@hayhay87 my first slept in a pack'n'play in our bedroom for the first 4 months before we transitioned him to his room in his expensive crib. Lol definitely doable for the first 6 months and better for baby to feel your presence and sleep soundly. Unfortunately, I have no knowledge of moving with a newborn but like anything else with a kid if you plan ahead it should go smoothly. It's amazing how adaptable kids are over adults!
Fot the diaper bag question (forget who originally asked, sorry)--I feel like I've had them all. I never found one that worked for us to use religiously. I had a Coach diaper bag that I loved but it was so bulky I couldn't carry both it and baby. My Skip Hop messenger bag was cute but couldn't hold everything. Then I had another off brand bag where the zipper broke on the third use. Lol I just kept switching throughout until he only needed a small amount of supplies then I used an over the shoulder/back sling Pottery Barn diaper bag that I got as a hand me down that I loved but it's pretty beat up now. My Mom just got a killer deal on a Vera Bradley diaper bag that I love the design of and love that I can throw in the washer. We'll see how that one goes. Lol
@emilyn2012 do you mean like not constantly aware of the pregnancy? If so, then yes. With my daughter I was so aware at all times of her pregnancy. It freaks me out too
@emilyn2012 I'm right there with you. I really think I felt more pregnant with my 1st, if that males sense. I'm 15 weeks and there are days when I'm so busy with work and DD that I almost forget I'm pregnant.
@Renee1105 I didn't. It doesn't seem logical to me since I'll be breastfeeding and need to wake up constantly anyway. My friend had one. She hired one in a time of crisis and the woman stayed for 6 or 7 nights. My friend appreciated the support and learned a ton too. (This was for her second baby)
@heeb918@scgirl6113 Ahhhh thank you for that information! I just assumed it was super dangerous to not use the base or something but yeah, now that you both said that, I'm finding tons of stuff about using seat belts--I have so much to learn!
That actually works out nicely because we do have one car we share so we'll probably install the base in that, but OH uses it to drive to work (I work from home and currently ride a bike or walk everywhere since we live downtown), but I'll definitely have to adapt to using car share once LO is here since I know babies in bike seats is kind of a no-go for a few months This makes me a lot more hopeful about everything. I was so worried we were going to be limited to like 1 or 2 weird car seats and not be able to go with a travel system.
@nolemomma14 I felt like I was showing sooner with this pregnancy, but then I pulled out my bump pictures from when I was pregnant with my daughter, and I'm actually the same size. But at the end of each day, I look like I'm about 20+ weeks. It's ridiculous. @emilyn2012 I also don't really "feel" pregnant this time around like I did the first time around. Maybe it's because I've been there, done that, so it's not this new novelty thing. Or maybe it's because I'm busy chasing my three year old around. But it's definitely different this time around. @Renee1105 I wouldn't hire a baby nurse/night nurse because I'll be exclusively breastfeeding. While the idea of it sounds appealing (being able to sleep all night, uninterrupted? Yes, please!) but I also know myself very well, and I would still be waking up through the night worried about the baby, and I'm very particular about things, so I wouldn't be able to fully trust them. And about the diaper bags, I've never had one. I just used a big purse with my daughter, and will probably do the same this time around, too.
@hayhay87 First six months with baby in your room is absolutely doable. If you are planning to breastfeed, you'll want baby within easy reach at night anyway. And if not, you'll still constantly be waking to check on the baby throughout the night anyway and it makes it much more convenient if they're right there.
One of my friends moved when her baby was just a couple months old. She said it was surprisingly easy because her DD just kind of sat there propped up or sleeping during all the commotion. I'd imagine it would be much harder to move with a toddler or older baby.
@Wholesome Not sure it's cheaper but I've also heard that if you like a lot of pockets camera bags make great diaper bags. I can see that but I don't think they are any cheaper, they just may not look like a diaper bag I love pockets and haven't had any luck finding a different bag with enough pockets. I know a lot of people that use some Thirty-One bags as diaper bags but that's not for me. We just need to pull the plug and get one soon because our current one drives me bonkers.
@nolemomma14 I'm not sure about that. I am the oldest of 3 and was the biggest baby. I've actually never heard that consecutive babies tend to be larger and find that very interesting. My first was 3 weeks early and 6lbs 14oz, hoping to make it to at least 39 weeks this time so I expect baby to be bigger but hoping not too much bigger
@TinaBelcher I am significantly more uncomfortable this time around than I was with DS. More aches and pains, more fatigue, more general discomfort and feeling blah. I would absolutely contribute it to having twins. Once MS is really gone I'm going to try to get back into exercising a stretching out more to see if it helps. Hopefully some yoga will help you too. Check with your hospital (or other community center), I know ours has free prenatal yoga and swim classes through their community outreach program.
I have been wondering this for a while...so for STMs (or third or fourth, whatever) that show earlier with subsequent pregnancies, by the end of your pregnancies, are you any "bigger" than the first? Or do you just show faster and then the growth is slower as you progress so by the end it's a wash? I hope that made sense.
I think it evens out. I'm a STM so no actual experience, but from what I've heard is you kind of pop out faster since everything has already been stretched out but that by the end you're pretty much the same (or at least relatively the same since every pregnancy/baby is different).
yes es it's dumb but I really kind of forget and have to remind myself constantly things like- I can't have a Coke, I already had a coffee.... And then I guess I just almost don't believe it still, I mean I definitely am getting a bump but I guess where baby isn't moving and I'm not huge and people aren't talking to me about #2 as much I'm getting paranoid that something is wrong. I'm actually a worry wart and moved my appt from Monday to tomorrow so I could hear a HB and get some assurance.
I also think part of it is that I can't prepare really for the baby. I'm not doing the nursery until I know the sex and we have so much stuff already that there's really nothing to do yet,...
@emilyn2012 I totally get that. I feel like I "forget" that I'm pregnant this time. But maybe I'm just more distracted this time around? Or like you said, it's hard to prepare when you're sitting around waiting to know the sex. It definitely felt more "real" last time around when the baby had a name and I was picking out bedding and pink things rather than some abstract idea of a baby showing up at my house at some point.
@hayhay87 We currently live in a small two bedroom house with one room being used as an office. Our two year old has been with us since Day 1. I say for the first 18 months, it's totally doable. He has his crib in there and a dresser. It made breastfeeding super easy. We spend all our time out in the main room so that's where all the toys and books are. It is cramped and his stuff has taken over, but we knew were planning on moving from town this summer to be closer to our families so we have just stuck it out sharing one room. It was easier than moving and then moving again a year or two later.
Our new house has 4 bedrooms so he's going to have his own room and so will our little one, although he or she will probably be in our room for the first year as well.
Does anyone have experience with having a baby in a one bed apartment? My husband and I live in a large one bed and our lease isn't up till April. I need to lock down a nursery place now so I'm wondering how long we can last before moving into a larger place. Plus moving with a new born must be the worst.
Is it doable to have a one bed while they're small? I'd plan on having the baby in the same room as us for the first six months at least. Has anyone moved while having a tiny baby? Now that I'm looking into daycare options the situation is stressing me out!
Thank you!
I wouldn't worry about moving with a little one. It's actually much easier! I moved when DD was 4 months old from Baltimore to Indiana and that was SO much easier than Indiana to Minnesota last April with a 2 year old. And also, she slept in the rock n play for those 4 months in our room, no problem. Pack n plays also work well to took share bc you can get the one with the changing table and do everything you need to right there.
Married 9/18/10 TTC 1/1/12 BFP #1 12/13/12 MMC Confirmed 1/30/13 BFP #2 6/17/13, (Clomid+Ovidrel) CP Confirmed 6/26/13 BFP #3 8/14/2013 (Letrozole+IUI) Charlie Grace born 5/2/2014
@hayhay87 we moved when DD was 5 months old. It wasn't too bad really. The only thing that was rough was that we had moved her into her own room by then but in the new house she was on a different floor so I moved her back into our room for a while and nobody slept very well. But I think if we had put her in her crib she'd have been fine. If you plan on having the baby in your room I wouldn't worry too much about having a 1 bedroom for a while. We have 4 bedrooms now, but this baby will probably still be in our room for a few weeks at least.
Thanks everyone for reassuring me! We didn't expect to get pregnant right away so we didn't really think about it when we moved into this flat in April. Luckily it's a very spacious one bed so hoping everything will be fine for a few months! I keep thinking about how much I hate moving, but it's great to hear about people who have done it and said it wasn't too bad!
What are other second time moms registering for? DD is only 20 months so I'd planned to reuse her car seat and crib and stroller,....
So far, my shopping list consists of convertible car seat (this baby will use DD's infant seat until we transition to the convertible), bedroom set, and swaddle blankets (this baby is a boy and I personally don't want to wrap him up in pink swirly swaddles).
My SIL has a ton of hand me down boy's clothes so I don't think we will need to buy much.
I keep feeling like I should need more, but I can't think of what else.
ETA: pacifiers. I didn't use a pacifier much with DD, but when I needed it I really needed it. I know I can sterilize hers, but they're so cheap I'd rather just get new ones so I know they aren't damaged at all.
@emilyn2012 as far as my registry goes so far it's a new crib (and bedding and mattress), new dresser, new car seat, pacifiers and new breast pump accessories (DD will be 18 months when this baby comes so she is still using her car seat, her crib, pacifiers, etc) and if this baby is a boy we will need new clothes and some blankets that aren't pink. I haven't decided if I want another diaper genie yet or if I'll just move the one I have into a more central location. Most of our big purchases (high chair, bouncer, playmat) were gender neutral and held up really well so those are good. We travel a lot too so I'll buy a second pack n play. And I'm still trying to decide if I want a double stroller.
@emilyn2012 Yes, the whole works. When we had our daughter, our financials were very tight (she was a blessed surprise!) and so our families came together and got us everything for the baby. It was such a blessing and we were hugely appreciative; but what came with that, was getting a lot of things that weren't our style or what we would not have normally gotten. I did have a registry, but no one bought from it. For example, my MIL got us the carseat and stroller - well, they were both used. I have no idea where she got them; there was still old crumbs in the crevices of the carseat. The carseat had no safety/instructional manuals, nothing. The stroller ended up being a recalled stroller. It was just incredibly frustrating. So we got rid of everything from when our daughter was a baby (except clothes and some small things) because we knew when we had our second, we'd want to just get everything ourselves. This time around, we are stable and secure financially, so we are going to buy brand new everything.
@jlea05 oh my gosh!!!!!! What a shame about all the stuff from the first!!!!! Eep! I am just trying not to go crazy bc I definitely buy to show love, and I know the baby won't mind having a hand me down jumper and that kinda stuff but I also want it to feel as special this time as with the first. I will never ASK for a shower but I am secretly hoping someone throws one (a sprinkle even) bc there's just no explaining how loved I felt afterwards. I totally get your reasons
@emilyn2012 as long as it hasn't been in an accident or expired it's fine to use it again. We never used an infant seat with DD (we just bought a convertible that was compatible with new babies too) so she is obviously still in hers and we'll need a second.
We don't need much. We transitioned my first to a convertible carseat when he was 6months so we will use the infant seat until it's time for another convertible. At that point we will need 2 more carseats but may just go with forward facing for my oldest and let this baby use the convertible rear facing but I'm not worrying about that now. My insurance covers a new pump for every pregnancy so I will be getting a new pump (I already have 2 thanks to switching insurance right after my first was born - I exclusively pumped with my first and was kind of a pump snob ). We need to get a dresser for my first for his room because we will keep the changing table/crib for the baby. We just transitioned my first to a toddler bed (converted from his crib) and will move him to a twin when we get closer to baby's arrival. If this one is a girl we will need some clothes and accessories that are more geared toward girls but for the most part there isn't much we are looking for. I'm getting a new diaper bag but need it because ours is terrible and I'd be replacing regardless. Still undecided on a stroller and unless I find something I really want cheap at a garage sale I most likely will wait until we see if we need a new one. We did just buy a lightweight one for our son for things like the state fair and farmers markets so worse case scenario if both my husband and I are somewhere we can use 2 strollers. Otherwise I'll plan on wearing baby as much as possible if my son is going to be riding.
@nolemomma14 I'm not sure about that. I am the oldest of 3 and was the biggest baby. I've actually never heard that consecutive babies tend to be larger and find that very interesting. My first was 3 weeks early and 6lbs 14oz, hoping to make it to at least 39 weeks this time so I expect baby to be bigger but hoping not too much bigger
Funny coincidence my first was 3 weeks early and 6lbs. 14oz.
@Carly79 You mentioned being a pump snob, so I'm @ you, but this is really for any STM+
I'm curious about breast pumps; I'm probably going to be returning to work while still breastfeeding, plus I've heard they can help your supply come in. So what are the best pumps in your experience? My insurance plan covers pumps, but it's covered via a spending account, so they don't dictate which pump I have to have. So I have the freedom (and terror) of trying to pick the best one...
@poetryandoceans I loved my Medela In-Style Advanced! It's a double and it was great to have that because it saved time because I didn't have to switch sides. I'm a teacher and I had to pump at recess, lunch and right after school.
I used the Medela Pump in Style Advanced and absolutely loved it. I tried a Lansinoh double electric pump with my first and I hated it. PISA is a double electric so I was able to pump both sides at the same time which was more convenient for work.
Cribs: if we plan on having more kids (this is our first), is it worth it to get a convertible crib for #1 and grow with them or not and reuse infant crib for future kids?
Cribs: if we plan on having more kids (this is our first), is it worth it to get a convertible kid for #1 and grow with them or not and reuse infant crib for future kids?
I thought the crib I bought would grow with my daughter but the way it's going to work out, I think she will move to a full size bed when we move home (Dec/Jan ish). We don't currently have any issues with her trying to escape so I'm going to ride this crib train as long as possible. She's potty trained but doesn't have issues holding it all night so she doesn't need to get out of bed for anything. I think it's worth getting a convertible so you can at least use that part for one, if not both. Depends on how much time between kids! And when they are ready to move to a big bed.
Married 9/18/10 TTC 1/1/12 BFP #1 12/13/12 MMC Confirmed 1/30/13 BFP #2 6/17/13, (Clomid+Ovidrel) CP Confirmed 6/26/13 BFP #3 8/14/2013 (Letrozole+IUI) Charlie Grace born 5/2/2014
Cribs: if we plan on having more kids (this is our first), is it worth it to get a convertible kid for #1 and grow with them or not and reuse infant crib for future kids?
I got a 4-1 convertible crib and bought the conversion kit for the full sized bed. All-in it was $375ish and I'm hoping my daughter will use it for a long time - it's in fantastic shape after 20 months. She's in the toddler bed now and I'm in no rush to convert it to the twin. I plan to do the same with #2.
@poetryandoceans I had a Medela pump in style advanced and a Spectra S9. I loved both of them for different reasons. They both worked about the same for me. The Spectra combined with a pumping bra allowed me to be mobile. The best investment was the hands free pumping bra because then I was hands free with both pumps. The Spectra is rechargeable and small so I could actually stick it in a pocket and walk around (I did this more to grab things for my son, I didn't do dishes or cook dinner but know some people who did). I liked the bag and the parts for the Medela. I used my medela at work since I just sat at a table and read or did some work and didn't need to get up and walk around. I also hacked my spectra to work for medela parts. The Spectra is a closed system so milk cannot get in to the tubes or motor which from a cleaning and hygiene perspective is nice. I didn't have problems with milk getting in to the motor on my Medela but know some people who had to have their medela replaced because the motor ended up with mold. Customer service for Medela is great. Not sure if this helped but some people aren't familiar with the Spectra brand and I'm so glad I found it. If you are going to be pumping in your car at all this one is great because it fits in the cup holder.
Also - I started pumping at the hospital and attribute it to my milk coming in sooner (may not correlate but who knows). My son would latch but only eat for about 5 minutes. He was jaundiced and a sleepy eater. I used the hospital pump while there which is awesome. My son was then transferred to a children's hospital for additional treatment of the jaundice so I had an additional 8 days of pumping with a hospital pump. I think it helped but I was also graced with a very healthy supply.
As you can see, I love talking pumps or anything pumping related (weird I know). I'm happy to answer any other questions.
@Kelseyh62 We bought the convertible crib for my first. We currently have it converted to the toddler bed for my 20 month old but once we figure out what we are doing with bedrooms we will be moving my 20 month old to a twin bed and the baby will get the crib. Then, I figure by the time this one is ready for a twin bed, my son can have the crib converted to a double bed. Then at some point we'll have to buy another bed for this one but it's better than buying 2 cribs in my opinion. So essentially the convertible crib will grow with both kids and one of them will end up with it
Re: Ask a STM+ Week of 7.11
Fot the diaper bag question (forget who originally asked, sorry)--I feel like I've had them all. I never found one that worked for us to use religiously. I had a Coach diaper bag that I loved but it was so bulky I couldn't carry both it and baby. My Skip Hop messenger bag was cute but couldn't hold everything. Then I had another off brand bag where the zipper broke on the third use. Lol I just kept switching throughout until he only needed a small amount of supplies then I used an over the shoulder/back sling Pottery Barn diaper bag that I got as a hand me down that I loved but it's pretty beat up now. My Mom just got a killer deal on a Vera Bradley diaper bag that I love the design of and love that I can throw in the washer. We'll see how that one goes. Lol
That actually works out nicely because we do have one car we share so we'll probably install the base in that, but OH uses it to drive to work (I work from home and currently ride a bike or walk everywhere since we live downtown), but I'll definitely have to adapt to using car share once LO is here since I know babies in bike seats is kind of a no-go for a few months
@emilyn2012 I also don't really "feel" pregnant this time around like I did the first time around. Maybe it's because I've been there, done that, so it's not this new novelty thing. Or maybe it's because I'm busy chasing my three year old around. But it's definitely different this time around.
@Renee1105 I wouldn't hire a baby nurse/night nurse because I'll be exclusively breastfeeding. While the idea of it sounds appealing (being able to sleep all night, uninterrupted? Yes, please!) but I also know myself very well, and I would still be waking up through the night worried about the baby, and I'm very particular about things, so I wouldn't be able to fully trust them.
And about the diaper bags, I've never had one. I just used a big purse with my daughter, and will probably do the same this time around, too.
SaveSave
One of my friends moved when her baby was just a couple months old. She said it was surprisingly easy because her DD just kind of sat there propped up or sleeping during all the commotion. I'd imagine it would be much harder to move with a toddler or older baby.
@nolemomma14 I'm not sure about that. I am the oldest of 3 and was the biggest baby. I've actually never heard that consecutive babies tend to be larger and find that very interesting. My first was 3 weeks early and 6lbs 14oz, hoping to make it to at least 39 weeks this time so I expect baby to be bigger but hoping not too much bigger
SaveSave
yes es it's dumb but I really kind of forget and have to remind myself constantly things like- I can't have a Coke, I already had a coffee.... And then I guess I just almost don't believe it still, I mean I definitely am getting a bump but I guess where baby isn't moving and I'm not huge and people aren't talking to me about #2 as much I'm getting paranoid that something is wrong. I'm actually a worry wart and moved my appt from Monday to tomorrow so I could hear a HB and get some assurance.
I also think part of it is that I can't prepare really for the baby. I'm not doing the nursery until I know the sex and we have so much stuff already that there's really nothing to do yet,...
Our new house has 4 bedrooms so he's going to have his own room and so will our little one, although he or she will probably be in our room for the first year as well.
And also, she slept in the rock n play for those 4 months in our room, no problem. Pack n plays also work well to took share bc you can get the one with the changing table and do everything you need to right there.
Married 9/18/10
TTC 1/1/12
BFP #1 12/13/12 MMC Confirmed 1/30/13
BFP #2 6/17/13, (Clomid+Ovidrel) CP Confirmed 6/26/13
BFP #3 8/14/2013 (Letrozole+IUI) Charlie Grace born 5/2/2014
Laparoscopic surgery 8/15 to remove misplaced IUD
BFP #4, #5, #6 (Letrozole+IUI)all MMC, BFP #7 EDD 1/3/2017
If you plan on having the baby in your room I wouldn't worry too much about having a 1 bedroom for a while. We have 4 bedrooms now, but this baby will probably still be in our room for a few weeks at least.
SaveSave
My SIL has a ton of hand me down boy's clothes so I don't think we will need to buy much.
I keep feeling like I should need more, but I can't think of what else.
ETA: pacifiers. I didn't use a pacifier much with DD, but when I needed it I really needed it. I know I can sterilize hers, but they're so cheap I'd rather just get new ones so I know they aren't damaged at all.
We travel a lot too so I'll buy a second pack n play. And I'm still trying to decide if I want a double stroller.
SaveSave
We don't need much. We transitioned my first to a convertible carseat when he was 6months so we will use the infant seat until it's time for another convertible. At that point we will need 2 more carseats but may just go with forward facing for my oldest and let this baby use the convertible rear facing but I'm not worrying about that now. My insurance covers a new pump for every pregnancy so I will be getting a new pump (I already have 2 thanks to switching insurance right after my first was born - I exclusively pumped with my first and was kind of a pump snob
). We need to get a dresser for my first for his room because we will keep the changing table/crib for the baby. We just transitioned my first to a toddler bed (converted from his crib) and will move him to a twin when we get closer to baby's arrival. If this one is a girl we will need some clothes and accessories that are more geared toward girls but for the most part there isn't much we are looking for. I'm getting a new diaper bag but need it because ours is terrible and I'd be replacing regardless. Still undecided on a stroller and unless I find something I really want cheap at a garage sale I most likely will wait until we see if we need a new one. We did just buy a lightweight one for our son for things like the state fair and farmers markets so worse case scenario if both my husband and I are somewhere we can use 2 strollers. Otherwise I'll plan on wearing baby as much as possible if my son is going to be riding.
I'm curious about breast pumps; I'm probably going to be returning to work while still breastfeeding, plus I've heard they can help your supply come in. So what are the best pumps in your experience? My insurance plan covers pumps, but it's covered via a spending account, so they don't dictate which pump I have to have. So I have the freedom (and terror) of trying to pick the best one...
BFP#5 5/22/17 EDD:1/27/17 It's a GIRL!!!!
Edited: I said convertible kid - lol
Married 9/18/10
TTC 1/1/12
BFP #1 12/13/12 MMC Confirmed 1/30/13
BFP #2 6/17/13, (Clomid+Ovidrel) CP Confirmed 6/26/13
BFP #3 8/14/2013 (Letrozole+IUI) Charlie Grace born 5/2/2014
Laparoscopic surgery 8/15 to remove misplaced IUD
BFP #4, #5, #6 (Letrozole+IUI)all MMC, BFP #7 EDD 1/3/2017
@poetryandoceans I had a Medela pump in style advanced and a Spectra S9. I loved both of them for different reasons. They both worked about the same for me. The Spectra combined with a pumping bra allowed me to be mobile. The best investment was the hands free pumping bra because then I was hands free with both pumps. The Spectra is rechargeable and small so I could actually stick it in a pocket and walk around (I did this more to grab things for my son, I didn't do dishes or cook dinner but know some people who did). I liked the bag and the parts for the Medela. I used my medela at work since I just sat at a table and read or did some work and didn't need to get up and walk around. I also hacked my spectra to work for medela parts. The Spectra is a closed system so milk cannot get in to the tubes or motor which from a cleaning and hygiene perspective is nice. I didn't have problems with milk getting in to the motor on my Medela but know some people who had to have their medela replaced because the motor ended up with mold. Customer service for Medela is great. Not sure if this helped but some people aren't familiar with the Spectra brand and I'm so glad I found it. If you are going to be pumping in your car at all this one is great because it fits in the cup holder.
Also - I started pumping at the hospital and attribute it to my milk coming in sooner (may not correlate but who knows). My son would latch but only eat for about 5 minutes. He was jaundiced and a sleepy eater. I used the hospital pump while there which is awesome. My son was then transferred to a children's hospital for additional treatment of the jaundice so I had an additional 8 days of pumping with a hospital pump. I think it helped but I was also graced with a very healthy supply.
As you can see, I love talking pumps or anything pumping related (weird I know). I'm happy to answer any other questions.