Sometimes you just don't know where to start, and you can do all the research you want - but sometimes without experience all the research is useless. I'm not saying all my advice is the ONLY way, but it's just a starting point if you're totally clueless and none of your other mommy friends have given you any leads.
It's not the most comprehensive list, and I definitely would like to invite other moms to add to this list for expecting couples.
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Booster seat:
http://www.target.com/p/
http://www.toysrus.com/
why these seats are good: because it's really easy to clean. saves space (no need for a huge high chair). portable for when you do need to bring it somewhere - and it's half the price of what they cost up here.
Diaper Champ:
http://www.target.com/p/Baby-
why it's good: this particular bin isn't sold in Canada - but it's great cause you can use regular plastic bags - no need to buy specific refill packages (ie. diaper genie).
Strollers:
this is like shopping for a car - it's very individual based, and gadgety. From shocks, reclining seats, cup holders,
look here for a list of ALL the different strollers: www.strollersdirect.com/
but start with what you think you'll be doing most.
walks: (but where? gravel, grass, rocky paths, paved paths, malls... look around where you live and see what you'll be dealing with).
will you transporting it a lot?: if you are getting it in and out of the trunk a lot, then you will want something lighter.
baby carrier adaptable: make sure you get a stroller that has car seat adapter (and vice versa, make sure you get a car seat that works with your stroller... don't just get any old car seat) - it'll make your first 6-9 months of life so much easier.
re-sell value: you can get a lot back for some strollers on Craigslist - so if the price is really steep, don't forget that when you're done with it, you can sell it again for a pretty high price (if you keep it in good condition)
Why we went with Maclaren and Phil/Ted's Explorer:
The Maclaren is our umbrella stroller, and it became the stroller that stayed in the car, while we had one at home for taking walks in. The Maclaren was really easy to use, durable, and I could even open/close it with one hand. The con is there's no car seat compatible one available in Canada, so you can only really use (or want to use this) when you graduate up to the next car seat that remains in the car and you HAVE to take them out of the car seat when you want to leave the car.
With 2 (and closer in age) we wanted a stroller that did have the capability of holding 2, but without the size of double width - knowing that colin wasn't going to always want to sit in there, we wanted the option of just having a 'single' looking stroller. I also hated how I couldn't take decent walks on our first ever stroller (Even Flo Travel System), and we went for air filled tires, and can go anywhere we want in any condition without hesitation.
Things to have ready before baby comes
NB diapers (buy only 1 pack, he/she may grow out of them quickly, and if not just buy more)
burp cloths (for the obvious reason, but also for swaddling)
sleepers (you may need 4-5 that are smaller than you think you need)
Pads: for the obvious bleeding issues
heat packs (for your breasts - when the milk comes in it gets really really hard, and warm compression helps to get the flow going, and therefore you can help release some milk to ease your pain)
nursing pads (Lansinoh is the best brand, and the bonus is each box comes with 2-3 freezer bags for your breastmilk)
Lanolin (made by Lansinoh - for your bleeding nipples. sounds fun right?) - I've just been told Bug and Pickle is also a great brand for sore nipples
breast pump (to help with releasing the milk when they get too uncomfortable)
1-2 bottles and formula (if you don't produce, you'll want to have these on hand just in case)
Changing Pad: you can just put this on top of any drawer and then use this as your change table.
Baby bath tub: make sure there's a raised side, they're slippery little suckers, and you may be nervous washing them. There are also little inserts/racks that you can buy separately for cheap to raise baby.
Extra mesh underwear: the hospital will supply you with more upon requests - just pretty much stock up on anything the hospital supplied you with during your stay - you just might need it!
Personal Faves:
Baby Carrier: Ergo.
For Swaddling: Miracle Blanket if you have a really wiggly baby (much like Cara), then this is the perfect swaddle... it's like a straight jacket. Unfortunately, no husband sized ones (yet)
Sleepers: Old Navy (they have covers for the hands!), or Sears seems to have good ones.
Diaper Rash Cream: Desitin
Nursing Pads: Lansinoh (really, I've tried others - this is the one and only)
Baby Food: I didn't have it, but the Magic Bullet is really good according to a lot of Moms - I actually saw The Baby Bullet at London Drugs for $60? the other day. Worthwhile if you plan on making baby's food.
Baby Shampoo/Lotions: nothing with fragrance/perfumes in it. Aveeno is good.
Nursing Cover: Hooter Hider - good because it's got the 'peep' hole for mom to see baby why nursing.
Baby Ear Muffs: http://www.hearstore.ca/products.php?product=Peltor-Kid-Earmuffs
I actually got these for $20 at the hosiptal safety store - but when I just checked to get the link... the safety store is 'permanently closed'. I guess new parents aren't too concerned with safety. (neither were we). Anyway, not everyone is going to need ear muffs, but with Joe playing every single instrument known to mankind, Colin drumming, and my mother squawking, the ear muffs are a necessity in this house. There are some available at TJ's kids too (Bandz I think?) same price.
websites:
www.babysteals.com (just for random stuff you think you may want)
http://www.tjskids.com/ (all around baby store in Vancouver)
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