Wednesday, April 23, 2008

I aim to be GREEN

I like to think I am an eco conscious person, and I have committed this year to reduce my carbon footprint by taking my own bags to the grocery store and keeping an eye on my consumerism, meaning I don't like to just buy STUFF. I don't have room for it and frankly I don't need it. But with a baby on the way, everyone is constantly asking me if I have started buying this infamous STUFF. The answer is no. I have not purchased one baby item. No clothes, no stroller, no crib... nothing. I keep asking myself, "How much does this kid really need?" Cameron and I joke all the time that he doesn't really need a bed because he can sleep in a drawer. He won't know the difference as long as it's comfortable. However, I understand that there are certain things this child is going to need once he changes his residence from the womb to the world, but how am I supposed to know what those things are beforehand? Sure, there are lists all over the internet of "Baby Basics," but I am a minimalist, and I think I can get away with not having a lot of that miscellaneous STUFF. I don't want to have a repeat of the wedding registry where you register for stuff you think you need or want only to discover that you don't really have room for it or don't need it and have to return it. A dilemma...

I want this...

because it's made of solid hardwood and is convertible to a toddler bed and a day bed. It also has that handy bookshelf on the end, which could double as Nairn's dresser if I throw some handy baskets on it. It's also $350. That's the hurdle. But I am a proponent of buying quality furniture. I don't really like IKEA and I don't support WalMart.

But this one is $150 less...

Still classy and manly enough, but it's not convertible and it is made out of hardwood and veneers, which could mean that only 10% of it is made of hardwood. However, JC Penney will plant 10 trees if I purchase this crib. I am tempted by the tree planting but wary about the quality and functionality. Dilemma.

And there is the most important item...

This is almost more important than the bed. I have done research on jogging strollers for months, asked people in the park who have them while running what their thoughts are and combed the internet for reviews. Since I only want one stroller (maybe one of those cheap portable ones will have to accompany), I need the most functional and versatile stroller on the market that can hold up to the amount of running I do. This stroller is the 2008 BOB Revolution. It's one of the best jogging strollers on the market. Why do I like it? The seat reclines to 70% and has a locking swivel wheel in the front, which means it can turn if walking on the street and then I lock it for more stable running. The price tag on this baby is about $350. Nairn is getting increasingly more expensive.

Now for this list of other things like diapers, bottles, pillows, toys, clothes, burp rags, blankets, etc. Yikes. How am I supposed to know? I have never done this before and the last thing I want is a house full of stuff Nairn doesn't really need. Am I crazy?

8 comments:

Marci + Dan said...

No. You are not one bit crazy. I think the stroller and convertible bed (which will save you in the long run from buying a toddler bed) will be a good investment. Plus...both are pretty good looking.

Tristen said...

NOT crazy! Go with the perfect bed and stroller... almost everything else really is optional or not important! We're in a tiny apartment so we've had to keep things minimal so I'm right with you! But our stroller is my best and favorite item in the world-- do not go for anything that doesn't have a locking swivel wheel and/or reclining seats. Except that we ended up buying one at Target with these features and I've run miles and miles and miles with it no problem-- it seems to be as good as the BOB ones... Anyways, good luck!!

Beth, Cody, Morgan, Pepper, Hazel said...

You'll be amazed at how much stuff a baby can collect that are necessities. NYC provides a unique challenge to having a baby and keeping things to a minimum. My suggestion to figuring out what to do is just ask other mothers here in the City. If enough people use something or reccomend something, there's probably a reason. We're here to help you!

whitney williams said...

i think the Crib and a good stroller are always a good investment and worth spending a little more on for good quality...after all you will probably use them for a few years and they need to be able to take a good beating. When Syd was a baby I had a jeep stroller that had a front wheel that locked and swiveled, and the seat reclined almost all the way down...it was the BEST stroller! Check it out, it was only $119.00 ( 31/2 yrs ago) Also the best burp rags Ever are the cloth diapers. They soak up the best and they are large enough that you can use it all day instead of using 3 or more!

Rebecca Smylie said...

I say don't buy anything--stuff will come your way. Also--on the jogger. KMart sells one for $99--and it's getting really good reviews. You may be too much of a runner so that investing in a nicer one is worth it, but even the consumer reports on this aren't bad. Check it out.

Sarah Jane said...

I want to know where you saw that awesome crib with the shelves? I'm sold.

familia Bybaran said...

Cool stroller. I have the Phil and Ted's, which is a great jogger and a double too and it works for us now, but it's very heavy. I love the crib,. Very pretty. Really though, there isn't that much gear you need for a long time. Cyra didn't have a real crib until she was almost two and we got one used from Craigslist. She slept in a pack n'play forever because that was all that would fit in my closet--and that's a whole different story. I like the items you selected though. I also love the G-diapers. I hear they are wonderful.

Tiffany said...

You know you need to register for a baby shower and send it out to all of yoyur friends. Let everyone else buy the "stuff" for you and you can return it if you don't end up needing it. My motto is better to be over prepared, than not enough. I had to learn that the hard way:)