By Rachel Ostlie
Sixteen months. Barely a blink of an eye for an adult. Far too short, in most people's minds, to be a reasonable gap between two children. But it's incredible how much the baby gear world changes in that tiny time frame.
When I first found out I was pregnant, I did my research. A lot of research. I read all the parenting magazines, trolled through the baby websites. I asked advice from my mother and mother-in-law. I made a questionnaire and sent it out to all my mommy friends, asking them their opinion on cloth vs. disposable, infant carrier vs. baby wearing, umbrella stroller vs. pimped-out buggy.
Then came the second pregnancy, with further research. Another car seat. A double stroller. More diapers. I chose what I was certain were the best options, then scoured ebay and Craigslist to find the best deals.
Somehow, through all that, I became a guru to some. The person to go to when you want to know what detergent to use with cloth diapers, or what double stroller to buy, or the merit of various baby wearing options. Not wanting to rely on past research, I continued to research, read blogs, and keep up with the new options. And sixteen months after the birth of Little Baby, I found myself with a dilemma... EVERYTHING WAS BETTER. The world of baby gear had moved on without me, and I had been left in the dust. Though I once loved my Beco Butterfly baby carrier, and would crow its advantages to anyone who would listen, I now had a huge crush on the Beco Gemini (ergonomic, with outward and inward facing options for the baby. And a hip hold, along with the front and back standard options). And where I once drooled over my Phil & Ted's Sport, and could not imagine a more perfect stroller for my bunch, I now coveted the Baby Jogger City Select (with it's sleek lines and seemingly endless configurations).
Almost makes you want to have another baby, just so you can have an excuse to buy the newer, nicer things.
Thankfully, I'll be moving out of the country in the next eight months, and finances are tight, so all these new things I am coveting over aren't really an option. Though, I must admit... I still bid ridiculously low on ebay, in the vague hope that I might still get my latest baby gear crush.
Anybody else in the same boat? What is your baby gear crush? A $500 baby bag/purse? An amazing double stroller? Luxury baby bedding? A silver teething ring? If we can't give in, at least we can commiserate...
Rachel is a baby-bunching mom of a 3-year-old daughter and a 19-month-old son. She lives in the Chicago area, and would gladly appreciate a donation toward her dream Baby Jogger City Select.
Yes, funny. We are expecting #2 - 17 months apart. I actually splurged and got the City Select - waited until there was a sale. Still feel guilty about the price - OUCH. Wonder why I ever bought a "snap & go" for the first baby (among other things).
And, when I bought the City Select in Nov it was the greatest double stroller I'd ever seen. Yesterday I saw a New Uppa Baby and I think they have upgraded it too... more like the City Select.
Open a store - then you can enjoy all the "newest" w/o buying it yourself! (or storing it!)
Posted by: Alicia | Jan 07, 2011 at 01:17 PM
I actually wanted and needed less with the second. The only thing I absolutely needed was a video monitor with TWO cameras! Suprised nobody on this site has reviewed monitors.
Posted by: Miranda | Jan 10, 2011 at 03:16 PM
Mine was a 4 seat stroller (2 seats in front, 2 in back). I have 3 under 3 and we are trying to conceive #4. When I was pregnant with #3, I kept going back and forth on whether I should buy the 4 seat stroller since I already had 3 single strollers and a double stroller. I am SO glad that I spent the extra money, as it makes shopping with 3 little people so much more managable. :)
Posted by: Nicole | Jan 10, 2011 at 08:41 PM
A nanny...I'm still dreaming of a nanny.
Posted by: Amanda | Jan 10, 2011 at 10:53 PM
Luxury baby bedding! Lasts longer... http://sweetbabystylishmom.com
Posted by: Jen | May 08, 2012 at 09:34 PM