Do i really need all this stuff?

I have the rock and play and pack and play with bassinet. Do i really need a swing and/or a bouncer? Should i have them on hand when the baby comes home? I dont want to stuck in a situation where i am at wits end with the baby and dont have one of these items to calm the baby but i also am a minimalist......

Plus we didnt have a shower so $$$ is getting tight...but i will absolutely buy a swing +/- bouncer if needed! I am due next week, i guess i should have thought about this stuff earlier

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

They are good to have since you dont know what your baby will like. I would definitely get at least a bouncer or a swing since those have movement/music and the Rock and Play you have to move and the PnP has no movement.

SO get one, or get a combo. I know Graco has a good combo one.

EDIT: I got the FP Rock and Play, and Bouncer.

I didnt want the PnP. My friend gave me her swing, otherwise I wasn't going to buy one.

Message edited 7/22/2011 1:13:06 PM.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

I couldn't have lived without the swing. The bouncer we definitely used. The pack-n-play has barely been used. I don't know that you need the bouncer if you have the swing and the rock-n-play.

But, PP is right, you never know what the baby will like. But, you can always run out and get something too.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

We would have been lost with the swing. Haven't used the bouncer much and haven't used the pack and play at all. We use the rock and play every day as that is what she sleeps in. Target is having a sale on baby items, I think I saw one of the portable swings for less than 50 bucks. Good luck!

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

After 2 kids, I have 2 swings and 3 bouncers.

You need somewhere to put the baby aside from flat on their back. They like to see stuff, from different angles, in different rooms.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

All four are completely different

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

my baby is 9w old and has been home for about 5w (NICU). since then i have used the bassinet, the bouncer, and today I went out and bought a rock n play. we will use the swing once DH assembles it, mostly because i got the wrong one at my shower and didnt exchange it until today. we havent used our pack n play yet, but she's been in one at MILs. IMO get a few things and test them out, if you need more you can go get them or exchange what you do have. not only do you never know what your baby will like, but in a short time the baby's needs change so they may need something new or start to prefer another gadget.

Message edited 7/22/2011 10:36:29 PM.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

I couldn't of lived without both the bouncer and swing. Ds would sleep in the swing forever.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

I use all 4!!!!!!!!!!!! They are all different and I use all of them equally!

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

My first child hated the swing and the bouncer. She only wanted to be held, and I largely indulged her. By the time the twins came I had already gotten rid of the swing (I hated it and it was enormous). My cousin lent us her swing, but they hated it too. The twins spent a lot of time in those pampasan lamb seats. I dont remember if I ever put the batteries in them.

I was a 'less is more' type of parent and figured if there was something I absolutely needed, I could get it later.

One thing I wish I had looked into with my first was Church shops, ebay, craigslist and garage sales. I happened to go to a 'trash to treasure' sale in my town when I was expecting the twins and picked up so much stuff for like $15 total. Just throw the pillows/covers in the wash. They use the things for such a short period of time that lots of people end up donating nearly new seats/pack n plays.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

you can always buy items for less at a place like babychic ny

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

I needed it all, and used it all.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

Thanks ladies...i guess ill look into maybe getting a portable bouncer or swing from amazon. Their return policy is good so if baby hates it i can always return. There is a consigment shop nearby i have to check out.

Re: Do i really need all this stuff?

It's amazing how much cr@p a baby needs, isn't it?

If you have a Rock N Play, that's kind of a swing/bassinet combo.

DD loved her bouncer. I just dragged it through the house with me. She'd hang out while I cooked or showered.

The pack and play is great for travel. I got one with a bassinet and changing station, but never used them. You could also set it up somewhere in your house, toss a few toys in there, and voila! a baby cage. =)