Dumb Questions here - a playdate/curiosity thread?

meeshybee · August 2014

excitedpreggo12 said:

Did you take LO everywhere around the house with you when they're newborn? Like move them around in their carrier with you if you needed to pee/ shower/ cook/ etc?

DD2 was really clingy when she was tiny so I used my Moby sometimes to cook dinner or hang her CD's on the line outside. Just for quick pee breaks, etc I would put her in the swing in the living room. I knew she was secure and even if she cried, I was back after a minute or two so she was fine. The only time I moved the swing around with me was when I had to take a shower when she was awake and DH wasn't home.

wallygirl · August 2014

excitedpreggo12 said:
What did you do/ react like when LO had their first cold?

My DD was 5 months before we had any kind of sick visit at the Dr. Well except for being diagnosed with reflux. She started with a cough and snotty nose. I called the pediatrician and they said humidifier, saline spray and aspirator which I had already started doing. By the middle of the night/next morning she was running a fever. The nurse still said it was probably just a cold. I wasn't so certain so I took her in for a visit. She tested positive for the flu. She doesn't go to daycare and no one in our family had been sick. I say all that to say don't second guess yourself. If you feel like your LO needs to be seen take him/her in. That's what your pediatrician is for. Listen to your gut (mother's intuition).

ccam · August 2014

excitedpreggo12 said:

Did you take LO everywhere around the house with you when they're newborn? Like move them around in their carrier with you if you needed to pee/ shower/ cook/ etc?

I don't know what kind of carrier you mean, but DS was usually at least in my view when I was doing things - either in his bouncer, swing, on his playmat or passed out in his RNP. I left showering for when DS was sleeping or when DH was home. If we really had to go somewhere and I needed to shower while he was awake, I'd drag the bouncer or RNP into my bathroom. I also wore DS a lot since he tended to be fussy right when I needed to cook dinner. If anything, I'd put him in the PNP since I knew he'd be safe, he might scream, but he's safe.

ccam · August 2014

Econosaurus said:

We got one of the pack n plays with the separate bassinet and changing pad that click in on top. Can I just unclick the bassinet and use it downstairs during the day or so I want a separate bouncer? We have a mamaroo but that's hardly mobile so I'm trying to figure out what a good secondary baby holder is.

Does the bassinet have a separate frame you can click it into when you take it out? Our PNP has a bassinet, but it's just sort of a higher level than the very lower part of the PNP so you couldn't use it like you would a bouncer (that's sort of confusing). Plus DS loved the fact that the bouncer bounced and had a vibrate function.

This is the PNP we have, yours sounds different

https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12319168&cp=2255957.2273443.3561177.3561197&parentPage=family

Maelara · August 2014

lissydee said:

Maelara said:

excitedpreggo12 said:

Did you take LO everywhere around the house with you when they're newborn? Like move them around in their carrier with you if you needed to pee/ shower/ cook/ etc?

Lol, please don't put them in the carrier every time you do something! It can create flat head. When I went to the bathroom, I put her either in her crib or the PnP I set up I'm the living room. I pretty much put her in those spots every time I did anything. I only cooked when DH was home unless it was the microwave. But looking back, the bouncer on the floor would have been fine. For the first little while, I also only showered when DH was home but I got used to that fast. I would put the bouncer in the bathroom with me to shower or just wait until they are napping

what kind of carrier? are you thinking the car seat? Because carriers, that you use to baby wear, won't cause a flat head. In fact, they are really good at helping the baby learn head and neck control.

I was assuming a carseat type of carrier. Which is my bad. I know the other type of carriers are fantastic, I'm actually a huge advocate for them on here and am always telling ladies to get them

Maelara · August 2014

excitedpreggo12 said:

Lol thanks ladies, idk what kind of carrier. I guess that's another question in itself. I have no clue if my stepkids will try to mess with LO when I walk out the room to do something (my sister used to try to pick me up as an infant when my mom turned her back) so I wasn't sure if you take the baby with you or if you're super paranoid and just want them around you all the time. So a swing, PNP, baby wearing are fine. No car seat though. Gotcha.

The baby can move their head more in those other contraptions than a carseat

for a newborn get a moby, a stretchy wrap, a woven wrap (I currently have a kokadi and a Lenny Lamb - LOVE them) or a ring sling. Ring slings are awesome because they are easy to learn, adjust and can be used through most stages. Once your baby is a but older (about 3-4 months) if you want to get a structured carrier (ergo, Tula, Beco, etc), those are super easy to get a baby in and out of. You can use the structured carriers with newborns but most don't like them until they are a bit older.

Maelara · August 2014

flutterbuggie said:

excitedpreggo12 said:

Lol thanks ladies, idk what kind of carrier. I guess that's another question in itself. I have no clue if my stepkids will try to mess with LO when I walk out the room to do something (my sister used to try to pick me up as an infant when my mom turned her back) so I wasn't sure if you take the baby with you or if you're super paranoid and just want them around you all the time. So a swing, PNP, baby wearing are fine. No car seat though. Gotcha.

The baby can move their head more in those other contraptions than a carseat for a newborn get a moby, a stretchy wrap, a woven wrap (I currently have a kokadi and a Lenny Lamb - LOVE them) or a ring sling. Ring slings are awesome because they are easy to learn, adjust and can be used through most stages. Once your baby is a but older (about 3-4 months) if you want to get a structured carrier (ergo, Tula, Beco, etc), those are super easy to get a baby in and out of. You can use the structured carriers with newborns but most don't like them until they are a bit older.
So where would you get a ring sling? Do you have to make it yourself or is there a certain brand that is awesome?

You can convert an old wrap into a ring sling or you can buy them. You CAN make them but until you are more familiar with them, I don't suggest it. You can buy them second hand (which is actually a great idea, they are cheaper and more broken in). Find a local baby wearing group on facebook that will let you try on different type of carriers. Everyone is so different on what they prefer, it truly is for the best if you try on a couple first. Those groups will also help you find a ring sling if that's what you decide you like

wraps have lots of amazing benefits (bonding, milk production, you can learn to BF in them, ease, calming fussiness, etc.). I don't have a ring sling (I will be fixing that!) so I'm not as familiar with the brands that make them. I know the FB group Im in like the Porter ring slings for starters. ETA - I asked my baby wearing group about brands, I'll PM you when I get answers

soulcupcake · August 2014

Becks517 said:

This thread is SO helpful, thank you ladies!

My question is about your belly after birth. The other day I was at Babies R Us and saw a woman who looked VERY pregnant. She and her husband were at the registry counter asking about pumps, and I heard her say that she had just been released from the hospital and their LO was still in the NICU. I guess I kind of assumed that your belly would deflate some right after birth. Obviously you wouldn't go back to normal, but wouldn't look like you're still very pregnant. Am I wrong? STMs+, what was your belly like after delivery?

Mine deflated quite a bit after giving birth. I probably looked a few months pregnant, but that's it. My uterus involuted pretty quickly following all of my births.

mander82 · August 2014

I am going to need all the baby holding contraptions. I am already a busy person.....its going to be difficult with a baby.

I plan on having the swing in the living room, and a rock n play in our bedroom. I was hoping to keep baby in the swing in the living room while I shower in the morning before work. As far as cooking dinner/washing dishes in the evening goes though......maybe I should get another rock n play to keep in the kitchen with me. I don't think I can wear baby on my front while leaning over the sink washing dishes.

Maelara · August 2014

excitedpreggo12 said:

I am going to need all the baby holding contraptions. I am already a busy person.....its going to be difficult with a baby.

I plan on having the swing in the living room, and a rock n play in our bedroom. I was hoping to keep baby in the swing in the living room while I shower in the morning before work. As far as cooking dinner/washing dishes in the evening goes though......maybe I should get another rock n play to keep in the kitchen with me. I don't think I can wear baby on my front while leaning over the sink washing dishes.

That's a good idea. Makes me think of one more question. How often/ long can I baby wear? Is there any cons to it, like LO wouldn't want to be put down because he'd be so used to me carrying him all the time?

The Tula structured carrier actually makes a toddler carrier. Woven wraps also allow of baby carrying into toddler hood. It depends on the baby on how long really though. I've always worn N but she's such a free spirit that she gets PISSED being in one now. You could get a baby that loves to be wrapped and wants it all the time but eventually you can wrap them on your back and it won't be such a hassle

Maelara · August 2014

Econosaurus said:

Okay I have another one. The feeding supplies section of the checklists, do I need this stuff now? Pump, bottles, etc seem obvious but a high chair? That seems a long way off or should I just do it now? And teething toys etc is that a now thing too?

I got the high chair right away but I don't think it's necessary right away. I didnt use mine until N was 5 months old. Babies can start teething as early as 2 months (N did). You can wait until they start but I recommend having baby Tylenol on hand right away.

mander82 · August 2014

Baby gates and kitties........our kitties litter boxes are in the basement, so we cannot keep the basement door closed.

Can we just keep the baby gate 6 inches or so off the floor, so kitty can go under it, and baby won't fit under it ?

I know this won't be a concern til he is crawling, but I don't know how many baby gates I want to register for.

Maelara · August 2014

Haha! @flutterbuggie, I went and asked a question about the ring slings and end up buying one! Lol! I bought a porter ring sling, it's made in Montana I believe, so it's American made which is awesome

I've heard nothing but good things about it!

Jatpa003 · August 2014

mander82 said:
Baby gates and kitties........our kitties litter boxes are in the basement, so we cannot keep the basement door closed.

Can we just keep the baby gate 6 inches or so off the floor, so kitty can go under it, and baby won't fit under it ?

I know this won't be a concern til he is crawling, but I don't know how many baby gates I want to register for.

This is also my concern, my husband suggesting doing a pet door at the bottom on the basement door, like a cut out and flap thing. I think I would be more comfortable with this than raising a baby gate... I am still looking for suggestions though...

MrsG1019 · August 2014

mander82 said:
Baby gates and kitties........our kitties litter boxes are in the basement, so we cannot keep the basement door closed.

Can we just keep the baby gate 6 inches or so off the floor, so kitty can go under it, and baby won't fit under it ?

I know this won't be a concern til he is crawling, but I don't know how many baby gates I want to register for.

What we ended up doing is putting a kitty door on the door that goes to our garage .. So just a suggestion. It was only $20 & it's amazing! Small enough to let the cats thru but hopefuly not a crawling baby

MollMoll4 · August 2014

mander82 said:
Baby gates and kitties........our kitties litter boxes are in the basement, so we cannot keep the basement door closed.

Can we just keep the baby gate 6 inches or so off the floor, so kitty can go under it, and baby won't fit under it ?

I know this won't be a concern til he is crawling, but I don't know how many baby gates I want to register for.

We keep the bathroom where our cat's litter box is closed off with a baby gate to keep the dogs out. It's set up normally and she has 0 problem jumping over it to get in and out. I don't think you would need to raise it.

Maelara · August 2014

flutterbuggie said:

Haha! @flutterbuggie, I went and asked a question about the ring slings and end up buying one! Lol! I bought a porter ring sling, it's made in Montana I believe, so it's American made which is awesome I've heard nothing but good things about it!
@Maelara‌ Haha awesome! Where did you buy it from?

I'm buying it from my Facebook page. It's all local ladies.

@econosaurus haha! I'd love too! Too bad you're so far away!

AnnieRoo13 · August 2014

Question about baby wearing. I was hoping to baby wear around the house while a I clean, do laundry and cook, but I'm a bit worried about the safety aspect of doing lots of bending or even wearing baby near the stove.

Any insight?

PandaCon · August 2014

@mander82 My cat can jump right over the baby gate! Out litter box is in the hall next to the living room and he just jumps over the gate when needed.

MrsTuna08 · August 2014

MollMoll4 said:

Baby gates and kitties........our kitties litter boxes are in the basement, so we cannot keep the basement door closed.

Can we just keep the baby gate 6 inches or so off the floor, so kitty can go under it, and baby won't fit under it ?

I know this won't be a concern til he is crawling, but I don't know how many baby gates I want to register for.
We keep the bathroom where our cat's litter box is closed off with a baby gate to keep the dogs out. It's set up normally and she has 0 problem jumping over it to get in and out. I don't think you would need to raise it.

Ditto on this - we have 2 fat kitties and they can get over the gate easily. It is probably easier for cats to jump over than shimmy under - unless you cat already likes to shimmy under small spaces already?

Also, shimmy doesn't look like a real word when I see it in type, so hopefully I didn't just make that word up.

mander82 · August 2014

I was concerned about her jumping over the gate since it will be right at the top of the basement steps. I don't want her jumping over the gate, and rolling down the steps. ha ha....I am sure I would laugh if I witnessed it happen, but then I would feel bad. I did look at the kitty doors on amazon, there are some pretty neat ones on there.....so maybe we'll go that route. I haven't made this many decisions in my whole life as I have since I have gotten knocked up!

meeshybee · August 2014

AnnieRoo13 said:

Question about baby wearing. I was hoping to baby wear around the house while a I clean, do laundry and cook, but I'm a bit worried about the safety aspect of doing lots of bending or even wearing baby near the stove.
Any insight?

I was worried about that with DD2, but when she was tiny it was no more difficult than a big preggo belly. Maybe a tad easier because she was higher up. With the newborn hold in the Moby Wrap, all her limbs were tucked in so I wasn't really worried. Once she was a few months old she hated being restrained unless she was sick, so that particular worry was taken care of.

SweetMelissa5 · August 2014

meeshybee said:

mander82 said:

For changing the boys diapers.....what is the best way to keep the pee under control? Do I need to wear my motorcycle helmet with the face shield? I wasn't planning to get a changing table because we don't have much space. Is that going to be a fail move? I planned to just change him on a towel/blanket on the floor or the bed, but maybe it's going to be messier than I anticipate.

With DS, fresh air down there seemed to stimulate him to pee. I learned really quickly not to set anything clean below the level of his waist. I would open his diaper for a sec to let the air in (but not take it off yet), then lay the flap back down over him while I opened the new diaper/grabbed wipes/whatever - anything that took a few seconds to do. Usually if he was going to pee, he had at least started by then and I would just wait until he finished to remove the diaper.
As far as the changing table, I don't think it's a necessity. Nice to have, but we just used a towel on the floor for DD and it was fine. And girls can have the same issues as boys, as far as peeing the second the diaper comes off. They just end up in a puddle instead of spraying it everywhere.

For DS, I just kept a washcloth handy and used that to cover his penis when I did diaper changes; that way, if he did pee, he just got the washcloth, which could go right in the laundry.

And for girls, the bolded is absolutely my experience as well. My youngest also liked to poop as soon as the diaper came off, so I ended up changing quite a few onsies/sleepers/changing pad covers after her diaper changes. But on the bright side, I've never been peed on.

PandaCon · August 2014

My pediatrition told me a slight trick with my boy while changing his diaper. If you take the diaper off and he has an erection, he is about to go. I hardly ever got peed on after that!

runningmama14 · August 2014

To the baby wearing questions about safety while cooking: I have a fb friend that accidently poured boiling water on her 4 week old while cooking. I don't know the logistics of how it happened, but sure got me thinking about using common sense!

phdprocrastinator · August 2014

rox825 said:

OK I have a dumb question that I've been wanting to ask. STMs+, when you wake up for night feedings, what do you do first- feed or change diaper? Signed, an embarrassed I have to ask this question FTM.

I also changed then fed until I realized that I didn't NEED to change at night (well after friends had babies sleeping through the night).

Honestly not a stupid question because I just kept on with my original routine without thinking about it. Then one day I was like "wait - changing the diaper wakes the baby up! This is what I'm trying to avoid!"

phdprocrastinator · August 2014

flutterbuggie said:

flutterbuggie said:

Ok so this question might be a bit TMI but it's something I've been wondering. How do you ladies tell the color/consistency of your discharge? I never see anything on the TP and only noticed I have any discharge at all by what is on my underwear and of course it tends to dry a little different color. I guess I'm still just hung up on the whole leaking amniotic fluid thing and worried since I never seem to have any on my toilet paper.

I've only ever seen discharge on my panties, never my toilet paper. So whatever colour is on your panties, go with that. Amniotic fluid is clear and liquidy (like pee) but it doesn't smell like pee. It's more sweet. Yes, this means you need to sniff your panties.
Lately what I have been seeing on my underwear just looks like the same color as whatever my underwear is that day, just like a wet spot but I've been smelling it and it doesn't smell sweet at all. I don't think it smells like pee either really so I've been confused.

I also have this same clear liquid that smells different, but not like pee, but not sweet discharge. Happy to hear I'm not the only one!

phdprocrastinator · August 2014

kfo22 said:

For those of you with pets, did you have to train them to behave around the baby? Mine are pretty well behaved at 3 & 4 yrs old, but they end up sleeping on our bed every night. I'm just worried about the baby hanging out with dog hair, I guess.

___________

I did buy a book and CD to desensitize my dog to loud noises. I found it on Amazon... can't remember the title. As for all the fur... I just kept telling myself that I was reducing her chances of developing allergies

venussapphire · August 2014

Becks517 said:

This thread is SO helpful, thank you ladies!

My question is about your belly after birth. The other day I was at Babies R Us and saw a woman who looked VERY pregnant. She and her husband were at the registry counter asking about pumps, and I heard her say that she had just been released from the hospital and their LO was still in the NICU. I guess I kind of assumed that your belly would deflate some right after birth. Obviously you wouldn't go back to normal, but wouldn't look like you're still very pregnant. Am I wrong? STMs+, what was your belly like after delivery?

************stuck**********

everyone is different. When I got home from the hospital my stomach looked normal. Even my midwife was quite surprised. She said that on day 3 my stomach looked like that of someone weeks post partum

Maelara · August 2014

ClrkKntismyAE said:

.

venussapphire said:

Becks517 said:

This thread is SO helpful, thank you ladies!

My question is about your belly after birth. The other day I was at Babies R Us and saw a woman who looked VERY pregnant. She and her husband were at the registry counter asking about pumps, and I heard her say that she had just been released from the hospital and their LO was still in the NICU. I guess I kind of assumed that your belly would deflate some right after birth. Obviously you wouldn't go back to normal, but wouldn't look like you're still very pregnant. Am I wrong? STMs+, what was your belly like after delivery?

************stuck**********

everyone is different. When I got home from the hospital my stomach looked normal. Even my midwife was quite surprised. She said that on day 3 my stomach looked like that of someone weeks post partum

--------stuck--------- When I was released from the hospital, I wasn't quite back to normal, but I didn't look pregnant still either. I would suggest bringing something to wear home that would accommodate a range of sizes. Example, I had maternity the maternity pants I wore to the hospital and a pair of pre-pregnancy "fat" jeans. Neither fit and you absolutely don't want anything that buttons. I don't know WTF I was thinking. This time around I will either bring a soft pair of tights with a loose dress or yoga styled pants with a draw string to wear home.

Last time I had yoga maternity pants and a nursing tank top. They worked great for going home in and I also didnt have a 'baby belly' after birth. My uterus went down super fast. ETA - what the heck with being stuck in a box?!

AnnieRoo13 · August 2014

lissydee said:

AnnieRoo13 said:
Question about baby wearing. I was hoping to baby wear around the house while a I clean, do laundry and cook, but I'm a bit worried about the safety aspect of doing lots of bending or even wearing baby near the stove.
Any insight?
------

If you're frying food, don't wear them. Any other type of cooking and baking is fine. And don't bend over at the waist, go down into a squat at the knees.

This makes sense, thank you! The squats will have me back in shape in no time.

pennyandandy · August 2014

runningmama14 said:

To the baby wearing questions about safety while cooking: I have a fb friend that accidently poured boiling water on her 4 week old while cooking. I don't know the logistics of how it happened, but sure got me thinking about using common sense!

LOL, I was just going to say that. I just put the baby in a bouncer while I was cooking. It's not worth it if you should drop something or have an accident.

runningmama14 · August 2014

pennyandandy said:

runningmama14 said:

To the baby wearing questions about safety while cooking: I have a fb friend that accidently poured boiling water on her 4 week old while cooking. I don't know the logistics of how it happened, but sure got me thinking about using common sense!

LOL, I was just going to say that. I just put the baby in a bouncer while I was cooking. It's not worth it if you should drop something or have an accident.

@pennyandandy‌ - I assume you saw that fb post too?!? Poor little guy!

AnnieRoo13 · August 2014

pennyandandy said:

runningmama14 said:

To the baby wearing questions about safety while cooking: I have a fb friend that accidently poured boiling water on her 4 week old while cooking. I don't know the logistics of how it happened, but sure got me thinking about using common sense!

LOL, I was just going to say that. I just put the baby in a bouncer while I was cooking. It's not worth it if you should drop something or have an accident.

Totally not worth it, but I was kind if thinking about how convenient it would be if I had to chop veggies or whatever to wear the baby.

Maelara · August 2014

AnnieRoo13 said:

runningmama14 said:

To the baby wearing questions about safety while cooking: I have a fb friend that accidently poured boiling water on her 4 week old while cooking. I don't know the logistics of how it happened, but sure got me thinking about using common sense!

LOL, I was just going to say that. I just put the baby in a bouncer while I was cooking. It's not worth it if you should drop something or have an accident.
Totally not worth it, but I was kind if thinking about how convenient it would be if I had to chop veggies or whatever to wear the baby.

When the baby is old enough to wear on your back it will be less dangerous.

phdprocrastinator · August 2014

AnnieRoo13 said:

runningmama14 said:

To the baby wearing questions about safety while cooking: I have a fb friend that accidently poured boiling water on her 4 week old while cooking. I don't know the logistics of how it happened, but sure got me thinking about using common sense!

LOL, I was just going to say that. I just put the baby in a bouncer while I was cooking. It's not worth it if you should drop something or have an accident.
Totally not worth it, but I was kind if thinking about how convenient it would be if I had to chop veggies or whatever to wear the baby.

I actually found it more difficult to try to chop veggies while wearing a baby. DD LOVED to be worn (and yes, this did wonders for my butt and abs - so many squats + needing to maintain my core - not back to pre-preg abs, but pretty decent within a year). I would get so frustrated trying to look around her at the cutting board and knife. Then I'd try putting her in her bouncy seat to no avail.

Cooking was hard. I'm definitely prepping freezer meals this time around.

MuchlyGen · August 2014

I'm going to try to master wrapping baby on my back. I know it's doable with newborns (I might wait a couple months, though, to have a slightly less floppy baby). I didn't start trying with DS2 until he was about 7 months old, and then I found it a lifesaver when he was fussy but I needed to cook and clean. But then it wasn't that much longer until he was independent enough that he was, most of the time, happier just playing. Wish I'd started doing it sooner, though. It would have made those first seven months a lot more productive.

Maelara · August 2014

MuchlyGen said:

I'm going to try to master wrapping baby on my back. I know it's doable with newborns (I might wait a couple months, though, to have a slightly less floppy baby). I didn't start trying with DS2 until he was about 7 months old, and then I found it a lifesaver when he was fussy but I needed to cook and clean. But then it wasn't that much longer until he was independent enough that he was, most of the time, happier just playing. Wish I'd started doing it sooner, though. It would have made those first seven months a lot more productive.

It's doable but not recommended.

silverwings72 · August 2014

@Maelara‌ - I was just reading that wearing baby on back was not recommend until older. What age is safe??

Maelara · August 2014

silverwings72 said:

@Maelara‌ - I was just reading that wearing baby on back was not recommend until older. What age is safe??

6 months or when a baby has good head and neck control. This can be completely different, it depends on the baby so if you're unsure then wait for the 6 months. If you're confident that your baby has enough head and neck control, then go for it! You CAN wrap a newborn on your back but there are a lot of requirements and you need to be a confident and skilled wrapper. The baby has to breath on your neck, the head and neck must be supported and the baby must be visible, even from the back. This is a very hard wrap to achieve which is why it's usually recommended to just not do it.

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