Next stupid question for STMs, did you guys use drool/suck pads for your baby carriers (Ergo, Lillebaby, etc.)? I'm trying to decide if I should pick up these drool pads that are on clearance near me for $8 a set. It does not come with the bib though, just the drool pad for the straps.
@Twinkiedoll I apply Darwin's theory to the washing of stuffed animals..."survival of the fittest." If it doesn't make it through the wash, it wasn't meant to be.
ETA: I dry the really furry ones on low in a pillow case. Same theory applies.
@chiquita928 That's a good rule. I have a weird sentimental attachment to a few of them. DH got them for me during a date or for some other occasion. Maybe those get handwashed, and the rest get thrown into the washer with my fingers crossed.
Next stupid question for STMs, did you guys use drool/suck pads for your baby carriers (Ergo, Lillebaby, etc.)? I'm trying to decide if I should pick up these drool pads that are on clearance near me for $8 a set. It does not come with the bib though, just the drool pad for the straps.
DS has always just sucked/drooled all over our carrier straps (we had a Bjorn then an Ergo; also a Money but he wasn't in the sucking stage when we switched from that). Which maybe means the pads would have been good, but... meh. I don't know what the bib is that you're referencing, though.
Next stupid question for STMs, did you guys use drool/suck pads for your baby carriers (Ergo, Lillebaby, etc.)? I'm trying to decide if I should pick up these drool pads that are on clearance near me for $8 a set. It does not come with the bib though, just the drool pad for the straps.
I bought drool pads for my Ergo 360 and never really needed it- my son NEVER drooled. Through every tooth coming in he never drooled. Nowy friends son was a huge drooler and she'd have a bib on him 24/7 that she'd have to change numerous times a day. In her case she would have really benefited from them but in my case I didn't need it. Maybe for this baby though!
Long story short- id definitely get them, they're only $8 and not the end of the world if your baby's not a huge drooler.
@Twinkiedoll My mom's washer has a steam setting (it came with their house), that we have used on things like pillows and the dog bed. It doesn't beat up the fabric/batting as much as a wash cycle and seems to get out more of the stink than traditional washing. Since this is the first grandbaby we haven't tried any stuffed animals, and it might be too hot for that type of fabric, but it's something to explore. Maybe ask around to see if any of your friends/family have one? Or see if there is a laundromat or drycleaner that does?
@chiquita928 I love this! We apply this rule to our stuff animals as well @Potterphile , washing machine and dryer has never ruined any of our animals! Not yet anyway!
@Twinkiedoll We got a Teddy Needs a Bath zipper bag that's for cleaning stuffed animals in the washing machine. We have a few bears that we're particularly attached to and were nervous about washing.
@Twinkiedoll I didn't need suck pads for DS but I would have for DD. I didn't even know they were a thing when I had her, I was a blind FTM, I knew nothing until I found TB when I got KTFU with DS.
@twinkiedoll how funny - I have been looking at suck pads (such a strange term) the last few days because DH really wanted a camo baby carrier, but I couldn't find one. So I registered for an olive/army green tula and will get camo suck pads from etsy for him lol.
@PurplePumpernickel The box of stuffed animals were in the garage for a long time, and we had a rat problem last year. I spotted a few rat droppings in the box while I was unpacking them, which is why I want to wash them first.
@MrsLa3 I didn't know what suck pads were either until I kept seeing people selling their carriers on Craigslist with suck pads. I hadn't seen anyone mention it here before so I wasn't sure if they were necessary.
Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. I bought a couple of sets because someone on FB was selling discontinued prints for cheap ($8/pair).
TIL we're supposed to wash stuffed animals before giving them to our babies. Whoops.
+1
stuck in the box. How important is this? I am not sure if I should go all out and be sterilizing my entire home and everything the babies will come in contact with, or if there is some kind of benefit to a little bit of germy-ness. FTM confusion.
TIL we're supposed to wash stuffed animals before giving them to our babies. Whoops.
+1
stuck in the box. How important is this? I am not sure if I should go all out and be sterilizing my entire home and everything the babies will come in contact with, or if there is some kind of benefit to a little bit of germy-ness. FTM confusion.
I didn't wash new stuffed animals. But I did wash any hrd plaatic toys that would potentially go in his mouth. Especially things that were exposed in the packaging and could have been touched by a million grimy hands by the time they made it to my house. For the most part baby toys are easy to wash. Get a cage for your dishwasher and you can clean pretty much anything that way.
STM+ I stopped nursing DS last Thursday so it's been 6 days- how long does it take for your milk to dry up? Will I feel the engorgement or anything after nursing for 22 months but got it down to once or twice a day? How do I know when my milk has dried up?
Stupid but necessary question: is there like a diagram or a graph or some sort of illustration that I can look at that details how many of each kind/size onesies, sleepers, etc. I need for LO as a FTM?? I am a list-maker and with things like this, it really helps to physically see a list or a graph that says how much I need to have. I was basically losing my mind in Carters yesterday because they have a huge sale going on, but I couldn't get past the first rack because I was wondering if my July newborn would even get to wear this newborn sized, long-sleeved sleeper. I am clueless when it comes to baby clothes. And I need to start a list of what I have and see what I need to buy. (Not including shower gifts because those are extra in my opinion.)
ETA that this makes me sound like a crazy person....so maybe I am. I just really need a list haha.
STM+ I stopped nursing DS last Thursday so it's been 6 days- how long does it take for your milk to dry up? Will I feel the engorgement or anything after nursing for 22 months but got it down to once or twice a day? How do I know when my milk has dried up?
I stopped at 20 months, and it took my boobs a week to stop hurting a lot, and two weeks to feel totally normal. I didn't feel engorged the way I did when DS was younger and I was producing more milk, just more sore/pain. (Not unbearable but not pleasant.) No idea when the milk actually dried up.
It also took DS a full month to stop asking to nurse. Check out the June 15 thread on weaning, if I am remembering correctly where that helpful thread is.
I also stopped around 20 weeks. I guess I should have remembered so I could mark it as a milstone, but it was definitely 2 months ago. DS didn't ask bc he only nursed at night and finally started STTN (2.5 yo) my boobs still feel engorged. I figured it was pregnancy, they don't hurt and they leak but I know there's no milk.
Stupid but necessary question: is there like a diagram or a graph or some sort of illustration that I can look at that details how many of each kind/size onesies, sleepers, etc. I need for LO as a FTM?? I am a list-maker and with things like this, it really helps to physically see a list or a graph that says how much I need to have. I was basically losing my mind in Carters yesterday because they have a huge sale going on, but I couldn't get past the first rack because I was wondering if my July newborn would even get to wear this newborn sized, long-sleeved sleeper. I am clueless when it comes to baby clothes. And I need to start a list of what I have and see what I need to buy. (Not including shower gifts because those are extra in my opinion.)
ETA that this makes me sound like a crazy person....so maybe I am. I just really need a list haha.
+1 I actually asked my sister and best friend this question. I have some clothes for her from NB up to 12m already. I remember my sister had 10 sleepers for her daughter so I've run on that assumption, for laundry sake. You won't need too much NB because they grow out of it so fast. That said, I'm looking for input on this as well from STM's. Great question!
@kat0607 I myself was looking for lists (like minimal lists!) and I could send you one! my sister basically told me to be careful about what I buy, rather than the quantities because she ended up getting some 6 month sized gorgeous winter jackets as presents but her baby was 6 months in the summer, if that makes sense? So also keep in mind that if you like something bigger for later on it's season appropriate aswell. Also ive only gotten gowns, they are easier to fit into whether baby is small or big and last longer for that reason:)
Stupid but necessary question: is there like a diagram or a graph or some sort of illustration that I can look at that details how many of each kind/size onesies, sleepers, etc. I need for LO as a FTM?? I am a list-maker and with things like this, it really helps to physically see a list or a graph that says how much I need to have. I was basically losing my mind in Carters yesterday because they have a huge sale going on, but I couldn't get past the first rack because I was wondering if my July newborn would even get to wear this newborn sized, long-sleeved sleeper. I am clueless when it comes to baby clothes. And I need to start a list of what I have and see what I need to buy. (Not including shower gifts because those are extra in my opinion.)
ETA that this makes me sound like a crazy person....so maybe I am. I just really need a list haha.
It's so unpredictable. I think it's important (especially if you're a type A personality) to just come to terms with the fact that you CAN NOT plan this perfectly. There will be things the baby never wears. Things that only get worn once. There will be times that you realize you don't have enough in a certain size/season and you'll go shopping and maybe miss sales. Just decide now that you are not going to stress over that stuff. Buy stuff you like. Don't buy stuff you don't like. Then release it to the universe. It'll all work out.
@stokesm21@BusyZee glad I'm not the only one who has been freaking out over this minor detail haha.
@AdaByron thank you for the reality check. You're so right, and my problem is that I'm such a control freak. It kills me to think I'll buy something and have it go unused, but I have a feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stuff like that.
@kat0607 I myself was looking for lists (like minimal lists!) and I could send you one! my sister basically told me to be careful about what I buy, rather than the quantities because she ended up getting some 6 month sized gorgeous winter jackets as presents but her baby was 6 months in the summer, if that makes sense? So also keep in mind that if you like something bigger for later on it's season appropriate aswell. Also ive only gotten gowns, they are easier to fit into whether baby is small or big and last longer for that reason:)
People are dumb. Who buys someone a winter jacket without doing the math?! Haha! My sister can't give me her daughter's clothing solely because she was a winter baby and mine will be straight up summer. Now that winter has (finally!) winded down I've been hitting up the clearance racks for stuff for my LO for next winter. I'm still careful with sizes though because you never know how big/small they are going to be. Regardless, even if they don't fit I will have no problem selling stuff on local FB groups.
@kat0607 As @stokesm21 mentioned, another complicating factor is knowing what size your LO will be in during any given season and for how long. Mine was in 12 month clothes at 6 months (so you can imagine how quickly he was blazing through the sizes prior to that) but has slowed way down now. At almost 15 months he wears some 12 month stuff, some 18, and even some 24 if it runs really small.
I think @AdaByron gave great advice. My other suggestion is to join your local mom FB group and keep your eyes peeled for when moms sell lots of clothing in a certain size. You can spend a LOT less and then it's less frustrating if LO does grow out of it quickly. There may be some items among the used stuff that you like more than others, of course. As someone whose entire baby wardrobe has been used (mostly hand me downs) you just get used to having some favorites and some things they wear when you need to do laundry
@kat0607 this really depends on how often you do laundry, how often baby spits up all over themselves and how fast they grow. My case is more extreme but DS spit up constantly and we went through a ton of clothes and a ton of laundry. The amount of NB and 0-3 month clothes I had was insane but that's because we went through 5 outfits a day minimum and he stayed in 0-3 month for quite awhile.
@stokesm21@BusyZee glad I'm not the only one who has been freaking out over this minor detail haha.
@AdaByron thank you for the reality check. You're so right, and my problem is that I'm such a control freak. It kills me to think I'll buy something and have it go unused, but I have a feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stuff like that.
Definitely just the tip of the iceburg. We actually were really fortunate to have a friend give us a TON of hand-me-down clothes. They decided they were done having kids and ready to purge, and just sent us everything. I didn't have to buy a single thing up to 12 months. I was so grateful. So that made it a lot easier to swallow when he would grow out of things that he never got to wear. I also hope to be able to pay it forward to someone else when we're done with it, so it feel like less of a waste to think someday I'll be able to give everything to a friend instead of just donating it all to goodwill or something.
On the topic of quantities- any suggestions on number/size of bottles to buy and register for? For context, I am hoping to breastfeed and pump. The baby will start daycare around 12 weeks when I return to work. I currently have 3 5oz bottles and 3 8oz bottles on my registry, but I know I need more. Also, should I hold off on buying a ton of bottles until the baby arrives in case it prefers one brand over the other?
On the topic of quantities- any suggestions on number/size of bottles to buy and register for? For context, I am hoping to breastfeed and pump. The baby will start daycare around 12 weeks when I return to work. I currently have 3 5oz bottles and 3 8oz bottles on my registry, but I know I need more. Also, should I hold off on buying a ton of bottles until the baby arrives in case it prefers one brand over the other?
This is what I was told (from my sisters who are all moms). Some babies are picky. I registered for a few different brands (Dr. Brown, Avent, Como Tomo) and will just buy more of whichever baby ends up liking.
On the topic of quantities- any suggestions on number/size of bottles to buy and register for? For context, I am hoping to breastfeed and pump. The baby will start daycare around 12 weeks when I return to work. I currently have 3 5oz bottles and 3 8oz bottles on my registry, but I know I need more. Also, should I hold off on buying a ton of bottles until the baby arrives in case it prefers one brand over the other?
I would hold off. In the beginning (at like 3 weeks) the baby will only drink about 2 ounces at a time and you can start by trying the little test tube looking bottles that you can pump into. Then when you need bigger ones, you can experiment with what works best for you. I only ever needed 4 bottles per day at daycare, so I think we had 8 total so I could pack one set for the next day while the other set was in the dishwasher. The 5 oz bottles will probably be big enough for a long time. And then when you switch to the larger bottles, you may only need 3 each day, and at that point you'll be ready to pack up the small ones and put them away.
Also, I've heard lots of people say they struggled to find a bottle their kid would take, but mine had no trouble at all. I think I could have given him a different bottle every day and he wouldn't care. He switched from breast to bottle with no issues, from BM to formula, from formula to cows milk, he never cared. He just liked to eat. So you never know how it'll work out and IMO (aside from saving money using your registry completion coupon) there's just no point in cluttering up your space with a bunch of bottles yet.
@kat0607 I'm a fellow ftm and list maker. I've been told to start with 8-10 each of pj's and daytime outfits in each size. If you are buying tops and bottoms separate, get twice as many tops. If not, stick with the 8-10 outfits and grab some neutral onesies. This is a good stash if you can do laundry 2x per week. You'll need more if laundry is less accessible to you, or your baby is prone to extra spit up or poo-splosions. Also get weather appropriate stuff (a few hats either sun or cold, some sweaters and a jacket/bunting for winter, etc).
@oheliza44 I will be the same as you (BF at night, pump for daycare). I was told 8-12 bottles, which allows some to be pumped into and some to be at daycare. This will require a daily load of dishes, so get more if you want a different schedule. But, these are better purchased once baby arrives, so they can voice their preferences on different bottles and nipples. I nannied twins and they each needed different brands and would spit up, cry, refuse to eat, and get indigestion if you reversed them - not fun! Their subsequent younger sibling needed a third brand. Baby 4 in that family was chill and took any of the now many brands that the family had in their arsenal.
I have a big dumb question... if I have a bigger baby is there a decent chance that I'll skip newborn clothes all together? I know everyone says to only buy a few things, but I'm wondering if there are some babies that can fit into 0-3 months at birth... any STMs+ skip the newborn clothing phase?
@kat0607 Also remember... Amazon exists! If you are in the unlikely situation of "WE HAVE NO CLOTHES THAT THE BABY LIKES/THAT FIT HER," you can always order stuff online and have it within a day or two. I totally understand the fear though. I'm the same way. I have a list of all the clothes I have bought already and aimed to have about the number of outfits @optbaby2017 described. It was based on advice in a much earlier thread. But there are all these questions, like what if she needs this kind of swaddle vs that kind? Those can only be answered with time. Just get a couple of the things they're most likely to need and trust the online shopping gods to cover your rear if you end up needing something that you don't have.
I have a big dumb question... if I have a bigger baby is there a decent chance that I'll skip newborn clothes all together? I know everyone says to only buy a few things, but I'm wondering if there are some babies that can fit into 0-3 months at birth... any STMs+ skip the newborn clothing phase?
I have heard a ton of people say their baby skipped NB clothes. But my son was 8 pound 6 ounces, and the NB outfit I bought for his first pictures was kinda big on him. Seems like it would have to be a REALLY big baby to go straight from 0-3 but maybe it has to do with different brands being sized differently.
I have a big dumb question... if I have a bigger baby is there a decent chance that I'll skip newborn clothes all together? I know everyone says to only buy a few things, but I'm wondering if there are some babies that can fit into 0-3 months at birth... any STMs+ skip the newborn clothing phase?
I have heard a ton of people say their baby skipped NB clothes. But my son was 8 pound 6 ounces, and the NB outfit I bought for his first pictures was kinda big on him. Seems like it would have to be a REALLY big baby to go straight from 0-3 but maybe it has to do with different brands being sized differently.
I think it can depend on the brand too... All the brands are slightly difference sizes in my experience. My kids weren't big, both 7 lb + at birth and only lasted in new born for a few weeks at most. I had new born onesies and then outfits that people bought in size NB but I think I easily could have just used a few onesies and maybe some sleepers in NB to last me those first few weeks. Most of the clothes we bought were 0-3 months.
@lanie1000 my son was 8 pounds 19 inches and he wore his one newborn outfit for maybe 30 minutes. My daughter was 8 pounds 13 ounces and 21 inches long and the only newborn item she had were some zip up pajamas. Both of my kids were at an awkward in between stage for a couple of weeks where newborn onesies would have been too tight but 0-3 were pretty big. I prefer to have the bigger clothes though so we skipped newborn with both and will do the same for this baby. Keep in mind that different brands sizes run differently as well too. I know the Gerber brand at Walmart always ran big when compared to the others.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
Re: Big Dumb Questions Thread
Next stupid question for STMs, did you guys use drool/suck pads for your baby carriers (Ergo, Lillebaby, etc.)? I'm trying to decide if I should pick up these drool pads that are on clearance near me for $8 a set. It does not come with the bib though, just the drool pad for the straps.
ETA: I dry the really furry ones on low in a pillow case. Same theory applies.
I don't know what the bib is that you're referencing, though.
Long story short- id definitely get them, they're only $8 and not the end of the world if your baby's not a huge drooler.
Thanks, everyone, for the feedback. I bought a couple of sets because someone on FB was selling discontinued prints for cheap ($8/pair).
ETA that this makes me sound like a crazy person....so maybe I am. I just really need a list haha.
It also took DS a full month to stop asking to nurse. Check out the June 15 thread on weaning, if I am remembering correctly where that helpful thread is.
Congrats on weaning/nursing so long!
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Also ive only gotten gowns, they are easier to fit into whether baby is small or big and last longer for that reason:)
@AdaByron thank you for the reality check. You're so right, and my problem is that I'm such a control freak. It kills me to think I'll buy something and have it go unused, but I have a feeling this is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to stuff like that.
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
I think @AdaByron gave great advice. My other suggestion is to join your local mom FB group and keep your eyes peeled for when moms sell lots of clothing in a certain size. You can spend a LOT less and then it's less frustrating if LO does grow out of it quickly. There may be some items among the used stuff that you like more than others, of course. As someone whose entire baby wardrobe has been used (mostly hand me downs) you just get used to having some favorites and some things they wear when you need to do laundry
Also, I've heard lots of people say they struggled to find a bottle their kid would take, but mine had no trouble at all. I think I could have given him a different bottle every day and he wouldn't care. He switched from breast to bottle with no issues, from BM to formula, from formula to cows milk, he never cared. He just liked to eat. So you never know how it'll work out and IMO (aside from saving money using your registry completion coupon) there's just no point in cluttering up your space with a bunch of bottles yet.
@oheliza44 I will be the same as you (BF at night, pump for daycare). I was told 8-12 bottles, which allows some to be pumped into and some to be at daycare. This will require a daily load of dishes, so get more if you want a different schedule. But, these are better purchased once baby arrives, so they can voice their preferences on different bottles and nipples. I nannied twins and they each needed different brands and would spit up, cry, refuse to eat, and get indigestion if you reversed them - not fun! Their subsequent younger sibling needed a third brand. Baby 4 in that family was chill and took any of the now many brands that the family had in their arsenal.
Married: 05/26/2012
DS Born Happy and Healthy via C-section: 10/04/2013
Natural M/C: 07/08/2014
DD Born Happy and Healthy via Emergency C-section: 06/30/2015
BFP #4: 11/15/2016
EDD: 7/27/2017