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Is there any specific advice you would offer to first time parents that is specific to Charlotte?
What stores/resources do you use that are helpful? Blogs? What to look for in daycares?
Any budget saving tips for the area?
Any advice in general?
I appreciate it all! We aren't sure about due dates or anything like that - I just like to be prepared and to learn as much as I can before it's too late.
my wife signed us up for birthing classes at CMC. I wasn't a fan at first but the classes were great because you get to meet other first time parents and all kinds of questions are asked, answered, etc.
Consignment sales/shops seem to be pretty popular since you can often even find clothes that were never even worn.
Plan on using a lot of vacation/sick time after they start daycare since your kid will likely get sick at daycare and need to be sent home, and (likely similar to lot of the schools) daycares may close at the slightest hint of snow.
If you plan to use disposable diapers starting buying them right away. Buy different sizes. It will save you in the long run. Also buy wipes. Lots of wipes. You can also set up a shipment from Amazon for them as well. Join Amazon Mom.
I agree about the consignment sales and consignment shops. Especially for infants and toddlers.
You don't need a lot of stuff. Car seat (s), bases, stroller, pack n play (maybe 2. One for traveling and one for home in the living room make sure it has a changing station on it) and maybe a vibrating bouncy machine.
Daycares - I would look at turnover, sick policy and make sure the staff doesn't smoke. You should look up their inspection reports online and you can see if they have any infractions. Daycare's in NC are rated on a star system. 5 is the best and 1 not so good.
My advice...it's a wild ride. Enjoy it. Before you know it they are 8 and think they know it all.
Last edited by Riley09swb; 02-17-2016 at 07:49 AM..
One thing I was pleasantly surprised by was the niceness of the rooms in the hospital (IMO). Watching TV shows and stuff I always thought you had to share a room (unless you paid extra or something). We were at CMC University and everyone had their own rooms, complete with a couch/somewhat of a bed for the dad, refrigerator, TV, etc.
This is all great advice. Thank you. I welcome it all. I know having a kid isn't that big of a deal as far as an accomplishment (it happens all the time) but I'm just trying to learn as much as possible.
We live in an era of helicopter parenting and I'm more old school as far as not sweating the small stuff, but know that I will never have as much rest and energy as I do now compared to when the little bugger is waking me up every couple of hours.
Is CMC Main better than Presbyterian as far as facilities for delivery?
Any local resources/stores/consignments/any vendors that you recommend?
This is all great advice. Thank you. I welcome it all. I know having a kid isn't that big of a deal as far as an accomplishment (it happens all the time) but I'm just trying to learn as much as possible.
We live in an era of helicopter parenting and I'm more old school as far as not sweating the small stuff, but know that I will never have as much rest and energy as I do now compared to when the little bugger is waking me up every couple of hours.
Is CMC Main better than Presbyterian as far as facilities for delivery?
Any local resources/stores/consignments/any vendors that you recommend?
All is appreciated!
I delivered both kids at CMC-NE. I had my own room both times. I don't remember much about the facilities. I was only there for both kids for 48 hours each. You get woken up so often as the mother that you want to go home. I had a friend that had 2 of her kids at Presby and she really liked it. It all depends on where your OB has privileges.
I've been to Whimsical Wardrobe a few times. I've also been to the big consignment sale at the Cabarrus Arena. Some of them you have to pay to gain entry. If you volunteer you don't have to pay. Craigslist is a good place to get clothes and items used as well. I've sold many kid things on Craigslist.
There are a couple of baby stores. Buy Buy Baby and Babies R Us.
Consignment sales/shops seem to be pretty popular since you can often even find clothes that were never even worn.
Plan on using a lot of vacation/sick time after they start daycare since your kid will likely get sick at daycare and need to be sent home, and (likely similar to lot of the schools) daycares may close at the slightest hint of snow.
there is a church/school that has a consignment sale a few times a year in South Charlotte.
we got some great deals. paid $8 for a baby monitor. fancy swaddling blankets, diaper genie, etc...
I appreciate when family and friends buy my baby new clothes but it's really insane to pay $20 for an outfit they will wear a few times before they outgrow it.
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