Of Coats and Carriers

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny shares some of her smarter purchases. Doesn't the M coat look wonderful? Wish they had those when I had my kids.

Confession time. I’m often guilty of the worst of shopping errors: buying items for fantasy, rather than reality. Essentially I sometimes buy things because I envision how they will change my life, make me a better more fashionable person etc. – then they don’t, of course.

But I’m pleased to report that two of my major baby-related purchases have actually turned fantasy into reality! When I bought the M coat I immediately had visions of my post-baby self squiring an adorable newborn around town in a front carrier, snugly zipped inside my fashionable and practical adjustable parka. However, I secretly feared that it wouldn’t work out and I would have invested heavily in an adjustable maternity coat for no good reason.

Well, this time the dream has actually come true. I’m so happy with both the M coat and my Ergo carrier that I wanted to post this update to recommend both items! I’ve enjoyed many walks on even the coldest days recently with baby snug and warmly nestled against my chest. I love that she’s zipped inside my own coat so that I can more easily sense her temperature and adjust her positioning; and the Ergo carrier nicely distributes her weight so that my back doesn’t suffer even after several hours of carrying her (admittedly though, she is only about 8 lbs).

So for all you moms-to-be expecting a bundle of joy to arrive this coming fall – I heartily recommend the M coat as being well worth the investment (particularly if next winter is as bitterly cold as this one turned out to be)! And for those seeking a baby carrier, I’m delighted to recommend the Ergo carrier just as enthusiastically.

What’s your best dream-come-true purchase?

Baby Gear at Great Prices

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny is getting down to the wire and the nesting instinct is starting to kick in...

I don’t know if it counts as nesting instinct, but as the due date for Baby #2’s arrival draws near I find myself compelled to shop for baby gear.

The baby’s room is still a shambles of unassembled furniture, and all the various clothes, toys, bouncy chairs, etc that I kept from #1’s babyhood are still in bins in the basement – but I feel like I can’t organize my inventory until I’ve ticked off all the items on my must-buy list:

1. a baby carrier
2. a breast pump and bottles
3. a breastfeeding pillow

I did without all these things during my 4-year-old’s babyhood, so they’re not exactly essentials; but since then enough moms, both new and experienced, have recommended these items to me that I’m convinced I’ve been depriving myself unnecessarily.

After my post about coveting a baby carrier, a number of folks recommended the Ergo baby carrier, and a friend found that they have plenty in stock at one of my favorite sources for new and nearly-new baby and toddler stuff – Once Upon a Child. I picked one up nearly-new for $99 – the cheapest price I’ve seen yet – and added an infant insert (which allows you to carry a newborn sling-style) for just another $28. Once Upon a Child doesn’t have as wide a variety of color choices as stores that sell them new, but the cost savings is more than worth it.

At Once Upon a Child I also scored a highly-recommended breastfeeding pillow, the My Brest Friend, for $49 new – $15 less than where I’d seen it elsewhere, simply because the washable fabric cover was last year’s pattern and color (again, not something I’m too fussy about when there are bargains to be had)!

Now, I just need to find the right breast pump and bottles! You can’t buy them used due to hygienic reasons, and there are SO many choices: manual, electric, combination; glass bottles, BPA-free plastic bottles… Once again, I’m open to personal recommendations! If anyone has any suggestions please let me know in the comments!