I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

:D LOL. Thought celebrate the good news by figuring out what I will need to prep for a baby. Have'nt done this one yet. So what do you think I'll need for baby preps?


So far I have

Diapers- Cloth for long term and disposable and wipes for 72 hour kits

Formula and bottles- I BF, but DH may need to FF if something happens to me

Baby Backpack- Like this one http://www.backcountrygear.com/catal...ail.cfm/KE7264

What else am I missing? ( I know the normal layete stuff, I'm talking prep stuff)

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Baby powder, baby aspirin, teething tools, extra bottles for formula, achol, peroxide, whiskey for the teething times, lice comb, lice shampoo to mention a few, had 4 myself.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Congratulations! I would say that if you breast feed for at least 2 years, a lot of your preps will be taken care of.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Yep, I will Bf at least 2 years, but if something happens to me if would be good for DH to have some formula on hand, YKWIM?

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Nothing will happen to you, and from observing my 2 children breastfeeding for 2 plus year each, they will reject a bottle (and a pacifier) if they are allowed to BF. Plus your husband will sleep like a baby himself, because the first peep out of the baby in the night, you just plug them in.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

The baby backpack is a great idea. I can't remember it at all, but supposedly I absolutely loved it when my dad would carry me around on his back. The one I rode in was much simpler than that one (it was more like a giant cloth diaper with a couple of straps :bear_tongue:), but effective nonetheless. I used to love riding in it when he'd be out in the yard working. I actually have a small scar above my eye from when my dad bent over to pick something up, sorta forgot I was on his back, and banged my face into a big rock. :bear_w00t: Ah well, I still loved the backpack even after that... fun on hikes, bike rides, etc. ec.

Another sorta fun thing you might look into, that I went crazy for when I was a baby, was the "Johnnie Jump Up" - it's a seat thing, again kind of like a large cloth diaper, with straps that lead upward to a spring that clamps to the top of a door jamb. The kid can then bounce up and down to their heart's content. I used mine indoors of course, but they also put me in it outdoors on camping trips, tying it on a tree limb.

Oh, and a third thing as I got a bit older was the plastic horse mounted on a spring on each corner, in a large metal frame. I would stand up on the seat, hang on with the handles, and ride it so hard that the entire thing (frame!) would tilt all the way up off the ground in the front, then back, then front, then back! LOL. Can't remember it, but I've seen the home video. :bear_tongue: Aside from the baby backpack, Jonnie Jump Up, and the horse, I spent most of my time playing in the mud, dirt, sucking on rocks, balancing on my dad's feet as he'd lay on his back and put his legs up in the air w/ me standing on them, etc. :D So many ways to keep kids entertained, even w/out the jumpup or the horse.

Congrats on the upcoming baby!!

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Scary!!! I don't even want to think about it. After three kids I'm "fixed" and not doing that anymore. Congratulations, you have fun. Love the kids, but the whole diaper, can't let me know why their whiney thing, ooooohhhh noooooo. :cryin2:

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Some bovine collostrum, before they ban it

Also, experienced midwife and good understanding of what you are getting into if you are planning to apply for a birth certificate or SSN for the baby

Can't think of anything else, these babies seems to be fairly self-sufficient first year or two, don't need a lot besides milk and diapers
:scorpio:
Congrats

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

The baby will need a weapon; I suggest a nice shotgun, 20 gauge.:wink:

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

I disagree, start with a .410 :D

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Here are some brief articles I think you might enjoy, from a website I enjoy reading called the Simple Dollar - on living frugally. These are just a few from the Family and Parenting sections. I hope you find them to be of value and applicable in your own life:

Eight Baby Items We Bought That Weren't Worth the Money
How Much Money Does Breastfeeding Really Save
Cloth Diapering - Does it Save Enough Money to Be Worth the Extra Effort
Free Toys for Your Infant or Toddler
10 More Ways to Entertain Young Children for $1 or less Without the TV
Having a Second Child - Seven Frugal Tips for Getting Ready
Seven Things I Thought About While Holding My Second Child for the First Time

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

You’ll need patience!

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

My my my.

Never did fix that "compass"...


Attachment 34429

:shocked_ma:

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Congratulations! Is this your first?

We have number 4 on the way. We do a blend of cloth and disposable diapers. The disposables are for outings/trips. Not sure about breast feeding beyond a year... gets kinda creepy when a kid climbs up on mommy's lap and asks for a boob. AVOID cow milk. If you must supplement, try to find local organic RAW goats milk. It is the closest thing to human mother's milk.

Clothes - especially warm clothes (depending on where you live) may be real important (along with blankets). Other than that, babies basically need what adults need... except in little amounts.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

That explains it...

:smokin:

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Nothing creepy about it in my opinion, just as natural as it gets. If done right the child will go from just breast milk, to solid food and breast milk, to just solid food, with excellent digestion and nutrient absorption. Your kids will be bigger and stronger for it. Mine are...my son is a 6'6' 245lb college athlete and ripped.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Congratulations.

Some Anti-Biotic for children.

Also go with a .22 revolver for babys first Handgun.:haha:

E-A

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Congrats on the new addition. I agree. Nothing wrong with breast feeding at all.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

But there has to be an age when a child is too old to breast feed. I spoke with a woman who breast fed until 4... that is just wrong. We have found that one year is a good time to transition.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Reminds me of a Firesign Theater skit where the mother says to her son, "Aw honey I didn't breastfeed you for 14 years for this! Come here...'aw mom'."

How about a TASER for the little tyke?

Seriously, congratulations!! How about if it's a boy naming him GIM?:D
</slv>

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

I suggest (actually my wife suggests) to get lots of extra clothes, bigger than you think you will need. They grow quick! My son isn't yet 1 year old, and already fits tightly into 18 month sizes.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Despite all the advice given above, the best "preps" for a baby are a loving father and mother.:applause_

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

You're new around here, aren't chya?:D

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

I'm 55. Is that too old? :D

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

What lead you to that conclusion?

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Your join date.

It's just that your post was so thoughtworthy and sensitive, being that she described herself as 'knocked up'.

And not, 'heavy with child' 'blessed to be carrying' ...'sperm poisoned'...'oops'. Or whatever they call it nowadays.

I guess I was just alluding to the standard dichotomy of most internets sites.

Sorry to digress.

By the way, Congrats Goddess!

I'm always overjoyed when a "non-breeder" has decided to reproduce.:applause_

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Hell No.

Congratulations goddess. Another kid who will know more than the average sheep. :applause_

Baby sling
 

Hiya, Goddess,
I would highly recommend getting a basic (but sturdy) baby sling. They're more convenient and less intrusive than a backpack, and baby can go into a sling from day 1. They're great if you have any kind of work to do and you need to bring baby along. I carried my baby everywhere, while doing housework, gardening, etc... I had an OTSBH sling <link> and was quite happy with it, but there are tons of different types & brands out there.

Congratulations, and best of luck!
-Cas

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Yup - Punjabi. Very good supplement to take...especially those with weakened immune systems.

As for pregnant or nursing mothers, not proven to be all that beneficial.

@ Goddess - you will produce enough colostrum for your baby. The important thing for you is to make sure you are getting ample vitamins and minerals from a natural source. You need to begin supplementation (if not before you get pregnant) immediately upon your pregnancy.

By not supplementing vits/mins you will slowly but surely deplete yourself over time. The baby will be absolutely fine (assuming you eating healthy, not using drugs/alcohol etc) but your body will be very worn down for months. The reason is because your body is wired to pass off all nutrients to satisfy the babies needs before your own. Often times, women end up not getting the nutrients they need and that is why the 30-60 days post pregnancy most women are completely exhausted. Proper supplementation will offset the post pregnancy fatigue.

Good luck and Congrats!

:coolbeer: <--------- the beer is for the father, not you. :wink:

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

CONGRATS!!!!! :applause_:applause_:applause_


As new parents, eBay has been our friend. Many of the 2nd hand clothes lots are name brand, well taken care of, and from non-smoking homes. We have bought entire lots ($200 new) of Old Navy, Baby Gap, Osh Kosh, and Carters for under $30. Backpacks are great for diaper bags, we use one from REI.

Try to BF if you can. At least for the first 2-6 months. The colostrum is critical in the development of the immune system. As for formula, we went with milk based. If your are Caucasian STAY AWAY from SOY. Read the ingredients, you would be surprised how many corps try to sneak soy into milk based formulas. WalMart "Parents Choice" is a big culprit. Of course if you are Black or Asian, soy can be more beneficial than milk, as it is greatly based on your genetic ability for lactose tolerance.

Baby backpacks are sort of good, but also look into "Baby Wearing" on google... LOTS of other, oftentimes more comfortable and safer options. We prefer slings like the one pictured below.



As for Vaccines..... well, you hang out at GIM... nuff said.



PS....

My wife just said to only buy a minimal amount of "newborn" size ANYTHING... they will be out of that within the first 2-3 weeks. Better to stick with 0-3 mo and be prepared for that size to disappear REAL QUICK! :D

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

GIM-ers children have a head start for sure. Congratulations, good luck and keep it natural.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Congratulations!

If TSHTF, consider that there may not be power for heat or air-conditioning, so appropriate clothing and, of course, rash cream for those situations, and mosquito netting for those months when the windows might be open because of the heat or you may be camping out. A friend of mine used to bring her baby on caving expeditions, camping out for weeks at a time. The first expedition she took him on was a month-long trip up into the mountains in southern Mexico when he was 5 months old. The critical items she brought were antibiotics, lots and lots and lots and lots of baby wipes and antibacterial wipes (whatever you think you need, double it!), a portable playpen with mosquito netting (more to keep the local kids from constantly touching the baby than to keep bugs away), and a pack for carrying the baby (though we all sort of went native and took turns carrying the baby in a sling made from a long piece of cloth like the local women used, which turned out to be a very comfortable and secure way to carry a baby).

Another item to consider would be a hand-crank food grinder for when the baby begins eating solid foods. I think Lehmen's sells them.

Btw, don't toss the baby bottles when your baby outgrows them. When you turn the nipple over and use the little cover, they make great waterproof containers for your backpack. Their narrow size is great for slipping into tightly packed backpacks. We used to use them to carry carbide on long caving trips.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

I would say buy your child anything he or she is likely to need in the future that is likely to be banned or otherwise unavailable at that point. This would include a "high capacity semi automatic handgun and assault rifle" with a couple thousand rounds of ammo for each. It also includes other things like books, good quality hand tools, heirloom seed for useful plants, a small stash of precious metal, etc. If you have some space, either outside or for a large container, you might think about growing a few trees or other plants that take years to grow. Somewhere around 1 or 2 years of age every child should get a good puppy. Anything that is cheap and common now that is likely to become rare and/or expensive twenty years from now is great to store away in a box.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Congrats Goddess.:applause_
Knocked up, huh? Now how'd that happen? Three of the most important people in my life happened that way. Seems like most of the bases have been covered in all these posts. You might want to think of some longer term food storage. Walton feed provides provides sealed foods that have a shelf life of 5-15 years. While I don't really like powdered milk it can come in very handy in a SHTF scenario for small people. Problem is, if you buy it at Sam's in a box it only lasts about a year. Same thing with powdered eggs, pastas, oatmeals, flour, beans etc. etc. I know you can't prepare for everything, but certain things would be nice to have and probably won't be around or very expensive. The most important thing YOU can do for your child is to stay healthy by eating well. Water comes in handy too.

SB

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Ok first I was just beeing silly when I said knocked up. :D We are very blessed to be expecting. As well some of you all may remember I already have 5 kids, so this will make #6. I've never really prepped for a baby because my youngest was older than the baby stage when we started prepping. I see things in the country falling apart and I am VERY worried that when the baby is born things will be very bad in this country. So I need to be prepped as possible for our impending bundle of joy, :D

We LOVE baby slings ( I have 30 in different styles and designs)**blush** I was actually one of the first members of thebabywearer.com ;0) I want a more hiking style back pack because I can carry the gear with the baby. Altough I could carry baby on the front and a full pack on back too. ;0)

We'll be doing a natural birth, natural everything and as DH says this will be a"FREE" baby.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Are you Catholic.....:tongue_ma::sarcasm::sarcasm::smokin: heh congrats....:applause_:applause_:applause_:applaus e_

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

LOL, thanks, and nope I'm MORMON (GASP!):D

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Mormon!!! Well, then you've got the long term food thing already taken care of. Fantastic!! I had lots of Mormon friends in the Air Force. Good people. Thats where I learned about long term food storage techniques, among other things. May your family continue to be blessed!!!

SB

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

You know the more I think I have things taken care of, the more holes I find. I have been feeling lately that I need to be prepped to leave my home on foot more and more.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

PACIFIERS, SILKY BLANKETS, SIPPY CUPS, DIAPERS, WIPES.

Prep that and you can survive anything.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

You should never be on foot unless something else has broken down first. Have at least a bicycle. Horses, donkeys, etc are good too. A Go-Ped weighs under 30lbs and can get up to 200mpg. Lots of good ideas out there but foot is a last resort kind of thing. For that matter you'll generally get a lot further in a pair of hiking or walking shoes than in combat boots.

Likewise a backpack is an item of last resort. Use saddlebags or tow a trailer. The guys who go out on the ice on the artic expeditions drag a sled of provisions behind them. You can use a garden cart and carry five, ten times more than you can with a backpack. You can always ditch gear and provisions that are slowing you down in an emergency but you can't just conjur new provisions out of thin air.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Well dang girl, by number 6 don't they just about take care of themselves? I know our first one we toiled over just what diaper to use, cloth or disposable, whats the best this, or the best that. Expensive crib, expensive highchair, all the fancy "gadgets" etc etc.... By the third is was cheap diapers, kid sleeps wherever she sleeps, cheap plastic strap on highchair, just the basics. Surprisingly the third kid isn't any less off than the first one. In fact i think the oldest is a tad spoiled. It's a great thing that you can devote the time and energy into rasing so many kids. I'm sure a lot of us fellow parents applaud you for you efforts. It can be tough sometimes.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Great congratulations. What a joy.

You are just ahead of me. I was thinking the Kelty baby carrier looked very good at a good price.

If you want to know what you need, look at what the natives of your area did. If you need to change situations, you'll be ahead. Cradleboards and leather wraps come to mind, being tough and broadly useful. A bear or buffalo (or sheep) fur to sleep and play on.

You're talking about leaving home. With that many children it would be near-impossible. You well-know what gear it takes to get to the grocer's. But there is one way: you need a bike trailer. That would work for baby, and for the rest as well. There are so many kinds, you'll have to decide yourself, but it's something that will be useful when baby's grown too. Rev has the right idea: if it snows there, a sled as your hard-case with canoe-cartwheels would be ideal. How to attach...but I think of you like the VonTrapp family fleeing the troubles in matching bicycles, singing songs.

...Especially considering the way things are going. We may have a lot more biking and walking the donkey to town in our future.

TS

BTW, native "formula" was based on black walnuts. Might be worth finding a recipe, jik.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Nothing to add here other than another "Congratulations!"

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

I had a backpack carrier for 2 of my 3. Couldn't tell you who made it, but it was worth every penny. It had a pack frame, which held the baby off my back, completely suspended. Ensured that the baby didn't smother like can happen in the soft types. It also had an extra feature, of fold out legs, which let it stand on it's own. Great as a travel feeding chair, etc. As they got older, they could get their feet on the legs and stand up, to see past me. I easily carried a 30lbs child in mine for hours at a time hiking.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

When my kids were young there was no such thing as a pack or sling. We just put a choke chain on 'em and drug 'em along. :party30:

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

I bet they learned to walk rather quickly.

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Congrats to you and your whole family!

If you don't know about homeopathy, it is a good healthcare system to be knowledgeable about. Especially Hylands Teething remedy, and maybe the one for Colic. Bach's Flower Remedies also are great. If you go to a healthfood store, look for Kent's Repertory or Materia Medica an browse a bit if you have time. (When does a mother of 4, soon to be 5, ever have time for browsing?) Try anyway.

Seriously, homeopathics and herbal remedies are worth investigating if you don't have familiarity with them already. Also, since you are Mormon, are you guys storing food? Esther Dickey wrote Passport to Survival using basic 4 storage and likely you can find a copy to borrow, maybe at your library if the book is still not reprinted.

Good food will promote good health for your whole family. Just some ideas.
God bless you guys!

Re: I'm knocked up, time to think about baby preps again.
 

Nothing like a little motivation. :D