Desperately Need Help Choosing Crib & Stroller, Breas Pump

We are looking for the safest models with all the pertinent (but not frivolous) features at a reasonable price for both strollers and cribs, as well as breats pumps. Any advice or resources would be deeply appreciated.

Also, is there a place where one can find lists of items we parents-to-be of twins can use to help register and purchase all the necessary items required to have a fully-stocked nursery/kitchen (baby bottles, bathing aids, all the things forst-timers need to know about.)

Also, I read that Target is a nightmare in terms of their return policy, and offers no twin discounts to parents.Besides Target and Babies R' Us, where do people shop/register?

Thanks so much for any replies!!!!!

 

There are so many differing opinions on what is "best", so I used the book called "Baby Bargains" (at Barnes and Noble). It is like a Consumer Reports of only baby stuff. It tells you reviews from all price ranges. It really came in handy with car seats, swings and strollers. There are several online reviews sites as well. There is no "easy" way to decide, so take your time and do your research. Feel free to come on here and ask about specific products too.

There are mini cribs out there, and that's what we got for our boys. I do not reccommend them as my boys are close to growing out of them. We decided on them because they turn into twin beds instead of full like most convertible cribs. We move too much and never know if we'll have 3 bedrooms.

Most people like the Snap N Go stroller to go with their infant carriers. I had a similar version, but wished I had the SNG.

Good luck in your decisions and remember you don't have to register all at once. You can do it online and add to the registry daily.

 

:wavey:

There are so many different things out there, alot of it is personal prefrences. We do have a list here in the Expecting Forum that a member of Twinstuff compiled. It is very good. :good:

I'm not sure what other stores are used other then BRU and Target. I know some use Walmart. From my own personal experience, I used BRU and loved it. BUT at the time they didn't have the rule they have now, so make sure you get a gift reciept from everyone. They put a new rule where you can't return anything without one. Good luck and have fun!!

 

The medela double breast pump is great. It is used by many hospital and our lactation consultant recommended it. It is a bit pricy though (some models are 300+) but my hospital also rents them for a monthly fee. You might want to try that first.

 

I used the list that Twinstuff has (in link from 'twinlove' above) and it worked out great for me! I literally printed it out & crossed things off as I got them

I rented a pump from the hospital, but ended up not BF'ing and going to formula after the first 3 weeks....

I too bought the mini cribs & do love them, my girls are still small, but I dont know how long they will use them for? They will make cute twin beds though! (and we didnt have room for 2 full size cribs and all the other things we have in their room).

BRU is where I got the majority of my stuff, and then Target.

Good Luck!

 

I got the Baby Bargains book as well and found it great for researching. There is a section on multiples but it is small. I registered at BRU, Target, and Walmart since I live in a town that is an hour from a BRU. That way people have a choice and can get what is easier for them. I just change stuff online when I need to.

 

We registered at BRU as well as Amazon.com.
As for the stroller we went with the Graco Quattro Tour Duo. It is definately bigger than the SNG, but the newest model folds down with one hand quite easily (I thought) and it is something they can use for a long time. We also plan on getting a side by side for trips to the zoo and what not when they get a little older.
As for cribs we went with 2 4-in-1 cribs so that they can use them for a VERY long time . We got the Davinci Kalani cribs and dressers in white.
Regarding breastpumps-make SURE to call your insurance company as some insurance companies cover the cost of breastpumps or atleast some of the cost! I found out my insurance will fully pay for the breastpump of my choice!!

 

HUGE HUGS to all you guys for your super-informative responses!!! I will start with the forum's list and probably go from there. I may look at that Baby Bargain's book in the store and not actually buy it since it has a small section on multiples. (I guess that's cheating, but . . .)

I also never even thought of registering on Amazon--great idea! We have a lot of older folks in the family, however, and they find the internet VERY confusing (or don't have computers), so I will definitely need to register at an actual storefront. If I can stay awke for longer than six hours a day I can hopefully get on this a bit more actively now! Thanks to all of you, most of the work is DONE!!!

Thanks again!!!!!

--Heather

 

Zippered sleepers in various sizes -- you will love me for it in the middle of the night when you are changing two babies. Even now at nearly 8 months I still love them. clothes you don't have to iron. The odd outfit for pictures is great but otherwise clothes that don't need ironing. Bibs that button not velcro. I loved velcro in the beginning but now I hate them because they stick to everything in the wash and then don't stick to themselves when you need them to. I've heard Walmart. That's it for my advice.

Heather

 

Once you ID the items you want in your registry, you might consider registering on a single website such as myregistry.com rather than registering with each of your favorite stores. This is what I did and my family/friends seems to like the convenience.

 

Oooh, I love the newest tips. Ya'll are the BEST!!!!

 

Also check out your local craig's list and mom of multiple club sales and even ebay for used strollers. Top of the line strollers come with a 20 year garuntee, that means at least 4 sets of twins could use them before you'd expect them to fall apart. I have a dreamer designs stroller my parents bought me and now as my girls are about to turn 4, I can sell it used and list it as "like new" and we gave it HARD use. I can't believe how well that thing has held up. I certainly recommend their strollers and I'd say you can by them used without any reservations.