i am holding my breath asking this question. i know the general rule of thumb of going to a booster car seat (weight/height/age/being able to sit properly). but DD1 will be 4 when #3 comes, she is already 40lbs and 95% in height. i know it depends on how she sits, but i am trying to figure out car seat configuration. in STM+ mom experience what age did you switch to booster with seat belt?
@bluejeanbabi05 I say put whatever on your list, even if it's expensive. Cheaper items allows people to buy a mix of things if they prefer. While people from work or extended relatives often like to go in together on larger prices items. My husband teaches percussion students at a high school and gets to know the parents well bc they have a lot of after school rehearsals/commitments. The parents all pitched in money and got us the really nice baby swing we registered for. It totally shocked us and we never expected or asked them to get us anything. You never know what people want to buy! And if anything, use your completion discount towards pricier things!
i am holding my breath asking this question. i know the general rule of thumb of going to a booster car seat (weight/height/age/being able to sit properly). but DD1 will be 4 when #3 comes, she is already 40lbs and 95% in height. i know it depends on how she sits, but i am trying to figure out car seat configuration. in STM+ mom experience what age did you switch to booster with seat belt?
@carries2018 I think they are actually supposed to outgrow the harness feature on the car seat and be able to sit properly before moving to a booster, 5 point harness is always safer. Mine will be in a harnessed booster until she out grows the harnessed feature in our cars and our in laws cars. I drive a MIni cooper so it should be interesting with a 4/5 year old and an infant, but we're going to make it work.
@carries2018 Could you maybe find a narrow high back booster that has a 5 point harness option?
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I heart theSkimm I heart YNAB --------- “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
@carries2018 Could you maybe find a narrow high back booster that has a 5 point harness option?
yea i was looking at the Graco tranzitions. which i think is a little narrower than our maxi cosi. i think i can fit 3 across with my maxi cosi too, need to do a test run of that. but when #3 needs a convertible i was going to just shift down and buy a booster for DD1 so i didnt know if at that point could just get the booster, but it seems not yet. but the idea of DD1 strapping herself in with a seat belt sounds so nice (i know, i know safety first. i just wasn't sure what the typical age was)
Thank y'all so much for the input, I'm glad to see that they worked well. And I forgot to add that we live in a very small house right now so we won't actually have a nursury or crib, we were going to use the pack n play as the bed and kind of an all in one.
@purplestars what brand is that one? That's what I'm looking for as far as the bassionet, baby will sleep in that and we have a dog too therefore having the bassionet on the ground with baby in it like the one I have picked out might not actually work.
FTM worry here (ugh I feel like all I do is over analyze and worry), but I've had a really bad week and was sulking in the shower. I realized I was in there for like thirty minutes and it was full of steam. I didn't think anything of it until I got out and started freaking out. Should I be worried?? (I've only heard horror stories about hot tubs/saunas/ etc.) Once again, I apologize for the excessive worrying.
I don't think you should be too concerned this one time. I was paranoid about everything when I was pregnant with my first daughter because I had miscarried 3 months before getting pregnant with her. So I avoided all sorts of stuff including hot baths and showers. This time around, I'm not worried even half as much. My first OB when I was pregnant with my daughter was surprised at my question about hot showers and said it wasn't something to worry too much about. All he told me to look out for was increased heart rate and sweating while in the bath or shower. He said those two things indicate that your internal/core temperature is climbing a little too high so you should get out of the shower or back off of the heat. That's the rule I follow now. I have always needed the water temp in my showers to be really high and I still am taking hot showers while just being aware of I feel like I'm getting sweaty or out of breath.
When do you take a hospital tour and sign up for birthing/child care classes?
I wouldn't take it too early or you will wind up forgetting everything. I think I was in my third trimester when I went. Also, I took a TON of the classes my hospital offered (mine did charge fees for the classes though the fee was for both parents /caregivers which was nice). I took the childbirth prep, a breastfeeding class, a class about c-sections and anesthesia, and also an infant CPR class. I don't regret any of them. The childbirth prep class actually stressed the importance of having a flexible plan/approach to childbirth rather than a rigid plan of dos and don'ts. It also helped me know what to expect in terms of the process and how things would happen. The breastfeeding class was one of the most helpful because it really stressed asking for help in the beginning. Which is what I did. I insisted that lactation consultants come see me numerous times in the hospital because I knew something wasn't right. It is important to know to advocate for yourself if something doesn't seem right. I was having severe breastfeeding pain while still in the hospital and every lactation consultant that saw me said it was normal because I was fair skinned. While early breastfeeding isn't comfortable, the level of pain I was experiencing did not seem normal despite what they told me. Which is why I kept demanding that they come back in. It wasn't until I saw an independent lactation consultant two weeks after leaving the hopistal (bec I was developing deep painful cracks and nerve pain running down the backs of my arms and ribs) that the I finally had a lactation consultant with enough patience and expertise to identify the problem. My daughter had a tongue tie. She was able to provide me with support and guidance to get me through it and I was able to breastfeed until my daughter was 14 months. Anyway, the breastfeeding class really helped me understand the breastfeeding experience as I was going through it (still the hardest thing I've ever done) and understand my support options and how to persist in advocating for support/resources. Lastly, the c-section and anesthesia class was great and I highly recommend it (if your hospital offers it) if you plan on going natural. Firstly because things don't always go according to plan and it helps arm you with info and knowledge about your hospital's approach so you don't feel as overwhelmed or confused with what is happening if things don't go the way you planned. It's hard to absorb anything when you are in serious labor (usually on an empty stomach). It also helped me know when to ask for an epidural. I've heard stories about women who wait too late because they want to go natural and then if they change their mind they can't always get one if an anesthesiologist isn't available or if it is too close to show time. The class told us how they rotate their anestheisolgists so we knew the best timing of when we could ask for one and the point of no return. It really demystified everything for me. That being said, some people do great without the classes. I'm just an anxious person so they really helped calm me. I have one friend who didn't do any classes and seriously regretted it and another who didn't do any and seemed perfectly happy with her choice. Good luck!
I'm so late, nursing school has tried to kill me this week with projects I swear, but on the changing table thing. Did any moms have a pack n play like the one attached and did y'all use the changing table on it. Is it worth it or no?
I actually have two of this EXACT pack n play. I love it and it has gotten so much use. One was used in my living room when my daughter was a baby. The newborn napper on it was great bec my daughter really didn't want to sleep in a bassinet. The changer was awesome. When she outgrew the napper the basssinet portion was helpful for naps and letting her just chill with some toys. Now that my daughter is a toddler it has a home at my mom's house where we use it for her to take naps at nana's house. We bought a play yard mattress and sheet for it so it works perfect for nap time. My MIL also has the same exact one at her house for naps and play pen purposes. I would recommend for sure.
I have a question: I'm approaching week 14, and was wondering what it feels like when you can start to feel baby moving, and when did you first notice it? I can't really tell yet, i had 2 occasions where i thought what i was feeling was little gas bubbles but i can't be sure. Both times its was very brief.
I have a question: I'm approaching week 14, and was wondering what it feels like when you can start to feel baby moving, and when did you first notice it? I can't really tell yet, i had 2 occasions where i thought what i was feeling was little gas bubbles but i can't be sure. Both times its was very brief.
To me, it felt like gas bubbles without the gas. It's also exactly what I imagined a kick/movement would feel like. I probably had it for a couple of days/weeks before I realized that's what it was. It sucks being this early and having to wonder. I think when baby finally moves up it will be more distinct.
Bottles- if we're intending to BF (I know this may not work out, and we're willing to go with whatever is best for Baby, but hopefully it does), how many bottles do we need?
Bottles- if we're intending to BF (I know this may not work out, and we're willing to go with whatever is best for Baby, but hopefully it does), how many bottles do we need?
That really depends on how often you want to do dishes. At first, babies eat about every 2 hours. I think I had 8 bottles and tried to washed them every night. This was more so when I went back to work around 8 weeks.
In the very beginning I think I had 3 of the small bottles, 2 came with my pump.
@bluejeanbabi05 we BF, so I only got one package (4 bottles) of the 4 oz bottles to start out with. Our pediatrician recommended feeding with a bottle 1x per day starting about 1 month after she was born, to get her used to taking a bottle. Since some babies are pretty picky about bottles, we didn't want to buy a whole bunch of one type that she may not like. We ended up buying more once we figured out which bottles would work for her.
If you're planning on working, you'll want bottles to send with baby to daycare/wherever she goes during the day. We got by with one package of the 4 oz bottles and one package of 8-9 oz ones (4 bottles per pack), however, it would have been nice to have a few more. I exclusively breastfed her when we were together (except for the trial bottles I mentioned above).
With all this being said, you might as well put a bunch on your registry. I'd only open one pack until you know baby likes that type of bottle, so that you can return unopened packs if necessary.
October 2017 June Siggy Challenge -- "You Had One Job!"
@bluejeanbabi05 I EBF and had 2 Tommee Tippee bottles that went with him to daycare every day. I was also lucky enough to be able to drop by at lunch to nurse him so I would say 3-4 would be plenty if you are fine with washing them daily. I also had a few of the cheap Gerber ones for back up at home.
I also was lucky that DS was not picky about what bottles he took.
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I heart theSkimm I heart YNAB --------- “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
@carries2018 we currently have the 4 year old in a diono and we will probably get another one for the new baby. It's the only way I can see fitting 3 across. We moved the 6 year old to a booster just recently. It makes me nervous but I know eventually he would be moving to one anyways. He sits and listens well and fits the booster properly so we are just going for it. But the 4 year old is still tiny and would totally not work in a booster. My 6 year old is about 55-60lbs (maybe?) and about 4ft.
@bluejeanbabi05 ours was second hand from BIL/SIL. Honestly I don't think there is much difference between them, especially if you aren't super gung ho on "organic/chemical free". As with any "new" mattress there will probably be a bit of off gassing, but I'll be honest and say DS didn't sleep in his crib ever until 6+ months old.
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I heart theSkimm I heart YNAB --------- “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
DD1 was 3 1/2 when she went into a highback 5 pt harness booster seat ( because DD2 needed the convertible seat she was in) we kept her in the 5 pt harness until she was about 5. When she was 5 we took the 5 pt harness off and she was in high back booster with seatbelt until about 7. Then she was in the booster seat without the high back until 8 1/2. DD2 followed suit. The booster we use is the graco nautilus. I think graco makes a better convertible seat now that eliminates the need for a convertible seat. It is a convertible seat and booster in one. Forget the name though ..... any way. DD2 will be 7 in May and she's still with her high back on the booster with the regular seatbelt. We will take the back off probably in the fall.
@jessafishy my SIL is extremely gung-ho on the organic thing. She got that when she moved to LA, which is such a cliche. Lol. We were texting the other day and she said, "Mattress, mattress liner, changing table pads!!! Ointments! All that stuff can be organic!!" I just sent her a smiley emoji and happily registered for my non-organic changing pads that are SO MUCH cheaper.
I have a question: I'm approaching week 14, and was wondering what it feels like when you can start to feel baby moving, and when did you first notice it? I can't really tell yet, i had 2 occasions where i thought what i was feeling was little gas bubbles but i can't be sure. Both times its was very brief.
During my first pregnancy I didn't realize I was feeling movement until around 18 weeks. This pregnancy I'm feeling movement sporadically now (14 weeks). It feels like little gas flutters, but it's a little different then gas. Kind of hard to describe...
Bottles- if we're intending to BF (I know this may not work out, and we're willing to go with whatever is best for Baby, but hopefully it does), how many bottles do we need?
I BFd and pumped for work and we had 12 bottles. I sent 4 to daycare every day, which meant I could have some in the dishwasher and some ready to be used.
One more for today- there's a huge price range in crib mattresses. Should we be spending $140+ on one? What is a must-have in the mattress?
eta: I'm playing with my registry right now, obviously taking a break from the sex toys.
We have one that we got for about $100. It's a soy bean mattress and I LOVE it because it's so light! (Organic vs nonorganic doesn't bother me) Changing crib sheets with a heavy mattress is awful (I nannied for triplets and their mom had me change their sheets once a week - it was my most hated chore). We will be buying the same one for this baby. Well worth the $ to get a light one.
@bluejeanbabi05 I just have to laugh because first time around DH insisted on the "best" for baby...which resulted in the $200 Sealy black special edition must be made of gold crib mattress. I mean it's fine, no complaints, but I think a middle of the road mattress would have been fine. Does she care? Absolutely not.
I wasted hours of my life researching crib mattresses last time. Don't get sucked in!
+1 to @dogperson11's suggestion for lightweight, mine is soo light and easy to change sheets. I got a midrange organic one (the crazy expensive ones go for something like $400). It's double sided, one side is firmer for infant and the other side is softer for toddler. Does the trick.
@nhoover88 I did a newborn care class and birthing class through my hospital at the beginning of my third trimester and found it helpful. We also did a tour mid-way through the third trimester which just made me feel more comfortable going into it. The most important class I took was a breastfeeding prep class, I literally can't tell you how beneficial it was. We went through all of the stats, the do's and don't and practiced different holds. I went home with a ton of informational handouts including a list of LC's to get into contact with in case we had difficulties after baby arrived.
@tyannejohn we had one similar to that, but never used the bassinet (it cautions not to let babies sleep in it for extended amounts of time and I was sooooo worried about SIDS) or the changing table. Our LO slept in the top portion of the PNP for the first 5 months. If you plan on travelling to places where you are not staying in a hotel (i.e. staying with family, renting a home/cabin, etc.) then its also super convenient to have while travelling. We've used our quite a bit!
I have a question: I'm approaching week 14, and was wondering what it feels like when you can start to feel baby moving, and when did you first notice it? I can't really tell yet, i had 2 occasions where i thought what i was feeling was little gas bubbles but i can't be sure. Both times its was very brief.
It does feel like gas bubbles but they say you don't start feeling actual kicking until 25-26 weeks.
I have a question: I'm approaching week 14, and was wondering what it feels like when you can start to feel baby moving, and when did you first notice it? I can't really tell yet, i had 2 occasions where i thought what i was feeling was little gas bubbles but i can't be sure. Both times its was very brief.
I felt what I thought were just gas bubbles but at about week 16 I was watching my stomach and felt that sensation and actually saw a little poke come out on my stomach. That's when I realized it was really baby
@jessafishy my SIL is extremely gung-ho on the organic thing. She got that when she moved to LA, which is such a cliche. Lol. We were texting the other day and she said, "Mattress, mattress liner, changing table pads!!! Ointments! All that stuff can be organic!!" I just sent her a smiley emoji and happily registered for my non-organic changing pads that are SO MUCH cheaper.
Fyi imo, changing pads are great in theory but suck in execution. It's way easier to clean rogue poop and pee off the plastic pad. Added laundry. I gave up after about a month.
I got a $40 crib mattress from amazon.
BFP#1: 12/3/13 EDD 8/15/13. Heartbeat found on 12/26/13, HB gone on 1/4/13. D&C 1/7/13
BFP#2: 4/19/13 EDD 12/28/13. Team Green for pregnancy and Baby Girl arrived 12/21/13. BFP#3: 2/9/13 EDD 10/18/17. Team Green for Round 2!
I have a question: I'm approaching week 14, and was wondering what it feels like when you can start to feel baby moving, and when did you first notice it? I can't really tell yet, i had 2 occasions where i thought what i was feeling was little gas bubbles but i can't be sure. Both times its was very brief.
Have you ever won a goldfish at the fair, or held a fish in one of those plastic baggies?
For me, feeling kicks for the first time felt exactly like what it feels like when the fish bangs into the side of the plastic and hits your hand. That's the best analogy I've ever heard and so I roll with it.
@bluejeanbabi05 I asked my SIL what she used for her 2 girls. She used a Rock n Play and set it next to her bed. The Rock n Play had an incline that helped with acid reflex. It rocked itself, vibrated, & played music. She said it was so easy to move it downstairs with one hand while carrying the baby. That is probably what we will do.
I have a question: I'm approaching week 14, and was wondering what it feels like when you can start to feel baby moving, and when did you first notice it? I can't really tell yet, i had 2 occasions where i thought what i was feeling was little gas bubbles but i can't be sure. Both times its was very brief.
Have you ever won a goldfish at the fair, or held a fish in one of those plastic baggies?
For me, feeling kicks for the first time felt exactly like what it feels like when the fish bangs into the side of the plastic and hits your hand. That's the best analogy I've ever heard and so I roll with it.
This is exactly how I've described it in the past as well!!
TTC x 1.5 years.
Acupuncture, Femera x3 cyles, and HSG. BFP in September 2014, DS born June 2015. TTC x2 months. BFP January 2017.
@bluejeanbabi05 I asked my SIL what she used for her 2 girls. She used a Rock n Play and set it next to her bed. The Rock n Play had an incline that helped with acid reflex. It rocked itself, vibrated, & played music. She said it was so easy to move it downstairs with one hand while carrying the baby. That is probably what we will do.
We loved our RNP and DS often napped in it (I actually carted it back and forth to daycare daily). I was always way too nervous for him to sleep in it overnight as it's not really recommended for sleep.
But yes, the RNP is a must have, IMO.
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I heart theSkimm I heart YNAB --------- “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore
RNP is not recommended for sleep overnight it increases the risk of SIDS. that being said i have used it overnight in a pinch, and with reflux babies (my kids had bad) it can be useful, but even still my pedi didnt recommend using it. it is more for naps. Also not using it for night time will save you a lot of aggravation switching to a flat surface/crib later on. but RNP has a flat bassinet style now that might be worth looking into if you are interested.
This question may have been asked and I missed it, so apologies if it is a repeat:
What are some of the best pregnancy books you have read? And any recommendations for SO to read. Unfortunately mine isn't a big reader but he's excited for the LO so I might be able to get him to read one.
@flyingfall I read What to Expect When You're Expecting, but I didn't make it my "bible" of pregnancy. It had good information, especially transitioning into the different periods of pregnancy.
I've heard this one is good for the guys, but I haven't actually read it:
Re: Ask a STM+ (aka the Stupid Questions Thread)
May Siggy Challenge: Parenting Fails
Baby Boy due October 2017
I heart YNAB
---------
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light."
- Albus Dumbledore
May Siggy Challenge: Parenting Fails
@purplestars what brand is that one? That's what I'm looking for as far as the bassionet, baby will sleep in that and we have a dog too therefore having the bassionet on the ground with baby in it like the one I have picked out might not actually work.
That really depends on how often you want to do dishes. At first, babies eat about every 2 hours. I think I had 8 bottles and tried to washed them every night. This was more so when I went back to work around 8 weeks.
In the very beginning I think I had 3 of the small bottles, 2 came with my pump.
If you're planning on working, you'll want bottles to send with baby to daycare/wherever she goes during the day. We got by with one package of the 4 oz bottles and one package of 8-9 oz ones (4 bottles per pack), however, it would have been nice to have a few more. I exclusively breastfed her when we were together (except for the trial bottles I mentioned above).
With all this being said, you might as well put a bunch on your registry. I'd only open one pack until you know baby likes that type of bottle, so that you can return unopened packs if necessary.
I also was lucky that DS was not picky about what bottles he took.
I heart YNAB
---------
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light."
- Albus Dumbledore
One more for today- there's a huge price range in crib mattresses. Should we be spending $140+ on one? What is a must-have in the mattress?
eta: I'm playing with my registry right now, obviously
I heart YNAB
---------
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light."
- Albus Dumbledore
DD1 was 3 1/2 when she went into a highback 5 pt harness booster seat ( because DD2 needed the convertible seat she was in) we kept her in the 5 pt harness until she was about 5. When she was 5 we took the 5 pt harness off and she was in high back booster with seatbelt until about 7. Then she was in the booster seat without the high back until 8 1/2. DD2 followed suit. The booster we use is the graco nautilus. I think graco makes a better convertible seat now that eliminates the need for a convertible seat. It is a convertible seat and booster in one. Forget the name though ..... any way. DD2 will be 7 in May and she's still with her high back on the booster with the regular seatbelt. We will take the back off probably in the fall.
Oct. '17 June S.C. "You Had 1 Job"
Baby Boy due October 2017
Baby Boy due October 2017
ETA the link: Sealy Soybean Foam-Core Infant/Toddler Crib Mattress - Hypoallergenic Soy Foam, Extra Firm, Durable Waterproof Cover, Lightweight, Air Quality Certified Foam, 52"x28" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N4LE5M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Adx5yb5DGE0FW
Baby Boy due October 2017
*O17 June Siggy Challenge - You had 1 job!*
+1 to @dogperson11's suggestion for lightweight, mine is soo light and easy to change sheets. I got a midrange organic one (the crazy expensive ones go for something like $400). It's double sided, one side is firmer for infant and the other side is softer for toddler. Does the trick.
@tyannejohn we had one similar to that, but never used the bassinet (it cautions not to let babies sleep in it for extended amounts of time and I was sooooo worried about SIDS) or the changing table. Our LO slept in the top portion of the PNP for the first 5 months. If you plan on travelling to places where you are not staying in a hotel (i.e. staying with family, renting a home/cabin, etc.) then its also super convenient to have while travelling. We've used our quite a bit!
I got a $40 crib mattress from amazon.
BFP#3: 2/9/13 EDD 10/18/17. Team Green for Round 2!
https://www.target.com/p/sealy-cozy-dreams-extra-firm-crib-mattress-150-coil/-/A-14256158
For me, feeling kicks for the first time felt exactly like what it feels like when the fish bangs into the side of the plastic and hits your hand. That's the best analogy I've ever heard and so I roll with it.
Oct. '17 June S.C. "You Had 1 Job"
BFP in September 2014, DS born June 2015.
TTC x2 months.
BFP January 2017.
But yes, the RNP is a must have, IMO.
I heart YNAB
---------
“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light."
- Albus Dumbledore
May Siggy Challenge: Parenting Fails
What are some of the best pregnancy books you have read? And any recommendations for SO to read. Unfortunately mine isn't a big reader but he's excited for the LO so I might be able to get him to read one.
I've heard this one is good for the guys, but I haven't actually read it:
https://www.amazon.com/Be-Prepared-Gary-Greenberg/dp/0743251547/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491486434&sr=8-1&keywords=books+for+new+dads
BFP#3: 2/9/13 EDD 10/18/17. Team Green for Round 2!