@ceclarlinetlo I found with our first crib, the sides of the crib weren't straight so we were unable to place his mobile where we wanted to. Same goes with his little toy aquarium thing we added on later because the backing of the crib was so "thick" at the top, the straps weren't long enough. I've attached a picture of the crib we have to hopefully confuse you less..
We have a similar crib but the back was straight across so we were able to attach a mobile there for the short time we had it. I personally looked for the open slats the whole way around. We saw a few that had solid backs but I didn't like that because I couldn't quite get passed the whole idea of baby rolling up against it and not being able to roll back and have his face pressed against solid wood the whole night. I would like to think that if they were dangerous they wouldn't be sold but people still sell bumpers even though you aren't supposed to use those in cribs so who knows (I never did any research on it). We personally liked the idea of a convertible bed so we don't have to go buy a toddler bed and a double bed. With our timing though, we are going to use the crib for the baby and buy our DS a new bed for his room. Ultimately though, this baby will get to use the crib forever so we are still getting that benefit and in the long run only have to buy one crib and toddler bed (DS is getting a double bed because he moves around a lot and the toddler bed doesn't work).
@ceclarlinetlo I think one part of deciding on a crib is deciding on what your long-term plans are for the room. We knew we wanted to get a 4-1 convertible cribs because we want them to last a long time. DD is 21 months and her crib is a toddler bed now; eventually we'll convert to the daybed and then the twin. She'll sleep in the twin for idk how long, I hope many many years. On the other hand, I have friends who were completely uninterested in a convertible crib because their plan was to transition the first to a new bed and use the same crib for #2.
I read a lot of reviews and looked at "best of" lists online because I wanted to try to make sure whatever we bought held up for the long haul.
If you are short like me, 5'1", get a lower crib. We have had 2 cribs. One was more of a standard height (Pottery Barn crib) and was so hard for me to put the baby in. I ended up getting a lower model Graco crib. They don't make it anymore, but it is similar to the Graco Tatum Convertible crib. Much lower and easier for shorter moms.
What @JLJ2012 said is a great point. Since drop sides are no longer safe, once you start to lower the mattress it gets harder and harder to put baby in so if you have the opportunity to test it out do so. I never realized there were different heights of cribs so that's good to know.
I would consider the space you're putting the crib in and your long-term plans. the 4-1 crib can be great because it becomes a toddler bed and later a full bed if you want it. If you're not interested in that, it might not be worth it. If you're not buying something used, make sure it meets current safety standards, if you can. I.e. dropside cribs are not considered safe any more...
I second what @JLJ2012 and @Carly79 said. As a shorty myself, getting DD into the crib with the mattress at it's lowest setting was getting difficult. If there's a way to test it out, do it. Other than that, you've been given some great advice! I had the same issue with the mobile not being straight due to curved side rails. But I loved the crib so it was worth it to me.
I just had to transfer my daughter prematurely to a toddler bed. It was hell. Apparently the crib I got was significantly shorter than most, which means she could escape much sooner than she or I was ready for. If I were picking one out now, i would make sure to get one that had taller sides and back so that I could turn it around and keep my kid in the crib longer. The one we have has the same height rails all the way around so this trick didn't work.
@underthesea, have you ever tried using a sleep sack? I kept both my kids in sleep sacks while in their cribs. It makes it harder to climb because you can't get your legs too far apart.
@underthesea, have you ever tried using a sleep sack? I kept both my kids in sleep sacks while in their cribs. It makes it harder to climb because you can't get your legs too far apart.
Oh yes. I tried all the tricks in the book. She could get out of a sleepsack put on backwards. She's a monkey.
I'm pretty average height but trying to put DD in the crib at the lowest mattress setting with this belly? It's getting rough. We have a solid backed crib and it really doesn't pose any issues with safety (PP mentioned breathing against it), but I do hate that DD thinks it's hilarious to put her feet up on it and kick away all night. It's so loud downstairs and I'm always checking the monitor to make sure the thumps are just her kicking it and not her climbing out of bed.
@LastMango@ThePax89 the last resort was buying the kidco peapod plus. First day we used it, she napped for two hours and has done amazing in it since. She doesn't need it at night, only for naps. And it will also be her travel bed- camping, hotels, grandparents, etc. It can be unzipped from the inside, but we used a twist tie to keep her from doing that. Otherwise, we would have the same problem with her escaping as before.
Ok, I know it's early and there have been some questions posed on breast pumps previously but I'm looking for suggestions or what you would do in this situation. With my first I exclusively pumped. I had a Medela Pump In Style Advanced and then due to some insurance changes, was able to get a second pump and got the Spectra S9. I liked them both. I loved my Spectra for it's portability at home and in the car (when needed) and I hacked it to work with my medela bottles. I took my Medela with me to work because it already came in the nice tote bag that I could fit my cooler in along with my bottles and flanges. And I didn't go anywhere so with my hands free bra it worked great to sit in the room and pump and play on my phone. Both worked equally well for me, I really like that Spectra is a closed system, and I like the easily available Medela parts for quick replacement. My dilemma, I get a new pump with each pregnancy under my insurance. I plan to get another pump and trying to decide what to get. I like the idea of a Spectra S2 because again it's closed, and I could predominately use spectra parts. They make an attachment piece I can get so that my medela bottles can be used with my spectra flanges and in looking on Amazon it looks like there are some retailers of spectra items on Prime. But I already have so much medela stuff since I hacked my spectra to use those parts that I'm torn with just getting another pump in style advanced and replacing the one I used last time.
Glad I have time to decide and I'm really hoping that this baby latches and doesn't have any issues that made feeding early on difficult so that I can predominately nurse but I will be pumping for when baby has to be with others and when I go to work so I know I will be pumping, it's just a question of how much this time. Still plan on getting a new pump
ETA: Thank you for reading my long rambling dialog.
@Carly79 people really love the spectra. Do you notice a difference in which pump yields the most milk? I'd go with that one. Sometimes I also justify buying new stuff by telling myself that I've saved a lot of money not using formula. If you prefer the spectra, do it!
@ThePax89 I get about the same with both pumps but I don't know if the fact that I hacked my spectra negates potential benefit. As an exclusive pumper I was an over producer and while I paid a lot of attention to output, was never worried about having enough so I didn't stress about finding out if hacking the spectra parts made a difference. I also have heard that the Spectra S2 is better than the S9 since it's a little more robust so I'm seriously considering switching over. Especially since I saw that I can get a part that allows me to still use my medela bottles.
@kelseyh62 We got DD the DaVinci Kalani in white. It kept showing up on "Best Cribs" lists and it's still a top rated crib for 2016. We like it - it's sturdy and 20 months later there are almost no blemishes in the paint. My only complaint is that the springs did need oiling once because they got squeaky, but I can't find a lot of reviews that say this happens to others so it might just be my crib or my kid.
I would have bought it again for#2, but I wanted medium light wood. I couldn't find a DaVinci set in Chestnut that had all the pieces I wanted (they seem to be discontinuing or limiting stock), so I waited for BRU to have a 20% off furniture sale and splurged on the Bertini Pembrooke set. I hope it ends up being a good buy.
Great advice from PP's regarding testing out your crib. Ours isn't that high but high enough that when it was on its lowest setting I couldn't get DS in the crib if he was already sleeping without a step stool. Also, our top front railing was too wide for any teething guards so DS has left his mark for the second baby!
I'm curious as a STM which breast pumps ladies are getting. With DS breast pumps were not covered by insurance so I paid out the wazoo for a Medela PIS. Loved it, but it's all I knew. Haven't begun research into it to see what insurance covers and stuff but following to see what the general consensus is.
I loved my Medela PISA. I'll probably get another one for this baby. I have heard great things about the spectra, but will stick with what I know I'm sure haha
Our RainbowBaby H arrived at 37 weeks on 12/20/16!
Baby E arrived at 37 weeks on 01/31/15!
Married my Marine 05.23.14
*TW* TWIN LOSS 7.2.15 BFP 9.7.15 CP BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16 BFP 10.14.17 CP BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
Regarding clothes... I want to register for some basic onesies and swaddles just to have some stuff for when the baby is born, I did 1 set of newborn, 1 0-3 and then 1 3-6. Should that be enough for now until I see how big or small this baby boy is? I don't want to buy a ton of summer clothes (he'll be 6 months then) and assume he's in that size, right?
I want to shop for clothes really bad but this is what's stopping me so I was just curious on all of your thoughts!
@BriannaE129129 I would get a few more newborn winter things and then I would also buy a fair amount of 0-3 months. If you are having showers I'm sure people will buy you clothes. People love to buy baby clothes and truthfully I would not register for them. People will buy what they want to buy clothes wise and you can return/exchange it for you want.
@ThePax89 I do still have the medela and it still works. The more I think about it, I'm probably going to go with the Spectra S2 just for the variety and options
@scgirl6113 thanks! I wasn't planning on registering for clothes except for basic onesies and the swaddles. As an avid shower-goer myself, I always want to be able to pick out my own outfits to go with the gifts!
We did cheaper cribs, because we had babies closer in age that shared the crib, so it made more sense to buy the oldest a toddler bed/bunk etc rather than convert the crib and buy another crib. This one will be using the same crib as the 3 & 4 (1 & 2 used the same but it was damaged in a flood so had to buy a new one with #3)
For pumps, I'm an avid Medela lover. I have my original Medela from my 1st so it is over 10yrs old and still works without a hitch. I pumped for 10months straight at work for both #2 and #3 so it has had a lot of use. Didn't use it as much with #4 because I was a SAHM with him, but it worked great then too. I can't remember what version it is, I think the original pump in style?
@BriannaE129129 I wouldn't register for clothing. As for white onesies, I never used them. Hold off on clothing for the summer unless you find a mega deal. You never know how their bodies will be. My daughter is a tall string bean so she wore a size smaller in shorts, and a size larger in shirts/onesies...
So, we've been purchasing little onesies here and there if they're cute and cheap, but have noticed a HUGE variation in sizes. One 0-3 is the same as another 6-12. When you put them away in the dresser, is it easier to access them by the size on the tag, or by what the observable size is?
@cjs260 are you referring to visible size, or the height and weight listed on the tag? I have found that despite looks, onesies usually fit true to size (height especially). I fold/roll onesies and shirts. It seems to be the easiest way to access them.
@ThePax89 My instinct says to put onesies that look like they're the same size together. For instance, if the tag says 6-9months, but it looks to be the same size as other onesies that are 0-3 months, should I organize it with the tag size it is, or with the other onesies it is most similar in size to?
@ThePax89 My instinct says to put onesies that look like they're the same size together. For instance, if the tag says 6-9months, but it looks to be the same size as other onesies that are 0-3 months, should I organize it with the tag size it is, or with the other onesies it is most similar in size to?
Yes, do this @cjs260. Actual sizes vary especially if it's some random off-brand. Then, once you try them on baby, you can always rearrange.
@cjs260, have you washed and dried them? Some brands shrink a ton. So it may look big when you buy it but after you wash and dry it can be much smaller. Otherwise I would say the size listed is probably accurate, depending on brand. Like @ThePax89 said, looks can be deceiving. Some brands have really wide onesies, but the length is still the same as the skinnier onesies.
OMG baby clothes sizes are the bane of my existence. I have some 6-9m onsies that have ZERO stretch that fit like a 0-3m onsie...then I have a 3-6m oncie that stretches so much and fit my kid up to like 13months old! And it doesn't stop with babies...my boys have the same thing, my 2yr old has acouple 4T shirts...because they are made of weird fabric, and my 4yr old is still wearing a 2T shirt that is just...big...omg I hate sizes.
The size variation between brands drove my crazy with my son (still does but he needs size updates less often now). As I recall, Carter's runs pretty true to size. Gymboree runs big but is also better quality so they can wear it for a while. Gerber runs small, shrinks in the wash, and is generally garbage. Garanimals is not so great quality but it is cheap and runs large. Baby Gap runs big, is good quality. The more expensive boutiquey brands are generally really good quality. Janie and Jack stuff is lovely, Tea Collection is good quality and is true to size, Hannah Anderson is really good quality, runs a little big, ditto Zutano except that it is true to size.
@BriannaE129129 I used a ton of short sleeve onesies (in all different colors or white) for Owen's entire first year. I probably had 20-30 in every given size. I prefer short sleeve for layering even in winter because long sleeve bunch up and annoy me as a bottom layer. Though, you won't need all of those right out of the gate and I personally wouldn't shop for seasons other than their winter arrival until you know what size your baby will be. Owen is 4 and I STILL can't shop ahead a season because he grows at such varying rates I never know what I can plan for him to be. His first year he was always 3 or 6 months ahead in sizing.
It is so hard to buy clothing ahead of time. From birth to 6 months DS was generally a size ahead. Then he started crawling and got longer too and was pretty much right on track with the sizes. Now he's 2. He wears 3T shirts, but can still fit into some 18 month shorts and a lot of 2T shorts fall off of him.
Can someone explain to me what winter clothing is for a newborn? I live in Phoenix, so it won't be that cold. I'm just struggling with conceptualizing how much they will need to be bundled up but not have it be the biggest PITA for changing diapers.
Shout out to @cjs260 for mentioning the target sale. Bought some cute clearance items. Thanks for the tip!
I was surprisingly baffled with the pants though. I was like "Pants ... newborns need pants right? Not just onsies? This is a smart buy, right?" Lol. Good lord, you should have seen hubby and I trying to figure out how to disconnect a car seat from a base at BRU for the first time. The first time parenting struggle is real. Haha!
Re: Ask a STM+ Week of 8/8
BFP1 12/24/14 - EDD 09/07/15 (D/C 8w1d)
BFP2 6/12/15 - EDD 2/22/16 (D/C 10w3d)
———
Diagnoses and Treatments
PCOS (myo-inositol, excercize)
Indeterminant levels of APS IgM antibodies (baby aspirin)
Sub-septate uterus (hysteroscopic septoplasty 12/18/15)
———
BFP3 05/02/16 EDD 01/09/17 DS born 01/05/17
BFP4 01/28/19 EDD 10/?/19 🤞🙏
We have a similar crib but the back was straight across so we were able to attach a mobile there for the short time we had it. I personally looked for the open slats the whole way around. We saw a few that had solid backs but I didn't like that because I couldn't quite get passed the whole idea of baby rolling up against it and not being able to roll back and have his face pressed against solid wood the whole night. I would like to think that if they were dangerous they wouldn't be sold but people still sell bumpers even though you aren't supposed to use those in cribs so who knows (I never did any research on it). We personally liked the idea of a convertible bed so we don't have to go buy a toddler bed and a double bed. With our timing though, we are going to use the crib for the baby and buy our DS a new bed for his room. Ultimately though, this baby will get to use the crib forever so we are still getting that benefit and in the long run only have to buy one crib and toddler bed (DS is getting a double bed because he moves around a lot and the toddler bed doesn't work).
I read a lot of reviews and looked at "best of" lists online because I wanted to try to make sure whatever we bought held up for the long haul.
DS2: 11/5/14
LFAF April Siggy Challenge - TV/Movie BFFS - Romy & Michele
make sure to get one that had taller sides and back so that I could turn it around and keep my kid in the crib longer. The one we have has the same height rails all the way around so this trick didn't work.
DS2: 11/5/14
Ok, I know it's early and there have been some questions posed on breast pumps previously but I'm looking for suggestions or what you would do in this situation. With my first I exclusively pumped. I had a Medela Pump In Style Advanced and then due to some insurance changes, was able to get a second pump and got the Spectra S9. I liked them both. I loved my Spectra for it's portability at home and in the car (when needed) and I hacked it to work with my medela bottles. I took my Medela with me to work because it already came in the nice tote bag that I could fit my cooler in along with my bottles and flanges. And I didn't go anywhere so with my hands free bra it worked great to sit in the room and pump and play on my phone. Both worked equally well for me, I really like that Spectra is a closed system, and I like the easily available Medela parts for quick replacement. My dilemma, I get a new pump with each pregnancy under my insurance. I plan to get another pump and trying to decide what to get. I like the idea of a Spectra S2 because again it's closed, and I could predominately use spectra parts. They make an attachment piece I can get so that my medela bottles can be used with my spectra flanges and in looking on Amazon it looks like there are some retailers of spectra items on Prime. But I already have so much medela stuff since I hacked my spectra to use those parts that I'm torn with just getting another pump in style advanced and replacing the one I used last time.
Glad I have time to decide and I'm really hoping that this baby latches and doesn't have any issues that made feeding early on difficult so that I can predominately nurse but I will be pumping for when baby has to be with others and when I go to work so I know I will be pumping, it's just a question of how much this time. Still plan on getting a new pump
ETA: Thank you for reading my long rambling dialog.
I would have bought it again for#2, but I wanted medium light wood. I couldn't find a DaVinci set in Chestnut that had all the pieces I wanted (they seem to be discontinuing or limiting stock), so I waited for BRU to have a 20% off furniture sale and splurged on the Bertini Pembrooke set. I hope it ends up being a good buy.
I'm curious as a STM which breast pumps ladies are getting. With DS breast pumps were not covered by insurance so I paid out the wazoo for a Medela PIS. Loved it, but it's all I knew. Haven't begun research into it to see what insurance covers and stuff but following to see what the general consensus is.
*TW*
TWIN LOSS 7.2.15
BFP 9.7.15 CP
BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16
BFP 10.14.17 CP
BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
I want to shop for clothes really bad but this is what's stopping me so I was just curious on all of your thoughts!
Due 1/21/17
For pumps, I'm an avid Medela lover. I have my original Medela from my 1st so it is over 10yrs old and still works without a hitch. I pumped for 10months straight at work for both #2 and #3 so it has had a lot of use. Didn't use it as much with #4 because I was a SAHM with him, but it worked great then too. I can't remember what version it is, I think the original pump in style?
DS1 - 03/31/2006
DS2 - 12/31/2008
DS3 - 06/26/2012
DS4 - 08/07/2014
I have found that despite looks, onesies usually fit true to size (height especially). I fold/roll onesies and shirts. It seems to be the easiest way to access them.
DS2: 11/5/14
DS1 - 03/31/2006
DS2 - 12/31/2008
DS3 - 06/26/2012
DS4 - 08/07/2014
@mommywesley Ugh, that's so frustrating!
Jan17 Sept Sig: Pumpkin Spice gone too far
Shout out to @cjs260 for mentioning the target sale. Bought some cute clearance items. Thanks for the tip!
I was surprisingly baffled with the pants though. I was like "Pants ... newborns need pants right? Not just onsies? This is a smart buy, right?" Lol. Good lord, you should have seen hubby and I trying to figure out how to disconnect a car seat from a base at BRU for the first time. The first time parenting struggle is real. Haha!