Logging out ends your session on StrongMoms. We hope you'll return soon!
To start using the StrongMoms Discussion Board, you need to create a Display Name.
Your Display Name can be the same as your User Name. Please note that Display Names are unique and it may already be taken by another user. Enter a name below and we’ll let you know if it’s free.
Be sure to check out the Community Guidelines.
Along with all of the congratulations that go with announcing your new arrival comes a ton of advice. One thing that I learned a little late is that no matter what you do, you're likely going to need at least two of everything to make it through these first few years. I thought the portable crib, car seat and stroller I got at my shower were wonderful, and all I'd need. Then that one play yard turned into two. Car seats multiplied into three or four to accommodate my car, both my parents' and my husband's. The list went on and on, and was even longer when my second baby came eight years later.
What experiences have you had collecting baby gear during the toddler years and what surprised you most? Where did you find the best deals? I just picked up a toddler back pack for $15 at a garage sale and have never made a better investment.
We received loads of clothing, toys, and more when my wife was pregnant. So much we ended up giving away some of it to other people we know who are pregnant because our daughter had outgrown the sizes without ever wearing them. Toys she never got around to were also passed on. As we've continued to add to her collection we set aside some for the next child (yes we're already planning a second, not right away of course ). What surprises me the most is the amount of broken toys we kept - we recently did a little "spring cleaning" on her toy bin, the sheer number of broken toys in it was overwhelming. I still wonder why we put them back instead of throwing them away in the first place...
StrongDad07- Much like yourself we have accumulated an insane amount of babygear. We had gathered so mjuch that we actually had to move to an entirely different larger apartment just to accomodate the amount of baby stuff that we had. We also have been setting aside things like clothes, swings, pack 'n plays in our storage shed for the next child so at least if we end up having the same gendered child it will be a much less expensive infant stage.