June '14 Baby Gear Questions Thread

katekat8721 · May 2014

Similar to the newbie/pregnancy question thread, feel free to post all your baby gear questions here!

https://themommyproject.typepad.com/.a/6a0133f30ae399970b01910252ea40970c-800wi

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katekat8721 · May 2014

ugabamafans said:

Yay! No more 5,216,238 notifications!!! Enjoy, love!

Dammit! :P

Unknown · May 2014

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katekat8721 · May 2014

shiggybop said:

Has anyone used the Contours Optima tandem stroller? The reviews look great and the price isn't horrible. Just looking for some personal experience.

FWIW, I was thiiiis close to buying that but ended up going with a side/side instead. The reviews are excellent and a lot of the twin moms in my group really liked it as far as tandems go. I played around with it at BBB and it's really user friendly.

Mom&nurse · May 2014

Manaroo? Worth the money? Or get a regular swing?

They are a bit spendy and the top thing doesn't move or light up. I've also read that they don't hold down an older baby well. Once the can wiggle your screwed.

Any suggestions ? If its worth it ill buy it but if not ill get or use a handme down swing.

babygabe614 · May 2014

That first gif. I just can't.

I will come back with a legitimate question shortly but just had to comment because I'm still laughing.

Unknown · May 2014

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PinkKEL9 · May 2014

Any recommendations for a baby bath tub?? We still need to get one.

Savvy122 · May 2014

Mom&nurse said:

Manaroo? Worth the money? Or get a regular swing? They are a bit spendy and the top thing doesn't move or light up. I've also read that they don't hold down an older baby well. Once the can wiggle your screwed. Any suggestions ? If its worth it ill buy it but if not ill get or use a handme down swing.

My BFF who invested in one for her first said it was 100% worth the money. I'm cheap though, so I kept an eye on Craigslist and scored a practically new one for $100. If LO loves it, awesome; if not, I only spent $100 - and can probably recoup my money by re-selling it.

flerlgirl · May 2014

PinkKEL9 said:

Any recommendations for a baby bath tub?? We still need to get one.

This one is awesome and cheap. We named ours Derek. @pinkKEL9.

eta tag

flerlgirl · May 2014

ugabamafans said:

Mom&nurse said:

Manaroo? Worth the money? Or get a regular swing? They are a bit spendy and the top thing doesn't move or light up. I've also read that they don't hold down an older baby well. Once the can wiggle your screwed. Any suggestions ? If its worth it ill buy it but if not ill get or use a handme down swing.

@Mom&nurse - I'm saying this with absolute kindness and love. If it comes across any other way, it is not intended like that. You've talked about your SO being out of work for some time and being stressed about finances. I don't think the Mamaroo would be worth adding to the stress. I would use all the hand me downs that I could get my hands on. It is so easy to get caught up with thinking that the baby "needs" X, Y or Z, but a Mamaroo is not a need. I would rather have the peace of mind of getting my feet back under me.

WSS. We have a regular swing that just swings back and forth and plays music. Worked great and DS used it until he got too fat

Like uga said, you don't have to get fancy. Baby doesn't care!

Mom&nurse · May 2014

ugabamafans said:

Mom&nurse said:

Manaroo? Worth the money? Or get a regular swing?

They are a bit spendy and the top thing doesn't move or light up. I've also read that they don't hold down an older baby well. Once the can wiggle your screwed.

Any suggestions ? If its worth it ill buy it but if not ill get or use a handme down swing.

@Mom&nurse - I'm saying this with absolute kindness and love. If it comes across any other way, it is not intended like that. You've talked about your SO being out of work for some time and being stressed about finances. I don't think the Mamaroo would be worth adding to the stress. I would use all the hand me downs that I could get my hands on. It is so easy to get caught up with thinking that the baby "needs" X, Y or Z, but a Mamaroo is not a need. I would rather have the peace of mind of getting my feet back under me.

I won't take it that way. I got a gift card to purchase one as a gift from a family member and didn't know if it would be wise to not get it and buy something else instead. Also would it be proper gift procedure to not use it for what it was sent for?

I appreciate your concern. It has been easier. We found out his ex wife was calling work comp making false claims about previous injuries that were not there.

katekat8721 · May 2014

I'm currently using my baby bath tub + icy cold water to soak my swollen feet in at night *facepalm*

How do you bath babies without a baby bath tub? Can you just hold them in the tub or shower with you? Or will they like, pee and poo on you if you do?! lol such a FTM question, I know.

LindsayDesigner · May 2014

We never used a baby bath with DD, just the kitchen sink. She was pretty slippery so it took two of us to bathe her.

Mia081081 · May 2014

mrsdbc said:

I'm currently using my baby bath tub + icy cold water to soak my swollen feet in at night *facepalm*

How do you bath babies without a baby bath tub? Can you just hold them in the tub or shower with you? Or will they like, pee and poo on you if you do?! lol such a FTM question, I know.
You can in theory after the cord falls off but they are so slippery it's a nightmare I found.

Yeah they are super slippery in the shower. We did this on vacation and it was a pain.

We actually bathed DD in the bathroom sink for awhile, but it's a different shape than most sinks. Then we moved to one of these Euro style baby tubs and just put it on the closed toilet until she was sitting up really well on her own - like 6/7 months. Then we moved to just sitting in the tub.

abastian00 · May 2014

For STMs who did the Citi Mini stroller plus the adaptor for another brand of carseat (we got the Chicco Keyfit 30), what did you use for a rain canopy? I'm assuming the normal Citi Mini canopy won't fit? Thanks!

jshrop · May 2014

@mom&nurse I would get a cheaper swing that will last you longer and then use that $200+ for stuff that you'll need like diapers and such. I just got a snugabunny swing that was brand new off craigslist for $30. In re: to your gift card situation, we registered for a car seat that was $200. They recalled it so BRU no longer carried it. When my girlfriend went to buy it and couldn't she got us a card for a car seat. We ended up buying a significantly cheaper one ($120). We plan to use the rest of the gift for misc stuff. We sent her a photo of the car seat and told her about the great deal and she was excited we'd get to use it for other stuff too. So, I wouldn't worry about it. It's not like you're going to buy beer or video games for yourself rather than baby stuff right? Use it for what you need.

katekat8721 · May 2014

Thanks guys! It sounds like I'll at least use the tub for someone other than myself

Dharmatron · May 2014

katekat8721 said:

I'm currently using my baby bath tub + icy cold water to soak my swollen feet in at night *facepalm*

How do you bath babies without a baby bath tub? Can you just hold them in the tub or shower with you? Or will they like, pee and poo on you if you do?! lol such a FTM question, I know.

You're a genius! I'll be doing this tonight.

babygabe614 · May 2014

@nutmegs8 I was given two packs of paci wipes at my shower but probably wouldn't have bought them myself. I think I will be happy to have them on hand, though, just in case I can't get to a sink or something. The little clippie @michellev10 seems to work well for my friends who have babies, so the wipes aren't usually even necessary.

gmc222 · May 2014

nutmegs8 said:

I was browsing some baby items and came across pacifier wipes. Last night is the first I heard of them. Is that just another product to waste money on?

Any other suggestions/alternatives while on the go (not including soap & water)?

We did actually use paci wipes quite a bit, on the go and at home. Also, I would sanitize them in boiling water every week or two.

Savvy122 · May 2014

nutmegs8 said:

I'm pretty sure that my mom probably just licked all the dirt off herself and shoved it back in my mouth. I would assume that is frowned upon these days? Lol.

I will look into the clippy thingys. Thanks for the input!

@babygabe614
@michellev10

Yeah, I'm not ashamed to admit I've done this quite a few times.

steprozz · May 2014

@nutmegs8‌ had the paci wipes, waste of money. I do exactly what you said.. I pop it in my mouth first and then give it back to DS. no fucks given

babygabe614 · May 2014

Question for everyone: Do you plan on having a "main" stroller, and a "lightweight" stroller? I registered for the BOB stroller I wanted and plan to use that as our main/jogging stroller. However, DH was concerned about having something easier to maneuver for quick trips to the store, etc. so we also registered for THIS lightweight stroller.

Are both a main stroller and lightweight stroller necessary? STMs, which did you end up using the most?

MrsP419 · May 2014

Re: the mamaroo…those things look really cool, but I made it through two kids without one and I don't think they are necessary. If you get one as a gift, awesome, but I recommend looking for a used Fisher Price Cradle Swing on Craigslist or a Yardsale site. We got one that was only a year old for like $50; both my kids loved these (and wore the old one out), but it was not a huge investment if the twins don't love it. I do recommend getting one with an AC adaptor because these things eat D batteries like there is no tomorrow.

Rosebud2587 · May 2014

babygabe614 said:

Question for everyone: Do you plan on having a "main" stroller, and a "lightweight" stroller? I registered for the BOB stroller I wanted and plan to use that as our main/jogging stroller. However, DH was concerned about having something easier to maneuver for quick trips to the store, etc. so we also registered for THIS lightweight stroller.

Are both a main stroller and lightweight stroller necessary? STMs, which did you end up using the most?

I have a City Mini for my everyday stroller and a BOB for running. I wouldn't use the BOB as my everyday stroller cause it's actually kinda big and it's not easy to push around places like the mall. I prefer something smaller for that.

fsumom · May 2014

@Mom&nurse

I didn't get the Mamaroo but the Rockaroo instead as it was less expensive and more like a swing. It seems nice but was still pretty expensive for what it is. I do like its small footprint. Who knows if my DS will even like it though. Hopefully it wasn't a waste of money.

BrunoBabies · May 2014

Paci wipes are nice to have in case you have butterfingers and drop a bottle or paci, they're just convenient. As for two strollers, yes it is totally worth it. I had my big jogging stroller with DS and that was all I had. Three strollers later I wish I would've bought a lightweight one years ago. My back would've thanked me.

Kinipela7 · May 2014

@babygabe614 - I got the BOB as well and it's not as big as I thought it would be. It fits in the trunk perfectly and fits through the door as well, so I'm going to use that one and see how it works out. If I end up needing another one, I will go out and get one then, but I don't see that happening. When I go grocery shopping or something, I will likely wear her anyway.

Mia081081 · May 2014

@babygabe614 - We have a bumbleride indie, which isn't too big and we use it for most of our strolling. However, it's not exactly lightweight, and the BOB is really big.

We have an umbrella stroller for travel or for keeping in the car JIC we forget the big one, or are using it some place where we're going to need our trunk space. Also, my mom has arthritis and can't heave the big one into her SUV trunk, so she preferred the umbrella stroller when DD was younger. When baby is small, I preferred to wear them, but after about 6 months, the umbrella stroller was more comfortable to use, especially for travel.

We have the Chicco Capri

temursgirl · May 2014

@babygabe614‌ I don't have any experience with which to answer your question, but I recommend reading the stroller section of Baby Bargains. It describes which types of strollers are good for which activities and lifestyles. I found it very helpful in deciding what I might need and definitely don't need.

dimitjm1 · May 2014

babygabe614 said:

Question for everyone: Do you plan on having a "main" stroller, and a "lightweight" stroller? I registered for the BOB stroller I wanted and plan to use that as our main/jogging stroller. However, DH was concerned about having something easier to maneuver for quick trips to the store, etc. so we also registered for THIS lightweight stroller.

Are both a main stroller and lightweight stroller necessary? STMs, which did you end up using the most?

For my DS we had a Bob, the stroller that came with our travel system, and an umbrella stroller. I probably used the Graco travel system stroller less than five times total. It was much harder to fit in the trunk of my large sedan than the bob, and it was more cumbersome in every way (handling, etc). We used the umbrella stroller for traveling (airport, vacations, etc.), and occassionally for other times as it was convenient to keep in a trunk. I much preferred the Bob to everything else. I didn't mind the weight and had no problem maneuvering the Bob at the mall or elsewhere. So, my recommendation would be Bob +/- umbrella stroller based on your needs. I don't think you really need anything else. We just bought our double Bob, and I'm excited to use it. Bobs are great strollers!

PressLove · May 2014

We've been blessed with a bunch of gifts and hand-me-downs. Now, I'm confused about what to keep and what to return. We have limited space and don't want to duplicate efforts. Please share your thoughts.

Here is the list of items we have:

LO will sleep in PnP in our room. I was thinking about getting rid of some of the items above and get a RnP for the living room.

QT3.14 · May 2014

This is more of a clothes question rather than gear. Does the baby need to wear t-shirts or kimono style shirts until the cord falls off or are onesies okay? I have tons of onesies but no t-shirts. I was wondering if I should buy some.

jshrop · May 2014

QT3.14 said:
This is more of a clothes question rather than gear. Does the baby need to wear t-shirts or kimono style shirts until the cord falls off or are onesies okay? I have tons of onesies but no t-shirts. I was wondering if I should buy some.

Oooohhhh! Good question!

mattanda2011 · May 2014

stephross88 said:
@nutmegs8‌ had the paci wipes, waste of money. I do exactly what you said.. I pop it in my mouth first and then give it back to DS. no fucks given

This, and actually there was a study recently that babies whose moms lick the pacifier to clean it actually have better good bacteria in their gut than babies whose moms didn't.

Skip the paci wipes and just lick it off - it's good for your baby!

mattanda2011 · May 2014

And here is the link

https://m.today.com/moms/why-it-may-be-ok-spit-clean-your-babys-binkie-6C9773378

I am Mobile so I am sorry if it's not clicky

nunzchucks · May 2014

@abastian00‌ The car seat conversion and sun shade can't be on the city mini at the same time. The Chicco car seat sunshade kind of stinks so I would just use a lightweight receiving blanket for extra coverage depending on the angle of the sun.

babygabe614 · May 2014

@Kinipela7 That is exactly how we plan to use the stroller(s) as well. I plan to baby wear in the beginning for trips to the store, etc. and I will still get the infant careseat adapter for the BOB for park/trail walks in the early months, and then have a lightweight stroller on hand for when she is a little bigger and we need to do something quickly or in a place where the BOB might be too cumbersome.

@lizardbreath14 I just got that in the mail yesterday! My second shower is on the 18th so if we don't get a lightweight stroller (or the arm & hammer diaper pail which was also on the flyer and something on my registry we haven't received yet) I will definitely be using that!

@dimitjm1 I love hearing positive reviews about the BOB! I have several running friends who have and love them, and one who uses the duallie for her twins and swears by it. I am so excited to use ours!!

Rosebud2587 · May 2014

QT3.14 said:

This is more of a clothes question rather than gear. Does the baby need to wear t-shirts or kimono style shirts until the cord falls off or are onesies okay? I have tons of onesies but no t-shirts. I was wondering if I should buy some.

I used both when DD was born. You just have to be carful when you put the onesie on.

PressLove · May 2014

CDK211- Thank you.

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