When I was pregnant with my oldest child, my best friend sent me a very long and detailed email sorting out what I needed and what was superfluous crap they just try to sell you when you’re pregnant. So, I knew from the get-go with my daughter what I should buy, what I could buy second-hand and what I didn’t need to buy at all. It was the best kind of gift you could give a pregnant lady. Okay, well, a massage would be nice, but you know what I mean.
I just got a message from a friend of mine who is looking to start a family soon. She writes:
I’m probably going to be gettin’ serious with trying to have a baby sometime within the next year or so and I want to be super prepared — you know me, I’m Miss Plan Everything, Always — and was wondering if you had recommendations on books or blogs? Anything regarding advice on the essentials (stroller, carrier, crib, bottles, etc.)? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
So- what advice can we offer her? What books are worth buying? I prefer “Your Pregnancy Week by Week” over “What to Expect When You’re Expecting.” What about blogs? Babycenter.com has a lot of good stuff. And, essentials – what are your thoughts? GO!
Mom Land 
Sep 22, 2012 @ 08:42:12
I wish I had Pinterest before my pregnancies, I had wanted so badly to successfully breast feed long term. This site seems like it would be helpful. http://www.naptimetales.com/2012/05/pump-pump-it-up.html?m=1
Sep 26, 2012 @ 12:46:13
Thanks Janice!
Sep 26, 2012 @ 13:09:49
I would say for sure buy the plastic toys, pack n plays at second hand stores, kids grow so fast it makes no difference then buying it at the store aside from the money you save. You can always wash and disinfect it later. If you want a laugh Tia Mowry’s Oh Baby is hilarious it’s informative but more humorous and can be bought on Kindle, Amazon, and Barnes and Nobles. I also find white onesies are the cheapest to buy in packs you can throw them on the baby and if they get dirty throw them all in the wash oxyclean makes a non toxic safe for baby stain remover. As far as advice: Go with your gut. The second you tell someone you’re pregant they’re all over you like vultures with the dead. Keep an open mind but overall your mama instincts will kick in instantly. Oh and don’t be afraid if you don’t “instantly” bond with your child when I had my first I was more in shock that I was holding a baby than enamored with love and Aww’s.
I could go on but those are what helped me get through the first.
Sep 28, 2012 @ 13:42:57
Clarice, I’m SO glad you mentioned the “instant” bond thing. I didn’t have that the first go-round, either. It hurt like hell and I just wanted to eat and sleep! That doesn’t mean we don’t love our babies!