June '14 Baby Gear Questions Thread

lest12 · May 2014

@babygabe614 - I've been putting off putting certain things together because I didn't want to live with a random pack 'n play in the middle of my living room when there isn't a baby yet.

I know the house is going to get crowded but for some reason it seems more bearable if there's a baby using the PNP than if it's just there so I can wipe it off of my to do list.

To mullenem's point, I should do it for the sake of my dog but I keep putting it off, anyway.

MrsRahl · May 2014

@temurlang, @babygabe614 thanks! My fitness Pal basically is an app that you input everything you eat and calculates how many calories you need based on heigh, weight, age, activity, etc. and I can sync it with my phone (and now I hear the fitbit) for when I run a trail,etc. but the phone can't track how strenuous the trail was, just distance. I guess I call said glorified step counter, because if you shake your wrist (at leas tmy friends does this) it counts as steps, and to me that seems stupid compared to GPS tracking my distance on my phone. I'm really just trying to determine if pay $100 for it is worth it verses just sticking with my phone tracking my distance and inputting my food the old fashioned way. I think knowing your sleep patterns woould be cool, but useless information considering I'll be up and down with the baby lol. Also I will be trying to EBF so I'm not sure how all that will play into the fitbit calorie estimates as well and if I have to just estimate on top of the estimates, that seems silly. I REALLY want to like it and buy one, but it seems like it might now be worth the money. Sigh. 1st world problems! lol

katekat8721 · May 2014

mrsdbc said:

elsa1688 said:

I cant sort through all the pages, humidifyer yes or no?
Yes, great for anyone with a cold - even you. Cold mist is preferable.

Awesome. The one I was looking at is Cold Mist I believe, it looks like a possesed frog

Yes, I am using my babies' humidifier in my room for myself and it is awesome. I'll give it back when they go to their nursery. Maaaaybe.

babygabe614 · May 2014

@MrsRahl if you are looking for something that accurately tracks the intensity of your activity, I would suggest going with a good-quality HRM instead. I used MFP for years and find it pretty simple to input my food into, and one of the girls I am "connected" with on there tracks her BFing as a regular activity to get the calories burned from it. My DH doesn't use MFP so I can't speak from his experience, but having used that app personally and finding it super easy to use, I don't think tracking your food intake and BFing with that and then entering the calories/time/distance from your HRM would be very difficult to manage. I also am not sure how accurate the "active minutes" part of the FitBit is. Sometimes DH will play an entire football game and it will only say like 6 active minutes, which seems pretty low. But then again there is a lot of starting and stopping so who knows.

temursgirl · May 2014

@MrsRahl I agree with @mrsgerman that it is probably most useful for someone who wants to make a lifestyle change (like DH) because it forces you to pay attention to your activity level, etc. As far as calories, I am not into counting calories, ever, but you can set the number at your choice. I really believe in just making healthy food choices and listening to your body, but I know that doesn't work for everybody.

Also, if you want one don't pay full price. There are tons on ebay.

MrsRahl · May 2014

Thanks ladies! I think maybe I need to just invest in a heart rate monitor and stick with MFP. Seems silly the fit bit doesn't do that? I've also heard about the activity minutes being wonky and that makes me kinda eh. So anyone have a heart rate monitor/watch they'd suggest? @babygabe614‌ @Temurlang1‌?

babygabe614 · May 2014

MrsRahl said:

Thanks ladies! I think maybe I need to just invest in a heart rate monitor and stick with MFP. Seems silly the fit bit doesn't do that? I've also heard about the activity minutes being wonky and that makes me kinda eh. So anyone have a heart rate monitor/watch they'd suggest? @babygabe614‌ @Temurlang1‌?

@MrsRahl Unfortunately I don't - I use a Garmin to track my mileage since my main activity is running. When I used to track my other workouts via MFP I just used the estimated calories burned that they offered, or input what it said on the machine if I were doing something like the stairclimber that would give me a summary at the end. The HRM stuff interests me, though, so I'd be interested to hear if anyone has some good recommendations. The whole chest strap thing seems cumbersome, which I think has been my main deterrent from getting one.

otter1103 · May 2014

@babygabe614‌ - how do you like the Garmin? I've been looking at that and the Nike/Tom Tom one and can't decide.

Side note, I usually use Endomondo on my phone but when we're out hiking or biking it can eat the battery down. Aside from the long trips that might eat battery, it's a great app. You can tell it ahead of time what activity you're about to do and it calculates your distance, calories burned and tells you what your water intake should be.

temursgirl · May 2014

@MrsRahl sorry, I don't track my heart rate, I just go by feel. Do you want to track it to see how long you're spending in "the zone?" What kind of workouts do you do?

MrsRahl · May 2014

@temurlang, I was (is the key word there) walking 3-4 miles fast paced a day or jogging slowly (because I suck at it) and did C25k, along with any other moving activity I could do. I plan on walking a ton with the baby as soon as possible. I got pelvic girdle pain in second tri which pretty much eliminated long walking/jogging. I'm definitely not naturally a health nut person and for me, it took a lot of tracking and numbers to crunch for me to successfully meet my goals. I think with heart rate I may have pushed myself way too hard at times in the beginning instead of staying in a good burning zone that was more manageable to go longer and would have been more successful instead of my noob self guessing. Numbers just helped keep me on track because I suck as estimating (I don't mean scale numbers, I mean calorie counting, a good heart rate, distance). I really like to track measurements rather than weight because that is what was rewarding and more realistic to track good healthy change.

babygabe614 · May 2014

otter1103 said:

@babygabe614‌ - how do you like the Garmin? I've been looking at that and the Nike/Tom Tom one and can't decide. Side note, I usually use Endomondo on my phone but when we're out hiking or biking it can eat the battery down. Aside from the long trips that might eat battery, it's a great app. You can tell it ahead of time what activity you're about to do and it calculates your distance, calories burned and tells you what your water intake should be.

@otter1103 I big puffy heart luuuurve my Garmin. I have the most basic model - the Forerunner 10 - and it gives me everything I want. Tracks distance and pace accurately, gives me my mile splits, has a pace alarm you can turn on if you want to ensure you're hitting the right pace as you go along (I used this during a couple half marathons and found it very helpful), stores a significant amount of data and you can upload everything onto Garmin Connect online, which I love doing because it gives me a visual of my progress, maps of my runs including altitude gain and loss, saves my "records" like fastest mile, longest distance, fastest 5k, etc. and I can "connect" with friends on there to track their progress, too. The more advanced models offer a lot more bells and whistles but the Forerunner is just fine for my needs. My SIL got one recently because she loved mine and it looks like the newer ones pick up the GPS signal faster than mine does (I've had mine for about a year and a half). I only have to charge it every few runs, as well, so I have never run into having a dead battery mid-run.

temursgirl · May 2014

@MrsRahl‌ I think tracking things other than weight is ideal. For one thing, fitness and weight loss aren't exactly the same. DH originally started going to the gym because he wanted to lose weight. When he didn't lose weight he became discouraged. It took a lot of convincing to get him to exercise for it's own sake, but really you have to see it that way. It does sound like you want to monitor your heart rate. Pushing yourself too much will most likely result in you doing less than you really can.

otter1103 · May 2014

What do you all think of eventually having a thread like this for fitness gear/activities? I know we previously mentioned something similar but a check in for post baby stuff. But I'd love to get input on other things like the trackers we're discussing, fun classes or DVDs, what sports bras are amazing, are there any yoga poses I can do if I'm baby wearing...

katekat8721 · May 2014

otter1103 said:

What do you all think of eventually having a thread like this for fitness gear/activities? I know we previously mentioned something similar but a check in for post baby stuff. But I'd love to get input on other things like the trackers we're discussing, fun classes or DVDs, what sports bras are amazing, are there any yoga poses I can do if I'm baby wearing...

Love it

babygabe614 · May 2014

@otter1103 Love that idea!

MrsRahl · May 2014

@otter1103‌ I'm all for it too!

Carriebear22 · May 2014

amtellez28 said:

I'm trying to avoid getting a sterilizer (I don't want one more thing on my counter), but DH feels strongly about sterilizing bottles at least the first few weeks before vaccines. How exactly do you sterilize using just the pot of boiling water? I know you boil water and submerge for some time, but: How long? How do you keep the bottles from sinking to the bottom and potentially melting? Rolling boil or simmer? Any help/advice would be great! Note: we're planning to BF, but want to have some bottles ready to go just incase that doesn't work out (as well as sterilizing pump parts).

I sterilized my pump parts and a couple bottles using the sterilizing microwave steam bags. Very simple, but if you need to do a lot of bottles at once it might get annoying to do multiple times. But I think that I will be using it for my pump parts.

babygabe614 · May 2014

@crestedlady @strawberrydreams219 and anyone else asking about the JJ Cole carrier... I have decided to get one of those in lieu of the K'tan and will be happy to let you all know how it works

Of course, I am probably having my LO after all of you so my insight may be useless at that point, but it's there if you want it. After watching the videos of how to put it on from the JJ Cole website, I couldn't pass it up - especially since it's $20 cheaper than the K'tan and is pretty much idiot-proof (which I need).

PressLove · May 2014

Ladies that travel with a PnP, did you check it with your luggage? Was it really bulky?

I saw this travel bed and was intrigued. However, I'm nervous about the bedsharing. Thoughts?

Eddie Bauer® Infant Travel Bed - Black/Green

shellbell813 · May 2014

Clothes. I'm sure this has been discussed but don't have time to go searching. For summer babies what will newborns be wearing? Will onesies be sufficient? Night gowns? Footed sleepers? We live in Alabama so it will be nice and hot. Also how necessary are mittens? Do we need to bring some to the hospital with us? And also how many little onesies/gowns do I need? I'm sure I will be able to wash them so I don't need a billion but I don't want to end up doing laundry daily.

jshrop · May 2014

shellbell813 said:
Clothes. I'm sure this has been discussed but don't have time to go searching. For summer babies what will newborns be wearing? Will onesies be sufficient? Night gowns? Footed sleepers? We live in Alabama so it will be nice and hot. Also how necessary are mittens? Do we need to bring some to the hospital with us? And also how many little onesies/gowns do I need? I'm sure I will be able to wash them so I don't need a billion but I don't want to end up doing laundry daily.

We are in Savannah, so similar climate. She's been in onesies during the day and sleepers at night since we brought her home. We had the mittens in the hospital, but the nurses suggested socks bc they stay on better (so true!), however when her pediatrician saw her he wanted us to take them off. He said babies need their hands to explore with. She had a bit of clawing at her face, but it seems to be getting better now (day 4)

fsumom · May 2014

@shellbell813

I plan on long sleeve sleepers/gowns at night and short sleeve onesies during the day. We live in Florida.

PressLove · May 2014

ugabamafans. I think I was over thinking it.

emfoxc · May 2014

From the newbie playdate thread multiple ppl recommended using a pack n play for room sharing with baby in the first month or so. We set it up last weekend and there are two "divots" in the mattress, about the circumference of a sand dollar. This isn't the indent for where the mattress folds, but just random indentations. The anxious FTM in me is nervous that the mattress isn't totally flat (like could baby's head roll into the divot...it's maybe 1/4 inch deep, but still has me slightly concerned). So I'm wondering for those who use pack n play's at night in the first few weeks, did you just use the regular mattress it came with? Or did you buy a special pack n play firm mattress to place on top? If so, what mattress specifically?

Also, we ordered 2 of these portable crib mattress protectors off Amazon for the pnp, and they don't fit at all - it actually seems hazardous as it bunches up the foldable mattress. Just wondering if you don't need a mattress protector for the pnp (i.e. is it already waterproof)? If I should use one, then I want to find one that fits correctly - and any reco's are welcome! TIA

CrysW08 · May 2014

@emfoxc‌ Babies R Us sells a "playard essentials" kit for $55 that includes a mattress, two sheets, & two waterproof pads that I bought for our playard. The mattress is much better than what came with the playard.

temursgirl · June 2014

I want to take LO to water babies, which it seems I can start almost right away. I realized that I have to also go in the water and thus need a swim suit. I assume my regular stuff won't fit, especially in the bust. What should I get? Maternity? Size up in a regular two piece?

mrscbrad · June 2014

@nutmegs8 I haven't previously thought about this so obviously now I'm freaking out about it but I would think in the booth or a seat would be right. That's the scenario I've seen my friends with babies use most often. Of course there's always that one friend who puts the seat on the table...

temursgirl · June 2014

@nutmegs8‌ I wouldn't put it on the floor. Personally, I don't expect things/kids/animals on the floor of restaurants and might not see it on time. I have almost stepped on a dog once for that reason. Also, there would be a chance of someone dropping something. And anyway, she's a person, so she should get a seat at the table. Depending on the restaurant, keeping the car seat in the stroller might also be an option.

jwarnerb · June 2014

StrawberryDreams219 said:

@nutmegs8 some restaurants have special stands for car seats and I have also seen normal wooden highchairs flipped over and the seat placed on the cross braces. @Temurlang1‌ what about pp bleeding? I scheduled DD to start swim lessons 2 weeks after my edd and then realized I'll still be bleeding and tampons aren't an option. I have to be in the water with her but now I don't know what to do.

This. I have worked in many restaurants and this is an awesome way to keep the car seat off the floor (danger!) and up where you and others can see it. It also works fine if you put the car seat on the booth seat*

*advice from a former server, I'm a FTM.

temursgirl · June 2014

@StrawberryDreams219‌ I will definitely take my OB's advice on when I can go and I know that can vary a lot. So my general plan is that I will take her around 6 weeks PP, but DH could take her before.

Laurelyn2012 · June 2014

jwarnerb said:

StrawberryDreams219 said:

@nutmegs8 some restaurants have special stands for car seats and I have also seen normal wooden highchairs flipped over and the seat placed on the cross braces.

@Temurlang1‌ what about pp bleeding? I scheduled DD to start swim lessons 2 weeks after my edd and then realized I'll still be bleeding and tampons aren't an option. I have to be in the water with her but now I don't know what to do.

This. I have worked in many restaurants and this is an awesome way to keep the car seat off the floor (danger!) and up where you and others can see it. It also works fine if you put the car seat on the booth seat*

*advice from a former server, I'm a FTM.

Coming from another former server this is actually so unsafe. It makes them top heavy and are prone to tipping very easily. I think it actually even says usually on them not to do this. I found most people would use a booth/chair/table whatever they were most comfortable with.

elsa1688 · June 2014

Does it matter where the baby is positioned on the baby ktan breeze? (Solid cloth vs. Mesh)

babygabe614 · June 2014

If this has been asked, please feel free to redirect me. DH put our PnP together yesterday and it's one of the Graco ones with the "newborn napper" on top. The material inside the napper feels kind of plasticy/waterproof which to me seems kind of cold and/or uncomfortable for baby... even if she is swaddled, the back of her head would be touching that cold surface. If you have one of these, did you line it with anything? I feel like I should for comfort's sake but it would be dangerous to have loose cloth inside the napper. Do they make covers for these and I'm just dumb? Or am I just over thinking this?

BMaidPlanner · June 2014

@babygabe614 I have a Graco travel lite crib as our bassinet and I googled and read amazon reviews and found out what can act as a sheet for it. (it was another brand of sheets for something else that just happens to fit perfectly, and some folks said queen size pillow cases fit mine too!)

You may be able to snoop around too and see what works for your pack n' play. HTH

babygabe614 · June 2014

@MommyWaldron‌ We have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Playard-Reversible-Napper-Changer/dp/B00GY8J8H8/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=111SZD0YM7VEB&coliid=I1BOMC19D2JVHG

@BMaidPlanner‌ That's a great idea! The napper on top is pretty small so I'm guessing even a regular pillow case would be too loose but who knows what else others have tried that fits. Thanks for the tip!

babygabe614 · June 2014

nutmegs8 said:

babygabe614 said:

@MommyWaldron‌ We have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Playard-Reversible-Napper-Changer/dp/B00GY8J8H8/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=111SZD0YM7VEB&coliid=I1BOMC19D2JVHG @BMaidPlanner‌ That's a great idea! The napper on top is pretty small so I'm guessing even a regular pillow case would be too loose but who knows what else others have tried that fits. Thanks for the tip!

@babygabe614 I have that same PnP and haven't even used the napper/changer on it. S sleeps in the bassinet part of it next to the bed. She takes all her naps in her swing during the day. That being said, I just felt the napper side of it and seems fine to me if her head were to lay on it. Now, the changer side I wouldn't want her sleeping on. If anything, I'd just put a receiving blanket over it.

@nutmegs8 I could smack myself right now. I was thinking both sides were the same material as the changer side and now realize they are not. DOH. I need more sleep. This answers my question, then!! Thanks and I apologize for my FTM/no-clue-what-I'm-doing moment!

jenlynne0624 · June 2014

@babygabe614 I have the same PNP and haven't set it up yet, but I am glad that I read your post because I probably would have thought the same thing.

mrscbrad · June 2014

@babygabe614 I have the exact same PNP! I've been concerned about blowouts and leaks on the napper, too, so I've thought a pillowcase might be a good solution for making cleaning easier? Do you plan to let the baby sleep in the napper at night? I've been back and forth because of the material being less firm and the SIDS risk but it's got a decent incline and it's convenient so I'm still not sure.

babygabe614 · June 2014

mrscbrad said:

@babygabe614 I have the exact same PNP! I've been concerned about blowouts and leaks on the napper, too, so I've thought a pillowcase might be a good solution for making cleaning easier? Do you plan to let the baby sleep in the napper at night? I've been back and forth because of the material being less firm and the SIDS risk but it's got a decent incline and it's convenient so I'm still not sure.

@mrscbrad I have a handful of waterproof changing pads for my "real" changer upstairs in LO's nursery, so I might throw one of those on the napper before I put her in it, just in case. Our original plan was to have her sleep in it for the first few weeks, but a friend is letting us borrow their bassinet, so we are using that instead and keeping the PnP downstairs for naps. I am not sure how sturdy that napper feels though, now that I have it assembled at home. I guess when LO is really little and can't move around much maybe it would be OK, but it seems like it could flip over to one side pretty easily which would make me worry. The incline is good, though, like you said.

PressLove · June 2014

nutmegs8 said:

@lizardbreath14 I bought this mattress and sheet.

I bought the exact same mattress.It fits perfectly in the Graco PnP. There are sheets on Amazon, but I got PnP sheets as gifts from my Target registry.

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