so much (good) used stuff, we have: 2 boppy pillows, stroller, car seat, bouncy, bjorn, cosleeper, activity mat, mobile etc. and these items are all enjoying a second or third life, viva reusing!!

We're doing the same, or at least trying to. Fortunately a close friend whose family is complete with the youngest at 2 yrs has given us just about everything we need (the fact that she's moving with the family to South America and was "cleaning out" helped, too). We have: crib, changing table, bouncy chair, swing, Boppy Pillow, bassinet, jogging stroller, car seat, stroller, play gym, maternity AND baby clothes from the friend as well as the dresser from Craig's list and the glider from a garage sale. I guess being an older mom has its benefits too! I will try the "Battery Free until I'm Three" motto with the grandparents.

Unless all friends and family share the same goals--or value her goals enough to put aside their own desires--it is likely that her shower and the holiday season will result in battery-powered toys.

Having a demanding newborn in the house blows your mind in a way no one can prepare you for. Making wipe solution, cloth diapering, refusing to buy a bouncy seat or swing, all sound good and practical when you're six months pregnant; but when that child is in your care, your breasts are swollen with milk, it's 3 AM, and you can't remember the last time you've had more than 2 hours of sleep, you might just cut yourself some slack, go to Costco and buy a big box of Huggies and Kirkland wipes.

The intention is great. The reality may be different. There is no perfection in parenting, and striving for it only leads to a sense of inadequacy. I don't recommend adding to heavily one's list of potential disappointments before getting out the gate.

I appreciate Yolanda's perspective. We are expecting our first baby next month and trying to make the same decisions about what's necessary and what's not. We have decided to take a "wait and see" approach on some items that have been offered to us secondhand that don't have an immediate use (for example, an exersaucer, a baby play gym, a swing, a Bumbo). We may ultimately decide that we'd get use out of one or all of these items, but we don't NEED to have them in the house when we first get home with a newborn. Luckily family and friends are willing to continue storing these items for a few months longer.

Even with trying to pare down to the essentials, the list can get quite long, so we are trying not overwhelm ourselves with gear that may not be used or needed until months down the road.

I agree with Yolanda's comment that friends and family are likely to load you up with things you don't want, if they don't share your goals. We have been trying and trying to politely convey to extended family that we really don't have room for all of the huge plastic toys that are available...but as the only members of the family (on both sides) that live in a small space, no one "gets it" and a few are actually offended that they can't buy the baby whatever they want. (Well, I suppose they can buy it, but if we don't have room it's going to have to be given away or returned.)

Kudos for wanting to reduce and reuse!

by request, the theme of my baby shower is "Reduce, Reuse, Regift"

It may seem like it is hard to keep those battery operated toys awy, but my 2 year old an my 4 year old have no battery operated toys at all. Anytime they are given to us as a gift, we return them or donate them. I mean seriously, after explaining for the one hundredth time our toy philosophy and still getting the same junk we just put our foot down. we only have so much room and we want to raise our kids the way we want to raise our kids. All those other people already got to do it their way!

awy = away