@rosebud332 I think it's because there are just SOOOO many options for everything. Buy Buy Baby is where I plan to register. Some friends have suggested an amazon registry as well but I think I can only handle doing one. They do have a list.
@lexidawg Ok I honestly think it’s easier to do it that way. Bouncers, activity mats, bathtubs, etc is all personal preference. It all does pretty much the same thing, you really can’t go wrong. Just pick whatever you think is cutest. I’d get a few different types of bottles. Sometimes baby hates a bottle for no reason and you won’t know til you try. So you don’t want like 10 of the same bottle that they hate. I’d look into monitors a little bit. Do you want video, just sound, multiple cameras, etc? I can tell you want I have that has worked for me if you’re interested. A lot of the smaller stuff is just a matter of going there and picking it out. I wouldn’t look up every little thing before going there and registering. If you’re stuck on a few things at the end you can always go back and put more stuff on, or do it online.
@lexidawg Sorry I misread your post. I thought you needed help with the big things lol The small things will come together. As for the monitor, this is probably a UO, but we just went with a basic audio only one and have not had any issues. If this helps, the occupational therapist at the hospital I delivered at strongly recommended the Dr Browns bottles, because of the shape, but they do have more parts to clean. The rest of the year, just kind of depends on what you like the look of. Most activity mats, exercisers, and bouncers are very similar. I will say, we have a Graco pack and play that came with a bouncer, which I liked because it gave us a place to store it off the ground.
I have been searching our board for over an hour trying to find what company someone referenced to getting a pump from; said that they will send you new pump parts every so many months. Haaalp anyone?
@lexidawg I am not sure if this was mentioned or not but Buy Buy Baby is awesome because you can test everything and people who like to in person shop can do so. You can always create an Amazon registry later on of items you are going to purchase yourself to get the completion discount.
@rosebud332@katy0990 Thank you so much! We era going to check out buy buy baby tonight and maybe that will help!
Have them help you. When we had ds1 they walked us through the store as we registered because we didn’t know what everything was for. You can always take something off the registry if you overscan!
@lexidawg & @rosebud332 Re: bottles I got two sample bottles from Target’s registry welcome bag. One Dr. Brown, and one Avent! Hope LO is cool with one or both because I am not spending energy bottle shopping right now!
NTNP since Dec 2012 | TTC since Jan 2016 Dx: Unspecified IF BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
Does anyone have a mamaroo swing like this? I could buy one used for $50 (the woman says it was only used 4 times, but who knows). Will this thing help keep me sane? It retails for over $200, so if so I will get this used one.
@echo-charlietango I am also collecting a variety of bottles from registry gifts and hoping that one of them will work!
@kadeephd I’ve heard of kids who love them and kids who hate them. I’d say used is the way to go since they’re so dang expensive and you don’t know which way your baby will go.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@scaredunprepared I *think* After Bite is safer, but if you have baking soda make a quick paste with water and place that on your bites to help neutralize !
NTNP since Dec 2012 | TTC since Jan 2016 Dx: Unspecified IF BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
I could make a new questions of the week thread since this is two weeks old... but nah.
So I initially was sold on the idea of having a travel stroller system where the carseat attached to the stroller. I'm now thinking of skipping that, just using a carrier for the first six months and then going with a jogging stroller. That way we can also get a convertible car seat that will last longer. Has anyone gone this route (or at least not the travel system route)? I'm thinking we aren't going to be walking outside with a stroller a heck of a lot in the beginning anyway since it will be winter.
ETA: Just now reading on Lucie's list that convertible car seats are super bulky and you should avoid moving them from one car to another. We'll probably end up with an infant one then since we have two cars and do not want to buy two seats. Might as well get a stroller that connects, I guess.
@kadeephd personally, the infant car seat was a life saver for me. DD was able to sleep in her seat while I did errands in the beginning or went to dinner or whatever. You also may not WANT to carry the baby all the time when you're out. And yes the convertible seats are a PAIN IN THE ASS to install correctly and you'll want to avoid that at all costs. I'm thinking of buying some stuff that we'll need during prime day (which is soon) or black friday sales.
@kadeephd the infant seats are worth their weight in gold, imho. If you are out running errands, it is so nice to just clip the car seat into the stroller without having to unbuckle and buckle baby, wrap yourself, etc. especially in the winter. With the infant seat, you can get a cover that zips around baby so they are nice and warm, as opposed to standing out in the cold getting them in the carrier. Also, if baby falls asleep in the car, you don’t have to wake them if you are just clipping the car seat into the stroller.
@kadeephd I so agree with @Jens_Hoes and @katy0990. I almost cried when we had to switch from the infant seat because it was so beautiful to be able to take the carseat out, snap it into the stroller and run errands. For multiple cars, just get two infant bases and then the carseat just snaps in and you’re set.
@kadeephd I’m agreeing with everyone else on the bucket seats BUT! We have a Britax Boulevard (or maybe Marathon?) Clicktight that is actually a cinch, relatively speaking, to move between cars. It’s pretty heavy but if you truly just want one car seat that would be the one. We love it.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
Has anyone had success with vitamin E oil for scars and stretch marks? I have a TON from DS and ordered some to start putting on every day. I know there is no magic cure to prevent stretch marks, but I'm hoping it will help a litt.e
Are the infant car seats that come in the travel system the same as the ones purchased separately (e.g., the Chicco Viaro with Keyfit 30)? I was checking out a travel system at Target and the infant seat seemed pretty cheap. It may be because it was the floor model and well-loved, but I wanted to double-check.
@binxybaby I wouldn’t assume that another car seat would fit in the stroller without double checking first. I would guess it would be on the website if there are other compatible seats. Are you looking to buy them separate for some reason? Reason I ask is because if you’re looking for a second car seat to go in another car, it’s cheaper to just buy a second base and then the actual car seat just clicks in and out of the base easily.
ETA: Not sure if I answered your question. The car seat I have for the key fit 30 travel system is considered a key fit 30 car seat, so it wouldn’t be the same as the Viaro.
@binxybaby I have the viaro travel system, and the carseat comes with it is the key fit 30. The carseat base was NOT included with mine (which I bought at babies r us while they were going out of business), but on Amazon it supposedly is included.
My family and friends are very spread out. For any STM (or a FTM who is thinking ahead) in a similar situation, did you/will you have a shower? And if so, how/where? I have had two people offer to host showers already, but I feel weird about inviting people who do not live nearby. There really isn't a single location where I feel there is a quorum though.
@kadeephd I had three showers my first go. It was ridiculous.
That said, I’ve had a couple friends do Facebook virtual showers. Yes, it may seem gift-grabby to some but I actually love getting friends random baby stuff that I know they’ll love, so I DGAF. I think it’s the option that makes the most sense for a lot of my military spouse friends who have been everywhere.
Me: 31 | DH: 31
Together since 2003 | Married 2010 TTC #1 January 2016 BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016 Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018 BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
@kadeephd I would pick a location and invite everyone. If people cannot attend, they can send a gift, if they choose. You could also set up a live recording through FB or whatever so they can still watch, if they want. That way everyone has the option of being included.
What are your thoughts on having a baby shower after the baby is born? I would love to have one before, but family circumstances will probably prevent that, so it's looking more likely to be after. I know I can just get the essential things before then, so I am sure that would be fine. However, what about flu season + crowds + newborn? Is there a point in time when it becomes safer (say at 3 months)?
@ab_canada why don't you host a "meet the baby" party after. I'd probably wait until after Christmas anyway and let the chaos die down and wait until you're feeling well. Everyone you'd be inviting would be close enough that you can advise if you are sick please stay home.
I brought DS to meet all my aunts and uncles at my moms when he was 6 days old. Everyone was super good and washed their hands first and if anyone was semi sick they stayed away. People tend to understand with new borns but you also don't want to be trapped at home alone 24/7 either. So personally I'd go for it.
ETA: Baby will be 3 weeks around Christmas and I still plan to bring him/her to my Christmas parties! I just might be a little less likely to pass him/her off due to flu season.
@kristah2 I would certainly hope/expect everyone to know that they should wash their hands and try to stay away if they are sick (I mean, I can probably put it in the invitation and I am sure nobody would be offended). But do you think the size of the gathering would matter? I think my bridal shower had close to 60 people.. DHs family is pretty big..
@ab_canada I do not think that the number of people will matter, as long as you are comfortable. The only consideration I would worry about other than sick people, would be if you plan on nursing. My son was baptized when he was 2 months old and we had a party to celebrate. I had a hard time because he took almost an hour to eat every three hours, so I was constantly having to leave the room with him to feed him and that led to some awkward situations where people wanted to see him, but obviously he was not available. It also was difficult because some people felt that they should have been able to come in with me while I fed him and I was definitely not comfortable with that. Not a deal breaker, just something I wish I would have thought of beforehand.
@ab_canada nah I wouldn't worry about the number of people! But that is why I might wait a few weeks until you're really feeling up to it. Honestly the first few weeks home with DS I didn't want more then one visitor at a time and I didn't even want them all the time since I wan't to nap and not get dressed. But a few weeks in you start to feel like yourself again, I think holding a shower / meet the baby at that time would be great.
My Christmas eve event will have a similar number of people!
@katy0990 Oh, I didn't even think of the nursing. Thanks for that! I think we would do it sometime in January, and since I am due early December, hopefully that means we have a good schedule going by then and baby will take a bottle on occasion..
@kristah2 Good to know! You must also have a big family!
@rosebud332 My question was more if there is a difference between the keyfit30 that is sold alone and the keyfit30 sold in the travel system? I would imagine they would be identical, but I wanted to check if anyone knew.
I guess it doesn't matter now. I talked to DH last night and he said he really wanted that travel system and said he'd be using it more than I would, especially while jogging. I figured I couldn't argue with that. If he wants to push a stroller around all the time, might as well be one he likes.
@binxybaby ooh ok I understand. For what it’s worth I’m pretty sure they would be identical. There are different versions of the stroller which are basically the same but just have some different features, but I think all the important bits would be the same for the car seats and/or stroller.
@kadeephd I have to second @PensiveCrayon... we have the britax marathon clicktight and it’s amazing.
Also I have a mamaroo. My son loved it, my niece loved it and I’m hoping this baby will too. It will not last long though. As soon as the baby starts to get some core muscle strength, they can’t sit in it anymore. So plan on being able to use it 4-6 months or so.
@ab_canada a meet the baby shower after the baby is born is a HUGE hit. We did it for my son when he was ~5 weeks old. But...it was June with him so we did a big BBQ. Everyone loved it and I enjoyed it so much. So many people said how it was so nice to meet the baby and for that reason it was the best baby shower they had been to. I did hand around a bottle of hand sanitizer that people had to use before holding him... I am planning on doing a get together this time too but am going to really limit the guest list to just really close family and friends I’m a little concerned about flu season but we still have to go out and grocery shop etc. so the baby has just as much of a likelihood in being exposed that way. We will go through so much hand sanitizer here this winter...
@kadeephd we’ve had a couple of virtual showers in our family. People who are near each other will go to the same place, and the. Everyone else skypes in. I kind of think they’re fun and low-key.
@runrinserepeat@PensiveCrayon@katy0990 Thanks for ideas for a shower! I don't know if I would be up for a virtual one, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.
Re: Questions of the Week - 6.25
The small things will come together. As for the monitor, this is probably a UO, but we just went with a basic audio only one and have not had any issues. If this helps, the occupational therapist at the hospital I delivered at strongly recommended the Dr Browns bottles, because of the shape, but they do have more parts to clean. The rest of the year, just kind of depends on what you like the look of. Most activity mats, exercisers, and bouncers are very similar. I will say, we have a Graco pack and play that came with a bouncer, which I liked because it gave us a place to store it off the ground.
DS: 12/20/16
EDD: 11/29/18
I got two sample bottles from Target’s registry welcome bag. One Dr. Brown, and one Avent! Hope LO is cool with one or both because I am not spending energy bottle shopping right now!
Dx: Unspecified IF
BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks
BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
Dx: Unspecified IF
BFP#1 Nov 2017 • Blighted Ovum + MMC • D&C at nine weeks
BFP#2 Apr 2018 • It's a boy! • Born 13 Dec 2018
I'm thinking of buying some stuff that we'll need during prime day (which is soon) or black friday sales.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
DS: 12/20/16
EDD: 11/29/18
ETA: Not sure if I answered your question. The car seat I have for the key fit 30 travel system is considered a key fit 30 car seat, so it wouldn’t be the same as the Viaro.
That said, I’ve had a couple friends do Facebook virtual showers. Yes, it may seem gift-grabby to some but I actually love getting friends random baby stuff that I know they’ll love, so I DGAF. I think it’s the option that makes the most sense for a lot of my military spouse friends who have been everywhere.
TTC #1 January 2016
BFP April 18 2016 | EDD December 29, 2016
Welcome baby A! January 9, 2017
TTC#2 March 2018
BFP March 30, 2018 | EDD December 12, 2018
I brought DS to meet all my aunts and uncles at my moms when he was 6 days old. Everyone was super good and washed their hands first and if anyone was semi sick they stayed away. People tend to understand with new borns but you also don't want to be trapped at home alone 24/7 either. So personally I'd go for it.
ETA: Baby will be 3 weeks around Christmas and I still plan to bring him/her to my Christmas parties! I just might be a little less likely to pass him/her off due to flu season.
I would certainly hope/expect everyone to know that they should wash their hands and try to stay away if they are sick (I mean, I can probably put it in the invitation and I am sure nobody would be offended). But do you think the size of the gathering would matter? I think my bridal shower had close to 60 people.. DHs family is pretty big..
My Christmas eve event will have a similar number of people!
Oh, I didn't even think of the nursing. Thanks for that! I think we would do it sometime in January, and since I am due early December, hopefully that means we have a good schedule going by then and baby will take a bottle on occasion..
@kristah2
Good to know! You must also have a big family!
I guess it doesn't matter now. I talked to DH last night and he said he really wanted that travel system and said he'd be using it more than I would, especially while jogging. I figured I couldn't argue with that. If he wants to push a stroller around all the time, might as well be one he likes.
Also I have a mamaroo. My son loved it, my niece loved it and I’m hoping this baby will too. It will not last long though. As soon as the baby starts to get some core muscle strength, they can’t sit in it anymore. So plan on being able to use it 4-6 months or so.