Need Advice for Baby Gear for 8 Mos-18 Mos

We have found the portable booster chair to be a life-saver, though I don't know if you'll be in an area where it's a pertinent for you. The one we have is from either Target or Wal-Mart (I can't remember) and fold up like a very small camp-style chair. It's been so valuable, both at home and on trips, because DS is contained in his seat even when there isn't a high chair available.

Hi K.,
Well, from about 8 months old on....your son will be more active....crawling around and eventually walking. Some of the baby gear I would recommend are:
1. baby proofing items (e.g. outlet covers, latches for cabinets, etc.)
2. durable stroller
3. high chair/portable high chair (e.g. ones that can attach to a regular chair)
4. forward facing carseat (I'm assuming you already have an infant car seat)
5. possibly a crib?
6. consider diapers and wipes?
7. sippy cups
Those are what come to mind right now. I will let you know if I think of anything else that might be useful.

J. :)

Hi K.,

Are you planning to buy a bulk of your baby items and have them shipped to South Africa?

Here are my suggestions:

1. short sleeve and long sleeve onesies (I don't know how much your baby weighs but my daughter is in the 75th percentile and I've always had to buy clothes that are at least 6 months larger.) There is a Carters in Colma (next to Target) that sell packs of onesies for a reasonable price.

2. light weight and thicker outfits to suit whatever weather you might encounter (various sizes)

3. sippy cups, training utensils, bowls, and plates (this is a really great set: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2729190) I bought several "expensive" sippy cups and my daughter didn't even bother with it.

4. snack traps (to help them learn to feed themselves) http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3502507

5. booster seat (I chose to buy a booster seat instead of high chair to save space. Plus you can bring the booster seat to restaurants or friend's home.)
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2861764

6. books and toys (for the plane ride and for your new home)

7. light weight and fleece sleep saks, various sizes

8. hat, sunscreen

I don't know exactly where you're moving to but another option is to order online. Good luck with your move. Take care!

I think most important would be to have his carseat for that phase before you go, as well as a stroller you like ...maybe some clothes staples and blankets too.

don't forget teething utinsels and walking toys, like jumpers and the stage after that; the walker; high chairs aren't completely necessary but it helps; 8-18 months is all about toys and learning new things so find educational stuff; like blocks with letters; and games; its a learning phase so anything exciting new and not too complicated would be great; and i personally think "your baby can read" is a great program you might want to check out; good luck

My husband and I lived in Bulgaria and Egypt for 2 1/2 years before we had kids and were able to find nearly everything we needed there (even North American brand name stuff), and I am guessing that will be the same for you if you know where to look. Talk to people who live where you will be going to see what is available. English Language stuff was hard for us to come by- music and books, especially. For your little guy, I would take a stash of good childrens' stories that you don't mind reading over and over again! My kids both liked Clifford at a young age (and still do), and also the toddler versions of the Dr. Suess books. I would also suggest a food grinder and maybe a little stash of convenient purreed foods until you get the hang of shopping locally and all that. Depending on where you live, a stroller might be a big waste. Sidewalks aren't always even (if they exist), and some foreign elevators are too tiny for anything more than an umbrella stroller if they have an elevator and not just stairs. A sling or back-pack style carrier would be good to have.

Happy travels!

Hey K.,
I must say, you are smart to get your items together before you go. I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for awhile and that is probably one of the cities in S. America where you'd find the most supply of items you would need for a baby. I personally did not have kids at the time, but you are correct in that in general, the quality of items are not the same as what you will get here. And, if you are in places like Equador, Uruguay, etc., even finding items maybe tough much less quality!
I have a feeling you will find you won't need as much as you think as South Americans are not such consumers like Americans are and they make do without all the "stuff." You will probably take on that attitude onece living there as my husband and I did. Good luck and enjoy S. America!

I love my Ergo. I use it for both of my children (one at a time!), 5 months and 22 months. I got mine at Tiny Tots Boutique in Campbell.
And a Carseat and Travel High Chair.
Enjoy your time in South America.

Dear K.: I was wondering - is there a way you could connect with a Mom in the area where you're relocating? Perhaps she could help provide some intel on what is actually available in South America and provide feedback on what the stuff is really like. My family has moved several times overseas and back, and freaking out about what you won't have puts a lot of unneeded stress on everyone. Also, if you buy all your stuff now, it just means there's more stuff to lug around. There have been plenty of times we brought stuff and the place we moved into doesn't have room or the right space for the item. Tricky! Finally, every baby is so different, I've found that most other women's "must have" items lists didn't really correspond to exactly what my baby liked. They're so individual. :) Best of luck!

There are plenty of rich people in South America, and they manage to buy "good quality" stuff, so find out where the rich shop. You're not moving to the wilds of Borneo.