Being a new mother can be daunting. There are so many unexpected twists and turns to motherhood and things that nobody ever tells you about – like how long before baby arrives should I set up my nursery and what items do I need?
Best Buy Baby sale June 26 – July 6!
We talked to Chantal, a momstown mom-to-be about how she’s getting baby ready – starting with things she needs and wants for baby. P.S. on what to buy, what you need and what you can tell your friends and family to gift to you at your baby shower. 😉
When did you find out you were pregnant?
I found out we had our little lucky charm on board the day after St. Patrick’s Day, putting me at 5 weeks along. It had been our first month trying to conceive, and I had bought an at home test known for the best early detection results because we were so eager to know as soon as possible if our trying had been a success. Currently, I am about 18 weeks and due in November!
Are you and your husband stressed about all the things to buy for a new baby?
Yes and no. Before we decided to start trying for a baby, the primary focus of our conversations was always looking at it financially. We had been feeling ready for quite some time already, but we knew we wanted to be in a certain position financially and career wise before adding a tiny human to our family. I like to think I’m fairly thrifty, and so as soon as we found out we were expecting, I started looking at the different things we would need so I could watch for them to go on sale. We’ve started buying a few things here and there, but there is still so much we need! I have also now discovered I have expensive taste when it comes to baby stuff, it’s all so pricey!
What is your NEED list of things for baby?
I would say the top three things I call a need, would be the crib and the right car seat and stroller. In addition to that, a baby monitor, high chair, bouncer/swing, blankets and swaddles, diapers and wipes, a reliable thermometer, and all of the supplies needed for bath time, feeding and first-aid. To name a few!
Momstown Tip: Invest in a tricked out swing. Flashing lights, MP3 players and self-rocking mechanisms will come in handy when you need to keep your baby occupied while you’re trying to get laundry done, getting something to eat or just taking a few minutes to yourself.
What is your wishlist of things you want for the baby?
The things that I would put on my wish list of wants would be a fashionable diaper bag, nursery room décor, a bottle sterilizer, bottle warmer, hooded towels, etc. A breast pump is definitely on my list. It’s something that’s so personal and you can’t be sure you will need it or even be able to use it for that matter, until after the baby is born. I’ll keep this on my wish list as I can only hope that breast feeding will work for me. I’ve been told that it’s ok to splurge on this item.
Here is a list of my needs and wants from Best Buy! They have some great baby items (hint, hint to my friends and family!):
1. Stork Craft Tuscany 4-In-1 Convertible Crib
2. Ju-Ju-Be Legacy B.F.F. Convertible Backpack Diaper Bag with
Changing Pad (one I don’t mind calling a purse)
3. MOBI Dual Scan Air Non-Contact Digital Thermometer
4. Munchkin LATCH 12-Piece Newborn Bottle Gift Set – Online Only
5. Baby Banz Boys Earmuffs
6. HALO Innovations SleepSack Swaddle
Plus you can get all these items at the Best Buy Baby sale June 26 – July 6!
Things you want before the baby comes?
Definitely the necessities. I do want to have the nursery ready to go and any clothes we’ve collected by then to be washed and put away. I want to have the car seat, which was the very first thing we bought, to be installed and checked at a car seat clinic to make sure it’s done properly. I think that’s so important. Other than the actual baby things, mostly I want my house to be ready. Cleaning things that aren’t part of my regular weekly routine, like the oven, fridge, washing the curtains, etc. I am well aware that I likely won’t be up to doing those tasks for quite some time with a newborn! So a clean, and comfortable home is high on my priority list before bringing our bundle of joy home.
What are you looking forward to in your pregnancy?
The special preferred parking spots when I go shopping! No, I’m kidding! I’m mostly looking forward to feeling our little one move. Just to have that regular confirmation that they’re there, and responding to different things. I haven’t felt much yet, other than a few bubbles as many women describe it. I found that to be one of the hardest things early on, not feeling anything and not having a bump yet. You can’t help but think, are they still in there? Then once I heard the heartbeat for the first time it was amazing, and such a relief too.
Do you have any fears about motherhood?
I think any first-time mom would be lying if they said they didn’t. I’m afraid of a lot of things, right now specifically, the birth itself. After that in becoming a mother in general, I have fears towards the collateral things, the ones that are hard to predict or unknown. I wonder how my relationship with Matt will change, hopeful that we’ll become even closer and stronger than ever. At the same time I’m not oblivious to the fact that becoming parents is going to be difficult and a learning experience for both of us. I also worry about how I will be when it comes to accepting my new ‘mom bod,’ which feels quite selfish to admit, but truthfully it is on my mind every once in a while. That being said, and being completely honest, I know that no matter how these things I fear pan out, in the end, it will all be worth it to have this little person in our lives.
Be sure to check out Best Buy Canada for more baby gift inspiration.
Although this article has been sponsored by Best Buy Canada, the opinions and language are our own.
