To Buy, or Not to buy...that is the question.

Unsure about a product? Want to buy it but unsure if you will really need it or if it is a good product? Post it here so you can get some feedback.

Thank you whatsername80 for the sticky idea!  

Hehe (: Thought it might be helpful...especially since I have a question already!!

Whats everyones opinions on diaper genies?? I've heard that they're really good from some people, and then from other people that they're a waste of time and money...

I had one when Ash was a baby. To me its one of those nice to have things but definetly not necessary.

How about those travel systems (stroller/car seat)...? How long does the baby actually get to sit in the car seat before she is too big? Are they actually worth the money? Should I just buy separates?

I think it depends on the kind of seat that they incorporate in the system...I know some are made only for newborns and shortly after, but a few that we looked out had a seat that converted for longer useage.

Diaper Genie: I don't like at all! First off there is no room in them! The diapers sit in there for ever stincking up the room I just do not like them! I opted for a plane Diaper Pail (babies r us) we use them in our daycare center. You can use regular garbage bags which are WAY CHEAPER then diaper genie refills! And you can get sented garbage bags! With the diaper pail you can empty it every day if you want! Much bigger for my garbage space!

Stroller/carseat: I dont have a baby yet so I am not to helpful on this one yet. But I decided to go for the travel system because I liked the matching pattern and the brand and I read great reveiws one the one I choose. I guess this is a matter of preference!

Thanks (: I think we'll probably end up with the pail then, haha, cuz I'd rather not spend ten million dollars on something that just holds a diaper..

Yep yep thats how I felt I didnt want to spend the money... I got a diaper genie at my shower and returned it! But you can get sented garbage bags at any store... The 8 gallon bags fit perfect and I get them at Target  

I am thinking about getting a diaper champ - not a diaper genie. With the champ you can use normal garbage bags and dont need the refills. Plus it comes in white with pink accents!   I havent got it yet - of the things I didnt get off my registry I dont consider it a necessity.

DoveloSono wrote: How about those travel systems (stroller/car seat)...? How long does the baby actually get to sit in the car seat before she is too big? Are they actually worth the money? Should I just buy separates?

I have that and its great. I use mine a ton. Plus you can use the stroller forever. If I didn't have one I would have gone out to get one

GENE BABIES R FOR LAZY PEOPLE OTHER THAN THAT A WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME I HAD ONE AND NEVER USED IT

Things not to get:

Carseat stroller combo ----- Use a reg stroller, they are usually lighter and easier to handle and the kid grows out of the infant seat fast anyways and the infant seat fits on a shopping cart. Also seperate is usually cheaper. You will need the money for diapers.

Diaper Pails ----- They are not "odorless" as they claim to be. Want to lessen the smell tie the diaper in a grocery bag and toss it in the reg trash.

Play Mats ----- Use a thick blanket and put toys down work the same.

Expensive Carriers ----- get in the way are you are not completely hand free use a cheaper one.

Small Diaper bags ----- lets face it you WILL need a big one lol

Highchair ---- Later on yeah but not untill the baby feeds themselves otherwise you can feed them in their bouncer.

Water Proof Lap Pads ------ Not really usful untill they are potty training and used really only in the carseat.

Swaddle Outfits ------ Costly and using a blanket is just as good. You can look up how to smaddle on the net for a detailed description.

Bassinet ----- Can be nice but most cribs are on wheels so you can move them from room to room.

Things to get:

Bouncer ------- Will come in very handy when you arms are tired and baby doesnt want to lay down

Playpen ------ Great for when the baby stays at someone elses housebecause its protable and can be kept in the trunk of your car for trips to the park or thinsg like that as well.

Convertible Carseat ------- Baby will grow out of the infant seat probably well before they are old enough to be forward facing.


I am sure someone can add to this but Its a little insight.

DoveloSono wrote: How about those travel systems (stroller/car seat)...? How long does the baby actually get to sit in the car seat before she is too big? Are they actually worth the money? Should I just buy separates?

If you plan on starting out with an infant carseat and then getting a bigger one later on I would definately invest in a travel system...as long as you are an active person who's going to be using the stroller a lot! I got a top rated Graco travel system for $140 and if I would of bought them seperate it would of been even more expensive. I opted to start with the infant carseat as my baby is due in November when it's going to be cold and with the leave in car base (which came with the travel system) it will allow me to keep the baby covered and will easily be able to take them in and out into the different weather elements as larger convertable carseats are made to stay in the car. Plus the carseat I got easily fastens onto shopping carts which is a major plus. My cousin has a travel system and she's gotten TONS of use out of it!

This is just my opinion though. Hope it helps you out a little. ;)

I have had a diaper genie since right after they came out, for my DOG! I LOVE IT!!!!

When we go on walks and they go, I pick it up in the doggy bags and just twist it closed, not tie it, and when I get home I throw it in there. Plus the dog I have now goes inside on a wee wee pad, and when he poos I pick it up with a paper towel and throw it in there too.

I have not had ANY issues with it stinking, you just have to change it. And you can change it as often as you like, you can just twist it a few time and cut it off, then tie it from the bottom and twist a few more times and its ready again. We empty ours every trash day, once a week.

But we bought ours at a garage sale, from a mom who said she hated it. So it only cost us like 5 bucks. I wanna find another one to put in the nursey, so the doggie one can stay where it is.

travel strollers are a life saver and can be cheaper than seperates. My sons was great! we still have the stroller but, it's beaten up so, we're keeping it in case of emergencies. He grew out of the car seat at about 8 months if I remember correctly.

For the question on what you do until they fit properly? They have things at babies R us that are made to help them fit better but, really a rolled up burp cloth (clean ofcourse) or one of thoes head supports works just as well.

We have a diaper decor and it seemed to work pretty well at keep stinky diapers at bay. 2 issues with it. The refills are a little pricey (3 for 20.00) and if you have an older model I don't think you can get the refills any more.

as a mom of a nearly 3 yo who understands having a case of the Buy mees. I've learned that all thoes flashy baby care items are not needed. I've listed what we used the most

1: an entertaing and soothing swing. My son had the original papasan. We've picked out the night time papasan swing for this one.

2: a good stable changing table that isn't too high if you are short (i'm 5feet tall)

3: a sturdy crib that everyone can access. Our son's crib was picked on looks, sturdiness and length of use. Most life time cribs do not have a sliding rail which once the mattress was moved down made it nearly impossible for me to put my son to sleep.
4: a jumparoo or activity center they can stand in. this is a life!!!! once your baby is 4 months and very active he/she may not appreciate mommy needing to do the dishes and put her down. I'd put on a dvd and set my son in his jumparoo. He was as happy as he could be to watch his video while jump jump jumping away. Make sure you don't get a jumping johnny as these have always posed a hazard of falling off the door jam which can cause serious injuries to your little one.

5: a pack and play. it's not only great for sleeping in the first few months. it's also another handy and safe way to keep your kiddo secure when you have to do something... Like take a shower for the first time in 3 days *L*

this is in no order but, I think these are the 5 needs of every parent. I now these are at the top of my list for this one.

hope this helps!!!