WTB

We bought so much junk we didn't end up using when I was pregnant with George.  (Incidentally, I promise not every post from now 'til February is going to begin with "...when I was pregnant with George" though my recent track record may lead you to believe otherwise.) I've previously said that I feel prepared for this new kid, and, mostly, I do. That doesn't stop me from buying a few pieces of clothing at consignment shops -- retail-related fun has to be had somewhere -- or sewing some diaper covers, but really and truly, I consider us covered. That is, with a handful of exceptions, all of which are owed to experience. 

Cute newborn George who needed about 25% of what we bought him

We have some stuff I plan to use in a different capacity, such as:

• The Kanoe baby hammock. Really cool, nice looking, but George hated it. I'd love to put it up in the living room as a hang-out spot with no expectation that anyone will sleep in it. Then, if napping happens there, it'll be a pleasant surprise. 
• The changing table. It was an amazing re-store score: a metal cabinet that we repainted the perfect yellow, re-topped and have used and loved, but it takes up a lot of room. Room that we don't have to spare. It may find a new life as a station for Nathan's Etsy stuff, or...something.

But there are also some things I'd like to get to make our lives just a little easier, such as:

• An amber teething necklace. I kept meaning to buy one for George, who began teething at three months, popped his first two teeth at four months and didn't stop until he had a full mouth at 11 months old. We had good luck with breastmilk popsicles and Hyland's teething tablets, but there was still some discomfort that I'd like to try relieving naturally with another kid. Plus, those necklaces are just so cute.
• An honest-to-goodness contoured changing pad to stick on the ubiquitous EXPEDIT bookshelf that now houses toys and books. There's currently lots of...ephemera on the top. My plan is to get a hanging closet organizer to attach to the rack we installed, buy some baskets and keep diapers in that. Tucked in the corner, close at hand, and freeing up about eight square feet of floor space.
• A double stroller. Babywearing worked wonders for us, and it goes without saying that I intend to wear this baby, too. I never thought I'd find a stroller indispensible, but in a town where walking is so doable, ours has made a big difference. Snobbery about strollers is a ridiculous and regrettable quality in a person; nevertheless, I am a terrible stroller snob. Extra hilarious when one is simultaneously poor and idiotic about strollers.
• Sophie. All the other kids had one, and George chewed every Sophie he could get his grubby little mits on. We should probably spring for our own this time.
• The No-Cry Sleep Solution. I've heard this recommended by so many parents, and I'd love to try for a sleeping situation -- even if only for naps -- that allows for sleep-time separation. For George's first year, he was only able to fall asleep while nursing and stay asleep at my side. I watched a lot of TV. Pretty sure my time could've been better spent. 

Not too shabby, huh? Just five things, made even more bearable by the myriad I'll undoubtedly get rid of when pulling George's baby stuff out of storage. Does this mean I won't break down and buy one of those natural rubber pacifiers that look so mid-century Scandinavian-perfect? Or a fancy snotsucker to replace the dreaded teal bulb? No. I'm still an easy target. But looking at such a small list of what I generously consider to be "needs" is certainly a load off my mind, and the family's bank account. 

What, if anything, did you buy when you added to your family?

Comments

[Autumn]

I want to get that same hammock! Where did you guys get yours? I meant to ask you about baby hammocks today. . .

[Bethany]

I felt the same way you did about all the baby crap we acquired for Ollie and never really used. Plus, my fellas were born at different times of the year, so I purged a whole bunch of winter stuff right away since Henry wouldn't need it, being a spring baby and all. We did buy a double stroller (Phil and Ted's Explorer), which is great for strolling and has so many different configuration options, but I sold my precious BOB to finance the new one. I also bought some more bottles that work with my pump, since I knew I would be going to back to work and pumping more than I did the first time. Oh, and I sprung for a couple new, nice, nursing bras. All in all, we didn't purchase much. Having two boys, it is nice to be able to recycle all the clothes.

[Patti @ Jazzy Mama]

When my third was born, I spent a lot of money on high quality nursing tanks and nursing bras and belly-bands (to cover my midrift when I pulled up my shirt.) Absolutely indespensible. I really regret buying cheap tanks and bras when my first was born because I hated them and never used them. I highly recommend both Bravado and Glamourmom. (I am not affiliated with either of those companies.)

[Dee]

I've always used a bouncer or a swing when I need a place to put baby that's not in arms so that I can shower, cook (ok, order food), or whatever.

[stefanie]

Aut, we got the kanoe from the company online but it looks like the full-size ones are out of stock. Of course, knowing your babies, you could probably get the mini and use it for years.