Some of the things I want to talk about today may not seem like the most important thing right when you are finding out about being pregnant, but trust me, they are. And I know that with all of the things that can happen, that preparing too early can be looked at as a bad thing. But, if you are looking to have a baby, you will need to do this anyway. Now, starting the day you have a positive test may be a bit much, but I would highly recommend doing some things during the first trimester, and I'll explain why.
First of all, buy Lubriderm. The big bottle. They have a two pack (that also comes with a third, smaller bottle perfect for travelling with or in your purse) at Costco that is excellent. Use it all over, every day. You WILL need something better for stretch marks later on, but keeping your skin well moisturized from the start with definitely help as you grow, and will help with the itching. OMG the itchy, growing skin. Lubriderm is unscented (good for that pregnancy nose), good for sensitive skin (which you now have if you didn't before) and dries fast (which is great when you are trying to get ready). I used it from day one on my stomach, boobs, arms, legs, butt...... everywhere, and by the start of the third trimester, I still had no stretch marks. Also, while on the topic of skin, and your new sensitive skin.... Make sure to wear sunscreen!!! I know we all know the importance of it, but especially if you are pregnant during the summer, get a higher SPF and make sure you put it on EVERY TIME you are planning on being outside. For a BBQ, beach day, pool day, or just hanging outside with your friends drinking mock-aritas, put it on! I am very pale, and have had AMAZING reslutls with Neutrogena 100+ SPF. It is thick, but gets absorbed well and quickly.
Start your registries and get FREE stuff!!!! Yes free!! When you register with Target, Walmart, Amazon, Buy Buy Baby and Babylist, you get a FREE box or bag of baby items, samples and coupons that you will need!! I would love to share all of the amazing things I got, but I have learned that they change every month or so, so what I got and what you will get may be slightly or completely different. I got onsies, bottles, hats, socks and more. Target is a cute bat you pick up in store, you just have to show them your registry on your phone and possibly an ID ( I didn't, but my friend did). Walmart has a Welcome Box under their registry page you have to fill out a form for and it can take months to come, if at all. You may have to call to check on it. I'm still waiting for mine. Buy Buy Baby has a bag you pick up in store after you complete a registry or during your appointment that they recommend you make when you sign up (but you don't have to). Amazon will send it after you complete your registry AND make a $10 purchase. I bought Belly Bands at $10 which was the best purchase ever. The item you buy HAS to be on your registry, but it does NOT need to be a "baby" item. I got a 3 pack with one in black, one white, and one gray. They came in so handy as I grew in the beginning and started to have trouble buttoning my pants. They go on your belly and down to your hips, so they cover your button and zipper. They also give your stomach support as it grows quickly. I went through bursts with mine. It grew quite a bit in the beginning, then leveled off until I "popped" towards the end of my second trimester. The last one is Babylist. It is an online only registry that you can upload ALL of your registries to and send all of your friends and family to one place. It will also show them everywhere that they can buy EACH item and what the prices are at each of them to compare. The MAIN reason I say to start early is to give yourself time to make them all and receive all of the free stuff. I can be time consuming. ALSO, you will slowly learn about and discover new items and products you love and remover items you decide you don't want or need. I changed my registries dozens of times before I was happy with them. Also, you may, like me, get an awesome assortment of different bottles. I have 6 different kinds that I can try and see which one that baby likes before i spend money on a lot of them )and yes, the BABY will decide which one they want to use!!!). This way, if you get a bunch at your shower, you don't have to open them until you KNOW it is the right one!!!
Finally, download these apps!!!! Enfamil, Huggies, Pampers, Similac, Verydice, Shopkick and Freecycle. Enfamil will send you free belly stickers when you sign up. Enfamil, Huggies, Similac and Papmers all have rewards programs you can start earning points on as you stock up, and they will send you free items as your due date is closer. Verydice is an awesome app that you can earn points on to redeem for free items (including baby items). It also has free shipping. I have yet to cash in, but I will be using my points for diapers and wipes!!! (My friend code is 2412425 if you want some free rolls to get you started. You also can earn them by taking surveys). Shopkick is an app that allows you to go to stores and scan items for kicks. You can do it on your own time. It's like a scavenger hunt for adults. I have the best luck at Best Buy because they have so many items. You can earn more by buying items you scan and submitting your receipt. You cash in your kicks for gift cards to a store of your choosing. I like target because they have the best prices on baby items and I can use it on things I need for my hospital stay and after as well. And finally, Freecycle. I am not sure if there is an app for this or not, but sign up!!! People are constantly posting things they are giving away for FREE!!! There will be a lot you don't want, but I did get a beautiful bassinet and car seat. You never know what will pop up!!
So, that is the sum of it for today. But I have plenty of more things to share to help you along the way. Stay tuned......
No comments:
Post a Comment