What baby gadgets do you really need to buy? How can you help Dad bond with the baby in your belly? Questions like these are sometimes best answered by other moms. Here’s honest advice about pregnancy from moms like you.
Inspire other moms-to-be with your ideas.
Mom-Dad-Baby bonding
By Kerry B., mom of two
When I was pregnant, Dad loved cuddling with baby (and me) as we were sleeping. It made us all feel more connected. Since baby is really active when you're resting, Dad gets to feel the kicks and movement. It's also a great time to chat and talk about getting ready for baby coming.
Some things you don't need
By Cara R., mom of two
Don't feel like you have to register for every baby gismo and gadget on the list. Ask your mommy friends what items you really need. For example, don't waste your money on a fancy bottle sterilizer! The dishwasher can do the job just as well.
Buy satin for sore hips
By Julie H., mom of one
If you have sore hips during pregnancy and find it hard to roll over in bed, get a fitted satin sheet. It's easier to slide around and roll over.
Don't forget the four-legged family members
By Kerry B., mom of two
If you have pets, ask dad to bring a receiving blanket home from the hospital before you bring baby home. Let your pets get used to baby's smell.
Maternity clothes for less
By Chris K., mom of two
I wanted to build a nest egg for my baby, not build a wardrobe of expensive maternity clothes. Secondhand stores had lots of great clothes, many with the tags still on them.
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Relief for itchy stretch marks
By Anne B., mom of three
While it may not relieve stretch marks (apparently, that's hereditary!), a good lotion or cream can soothe the itchiness and help you feel as if you're giving baby a pre-birth massage.
Meal planning while you have the time
By Dawn S., mom of two
Write down the recipes for five easy-to-make dinners. Be sure your kitchen is fully stocked with all of the ingredients. Do this now and you'll find that pulling together a meal will be much easier once baby is born.
Save the upholstery
By Missy H., mom of one
When you're nearing the end of your pregnancy, keep a waterproof pad in the car you plan to take to the hospital. If your water breaks during the ride, the car's upholstery will be protected.
If they ask about gifts, be honest
By Jeannette G., mom of two
My generous family provided all the hand-me-down baby clothes and furniture we needed. So when friends wanted to buy a gift for my baby shower, I was honest. What I really wanted was a membership to the zoo so my baby and I could spend hours walking and watching the animals. It was the best gift we could have received.
One good book
By Linda W., mom of three
I recommend moms buy at least one good, comprehensive baby care book. Once my baby was born, I used it constantly. I recommend Your Baby's First Year by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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Doula support
By Gretchen K., mom of one
I was scared about giving birth, and didn't have a good support system, so a friend suggested I hire a doula. Their job is basically to mother you. They'll offer advice, help plan the birth, explain medical procedures and support mom during labor. Some doulas specialize in helping moms after the baby is born. My doula was absolutely wonderful. To find a doula, ask your OB or go to www.dona.org .
Tasting baby food for fun
By Mary B., mom of two
Here's a fun game we played at my baby shower. Buy a dozen jars of different baby food. Remove the labels. Players wear blindfolds and taste each food. The best guesser wins.
Feels soooo good
By Julie F., mom of three
Need some TLC? I found that a facial, a massage, manicure or a pedicure (even when I couldn't see my feet) were great at relaxing me in my difficult months. Getting pampered felt sooo good when I felt so bad.
A surprise you'll never forget
By Julie F., mom of three
When I found out I was pregnant, I wanted to grab the phone and shout my good news to the grandparents-to-be. But I calmed myself long enough to plan something a little more memorable. I bought a tiny pacifier, booties, and a tiny tee that says "I love Grandma." I wrapped it as a gift and told my parents "I saw this and it made me think of you." It was a surprise we'll never forget.
Not-so-cute names
By Mary M., mom of three
When choosing a baby name, I had to remind myself to consider whether my baby's initials would be less than ideal. "Brady Miller" was cute. "BM" not so cute.
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A well-stocked desk
By Bev B. mom of one
While pregnant I kept a stash of crackers, pretzels and other snacks in my top desk drawer to help me through my nine months of morning sickness. My co-workers joked that my desk was as well-stocked as the vending machine. But it got me through some rough moments.
An incredible boost for mom
By Anne B., mom of three
When a group of friends wanted to buy my baby a nice gift, I suggested a house cleaning service for my last month of pregnancy and first few months with baby. It was an incredible boost to have my house smelling fresh and clean without having to do any of the work.
Get your zzzzzzzzzzzs
By Kim B., mom of two
When I wasn't able to get comfortable at bedtime, I bought a body pillow. I had always heard they were great. I found out for myself ? they really are great!
Baby shower alternative
By Kathleen H., mom of three
Ask your friends to wait until after your baby is born to have a shower for you. You'll know a little more about what you need, and it will be a great excuse to get out and have fun!
Honoring mom's family
By Vanessa O., mom of two
I used my maiden name as our daughter's middle name. I think it's a nice way to honor my parents in the next generation.
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Be prepared
By Shana Z., mom of one
While I had the time before my baby was born, I took an infant CPR course from my local American Red Cross. I haven't had to use it, but feel good knowing I'm prepared.
Diaper changing made easy(er)
By Barb S., mom of four
When setting up my baby's nursery, I made sure everything I needed for changing a diaper was in reach of the changing area. I didn't want to walk away from my baby to get a clean diaper. I went through the motions before my baby was born, just to be sure.
Something for every stage
By Audrey B., mom of one
When I registered for my baby shower, I reminded myself that babies grow quickly. So I looked for items that last for several stages of baby's development.
Choose a color you like
By Jessica L., mom of two
I always heard that primary colors stimulated babies. So I painted the nursery red, yellow and blue, and now I'm not wild about it. When choosing a nursery color, make sure it's one YOU like. Save the stimulating colors for toys, blankets, and accessories.
A good excuse
By Polly S., mom of two
One of the bonuses of my pregnancy? it was a handy excuse whenever I needed one. "Gee, I can't make it. I'm pregnant."
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Water workouts are fun
By Kelly F., mom of two
The best exercise during my pregnancy was a water aerobics class. I felt so light and buoyant in the water.
Better to keep quiet
By Courtney B., mom of three
It's not always wise to share your baby names with others. People will say things like "I know a dog with that name," or "that's the name of the annoying kid down the street." It may leave you wishing you had kept quiet!
Help for your aching back
By Chris K., mom of two
I love my soft mattress, but it wasn't good for my aching back. So, until I delivered, I put several 2" x 4" pieces of wood between the mattress and box springs. It really made a difference.
Once a day is doable
By Colleen C., mom of one
My dislike for exercise didn't change when I got pregnant. But I knew that a little bit of it would make me feel better. So once a day I forced myself to walk around the block. I have to admit it lifted my spirits and made some of the aches disappear.
A solution for snug pants
By Shana Z., mom of one
Here's a way to extend the life of your pants. When they get snug, loop a rubber band through the button hole and around the button. This will buy you a few weeks or more. Just be sure your shirt is long enough to hide your secret.
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Be productive at 3 a.m.
By Katie F., mom of two
I often found myself wide awake at 3 a.m. Instead of wasting time staring at the ceiling, I finally decided to get up and be productive until I was tired again. Quietly going about my work while the rest of the world slept, was very serene and therapeutic.
Therapeutic crying
By Sue G., mom of two
I've found that sometimes the best way to get out of a pregnancy funk is a good cry. Go ahead and let loose.
Gather those menus
By Ann C., mom of two
After my first baby was born, "carry out" became our dinnertime ritual for awhile. While I was still pregnant I started collecting menus, and I learned who delivers and who doesn't.
A chai alternative
By Dawn S., mom of two
I hated giving up my cup of tea after dinner. Then I found that a cup of hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon was (almost) as enjoyable. It became my nighttime ritual.
Don't rush the name
By Rheanna W., mom of two
Before settling on a baby name, I wrote down our favorites and waited a few days. If I wasn't still crazy about the names a few days later, I started over.
Inspire other moms-to-be with your ideas.