hear the army

I once blogged about what purchases really helped me while pregnant and have been meaning to tell you the same about the baby stuff for some time now, but I guess having a little over a year under my belt with said baby and stuff, I’m better prepared now anyway.

There are oodles of lists out there for you to google and find, but here is what worked for us. Mostly, it is based on what we lucked into as hand-me-downs or gifts, but some if it was really great stuff!

TIP: Get anything and everything you can used (except for breast milk related stuff and the carseat) – it was only used for a few months and sometimes not even that long and you will save SO MUCH MONEY. Put the word out to all you know, with apartment sizes as they are here you are sure to come across a friend of a friend who is dying to get rid of all the baby stuff they’re no longer using. Use things like Tell & Sell Japan and Free Stuff Japan and if your Japanese is up to it Yahoo Auction for deals. There are also used baby goods shops in Japan (like B・KIDS / BOOK OFF) along with local used clothing stores – check around your neighborhood!

Also – many things you can get at home you can get here also, you just have to know what they’re called. I tried to link to sites in Japan when possible to show you the Japanese terms and prices for things, but if there’s something you’re looking for and can’t find, let me know and I’ll give it a whirl.

Hope this helps and happy shopping!!

GETTING AROUND

Of course you’ll need a STROLLER – the options are endless. Were money no object, I would’ve loved a STOKKE EXPLORY but considering how many times I’ve just given up looking for a ramp or an elevator and lugged my stroller and all it’s contents up or down some stairs –this one has worked well. I was bummed to find that the option of having her face me (one of the selling points for me) rendered it VERY hard to maneuver because only one set of wheels swiveled, so give it a good test run in every setting possible before you buy. Also, have your husband give it a whirl to make sure it’s comfy for him too. That said, it’s worked beautifully otherwise and even on one trip to the states with me – fits through every ticket gate at the station, AND my daughter LOVES her stroller. The only place I can get her to sleep without nursing usually STILL.

If you are using a car, you’ll need a CARSEAT and they sell the stroller/car seat combos here too which might work well if you are using the car a lot – I didn’t find it necessary for us and we just got a carseat we could use for a few years while she grew. I’m not sure about other countries, but most car seats here are massive affairs so the reason we picked ours was the fact that it was easily movable – my husband needs the space for music equipment when he has shows so the ability to quickly uninstall and reinstall and carry it was paramount. We LOVE IT!

FURNITURE

You technically don’t need anything. The baby will probably be sleeping next to you for the first month anyway – but, cribs are good places to store all those stuffed animals the child could care less about anyway. 😉

We were FORTUNATE to receive a STOKKE SLEEPI and it’s been wonderful. Check all the safety issues (and recalls) before buying a crib – make sure you can’t get two fingers between the mattress and the frame, etc. Definitely get some mattress pads to protect it from accidents too!
TIP: put a waterproof pad OVER the fitted sheet so that when accidents occur, you just have to change the pad, not the entire fitted sheet.

I also wanted a CHANGING TABLE so I didn’t have to be bent over all the time and got one from IKEA.

SEATING

Anywhere from 4-6 months you are going to want to start feeding your baby and at that point I recommend a BUMBO with a tray attachment.

A WAY TO CARRY YOUR BABY
I was given a Japanese ring-style one with a padded edge and hard insert for newborns and a Maya Wrap. I also received hand-me-down a Bjorn Active and a combi 4-way carrier (something like this but an older version). I then also purchased a Mama’s Milk sling thinking I would like the non-ring simpleness. So, I am no novice in baby carrying devices! After all that, here’s what I found:

For the first 3 months (unless you have an amazingly large baby and/or aren’t able to carry your baby for some reason), you’ll probably only need a SLING. Out of the three I tried, the Maya Wrap (Japanese vendor)was the easiest, most comfortable and convenient. The ring lets you easily adjust it for you or your husband and the excess fabric is FANTASTIC when you’re nursing on the go. I’m actually nursing HERE. No time to stop and nurse when you’re sightseeing in Kyoto, right!?!

You can read the praises of carrying your baby all over, but the sling REALLY DOES seem to comfort your little one – something about being all squished up in a weird position near your belly all over again. (PS – it takes a few tries to get it right and you’ll be CERTAIN you are doing permanent neck and spinal damage to you child the first few times, but remember – they were VERY HAPPY in a much more constrained environment just a couple months or less ago) One last TIP: if they start crying when you first get them in, don’t give up just yet. get moving, rock your hips – walk around – if they’re still crying in five, maybe you need to try again.

Of course, a stroller is nice for when you’ve got a ton of shopping bags and no one else to carry your diaper bag, but, in general, not as useful as the sling (which you can also wear while you’re cleaning your house).

Now, as they get older, larger and can support their neck, you’re gonna want something else you can use hands-free (the sling can work but if they are trying to look around, you’re gonna want to have a hand ready to catch them should they try to tip out). I LOVED my BJORN until Bijou was about 10kg and then it KILLED my shoulders. About that time I also found all kinds  of posts online about how all their weight being carried that way wasn’t good for them so, I bought the ERGO.

I have thought that maybe I should suggest just buying this ONE carrier with the infant insert, but since I didn’t use it till Bijou was over 6 months old, I can’t say how that would go. HOWEVER, when they are larger, this is THE BEST one I’ve used. SO COMFORTABLE. My ONLY bummer is that she can’t face forward when i’m front-carrying her. She really got used to being able to look around that way and I think she missed it. Now she’s big enough to kinda see around when she’s on my back though, so – not a big issue.

ERGO JAPANESE VENDOR (though we found ours on yahoo auction for a good price)

DIAPERS, ETC.

Since I began traveling via public transportation, I have been carrying a massive bag with me anyway, so in the beginning, all I did was stick a MINI DIAPER BAG from Mama’s Milk into my purse with a few burp pads and I was ready to go. I STILL pack this in my diaper bag (now full of snacks, drinks, portable seating devices, bibs, toys, etc.) so i can just grab one thing when i head to the changing table and leave my giant bag of others hanging from the stroller. It’s awesome cause not only does it HOLD the diapers and wipes (and mini trashbags), but it rolls out so your precious baby’s head and bum doesn’t have to make contact with the yucky table. She’s getting a bit long for it now, but still the bum and head are covered.

Diaper bags are probably a personal choice, but i LOVE my Betsy Johnson one I got as a gift and am partial to the DadGear backpack style. The main points i would look for: comfortable straps, an easily accessible spot for diapers, and STRAPS/HOOKS THAT ATTACH IT TO YOUR STROLLER EASILY.

As far as diapering your baby in Japan, you can do the cloth system, but if you (like me) don’t have a dryer, that probably isn’t the most attractive option. There are diaper services that will come once a week with a clean set of cloths and covers and take away your dirties but they usually only fit up to 6 months then if you want to continue your quest, you will have to buy larger covers/cloths yourself and do it your own as best as i could tell. At least with the service I used: Kobe Baby. We paid about 8,000 yen/month ($80) for about 50 diapers/week with 10 covers – we used disposable at night and for outings.

I would also have a good bit of regular diapers on-hand for outings. I liked MERRIES and PAMPERS here and you can order them by the case on AMAZON JAPAN or buy at COSTCO. Newborn = 新生児 (shinseiji)

For the first month a newborn probably doesn’t need any more than large cotton squares moistened with water to wipe their bums, but if you’re having a baby in the cooler months, the wipes warmer containers are lovely. Nothing wakes a baby COMPLETELY than a cold wipe to the bum.

BREASTFEEDING

I can’t speak for those who formula raised their babes (other than it is OKAY if that’s what you choose – I was!) because, I wanted to and was able to breastfeed, but if you plan to breastfeed, you’re most likely in for a painful first few months. I don’t think i would’ve survived without LANSINOH cream. It helped my cracked, dry, blistered nipples. AND, it doesn’t matter if your little one drinks straight after you apply! No wiping off needed!

NURSING PILLOW – I got a hand-me-down BOPPY and STILL use it! They sell similar pillows at Japanese stores too.

You will also need a BREASTPUMP and some kind of STORAGE/CLEANING SYSTEM. If you need to go back to work before your child starts solids and want to continue breastfeeding, I would invest in something electronic/heavy duty. Otherwise, a simple, hand-held device should be plenty. Even if you don’t plan to be separated from your little bundle of joy for a second, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND offering him or her a bottle at least once a day. I didn’t, assuming she would just take my breastmilk from any vehicle available when needed only to find that she refused a bottle starting at about 2 months and has never had one since. This also offers your hubby an in on the fun and bonding. MOST IMPORTANTLY, this gives you the option of leaving them together while you sleep in on a Sunday, have a drink with the girls, whatever.

I chose and loved the AVENT ISIS pump and storage containers – you pump right into the container you can freeze and then put the nipple straight on that when you’re ready to use. They also had a simple steam sterilizer i could microwave. I think the model has changed now but the SET was great cause all parts fit together.

They also recommend you have BREASTPADS, but I have yet to use mine (storing for future baby? maybe my cup will overflowith then?).

NURSING BRAS – you can debate the value of nursing tops all you want, but you are going to NEED these.

I tried buying one in Japan, but ended up looking like I belonged in an episode of Mad Men (they make it look glamorous, but trust me, pointed boobs don’t go with today’s fashions). Maybe if you are not top heavy like me, this won’t be your fate, but I had to look elsewhere. I loved ZODEE as they ship here for a stomachable fee. My personal favorite is a HOT MILK brand bra, but you might have to try around to find your fit. Again, if you’re well endowed, I would invest also in a bra to sleep in, my personal favorite is this one.

NURSING PAJAMAS

They don’t have to be specific to this, but just something other than a T-shirt unless you want to cut holes in it yourself. Something that is low-cut or unbuttons in the front is perfect.

The other thing to note is if you’re co-sleeping you won’t want to have a big blanked over you with the baby by your side so get PJs that will keep you warm while you’re nursing.

BABY CLOTHES

I’m of the mind that you’ll be getting a TON of stuff from relatives, friends, etc. so don’t go all out in this area. You also can get a ton of hand-me-downs if you put the word out there. This stuff moves around a lot as they only need it for a few months. I didn’t even buy a stitch of clothing for her until she was about 9 months old!

In case you’re nervous, I would be sure you have enough changes of clothes to last you 4 changes for a couple of days (more if you don’t plan on doing laundry every few days – lucky you). They poo and spit up A LOT in my experience.

Ask around these Yahoo Groups if you are in Japan:
Tell & Sell Japan
Free Stuff Japan

I would get some of these deals as they are AWESOME. Snap or tie versions are available – easy on/off and comfort for your baby.
DON’T GET BABY GLOVES – yes, they’ll scratch themselves, but NO these won’t stay on.

You should HAVE:
A Sleep Sack (スリーパー), not only is it not safe to put blankets on your little one – they’ll probably kick them off anyway.
Booties/socks.
Hats.
Don’t get any shoes until they’re ready to walk, if you ask me.

BATH

You can find someone willing to give up an old BABY BATH anywhere you look. I got one of these hand-me-down and it was perfect for our kitchen sink (don’t try the bath from the beginning – you’ll do your back in!). She also LOVED the TUMMY TUB we got 2nd hand, but i wouldn’t use it as the only option since i couldn’t really get to her bum to make sure all the ickies were outta the folds – we alternated.

Get some super soft WASH CLOTHS (or gauze “ガーゼ” as they say here) and a couple BABY TOWELS WITH HOODS (they are softer than yours and the baby’s skin is more delicate than yours), but don’t go too crazy – again, this is something you will probably get gifted.

SOAP isn’t even necessary in the first month or so, but they say to use it in Japan, so if you feel better, get some. Japan does have some all natural kinds or, if you like to read the ingredients and don’t read Japanese, you can order from places like FBC or buy from The Body Shop or some Dr. Bronner’s (ドクターブロナー) on amazon.co.jp.

Baby’s skin can have a lot of issues in the beginning (shocking coming from all that nice liquid to this world), so some natural, gentle LOTION and BUTT CREAM is nice too. Again, as with soaps, sure you can find some here but honestly, if you have some cash to spare, get some or have someone send some from home – most all babies i see here have serious skin issues in the beginning and I don’t know if it was product or genes, but we used (and are still using) Nature’s Baby and Avalon Organics Baby products (all available at FBC’s General Store – 1 month delivery time) and she hasn’t had any skin problems other than some diaper rash from time to time.

MISC

BOOGER SUCKER. And don’t even bother with those bulb things. I had two different kinds and neither of them worked very well and Bijou was freaking out after i tried 10 times. Go for the Japanese version – i almost gagged when i saw it too but trust me, kept upright and used properly that snot doesn’t get anywhere near your mouth. (okay, sorry i probably just made you gag)

That said, I liked this LITTLE CARE SET even though it has one of those bulb things. I still use the scissors to cut her nails and the tweezers to pull some boogies from her nose so it’s a great set.

I also have gotten a lotta use from the EAR THERMOMETER i received from my sister.

BURP PADS – you can use old cloths, or, better yet, find a Japanese friend who’s mother or MIL made her up a bunch of cloth diapers before she gave birth that she NEVER used! These are GREAT burp pads!

RECEIVING BLANKETS – don’t buy, this is also in the top 3 baby gift list.

MONITOR – you can definitely find this as a hand-me-down or used somewhere. The need for them in Japanese sized apartments is debatable, but when it’s summer or winter and you have all the doors closed containing heat/cool air with the fans, etc. blowing, they come in handy.

BABY LAUNDRY DETERGENT – I use Seventh Generation (i buy at Price Club on Rokko Island) but there also is a Japanese versions of Dreft. (さらさ）

ENTERTAINMENT

We loved our ACTIVITY BLANKET (something like this) and SWING (got from another mom here for ￥3,000!). She would usually nap well in the swing when I had my Japanese lesson, cooked dinner, etc.

BABY GOODS STORES
Babies R Us
Akachan Honpo
B・KIDS
Amazon Japan (click on Baby/Kids/Maternity)
Rakuten (need some Japanese, but you can find almost anything here)