BTDT mom's....a question for you

My mil is going to be watching our daughter when I go back to work. She will be 3 months when this happens. I am trying to figure out what is needed at my MIL's house for the baby...so far I am thinking

1) Pack and play for naps, etc
2) Exersaucer
3) That thing that attaches to the door frame....a jumper?
4) High chair is not an issue until she is how old?
5) Maybe an activity mat
6) Swing (my friend lent me hers so I will bring this one to my MIL's)

anything else I am forgetting. Thanks

Message edited 1/18/2007 11:59:58 AM.

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

I wouldn't say the jumper & the exersaucer is necessary. You could get away with just the exersaucer. I would get an activity mat unless you don't care if the baby is on the rug/floor.

How about a bouncy seat?

I would add extra sheets for the Pack & Play because you'll need them.

High chair is when they sit up & go to baby food. I delayed babyfood for my son until 8 months (bad move, dont' do it). I think they now suggest baby food about 5-6 months old.

If you don't want to go high chair, you could get a booster seat. Less to store & if you decide to go out to dinner, you can grab the booster from her.

If I can think of anything else, I'll edit.

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Posted by nrthshgrl

I wouldn't say the jumper & the exersaucer is necessary. You could get away with just the exersaucer. I would get an activity mat unless you don't care if the baby is on the rug/floor.

How about a bouncy seat?

I would add extra sheets for the Pack & Play because you'll need them.

High chair is when they sit up & go to baby food. I delayed babyfood for my son until 8 months (bad move, dont' do it). I think they now suggest baby food about 5-6 months old.

If you don't want to go high chair, you could get a booster seat. Less to store & if you decide to go out to dinner, you can grab the booster from her.

If I can think of anything else, I'll edit.

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

dd is almost 4 months and we haven't used the excersaucer or jumperoo yet....i would get an activity mat first...

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Keep plenty of clothes, onesies, bibs,diapers and wipes at her place. Less stuff for you to have to pack every day.

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

a bouncy seat looks like this (they are great )

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Message edited 1/18/2007 12:09:44 PM.

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Posted by stephanief

Posted by bedda26

Keep plenty of clothes, onesies, bibs,diapers and wipes at her place. Less stuff for you to have to pack every day.

great idea

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

I think a bouncy seat is important. I do not think an exersaucer or jumper is necessary...

Extra outfits. Also if you want to stock her on wipes, diapers, ointments, tylenol - I think that's good for her to have.

I also think some kind of playmat is good too so the baby can play on the floor.

Oh and a PnP is good as well for naps! What about some kind of stroller?

At 3 months old, I don't think tons of toys are necessary - plus grandma will probably spoil your child as well!

I think it's great that your MIL will be watching your baby. My parents and inlaws take turns watching my son while DH and I are at work and it's a nice feeling knowing he's with family.

ETA - if your MIL won't mind an exersaucer hanging around, then give her the hand me down one - I personally just don't think it's necessary.

Also, you won't need a high chair for some time, but to save space at your MIL's, they have really great booster seats out there now!

Message edited 1/18/2007 12:13:40 PM.

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

I would hold off on a second exersaucer. Some kids don't like them. You don't start using it until about 5 or 6 months, so you can test out the one you have and then think about getting another if you want.

The bouncer is a good idea, as is a booster seat rather than a high chair. I got a high chair for my mom's house and she has a small kitchen so it couldn't stay in there when not in use and it was kinda a pain to keep moving around.

I never used a jumper with either kid, the exersaucer was enough.

Do you have a children's consignment shop near you? I've seen all this stuff at Once Upon A Child for reasonable prices. Or check out freecycle or craigslist. Maybe a mommy on here has one they are looking to get rid of, are you local?

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

The best piece of advice I can give is - try to provide her with all the essentials without making her home look like the baby is there FT. I tried to find items that my ILs can put away when they don't want the baby gear all over the place.

I would get a booster seat type highchair that attaches to a regular chair. We got the FP Healthy Care Booster Seat for MIL. Your DD maybe 4-5 months when she'll start using it for cereal


I would get the FP Infant to toddler Rocker instead of the regular bouncy seat. DD will definitely get more use out if in the long run. Nate has one at my ILs and still uses it at 19 months. It's his favorite seat when he's over there.


Extra clothes, bibs, bottles, sheets, burp clothes, thermometer, Tylenol/Motrin, are also good things to keep there so you don't have to lug things there daily. Buying a large box of diaper and formula (if you plan to use it) at the beginning of the month is also easier.

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Thanks so much girls, you have been so helpful

Re: BTDT mom's....a question for you

Jordana is 9 months and we never had the jumper thing.

Definitely a bouncy seat. Jordana really liked hers. An exercauser is great when they are a little older, like 4 months.

Jordana's daycare never had a swing, but she loved it at home.

I got my highchair when Jordana was around 5 months old. That's when I started giving her solids. Doctors say betwen 4-6 months, so my doctor recommended 5 as a good time to start.

Lots of toys and CD's!! Kids get bored so easily.

ETA: DEFINITELY the activity mat. Jordana loved her.

Message edited 1/18/2007 12:40:29 PM.