(Prepping) to have a kid
At this stage, feeling like we're just in the mode of getting all the stuff required for kid-raising. There is always some new gadget to buy, some swaddle, bottle, or carrier that is the item to get.
Initially, I was still trying to get items second-hand, but with the sheer number of things to get, I'm defaulting to buying stuff new now, just cause it is just a click away, and I don't have to deal with non-responsive sellers, and worrying that the items are damaged in a way that make them unusable.
Getting stuff second-hand
One of the items I got 2nd-hand, was a newborn baby carrier (an Ergobaby Embrace), but ended up being soaked with a choking fragrance - seems like felt into an essential oil diffuser.
Definitely not experiencing and calming vibes from it. And I ended up spending quite a bit of time doing multiple washes, and reading up on home remedies online on how to remove smell (baking soda works wonders).
At this point, I want to grumble about the state of branded baby goods.
"Branded" goods
Seems like certain brands, or even specific items and models have become so well-reviewed and coveted by many to-be parents, that they sell for exorbitant prices - way more than what one should expect to pay.
True, some items truly had innovative features not seen in the competition, but some look pretty much the same.
Also, some items which people swear by, but look to be a modern suggestion - specialised detergents for baby bottles, baby washing powder for their clothes - basically just sticking the word “baby” in front brings up the price multi-fold.
Some advice from a friend who already has 2 kids, is to just buy all the items first, so that they are ready to use when you need them - make sense, and maybe I'll be so frazzled then, that lesser hurdles I have, the better.