Forums

Peanuts: My mom works at a preschool. One of the kids was discovered to be allergic to peanuts at the school (parents were unaware). Paramedics were involved and now the school is peanut-free. I think that once the school is on notice that a child is allergic they have two choices, don't accept the child and its parents' money at the school or accept the child and be willing to keep the kid safe.

Carseats: Our baby bucket goes to 22lbs. At 6mos, #2 is 23lbs and about to be switched to a big boy seat. The big boy seat is from a neighbor I know well - her kid is 3 and the seat has never been in an accident so I feel safe using it.

Tiny clothes: We never used 0-3 clothes so they were all wasted. We even put the word out not to buy them, but some people cannot resist the impulse to buy the tiniest (and therefore apparently cutest) sizes. I gave a lot to people with normal sized babies and exchanged quite a few for the same outfit in a larger size which most stores will do without a receipt. A few of the very expensive outfits were given away as gifts. #2 is currently wearing 12-18mo clothes.

Baby Gifts: Best present ever if you can swing it - a battery charger that does all sizes and a bazillion rechargeable batteries. Second best is the Playtex Hip Hammock - it carries babies over 15lbs and I LOVE it. #2 is way too fat for our pricier (but generally awesome Bjorn) and it is much easier to get around in and doesn't kill my back. It's about $40.00.

Baby swing: We have a full sized and a fold-up - I would recommend the fold-up as a space saver since the performance is similar.

Socks: Buy all white and the same brand. Boring yes, fabulously practical, yes...especially when you are running late which will be always once the kid arrives. I'm liking the soft terry ones from The Children's Place right now - they are not too tight on #2's ankle rolls.

High Chair: We have a spendy one and a $25.00 booster seat. I'd just get a reclining booster (with tray and harness) and forego the high chair if I did it again.

Bouncy Chair - We have two - one in the living room and one in the master bath. They are awesome. Both kids slept in them numerous nights when they were 0-3. One folds for storage, one doesn't - if space is an issue, get one that folds.

Formula: It's not bad to have some around just in case. In my case that included going back in the hospital at 10 days PP and being pumped with radioactive and definitely non-nursing-friendly drugs for part of the time. Being as I prefer my babies not glow in the dark, we reluctantly gave him formula for a few days. You can give the cans and coupons to your local food bank where they will be very gladly accepted. Otherwise, there is a huge market for all those coupons and free cans on Ebay if you know someone who sells.