Preparing for baby

When should we put together all of the "stuff" we have for the baby -- bouncy seat, high chair, swing, activity center, etc? I know that we need the infant seat day 1, and I told DH to also get the stroller ready and put in the trunk of the car. But I don't know when they start in the bouncy, the high chair and the swing. I don't want this stuff just taking up space in the house until it is needed.

Also, do you wash EVERYTHING before you use it for the baby? I've read on here that people washed everything, but what is the reason for that? I washed the crib sheets, receiving blankets, washcloths, and burp cloths mostly to soften them up. As far as the clothes, my sister and other BTDT moms in my family have told me that it is not necessary.

I want to get everything ready, but I really don't have time to be doing unnecessary, extra work.

Any suggestions?

Message edited 3/8/2006 9:41:38 AM.

Re: Preparing for baby

I'm very interested to hear those answers as well!

I know I won't need the high chair for a while until the baby is a few monts old so I won't be putting that together right away.

As for the clothes... You never know how senstive baby's skin is going to be. The clothes that are not washed my irritate his/her skin with the dyes still fresh on them, and the remnants from the box packaging from when the clothes are shipped... That is why they say to wash the clothes.

Re: Preparing for baby

We used the bouncy from day 1 (it helped lull her to sleep) and the swing at 1 month, but many people use it sooner. It helps many babies sleep, but it seemed to go so fast we were nervous.

I washed all the clothes ahead of time, DH has very sensitive skin and I just assumed the baby would also. I didn't want to feel paniced when we came home that I still had to do that.

Re: Preparing for baby

I put together the bouncy seat, swing, bassinett, pack n play, and the stroller. Just the things I thought I would use in the beginning. I also had the car seat installed correctly and inspected. As far as clothes I only washed the 0-3 things so he would have some clothes to wear when he gets home. I didn't have any newborn outfits so I bought a few incase the 0-3 is too big. I didn't wash them yet just in case he is a big baby and can fit into the 0-3.

Re: Preparing for baby

Re: Preparing for baby

Make sure you don't wash all of the clothes. You'll find as your baby grows that some things are the wrong size, wrong season etc.

Re: Preparing for baby

We have the stroller (travel system) all set up as well as her carriage (Pram), Pack and Play, Swing, cradle is set up in our room as is her crib and nursery. We need to install her car seat in my truck. As far as clothes, blankets, etc, I have washed most things in Dreft but not all.

Re: Preparing for baby

I plan on putting together the bouncy seat, swing, pack n play and bassinet. I am going to wash all of her sheets, and some 0-3 clothes like coveralls, sleepers, t shirts, pjs etc.. I didn't buy anything newborn.

Everything else will wait..

Re: Preparing for baby