I got a stupid question: Is it important to start with a car seat specific to infants (like the chicco keyfit 30) and switch to a convertible seat once they reach the weight limit, or can I skip the infant seat and start with a convertible seat from the get go? I'd like to save $ where I can, but I don't want to compromise LO's safety or make life more difficult by having to wake up baby every time we leave the car if I can't easily move the convertible seat. Thanks guys!
I think most convertibles are safe for as small as 5 or 6 pounds and you can adjust the harnesses for newborns. I don't think you'd be compromising safety at all if you went that route. I went the infant seat route for the first year so that we could easily use it as a travel system with our stroller. If that isn't important for you, you're fine with the convertible off the bat. I will say though, it was really nice to be able to bring the car seat inside the house or to the doctor or just carry it on my arm if I was running a quick errand. Totally worth buying both, IMO! I have the Britax B-Safe and the Marathon.
I got a stupid question: Is it important to start with a car seat specific to infants (like the chicco keyfit 30) and switch to a convertible seat once they reach the weight limit, or can I skip the infant seat and start with a convertible seat from the get go? I'd like to save $ where I can, but I don't want to compromise LO's safety or make life more difficult by having to wake up baby every time we leave the car if I can't easily move the convertible seat. Thanks guys!
Most convertible car seats are absolutely safe for newborns, but, you can't easily take them in and out of the car, snap them into a stroller, or bring sleeping babies into the store, restaurant, appointment, etc. In my opinion, an infant car seat that detaches from the base and has a nice sturdy handle is pretty essential with a newborn...worth every penny to me.
Thanks for the responses, I'm glad to know lo would be just as safe in a convertible as they would be in an infant seat. The infant seat does sound convenient for it's mobility. I like the idea of being able to pack around sleeping newborn without disturbing them. Lots to think about
So, we're city people and walk a lot, and my husband is a runner. Ever since we started talking about babies, he's wanted a jogging stroller. He's really excited for it. I know they can't jog with you for a while though. How long do you need to wait?
I have a question related to clothes aswell. I'm finding it hard siting with my regular jeans now and I'm worried my jeans will make me grow "out of shape" if that makes sense. Any recommended pants for shapewear and support to your belly that stretch as you grow? Including underwear. Thanks.
Stupid question: When I'm wearing jeans and sitting in chair at work, I feel like my jeans are too tight against my lower abdomen area. Is this bad?
Probably not bad for baby, just uncomfortable for you. Embrace the elastic waistbands. They're glorious.
It's not so much the waistband itself it's like, where the hips and upper thighs meet if that makes any sense at all. I just bought some maternity citizens jeans off of ebay, very much looking forward to paneled jeans!
So, we're city people and walk a lot, and my husband is a runner. Ever since we started talking about babies, he's wanted a jogging stroller. He's really excited for it. I know they can't jog with you for a while though. How long do you need to wait?
It varies by manufacturer but I believe most recommend waiting until baby is 6 months before jogging.
So, we're city people and walk a lot, and my husband is a runner. Ever since we started talking about babies, he's wanted a jogging stroller. He's really excited for it. I know they can't jog with you for a while though. How long do you need to wait?
I had a BOB stroller, and an attachment to be able to use it with my Britax infant seat. If he's strapped into the infant seat, I would be comfortable with light jogging on smooth roads/sidewalks. You just don't want to jostle the baby too much. With the infant seat, the baby is facing you, so you'll be able to see if he/she is snug and comfortable in there.
The stroller came wiht instructions on when you can jog normally. I don't remember exactly, (maybe 6 months?) but you can probably google it. You can't put them in the actual stroller seat until they can sit on their own, and have really good head/neck control so their head isn't bobbing around when you go over a bump.
I have a question related to clothes aswell. I'm finding it hard siting with my regular jeans now and I'm worried my jeans will make me grow "out of shape" if that makes sense. Any recommended pants for shapewear and support to your belly that stretch as you grow? Including underwear. Thanks.
Im a size xsmall/small
Your jeans will stretch out of shape before your body is influenced to grow abnormally in any way. You do not need shapewear to encourage your body to be pregnant-shaped; that will happen naturally.
If you suffer from back pain later in pregnancy there are support belts that help your posture and distribute the weight of your bump more easily. But maybe I'm not understanding; in what way do you expect your body will be misshapened without specific clothing aids?
I have a question related to clothes aswell. I'm finding it hard siting with my regular jeans now and I'm worried my jeans will make me grow "out of shape" if that makes sense. Any recommended pants for shapewear and support to your belly that stretch as you grow? Including underwear. Thanks.
Im a size xsmall/small
Your jeans will stretch out of shape before your body is influenced to grow abnormally in any way. You do not need shapewear to encourage your body to be pregnant-shaped; that will happen naturally.
If you suffer from back pain later in pregnancy there are support belts that help your posture and distribute the weight of your bump more easily. But maybe I'm not understanding; in what way do you expect your body will be misshapened without specific clothing aids?
I'm worried that if I don't wear proper support my skin will stretch more, sag more and il have looser muscles and more stretch marks. Kind of like how a good bra keeps our bust in good shape if that makes sense?
I have a question related to clothes aswell. I'm finding it hard siting with my regular jeans now and I'm worried my jeans will make me grow "out of shape" if that makes sense. Any recommended pants for shapewear and support to your belly that stretch as you grow? Including underwear. Thanks.
Im a size xsmall/small
Your jeans will stretch out of shape before your body is influenced to grow abnormally in any way. You do not need shapewear to encourage your body to be pregnant-shaped; that will happen naturally.
If you suffer from back pain later in pregnancy there are support belts that help your posture and distribute the weight of your bump more easily. But maybe I'm not understanding; in what way do you expect your body will be misshapened without specific clothing aids?
I'm worried that if I don't wear proper support my skin will stretch more, sag more and il have looser muscles and more stretch marks. Kind of like how a good bra keeps our bust in good shape if that makes sense?
Ah. Breast tissue sags because of the effects of gravity and tissue strain over a prolonged period of time. As far as I know this isn't the case with pregnancy. Stretched skin, loose muscles, and stretch marks are largely a product of genetics and overall weight gain during pregnancy. I'm not aware of any clothing that will mitigate that.
I have a question related to clothes aswell. I'm finding it hard siting with my regular jeans now and I'm worried my jeans will make me grow "out of shape" if that makes sense. Any recommended pants for shapewear and support to your belly that stretch as you grow? Including underwear. Thanks.
Im a size xsmall/small
Your jeans will stretch out of shape before your body is influenced to grow abnormally in any way. You do not need shapewear to encourage your body to be pregnant-shaped; that will happen naturally.
If you suffer from back pain later in pregnancy there are support belts that help your posture and distribute the weight of your bump more easily. But maybe I'm not understanding; in what way do you expect your body will be misshapened without specific clothing aids?
I'm worried that if I don't wear proper support my skin will stretch more, sag more and il have looser muscles and more stretch marks. Kind of like how a good bra keeps our bust in good shape if that makes sense?
Ah. Breast tissue sags because of the effects of gravity and tissue strain over a prolonged period of time. As far as I know this isn't the case with pregnancy. Stretched skin, loose muscles, and stretch marks are largely a product of genetics and overall weight gain during pregnancy. I'm not aware of any clothing that will mitigate that.
I agree with this. Spanx or other shapewear is not really designed in maternity sizes that I am aware of. Plus it would be pretty uncomfortable to have distributed compression on your trunk for long periods of time. Technically, you could just buy different sizes and adjust as you go - but I would keep it at light shaping (lowest setting) if you use it at all.
Now post baby - I can recommend a zip it up corset/torture device if you are up for it.
So, we're city people and walk a lot, and my husband is a runner. Ever since we started talking about babies, he's wanted a jogging stroller. He's really excited for it. I know they can't jog with you for a while though. How long do you need to wait?
They say 6 months, but in reality I would push it closer to 9-12 months. In many regards it does depend on how baby develops in terms of head, neck, and trunk support. You can always ask your pediatrician when the time comes. I used to run a lot before I had baby - and last summer I felt okay taking baby (12 months) for a light jog at the most. So, I think you will have to wait and see perhaps? The BoB is an awesome jogging stroller!
@stokesm21 It's crazy to me that they want to extend it to 18 months! I'm nervous about having my salary cut down to 55% and I think it's going to be stretch getting through the year, let alone 18 months.
edit: I'm too tired to put words together correctly
You would never be forced to take the full 18. Even as it is right now you can always go back to work whenever you want. You don't have to take the full 52 weeks. I'm nervous, it's going to be tight, but I really can't complain. We get a year at 55%. The ladies in the US don't get anything. They get like 6 - 12 weeks at zero pay unless they have a really great employer. Someone told me that you can actually do 18 months right now except that it's not 18 months at 55% but rather the 12 months at 55% just spread out over 18, so even less. I'm just not sure the validity of that.
Even on FMLA the American's have to work for 12 months prior and have double the hours that we do and then their leave is only 12 weeks and still unpaid (If I understand it correctly)
I got a stupid question: Is it important to start with a car seat specific to infants (like the chicco keyfit 30) and switch to a convertible seat once they reach the weight limit, or can I skip the infant seat and start with a convertible seat from the get go? I'd like to save $ where I can, but I don't want to compromise LO's safety or make life more difficult by having to wake up baby every time we leave the car if I can't easily move the convertible seat. Thanks guys!
Most convertible car seats are absolutely safe for newborns, but, you can't easily take them in and out of the car, snap them into a stroller, or bring sleeping babies into the store, restaurant, appointment, etc. In my opinion, an infant car seat that detaches from the base and has a nice sturdy handle is pretty essential with a newborn...worth every penny to me.
I very briefly considered not getting an infant car seat until someone pointed all this out to me ^^^. IMO, they are essential unless you plan to wear your baby everywhere you go. Which could possibly involve waking them up a lot if they are fast asleep in the convertible.
Car seats are good for anywhere from 5 - 8 years depending on the brand so I don't mind spending the money. That will get me through at least 2, if not 3, kids.
I have a breastfeeding book and a pregnancy guide but I was wondering if there are any books or good videos online that I can watch specifically related to labour & delivery? Classes just aren't feasible for us.
I didn't take any classes last time. I read Hypnobirthing and reallllyyyy wish I had made the commitment to listen to the CDs. I also read and loved Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth. It is a bit idealized, but helps put you in an empowered frame of mind and is soothing.
I also really wish that both I and DH had learned more about the stages of labor. We got scared, and in hindsight that was transition. I was too out of it at the time to realize that, and DH hadn't read anything about labor.
This time I will have a midwife assist my birth, so I am counting on her...but I also want to re-read and really prepare for Hypnobirthing.
Honestly...(maybe this is an UO, dunno), the baby will make its exit. If you stay calm and flexible on how that happens (relatively!), things will be ok. Or that was my mantra last time, and it worked for me. I am changing some things this time, but I don't regret not taking a class last time. We couldn't afford it, and in the end, for me, it wouldn't have changed the outcome or process much anyway.
I got a stupid question: Is it important to start with a car seat specific to infants (like the chicco keyfit 30) and switch to a convertible seat once they reach the weight limit, or can I skip the infant seat and start with a convertible seat from the get go? I'd like to save $ where I can, but I don't want to compromise LO's safety or make life more difficult by having to wake up baby every time we leave the car if I can't easily move the convertible seat. Thanks guys!
Safety wise a convertible (as long as you buy one that fits newborns well) is just as good to an infant bucket seat. Convenience is another story. I personally would never go straight to a convertible because popping the seat out of the base and into the stroller is so much easier than taking baby out of the seat and into a baby wearing device. Especially if you are just running into a store for a couple minutes. Also, once winter comes (if you live in a place that gets winter) it's a giant pain to bundle baby up, unbundle to put in the car seat and then bundle again when you get to your destination. DS has been in his convertible for just about a year and I still miss the ease of the bucket.
I would be sure to check the low end weight limits if you go straight for a convertible - baby can look unsupported unless it comes with infant inserts (Diono radian has inserts for example). If you have a preemie or a smaller baby then you will be happy you don't have to worry about that.
As others have said, the convenience of the click and go complete with stroller frame pop in and go cannot be overstated. I imagine that if you don't use a car much where you live and if you walk/use public transportation then it would be less of a consideration for you.
I blow this board up constantly with breastfeeding questions, but you guys always have such amazing advice. So my breasts have started leaking (started right around 14 weeks, I'm 15,3 now) but I've noticed two things. 1) My left breast is almost constantly leaking (but in very small amounts, nothing that's ever wet, just 9/10 times there will be dried bits on that one) but the right one only leaks maybe 1/10 times. If that. Is something wrong with either side? Am I going to have a very productive left breast but not a right one? 2) I've noticed that when there is leakage (but never when there isn't) my nipples get very, very dark in some spots. It isn't the whole thing, but some small spots get really purple. Extra blood flow due to breast changes? Something to worry about? Again, this is basically only the left one, but when the right one leaks it does this too.
Edit: just to add this note. I am so insanely thankful for this board. If it wasn't for you guys, I would be calling my doctor every other day and driving my poor MIL crazy with all my questions. And there are some things I don't particularly want to discuss with her. So thank you to everyone on here who answers my questions, and thank you all for the awesome support. Ok, sap session over.
Hubby and Me Friends since 2008 Started dating: July 1st, 2013 Engaged: July 1st, 2014 Married: July 1st, 2016 R born: July 8th, 2017 N born: June 30th, 2019 Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022 (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
@kerils for question 1) I don't think it is anything to worry about as most women have one side that produces more milk than the other - there is power boob and lazy boob - you will really be able to visualize this if you pump later. I am surprised that you notice a difference this early though. For 2) I don't know - is it the nipple proper or the areola that has the spots?
@caribbeanmama Lol power boob. Funny enough my right one is the smaller one. It's really slacking over there. Good to know that it's normal though. It's the nipple proper with the spots.
Hubby and Me Friends since 2008 Started dating: July 1st, 2013 Engaged: July 1st, 2014 Married: July 1st, 2016 R born: July 8th, 2017 N born: June 30th, 2019 Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022 (maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Haha I am glad to have a name for it! My left was my power boob, I remember being able to pump 6-10 oz at a sitting whereas the right could barely squeeze out two. I had to start feeding more on my left because of the discrepancy on my "right boob turn" I'd feed until or pump until either the baby got fussy or I stopped producing and switch to my power boob!
@kerils my leftie is the same way during pregnancy and then ironically I always pumped almost twice as much on the right side as the left once I was breastfeeding. Boobs are weird. All normal though!
Question about strollers/travel systems- we made our first trip to Babies R Us yesterday to get an idea of what we want and to start thinking about our registry. (As clueless first time parents, this was a big step for us!) We currently have a BOB running stroller that was loaned to us by my sister. The BOB can be converted for the car seat bucket with a kit. We also looked at the Chicco travel system strollers. These seem to have smaller wheels and are a bit more compact and streamline. I guess my question is, is there a need for both strollers for everyday use? What are situations where you'd use the regular travel system stroller and not the BOB? I know you can't go running with the baby for some time so I am more concerned about everyday use. Also, our city has horrible streets and sidewalks so bigger tires and shocks are a plus.
Since we didn't pay for the BOB I am not opposed to having both but I really want to minimize the amount of stuff we have for the baby and two strollers seems excessive. Any input would be appreciated!
@oheliza44 I don't think you really need the "travel system" if you get the BOB compatible car seat. The only reasons I could see wanting a second was if the BOB was too big for your car/trunk, or if you wanted a second stroller to always keep one in each car. I remember my sister yelling at me when we registered, because I picked a car seat and separate lightweight stroller, and that since it wasn't a "travel system," they wouldn't work together. She didn't realize that a "travel system" is simple marketing, and is basically just a matching bundle of the two. FWIW, I will say that the lightweight stroller was sweet for every day purposes, but it is not the greatest on uneven ground.
@oheliza44 the only stroller I had was a BOB with infant seat attachment. I didn't use it a lot (never on stores or anything, just for walks, outings to the zoo etc) and it was perfect for us. Some downsides: it takes up a lot of space in the trunk even when folded up, and the basket underneath is much less spacious than other strollers, and it becomes hard to access when the kid is sitting in the regular stroller seat.
I did end up buying a smaller umbrella style stroller when my DD was around 1.5 years old and we were going on vacation. But we flew with the BOB once too, and it worked out fine. My only concern was that it might get broken when I gate checked it.
I'm trying to buy a double stroller that will be compatible with my britax car seat. It's so challenging. Anyone have any resources on how to find strollers that have adapters? I feel like I'm digging hard and can't find anything!
TTC: 1/2014
BFP: 9/24
EDD: 6/8/2015
Sorry for the poor man's siggy...ticker won't load regardless of how many tips I read.
@oheliza44 we had the bob with infant seat adapter to start with. Key considerations are how much you'll be transporting it in the car and where you store when not in use - it's a heavy and big stroller and when we had our dd, we were living on the second floor of an apt building. I hated lugging the thing around so I got a city mini and an adapter and LOVED it. It fit in my Mini Cooper, easy as hell to carry down stairs, etc. the city mini became my daily use one and the bob was for jogging only.
Oh oh and one more thing - the size of the bob makes it harder to navigate inside as well - so, malll walks were more difficult with the bob vs a more compact system.
@oheliza44 stroller decisions are such a big deal! There was a thread some time ago on double strollers and there was a discussion going over pros and cons for different single strollers I think that may be embedded in a baby gear thread some time ago - I will see if I can find and bump them for you. I can't remember if the latter discussion was in June 17 or July17 but will check.
Two pretty dumb questions! 1) When do babies stop sleeping on their backs? 2) I know you're not supposed to put sunscreen on infants. But like...how do I take him outside without a tiny sunburn?
TTC #1: 4/16 BFP #1: 5/16 MMC at 8 weeks: 6/16 BFP #2: 10/16 Sweet baby boy arrived 7/7/17!
@chiquita928 I loved my Mini Cooper! We sold it though when dh started a new job and got a company car now I drive the Subaru Outback - opposite of a mini - but someday I'll get another mini!!
Two pretty dumb questions! 1) When do babies stop sleeping on their backs? 2) I know you're not supposed to put sunscreen on infants. But like...how do I take him outside without a tiny sunburn?
Once a baby can confidently and consistently flip themselves from back to belly and from belly to back, there isn't much one can do to keep them on their back. My son would flip to his belly and the only thing that kept me sane was my anglecare monitor that monitored his breathing. Always put them to bed back first, but they will move once they're mobil, and there's not much one can do. This starts to happen at around 4-5 months old. Some babies are belly sleepers and will gravitate to that, others will be perfectly content continuing to sleep on their back.... I also swaddled my son as long as possible, which kept him on his back a tad longer, but the very instant he flipped from back to belly while swaddled, I immediately stopped swaddling him and just let him sleep the way he was most comfortable.
As for sunscreen, you are correct, do not applying sunscreen to a baby. Your only defense is to shade them entirely from the sun. This is why strollers are great for the sunshade, and a hat is essential while babywearing.
Re: A Big Thread for Dumb Questions
Im a size xsmall/small
DS1 - 7/2011, DD 12/2012, DS2 - 4/2014, MMC - 12/2015
The stroller came wiht instructions on when you can jog normally. I don't remember exactly, (maybe 6 months?) but you can probably google it. You can't put them in the actual stroller seat until they can sit on their own, and have really good head/neck control so their head isn't bobbing around when you go over a bump.
If you suffer from back pain later in pregnancy there are support belts that help your posture and distribute the weight of your bump more easily. But maybe I'm not understanding; in what way do you expect your body will be misshapened without specific clothing aids?
DS1 - 7/2011, DD 12/2012, DS2 - 4/2014, MMC - 12/2015
DS1 - 7/2011, DD 12/2012, DS2 - 4/2014, MMC - 12/2015
Now post baby - I can recommend a zip it up corset/torture device if you are up for it.
Even on FMLA the American's have to work for 12 months prior and have double the hours that we do and then their leave is only 12 weeks and still unpaid (If I understand it correctly)
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
Car seats are good for anywhere from 5 - 8 years depending on the brand so I don't mind spending the money. That will get me through at least 2, if not 3, kids.
Met: 08/2001 ~ Dating: 07/2004 ~ Engaged: 11/2009 ~ Married: 06/2011
TTC: Since 09/16 ~ BFP 10/28/16 ~ EDD 7/5/17
Team Pink * Canadian Bumpie
I also really wish that both I and DH had learned more about the stages of labor. We got scared, and in hindsight that was transition. I was too out of it at the time to realize that, and DH hadn't read anything about labor.
This time I will have a midwife assist my birth, so I am counting on her...but I also want to re-read and really prepare for Hypnobirthing.
Honestly...(maybe this is an UO, dunno), the baby will make its exit. If you stay calm and flexible on how that happens (relatively!), things will be ok. Or that was my mantra last time, and it worked for me. I am changing some things this time, but I don't regret not taking a class last time. We couldn't afford it, and in the end, for me, it wouldn't have changed the outcome or process much anyway.
As others have said, the convenience of the click and go complete with stroller frame pop in and go cannot be overstated. I imagine that if you don't use a car much where you live and if you walk/use public transportation then it would be less of a consideration for you.
1) My left breast is almost constantly leaking (but in very small amounts, nothing that's ever wet, just 9/10 times there will be dried bits on that one) but the right one only leaks maybe 1/10 times. If that. Is something wrong with either side? Am I going to have a very productive left breast but not a right one?
2) I've noticed that when there is leakage (but never when there isn't) my nipples get very, very dark in some spots. It isn't the whole thing, but some small spots get really purple. Extra blood flow due to breast changes? Something to worry about? Again, this is basically only the left one, but when the right one leaks it does this too.
Edit: just to add this note. I am so insanely thankful for this board. If it wasn't for you guys, I would be calling my doctor every other day and driving my poor MIL crazy with all my questions. And there are some things I don't particularly want to discuss with her. So thank you to everyone on here who answers my questions, and thank you all for the awesome support. Ok, sap session over.
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Friends since 2008
Started dating: July 1st, 2013
Engaged: July 1st, 2014
Married: July 1st, 2016
R born: July 8th, 2017
N born: June 30th, 2019
Baby #3 Due: July 7th, 2022
(maybe I only ovulate in October XD)
Since we didn't pay for the BOB I am not opposed to having both but I really want to minimize the amount of stuff we have for the baby and two strollers seems excessive. Any input would be appreciated!
I did end up buying a smaller umbrella style stroller when my DD was around 1.5 years old and we were going on vacation. But we flew with the BOB once too, and it worked out fine. My only concern was that it might get broken when I gate checked it.
Oh oh and one more thing - the size of the bob makes it harder to navigate inside as well - so, malll walks were more difficult with the bob vs a more compact system.
BFP #1: 5/16
MMC at 8 weeks: 6/16
BFP #2: 10/16
Sweet baby boy arrived 7/7/17!
As for sunscreen, you are correct, do not applying sunscreen to a baby. Your only defense is to shade them entirely from the sun. This is why strollers are great for the sunshade, and a hat is essential while babywearing.
Edit: spelling