I had a c-section, so that may be why I found
this so invaluable in the early days. Positioning DD for nursing was very
difficult in the first couple weeks because of incision pain. This pillow make
it SO much easier.
After we stopped BF, it still made bottle
feedings more comfortable.
When DD was too big for the smaller tummy time
propping pillows, we used the boppy pillow.
When DD was learning to sit up, this again
became very useful. She used it to prop herself at first, and then even after
she could sit independently I still put it around her because they still tip
back sometimes.
I found the swaddling blankets, even with
Velcro, to be totally useless. DD was a little Houdini and broke out of
everything, then her startle reflex woke her up. Finally a friend lent me one of
these sleep pods, and BAM she was sleeping 4-6 hours straight when she was 5
weeks old. (Yes, our pediatrician said it was fine for her to go that long
without feeding at night because she had healthy weight-gain.)
This just zippers up so baby’s arms are in the
sack. I used to position her arms so her little fingers just came out of the
collar because she liked it better that way.
Once baby can roll onto their stomach you’re
supposed to stop swaddling them. We transitioned to these sleeveless sleep
sacks after DD started rolling over.
They provide the same sort of comfort as a
swaddle, but allow their arms to be free in case they roll over.
DD is 18 months and still sleeps in one of these
in her cribs. I’m going to keep her in them until she transitions to a toddler
bed because inhibits her from crawling out of the crib.
Yes x1000 to the sleep sacks. Babies aren't supposed to go to bed with loose blankets/stuffed animals, etc so it's a safe way to keep them warm at night.
we also love the nose frida, there's a little filter at the end so you won't get boogers in your mouth.
We just used a bath towel in the sink until DD could sit up better in the tub, the bending over never really bothered us and she only got a real bath twice a week or so.
Baby face cloths; we are still using them to clean up after meals, more environmentally friendly than using disposable wipes for everything
boon bottle drying "grass". Even if you're breastfeeding it's a convenient (and cute) way to dry breast pump parts and when they're older sippy cups
items we skipped and don't regret: wipes warmer, bottle warmer, microwave bottle sterilizer (we exclusively breastfed though), baby bathtub, swaddle sacks (blankets worked fine and swaddling wasn't a habit I wanted to have to break her from), diaper genie/Pail
Andrea (31), married Aaron (36) September 2012
Parents to fur babies Tiki and Gizzmo and 2yr old Georgia IF veterans; #1 conceived on second clomid+HCG+IUI, #2 conceived on 1st Letrozole+HCG+IUI EDD: Feb 5, 2018
Looking for baby carrier recommendations! I had a baby ktan and an ergo with DD1 and honestly, didnt love either. I am on the shorter side if that matters. Thanks in advance
Looking for baby carrier recommendations! I had a baby ktan and an ergo with DD1 and honestly, didnt love either. I am on the shorter side if that matters. Thanks in advance
I have a Tula standard and am very seriously considering selling it and buying the Tula Free To Grow. You can use it from newborn without an insert. I am 5'0 and hated my Ergo. I tried a Tula and it was a whole new ball game. If you have a local baby wearing group maybe you could go to a meetup and try some things out. Some natural or "crunchy" parenting stores will have ones you can try too.
@SarahFoley725 I was on tulas website and was wondering about baby head support, all their heads just look.... uncomfortable. Does the tula have some kind of panel or flap that you can adjust for this?
Looking for baby carrier recommendations! I had a baby ktan and an ergo with DD1 and honestly, didnt love either. I am on the shorter side if that matters. Thanks in advance
I have both of those too. What are you looking for? More comfort? Ease of use? Anyway,
Like I said I have the Ergo and the k'tan. I also have a baba sling and it is BY FAR my favorite. It's easier to use, and still comfortable. It is hard on your shoulder when carrying a much older baby/toddler but I got way more use out of my baba sling.
@mayapple44 I had a similar concern so I asked in a group I'm in if anyone had them and would share pictures. These are some of the ones I got with new squishy babies. Everyone highly recommended it. It must be adjustable in ways you can't see on the website. I'm also throwing in a picture of DD in the standard around 8 or 9 months old. Don't hate on my sweet outfit though. They have a hood to help with head support. You can see it well in my picture
I have a k'tan and a sling ring on the registry and am hoping for a kiddo that likes them! Regular wraps seemed like so much work (and I'm uncoordinated) though I've heard good things in general.
I feel like I have a million things on the registry (but no clothes or toys cuz sounds like we'll get them anyways), but we're starting from next to scratch so everything will be helpful right. About ready to make registries public, too, now that we announced baby is on the way
@SarahFoley725 which are those? I'm so stupid new to this, so sorry if its a dumb question.
Not stupid at all! Those are Tula brand. The free to grow is their new carrier that you can use at 7 lbs. the last picture (mine) is a standard that starts at 15 lbs. You need an infant insert to use a newborn in a Standard Tula.
@SarahFoley725 which are those? I'm so stupid new to this, so sorry if its a dumb question.
Not stupid at all! Those are Tula brand. The free to grow is their new carrier that you can use at 7 lbs. the last picture (mine) is a standard that starts at 15 lbs. You need an infant insert to use a newborn in a Standard Tula.
Oh. Okay. That helps. So you like? The "wrap" options i've seen for newborns look complicated and I'm so confused.
@ash0625 I had a Moby and I hated it. I also have a Mei Tai which I like for home but the long straps are hard (for me in public). A ring sling is also pretty easy and light weight but I think the free to grow Tula is the way to go this time
@Starynightsky24 thanks I will research the babasling! Im not sure what im looking for to be honest, I guess more comfortable. I hoping to babywear alot during outings with my toddler.
@SarahFoley725 thanks for the pictures! Very helpful, they look much more comfortable there! I wonder if newborns just sit down in it further, it doesn't appear to have any adjustments
@sugarcoateddonut I have the britax single stroller--and I love it. It is SUPER easy to fold, lays flat, and isn't heavy. Plus, the wheel placement makes it easy to push on uneven surfaces. I am staying with Britax for the double stroller option.
@sugarcoateddonut I have the britax single stroller--and I love it. It is SUPER easy to fold, lays flat, and isn't heavy. Plus, the wheel placement makes it easy to push on uneven surfaces. I am staying with Britax for the double stroller option.
That's awesome! We live outside the city so we don't have sidewalks, and I was hoping the Britax would be sturdy enough on some uneven terrain.
Have you ever taken it on trails? We would ideally like something that we could take to Provincial parks, etc. Most of the time there are paved options but some of the trails are a little more uneven (obviously not planning on taking it in the middle of the woods or anything lol).
I LOVE the Maya wrap. You can use it from newborn to around 35 pounds. Best part is you can easily breastfeed with baby in it as well and generally have at least a hand free. I have the Ergo too and liked it but not as a newborn, even with the insert. It was great from 3 months to about a year. Good if you can get it for a deal.
@sugarcoateddonut I was looking at the contours bliss for this go around. It seems to have most of the features that a higher end stroller has, except it is much more cost-effective. And it has an adapter for the Britax car seat if that's the car seat you want.
@sugarcoateddonut I was looking at the contours bliss for this go around. It seems to have most of the features that a higher end stroller has, except it is much more cost-effective. And it has an adapter for the Britax car seat if that's the car seat you want.
Thanks! I will look into that as well. It kind of sucks that we only have Babies R Us to register at - it looks like there would be so many other options at Buy Buy Baby or Target!
@sugarcoateddonut We're registering on Amazon. I will warn you that there are approximately one bajillion options for every single item there, but our family and friends are all over the place and you can add items from other websites onto that registry.
Someone mentioned this on page one but it got lost in the shuffle. Talk to me about video monitors. Do you have one that you love? What features are important??
Someone mentioned this on page one but it got lost in the shuffle. Talk to me about video monitors. Do you have one that you love? What features are important??
I have one with a talk feature and I love it. I tell DS to go back to bed or clean his room without having to go to him and he listens to me. Also when he was little sometimes I could say night night into the monitor and he would go back to sleep without me coming back in
@chucksmom15 I have a Motorola video monitor and love it. It can have up to 4 cameras. We have 2 now and are getting a third for this baby. The big thing I wanted was something that did NOT have wifi.
@sugarcoateddonut I have the Britax B Agile system. Our car seat expired so I bought a new car seat, my stroller is over 4 years old and still going strong. I just got the double Britax on a Facebook swap page and it functions exactly the same as the single. It's heavier (obviously) but I've already given it a try at the zoo and love it
@chucksmom15 I was OP about video monitor. I havent had any luck. DO NOT BUY the infant optics from Amazon, it has great reviews but is awful. It constantly says "out of service area" when im two rooms away. In process of trying to return it and back to the drawing board.
How are you handling the million small things for the baby? (Shampoo, pacifiers, nail trimmer, thermometer, butt cream, vasoline, etc) Are you putting them on your registry? Keeping a separate list to go shopping before the baby?
@ramzlau I put them on the registry. I figure people may get an add on item and snag things here and there. Plus you may get cash back depending on the store even if you buy it yourself off the registry.
Me: late 30s | H: early 30s TTC #1 since April 2015 RE Dx: Fibroids, surgery Jan 2016 IUI #1 and #2, Nov/Dec 2016, BFN IVF March 2017: ER - 5R/3M/3F, 1 PGS normal Polyp removed May 2017 FET May 2017 - BFP! Baby boy born 2/2/18
@eggplantface and @jennifer_m21 Thanks! My registry was starting to get super long and I didn't want to be that person with a ton of just practical stuff, but grouping and add-ones makes sense.
Thanks for asking this, @ramzlau ! I had been wondering the same thing. So far, I have left off ' consumable' items such as lotions, washes, etc., but I have added small things like pacis, a thermometer, bibs, etc. I just might go back and add a few of those other items!
This is a personal preference, but I have left off breastfeeding-related items, as I imagine there may be a work shower held for me, and the thought of male coworkers scrolling past nipple cream just weirded me out a little (but I certainly wouldn't judge anyone for not being uncomfortable with that- it's just me!)
@lucylou214 I feel the same way about nipple cream and breastfeeding supplies regarding coworkers. I plan to do a quick edit of the registry before I give it out to coworkers, or hope that those items are just fulfilled by then!
I feel like the registry is a mile long, but leaving all the other little things on, too, for group gifts or little add ons.
Anyone have a favorite/recommended changing pad? I saw someone mention the peanut somewhere but that seems like so expensive for one. Looking at https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/poopoose-reg-wiggle-free-diaper-changing-pad/1043688876?skuId=43688876®istryId=544937520&sopt= but wonder if the positioning of the straps make it hard to use waterproof changing pad liners. Thoughts?
You’d definitely need a special cover for it. Personally I never used the straps anyway. I stood right there and held my babies arms/legs/something the entire time they were on the changing table. It stinks cleaning blow outs and stuff that get on the straps.
I feel like the registry is a mile long, but leaving all the other little things on, too, for group gifts or little add ons.
Anyone have a favorite/recommended changing pad? I saw someone mention the peanut somewhere but that seems like so expensive for one. Looking at https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/poopoose-reg-wiggle-free-diaper-changing-pad/1043688876?skuId=43688876®istryId=544937520&sopt= but wonder if the positioning of the straps make it hard to use waterproof changing pad liners. Thoughts?
You’d definitely need a special cover for it. Personally I never used the straps anyway. I stood right there and held my babies arms/legs/something the entire time they were on the changing table. It stinks cleaning blow outs and stuff that get on the straps.
I also never used the straps! I just tuck them under the pad and cover the whole thing.
Regarding lotion and such, even if you don't put it on your registry you'll probably be gifted some anyway. I think we ended up with 3 different brands of stuff.
I feel like the registry is a mile long, but leaving all the other little things on, too, for group gifts or little add ons.
Anyone have a favorite/recommended changing pad? I saw someone mention the peanut somewhere but that seems like so expensive for one. Looking at https://www.buybuybaby.com/store/product/poopoose-reg-wiggle-free-diaper-changing-pad/1043688876?skuId=43688876®istryId=544937520&sopt= but wonder if the positioning of the straps make it hard to use waterproof changing pad liners. Thoughts?
My change pad covers all have little holes for the straps. I used them every once in a while once DD was a little more squirmy if I had to bend down to reach into the bottom drawer or something.
@clc515, I never used the straps either. The one that was linked to seems like it would not work with most covers. The waterproof pads (at least the ones I used) would probably be able to be placed inside the straps and just folded around the baby a bit if you did want that one still.
@lucylou214 I feel the same way about nipple cream and breastfeeding supplies regarding coworkers. I plan to do a quick edit of the registry before I give it out to coworkers, or hope that those items are just fulfilled by then!
Glad I'm not alone! My DH and I are both teachers, and it's common for both of our schools to hold showers for men and women, so I anticipate we may each have a work shower. I just can't imagine my husband's coworkers scrolling past boob-related items!
Re: Registry thread
These were the items I could not have lived without with DD:
Boppy Nursing Pillow
https://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Nursing-Pillow-Positioner-Naked/dp/B000KW5I6E/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1505582274&sr=1-4&keywords=boppy+nursing+pillow
I had a c-section, so that may be why I found this so invaluable in the early days. Positioning DD for nursing was very difficult in the first couple weeks because of incision pain. This pillow make it SO much easier.
After we stopped BF, it still made bottle feedings more comfortable.
When DD was too big for the smaller tummy time propping pillows, we used the boppy pillow.
When DD was learning to sit up, this again became very useful. She used it to prop herself at first, and then even after she could sit independently I still put it around her because they still tip back sometimes.
Sleep Pod
https://www.amazon.com/SwaddleMe-Pod-2-PK-PeaPods-NB/dp/B01416HEHA/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505582313&sr=8-2&keywords=infant+sleep+pod
I found the swaddling blankets, even with Velcro, to be totally useless. DD was a little Houdini and broke out of everything, then her startle reflex woke her up. Finally a friend lent me one of these sleep pods, and BAM she was sleeping 4-6 hours straight when she was 5 weeks old. (Yes, our pediatrician said it was fine for her to go that long without feeding at night because she had healthy weight-gain.)
This just zippers up so baby’s arms are in the sack. I used to position her arms so her little fingers just came out of the collar because she liked it better that way.
Sleeveless sleep sack
https://www.amazon.com/SleepSack-Wearable-Blanket-Elephant-Graphics/dp/B00PY2RBHE/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505582171&sr=8-7&keywords=infant+sleepsack
Once baby can roll onto their stomach you’re supposed to stop swaddling them. We transitioned to these sleeveless sleep sacks after DD started rolling over.
They provide the same sort of comfort as a swaddle, but allow their arms to be free in case they roll over.
DD is 18 months and still sleeps in one of these in her cribs. I’m going to keep her in them until she transitions to a toddler bed because inhibits her from crawling out of the crib.
we also love the nose frida, there's a little filter at the end so you won't get boogers in your mouth.
We just used a bath towel in the sink until DD could sit up better in the tub, the bending over never really bothered us and she only got a real bath twice a week or so.
Baby face cloths; we are still using them to clean up after meals, more environmentally friendly than using disposable wipes for everything
boon bottle drying "grass". Even if you're breastfeeding it's a convenient (and cute) way to dry breast pump parts and when they're older sippy cups
items we skipped and don't regret: wipes warmer, bottle warmer, microwave bottle sterilizer (we exclusively breastfed though), baby bathtub, swaddle sacks (blankets worked fine and swaddling wasn't a habit I wanted to have to break her from), diaper genie/Pail
IF veterans; #1 conceived on second clomid+HCG+IUI, #2 conceived on 1st Letrozole+HCG+IUI
EDD: Feb 5, 2018
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Graco-Solano-4-in-1-Convertible-Crib-with-Drawer-Pebble-Gray/48704521
Like I said I have the Ergo and the k'tan. I also have a baba sling and it is BY FAR my favorite. It's easier to use, and still comfortable. It is hard on your shoulder when carrying a much older baby/toddler but I got way more use out of my baba sling.
I feel like I have a million things on the registry (but no clothes or toys cuz sounds like we'll get them anyways), but we're starting from next to scratch so everything will be helpful right. About ready to make registries public, too, now that we announced baby is on the way
@SarahFoley725 thanks for the pictures! Very helpful, they look much more comfortable there! I wonder if newborns just sit down in it further, it doesn't appear to have any adjustments
I am looking at the Britax B-Agile Travel System & the Graco Click Connects Jogger Travel System.
I am leaning towards the Britax because of the look but would love to hear your feedback!
Have you ever taken it on trails? We would ideally like something that we could take to Provincial parks, etc. Most of the time there are paved options but some of the trails are a little more uneven (obviously not planning on taking it in the middle of the woods or anything lol).
Baby #1: BFP 1/30/14, EDD 9/28/14, natural MC @ 6 weeks
Baby #2: BFP 8/1/2014, EDD 4/9/2015, It's a GIRL: Addison Elizabeth!
@sugarcoateddonut I have the Britax B Agile system. Our car seat expired so I bought a new car seat, my stroller is over 4 years old and still going strong. I just got the double Britax on a Facebook swap page and it functions exactly the same as the single. It's heavier (obviously) but I've already given it a try at the zoo and love it
TTC #1 since April 2015
RE Dx: Fibroids, surgery Jan 2016
IUI #1 and #2, Nov/Dec 2016, BFN
IVF March 2017: ER - 5R/3M/3F, 1 PGS normal
Polyp removed May 2017
FET May 2017 - BFP!
Baby boy born 2/2/18
This is a personal preference, but I have left off breastfeeding-related items, as I imagine there may be a work shower held for me, and the thought of male coworkers scrolling past nipple cream just weirded me out a little (but I certainly wouldn't judge anyone for not being uncomfortable with that- it's just me!)
Regarding lotion and such, even if you don't put it on your registry you'll probably be gifted some anyway. I think we ended up with 3 different brands of stuff.