Keep Your Bumbo
Lots of blogging moms post lists of products they absolutely love for their baby.
My own list is very short.
In fact, it’s one item.
When we got pregnant I really didn’t care to spend hours researching the best stroller or carseat or crib or bedding or swing or sling or bouncer or bottle warmer or . . . wow, I am staring down hours of my life I’ve saved by not delving into crazy research.
Our stroller/carseat combo decision was made when some church friends offered us one for $20. Who cared what the brand was or where the cupholders were located? Best of all, I didn’t feel sick to my stomach after reading six million conflicting reviews (I am very very bad at buying things online because the reviews make me decide that, nevermind, we don’t actually need to buy anything after all since making do is preferable to making a decision because what if I hate whatever we buy?).
So, yes, don’t ask for my opinion on things for a baby, because I really have no opinions.
Except that I do not wish to live without a sound machine. Frankly, I don’t even have an opinion about which brand of sound machine. I simply bought the one Ralphie had because I trust her judgement and it was $20. Also it runs on batteries or with a plug. And it’s small and flat and slips easily into a purse. And it doesn’t look hideous on her bookcase.
We do not leave home without this thing. We’ve had loud parties in our living room, which bumps up to Ella’s room and she hasn’t made a peep. I firmly believe it helps her recognize it’s time for bed, regardless of where we are or what contraption we are putting her in to sleep.
When the cord somehow got partially severed while I was out of town, Bart raced out and bought another sound machine just in case one of our other cords didn’t work for it (happily, the monitor cord worked like a charm, so the new sound machine is still safe in its box, ready to be returned).
And of course, like all baby items, it probably will be completely worthless for your child, even though I think it’s the best thing ever.
Times have changed so much. Almost everything I had for my first child was secondhand. We did buy a new car seat and high chair. Don't believe there was such a thing as sound machines. The radio was usually on in the background, tho.
I think I'm going to register for just this one 🙂
I due to lightest-sleeper-ever baby girl at my house, and the sudden turn in the weather making it not wise to leave a fan running in her room anymore… I've been thinking about getting a sound machine. And I remembered this post of yours and came back to see which one you use.
Here's my question: does it do white noise? Or do i have to choose a nature sound? For some reason i just assumed it was white noise I wanted… but do you think the nature sounds are better? Except for "heartbeat" I'm sure they would work just fine and be more pleasant. I guess. Anyhow… your thoughts? Does it drive you nuts to hear the "waterfall" for hours on end? Probably it's not up loud enough for you to hear it anyway. Ok.
Oh my goodness. Katie is just past 2 now, and for the past week and a half she's been waking up at like, 3:00 every.single.morning. crying. I'm fairly convinced now that there must be something that's waking her up (a neighbor's alarm? A siren maybe?). We do live in a much noisier city now. Remembering your recommendation, I'm purchasing this machine right now. If she starts sleeping through the night without interruptions again, this next baby might just have to be named Janssen…if it's a girl, of course.