To buy an IPad with Baby Money

[Jsa1980]

My mother has kindly given me £1,500 to buy things for my impending arrival. I've worked out I can do it for far less than that, I've offered to give the remainder back but but she will not accept it.

AIBU to buy an iPad with the difference?

[HeadlessForHalloween]

I'd get it. When you become a mother you will never put yourself first ever again at least that's how it feels

[MrsDimples]

Definitely get the newer version full size or mini, to future proof.

My DD was proficient enough on iPhones at 12months to press the home key and do the swipe and access her apps. It may only be yours for a very short time [hwink]

[MrsDimples]

Buyer the cheaper end iPad.

Easy Internet access on the iPad can be a great means of contact with the outside world. They're also great for reading in bed with the lights off if Baby is sleeping in the same room as you.

As baby gets older their are tons of apps to keep them amused.

Not to mention films, TV player etc for both of you.

Buy a stand to be able to prop the pad up like a book stand / small TV and a decent case that protects it from drops & spills etc.

[TwickOrTweasels]

If you plan to breastfeed I honestly think it's essential. DH couldn't sleep when I kept watching DVD's during the night whilst feeding and I'd exhausted all my comedy box sets so we used some Tesco clubcard vouchers, some Christamas money off PIL and a little bit of our savings and bought the cheapest one.

I would honestly say it was solely responsible for me being able to breast feed happily for so long.

However, if you're planning to FF, get one anyway, no excuse needed. Great for really fast Internet access when you need emergency MN advice about why the baby is crying/feeding too much/too little/being sick/driving you up the fucking wall etc etc.

Go on get one, I dares you

[WileyRoadRunner]

I want to say YABU but deep down I know I would go and get the iPad .

[ShiftyFades]

Must confess that my iPhone was a life saver when doing the night feeds but remember that those feeds are done with by 3-4 months in general

Waterbabies is £130 per term
Baby sensory was about £50/£60 a term
We also did tiny talk but my DS just moaned during so I gave it up after 2 terms at £x a term
Then there's JiggyWrigglers, Baby Gym etc etc.
I'd allow £200-£300 a term for classes if that interests you.

Waterbabies and Baby Sensory are definitely worth doing though.

That said, it seems you have a very generous support network so I'd be tempted to do something for yourself. I do think an iPhone is easier to hold / navigate than an iPad when feeding.... Invest in a pillow (forgotten the brand name )that you can wrap across your tummy and baby can lie on it to feed, that'll leave a free had to play use your iPad (resting on the arm of your sofa)

[larrygrylls]

I would ask your mother directly how she would feel about you spending some of the money on an Ipad. Money given between relatives is not as simple as earned or won money. It is often given with an intention in mind and that is a kind of implied conditionality. I know she does not want it back but she may have in the back of her mind you buying some beautiful clothes later on or a child savings' account. She might be a little surprised when you turn up with an ipad. On the other hand, she may be really happy that you can budget so well and find money to treat yourself. Only one way to find out...

[Mrsjay]

JSA i didnt think your baby would miss out or go without I just meant I am really Meh about I anything
Id just get a tablet that does the same thing but isn't so expensive

((awaits the apple lovers to beat me to a pulp )

[flossy101]

If money isn't really an issue I'd get an iPad, I love mine. The baby classes are a good idea, I pay £130 for a term at water babies so it is quite expensive

[Nancyclancy]

I'd buy one. Not necessarily an iPad 3 but and iPad 1 or 2!

[Jsa1980]

Mrsjay - I am going to get a second hand one so will be cheaper anyway.

My baby will not be going without.

[Mrsjay]

YABVU put the rest of the money away for the baby or get a Tablet that is a but cheaper but I have no interest in I anything so it wouldnt be a priority ,

[Geekster]

Get your iPad and enjoy it. I got one for my 40th birthday when dd was four months old and it's been a godsend can check my e mails read my books have lots of lists of what I need to do. Type on mumsnet it's great I was umming and ahhing but I wouldn't be without it. I can pick it up for five minutes when I get the chance. Enjoy it while you have some time!

[Jsa1980]

Tablet it is then. Thank you for not making me feel too guilty. I've never had a gift like this before. Can't wait for maternity leave so I can do some research. Will be second hand though.

Hopefully the OH will be okay with it!

[notjustastateofmind]

YANBU

Your mum kindly gave you money. Therefore, the money is now yours to do with as you wish.
The fact that she doesn't want the excess back suggests she doesn't mind you treating yourself.

Go on, treat yourself!!

[TeacupTempest]

iPad has been perfect for helping to pass hours of feeding and holding sleeping DD

[PatronSaintOfDucks]

If you are anticipating being skint in the near future - obviously put the money aside. If not and if you could have done just as well without your mother's gift, then the iPad is not a bad investment in the very near future (within two years), and especially if you plan to travel long distances.

I was on a few long-distance flights with my toddler DS and thanks to the iPad the other air passengers snoozed undisturbed. There are also tons of educational programmes for toddlers you can download on iPad. And it is a bit more robust and less easily destructible than a computer.

[systemsaddict]

yy definitely get the iPad (or a tablet of some kind after some fun shopping around!), how else are you going to manage to consult MN for advice in those early days when you're trapped on the sofa feeding? It's an essential I reckon!

[BeyondLimitsOfTheLivingDead]

Ahh, methinks this is a stealth boast that your mum is giving your baby £3k

[GoldenPeppermintCreams]

In your circumstances, I'd get a "family ipad".

An ipad would have been very handy to have in the early days/months when I was stuck on the sofa feeding the baby. Keeping in touch with the outside world, watching stuff on the iplayer, and asking random questions to mumsnet! I had to make do with my big toe and the laptop mousepad....

As the mum of a 4 year old and auntie to a 2 year old, they are fantastic for keeping them entertained and educating them in a fun, easy, and portable way.

You (and baby) will really get your money's worth over the next few years.

[TenMinutesLate]

Order one immediately!!!
If you didn't have savings or you were struggling then yes, it would be rather silly however, your Mum wants to treat you, everything else is taken care of and the next year seems pretty set, do it!
Enjoy x

[TheCunningStunt]

The iPad mini is out next week I think? You can pre order it. I wish I had my iPad when my kids were younger. They both play on it now. It has paid for itself in many ways.

[mrsscoob]

That's fine then, what are you worried about! You are just as important as the baby, happy mum = happy baby. It would be fab for those late nights up breast feeding. Wish I had one then!

[blackcurrants]

I say Yes to a tablet but also you DO want a one-handed one really, something smaller than the ipad. I didn't have my galaxy when DS was born but will be using it endlessly (kindle app, newspaper apps) when DS2 is born in Dec. They are great toddler educational tools too - if you can really spare the money, a tablet isn't a bad plan at all, but don't leap for the ipad just because it's apple/the one you've heard of / most expensive. Many others really are as good or better for your needs.