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January 2014 Moms
cpm1223
member
BTDT moms baby item questions
cpm1223
member
Three questions about baby items that we might/will need. I've been looking over Lucie's List and wanted some feedback.
1. Bouncer vs swing. We don't have a to of room for a swing so I'm wondering if its totally necessary or if a bouncer will do just fine. On Lucie's list she had the same space issue and only got a bouncer seat. Which is why I'm questioning whether or not a swing is a must have. I don't want to have to buy both.
2. How do you buy bottles or register for them if you don't know what your LO will like best? Do you buy a few different ones and try them out?
3. Similar to number 2, if I'm hoping to breastfeed do I get only breastfeeding bottles that go with whatever pump I choose? What happens if I can't breastfeed?
1. Bouncer vs swing. We don't have a to of room for a swing so I'm wondering if its totally necessary or if a bouncer will do just fine. On Lucie's list she had the same space issue and only got a bouncer seat. Which is why I'm questioning whether or not a swing is a must have. I don't want to have to buy both.
2. How do you buy bottles or register for them if you don't know what your LO will like best? Do you buy a few different ones and try them out?
3. Similar to number 2, if I'm hoping to breastfeed do I get only breastfeeding bottles that go with whatever pump I choose? What happens if I can't breastfeed?
Missing Our July Sparkler
BFP#1-11/12/12, MMC 1/16/13-baby stopped growing @ 9wks, found out at 13wks, D&E 1/25/13
BFP#2-4/23/13 EDD-01/02/14 baby BOY born 12/31/13 Michael Cameron 
This discussion has been closed.
Re: BTDT moms baby item questions
1. Bouncy seat. Make sure it vibrates, and actually has a good bounce to it. Something with a bar/toys that hangs over top is great for when they are a bit older and testing out their motor skills.
2. I'm not sure - I didn't buy bottles until my son was 11 months old, and I just bought one kind. Luckily he liked it. I guess if I were registering for bottles I would put one of each kind I was interested in. We used the born free bpa free ones and are really happy with them.
3. How often are you planning on pumping? Are you pumping from the beginning? I don't recommend pumping at all until your baby and you have established your milk supply and a strong breastfeeding "connection". I'd say at least 6 weeks. At that point I'd just try whatever bottles came with your pump and see if your baby likes them. You really only need one bottle, so you do have a bit of a grace period to figure out what your baby likes. (Sorry - you didn't ask for advice for this. I'm a breastfeeding activist and I've done a lot of research on the subject. And I'm all for helping women successfully breast feed, if that's what they'd like.)
I think you'll find that even if you register for cloth, you're unlikely to have anyone actually buy any for you. Don't register for disposables. People will gift you a few packages anyways, but that's okay - you can either return them, or keep them on hand for just in case scenarios.
1. We also had limited space and went with a swing/bouncer combo. It's a Graco Duo and DS liked both features but seemed to prefer the swing.
2 & 3 I registered for a few different brands, but didn't end up buying any so I'm not much help here. The Medela ones that went with my pump worked out fine for the few times DS had bottles.
Ditto this. I've found that the only people who buy CD's as gifts are other CD mommas!
Fair enough! I figured as much-- Danka!!
This. I got a swing with DS1, he hated it, and tried it out with DS2, who also hated it. Both kids though loved the bouncy chair.
2. I registered for two different kinds of bottles. My son ended up liking both.
3. I ended up not being able to breast feed long, but still used the bottles that went with my pump.
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1. DD loved her swing. We weren't planning on buying one, but I found a great deal at a consignment sale on one. I am glad we did because she loved it so much.
2. As far as bottles go, I tried to get DD to use the Dr Browns fancy schmancy "closest to the breast" bottles. I tried other brands. But in the end, she liked the cheapest most basic bottles that I could find. So yes I think it's trial and error.
3. Do you plan to go back to work after LO is born? If yes, then even if you are breastfeeding and pumping, you will need bottles (for the pumping). If not, then you might be able to use the ones that come with your pump.
BFP #5 11/15/14, Team Green EDD 7/22/15
BFP #4 4/30/13, baby girl born med-free Jan. 2014
BFP #3 9/24/12, Missed m/c at 9w1d (baby measured 8w5d)
BFP #2 9/23/10, healthy baby girl born med-free June 2011
BFP #1 5/21/10, Missed m/c at 10w4d (baby measured 8wks), D&C 6/29/10
"Life is like a camera, just focus on what's important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives and if things don't work out, just take another shot."
1. Personally we have both a bouncer and a swing. Some babies love to nap in their swing. I have seen some swing/bouncer combos recently (like a mini swing that sits low to the ground). That might be a good alternative. Also has anyone seen those new MamaRoos? Those things look awesome.
2. I didn't get any bottles until several weeks after he was born because intended to BF. We have Target, WalMart, Meijer, Babies R Us all 2 mins from our house though so I knew DH could run out at any time and buy some if needed.
3. You can pump into bottles that fit the pump, then pour it into whatever bottle you want. So it doesn't HAVE to be the same brand bottles.
Missing Our July Sparkler
BFP#1-11/12/12, MMC 1/16/13-baby stopped growing @ 9wks, found out at 13wks, D&E 1/25/13
BFP#2-4/23/13 EDD-01/02/14 baby BOY born 12/31/13 Michael Cameron
1. We had neither a bouncer or a swing with my first and it was fine without it. With my 2nd we borrowed a SIL gave us her swing and DD hated it.
2&3. I just got the bottles that went with my pump, and then when DS switched to mostly donor milk we bought more of those bottles because that is what he was used to. Same thing when DD switched to the medical formula.
BFP #2 03/08/11 EDD 11/16/11 DD Born on 11/04/11
BFP #3 08/29/12 EDD 05/06/13 M/C on 08/30/12
BFP #4 11/01/12 EDD 07/09/2013 M/C on 12/28/12
BFP #5 04/30/13 EDD 01/03/14 DS Born on 01/02/14
BFP #6 01/11/15 EDD 09/22/15 M/C 03/09/15
Just found a swing/bouncer combo at babies r us that I pinned. Looks pretty good and a whole lot smaller than a regular swing.
I guess I'll research some more on bottles and maybe get a couple of two different brands. Hopefully I won't need them if I can bf successfully but it can't hurt to have them in case. And since pumps well the one I like anyway comes with a couple of bottles, I could always get some later in if all goes well.
Missing Our July Sparkler
BFP#1-11/12/12, MMC 1/16/13-baby stopped growing @ 9wks, found out at 13wks, D&E 1/25/13
BFP#2-4/23/13 EDD-01/02/14 baby BOY born 12/31/13 Michael Cameron
Here's one of those bouncer/swing combos: https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Discover-Grow-Swing-Seat/dp/B0080D5A2M/ref=sr_1_6?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1373582359&sr=1-6&keywords=swing+and+bouncer+combo
That's the one that I pinned!! Found it on babies r us but it's nice to read more reviews, thanks!!!
Missing Our July Sparkler
BFP#1-11/12/12, MMC 1/16/13-baby stopped growing @ 9wks, found out at 13wks, D&E 1/25/13
BFP#2-4/23/13 EDD-01/02/14 baby BOY born 12/31/13 Michael Cameron
Wish I had known about it before I got DS' enormous, non portable swing! Maybe I should sell that beast and get a nice small combo. Or a MamaRoo (seriously...check them out.)
Everyone is going to answer differently.
I prefer the swing over the bouncer because my daughter preferred it.
I would choose a few small packs of different brands.
I had a Medea pump but we used Tommee Tippee bottles. I absoutely love Tommee Tippee bottles.
If you can't BF, you use formula. I BF until 8 months when my supply tanked, then we switched to formula. If you are worried about it, I recommend finding a good lactation consultant in your area.
1. I will get a swing and a bouncer. bouncers are small and you can put baby in it while in the shower. My dd lived in the swing in the beginning. If no room, get a travel swing, they are small. if you have to pick, I pick a swing with a vibration option .
2. You do not know what you baby will like, you take a gable. I like dr browns or avent. Babies like those, however if you do not register for a lot, you can always buy some more. I went thru three types of bottles before choosing the right one.
3. I rented my pump from the hospital and then my milk supply was very low, so I returned it. Also check with your insurance, some give free breast pumps. so if you are worried of the cost of a pump, rent first.
Good luck.
2. Register one of each u want. When we had to stop breast feeding for his acid reflux, the lactician supervisor from the hospital recommended dr brown's. we tried those for a while but switched to the playtex drop ins with the brown nipples. Not sure what material it was made of but made a big difference!
3. I breasted until my son was diagnosed with acid reflux and needed some things thickened. I still pumped but did not use anything it came with in terms of bottles. I know of no one who actually did. Id get through pumping and then put the lids on the things or store them in the resealable plastic baggies. I'd then I'd pour them into his bottle when he was ready. I never once tried to use what came with my Medela pump. They didn't appeal to me at all.
Edited because my autocorrect stinks as well as my proof reading skills.
1. Bouncer vs swing.
DS loved the swing and it was a life saver for us. However, some people say it is not necessary. If room is an issue what about a portable swing/bouncer? The one posted below is a swing but also can be locked in place as a bouncy that vibrates.
https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3739297
2. How do you buy bottles or register for them if you don't know what your LO will like best? Do you buy a few different ones and try them out?
We made the mistake of only getting one type of bottle. I got Tommee Tippee. DS had reflux and even though they are designed to help with gas they did not work for us with DS. SO we switched to Dr. Brown's. I would recommend getting a few different bottles and seeing which works best for your child.
3. Similar to number 2, if I'm hoping to breastfeed do I get only breastfeeding bottles that go with whatever pump I choose? What happens if I can't breastfeed?
Some people just use the bottles that come with the pump. I would use the pump bottles for storage and then transfer the BM into the Dr. Brown's bottles. If you can't breastfeed, then you can exclusively pump if that works for you or you can formula feed. The most important thing is that your baby is fed whether it be with breastmilk or formula.
1. Bouncer vs swing- we had both (I caught a deal in which I got the bouncer for free when I bought the swing). My DD did not like the bouncer. It didn't recline enough, so we used the swing only. It is really hard to determine what will work best. As a parent, you try to prepare for this unknown element ( the baby). There is just no way to know what they will like. As a second time mom, I have no idea what this baby will like. It is really challenging.
2. Bottles-I just did research and bought what had great reviews. I didn't buy specific bottles to match my pump, I just stored the breast milk in the Medea plastic bottles and stored the milk in there or in freezer bags.
1. We didn't have a bouncer with DS, but now I already have a bouncer and swing for #2. We couldn't have lived without our swing. We obviously lived without a bouncer.
2. I wouldn't stock up on bottles just yet! Let baby decide.
3. No idea.
Baby Chugging born 12.28.13
induction due to HELLP
I did not read the other responses, so I am sorry if I am repeating info.
1. My DD loved the bouncer and hated the swing (which we bought when she was a few weeks old hoping she would love something
So I don't think a swing is necessary at all. Just make sure the bouncer vibrates.
2. I wouldn't register for those bottle sets if you are planning on breastfeeding. Just pick up a few different types of bottles on your own. Because you are exactly right, you don't know what your LO will like. In fact, my DD completely refused the bottle (probably my fault for waiting a month to introduce it) so I am now the proud owner of probably 15 different types of bottles.
3. You can get any type of bottle. The advantage to the Medela ones (or other pump brands) is that they connect directly to the pump so you can pump directly into the bottle. I never pumped into the bottle anyway (I used the freezer storage bags) so it didn't matter to me although I tried the Medela bottles too
If you can't breastfeed, you will just have somebody go to the store and pick up some bottles...no big deal. The hospital has bottles if you need them while there.
I also have to advocate for the rock n play, BEST 60 I spent with my last baby. It was where my dd slept until 4 months old. She was right next to my bed and made night nursing so easy!
I went through 3 different bottle to find one my dd liked. I lucked out with my son and he pretty much nursed all the time anyway. I loved the newer momma brand bottles, they were more boob like than tommy tippy IMO.
Check with your insurance about pumps. Mine was covered, with a prescription from my dr, I paid 70 for medala pump n style brand new .
1. OK i can weigh in on the MamaRoo- We didn't buy any bouncers or swings other than the MamaRoo (which was a gift) and we loved it. My DD used the MamaRoo and the Rock N play and those were our major items that we loved. We used them all the time and DD loved the MamaRoo. It bounces and swings and does car motions and a million other things. We loved it and fully plan on using it with the next LO.
2. When you register in general you tend to get a bunch of free stuff including different bottles. I happened to dislike all of the ones we got for free but we did try them all...I found the Similac and the Avent ones both leaked really easily. When breast feeding didn't go so well we bought the Tommee Tippee bottles. I thought it would be conducive to breast feeding (which we were still attempting), but my DD had trouble with the nipples. My pediatrician who is a lactation specialist suggested the Dr. Browns bottles and they also wound up helping with my DD's gas issues. So I'd highly suggest the regular Dr. Browns bottles...they were great!
3. Most pumps will attach to any normal sized opening bottle. But I usually used the bottles that came with the pump and then poured them into whatever bottle she was using. But we washed a ton of bottles! But that was just my experience!
1. We bought something similar to this : https://www.albeebaby.com/graco-duo-2-in-1-swing-in-flare.html?utm_source=shoppingdotcom&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=shoppingdotcom&utm_content=1814834
Its a swing and bouncy seat. My daughter wasn't really a fan of either. If I had to chose, I'd say go with the bouncy seat over the swing.
2 & 3. I only used the bottles that came with my Medela breast pump. Some babies have a bottle/nipple preference though. I'd say attempt to start with the bottles that come with your breast pump and see how it goes. Or maybe buy one or two extra of another common brand. I wouldn't go crazy in the beginning because you have no idea how its going to go. Its easy to send DH out for a few extra bottles if you feel like you need it!
1. I have both and used both. Bouncer is good just to sit the baby in while you cook or shower or need to run to the bathroom. The swing is wonderful for napping, calming the baby down, etc. If you only get one, I'd get the swing for sure. I used it 1000x more.
2. I used Dr. Brown's and loved them. We started with them and they worked great. We never needed to switch.
3. You can pump and save the milk in storage bags and refrigerate/freeze them and then pour the milk into whatever bottles you choose. I never used the Medela bottles for feeding, just storing on the go. Again, we used Dr. Brown's for all 3 kids and never had an issue.
Carter Robert 7.18.08 | Brynn Sophia 5.24.10 | Reid Joseph 9.10.12 | Emerson Mae 1.27.14
My 2 December boys
2. Register for one maybe two types. If baby doesn't like them, return/trade for another. I loved the Tommie tippie closer to nature bottles. DD loves them too. Plus they are supposed to mimic a real breast.
3. Crap. I can't remember what three was. Lol
Edited to answer 3. I used the bottle that came with the Medea to pump then poured the milk into the tommie tippies.
1. We have little space now too, but I still recommend getting both. The swing worked the best for both of my DD's but the bouncer I was able to take in the bathroom with me so that I could shower and still safely watch them.
2. Before I bought mine I researched the best of the best before deciding...I will do the same again before I registered. I bought some cutesy ones for fathers day cause he wants a monkey theme and they happened to have monkeys on them, and now everyone is telling me how great they are...I will have to look into that!
3. I can not help you with this one as I can not breastfeed.
1. They make a swing that has a removable bouncer part. We got that one, I think Graco makes it. We pretty much only used the bouncer because DS hated the swing. But, at least we had the option of either because you never know what they'll like! ETA: Graco Duo 2-in-1
2. We picked three different kinds of bottles and registered for one small pack of each to try them out. I forget which ones we registered for, but he liked Dr. Brown's best.
3. You can use whatever bottles you want. I used the bottles that came with the pump for milk storage, not for feeding.
If you can't breastfeed, you can either get donor milk if you feel very strongly about your baby getting breast milk. It *can* be very expensive, but sometimes you can also get it for free depending on where you get it. Check this link: https://www.hmbana.org/
However, you won't be depriving your baby if you have to use formula. I'm in the "breast milk is best" camp, but if I couldn't do it this time around, I'd feel sad for a few days but wouldn't have a problem giving formula. Also, just because you might have problems breastfeeding doesn't mean exclusively pumping wouldn't work for you. I EPed for a year last time around.
Bump Unofficial Glossary
Thank you all SOOO much! You've really been a huge help!
I'm so happy to have so many btdt moms on our board!
Missing Our July Sparkler
BFP#1-11/12/12, MMC 1/16/13-baby stopped growing @ 9wks, found out at 13wks, D&E 1/25/13
BFP#2-4/23/13 EDD-01/02/14 baby BOY born 12/31/13 Michael Cameron
We tried to only have a bouncer, but ended up getting a swing too. She napped a lot in the swing and the bouncer was more for sitting/playing. I would actually recommend both.
We had Tommy Tippee, Avent and Medela bottles and used them all. I guess we were lucky that she didn't really care, but I think getting a few kinds and trying them is a good plan.
I don't think you need to get bottles to match your pump. Are you a working Mom? I mostly pumped into breast milk storage bags and then transferred them to bottles for feeding. I did get Medela bottles and liked them though FWIW.