I loooove wearing my babies. I have a linen ring sling I use when I need something quick or it's too hot for the moby/ktan, a ktan that is my absolute favorite for them when they are tiny, and an ergo for when they start to stretch the ktan out too much. I've heard good things about becco and Lillebaby compared to the ergo too. Definitely go try them on because depending on your build certain carriers may be more/ less comfortable.
I had the ktan and ergo with DD. She got really hot in both. Kind of worried about that again this time.
I got a moby this time around as I want the stretchy fabric as opposed to the fabric of the ktan. I used a few wraps at a babywearing meeting and liked them but the wrap world is SO overwhelming, not to mention expensive.
FWIW I initially made the prejudgment that the babywearing community would be "crunchy" and "judgy" and that was my own judgement, which was also wrong. The meetings were so helpful and I really enjoyed going and trying out different wraps.
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.
I had the ktan and ergo with DD. She got really hot in both. Kind of worried about that again this time.
I got a moby this time around as I want the stretchy fabric as opposed to the fabric of the ktan. I used a few wraps at a babywearing meeting and liked them but the wrap world is SO overwhelming, not to mention expensive.
FWIW I initially made the prejudgment that the babywearing community would be "crunchy" and "judgy" and that was my own judgement, which was also wrong. The meetings were so helpful and I really enjoyed going and trying out different wraps.
That's interesting, because I have the same thought. I had no idea there were meetings for things like that.I used a chicco one or something for DS, but I only used it a couple of times. I also ordered one of those slings that were "free" last time, but I just never liked it. I preferred the stroller. I have a feeling that was mostly due to his size and the heat, so I don't have high hopes for this next one. I kind of eyerolled it after a while, because it just didn't seem better...but I just may have found the wrong one. Maybe this time will be different.
STM- how necessary is a monitor in the first few weeks? We live on a one floor house and the baby will be in our room for the first few months. I am trying to prioritize baby gear purchases that are necessary right now and those that can be done later.
DS went in his room from day one just like this baby so we needed it but if you don't plan on being apart I don't see why you'd need one.. they'll be with you when they nap during the day (I'm assuming) so I'd invest in one of the movement monitors before the baby monitor.
STM- how necessary is a monitor in the first few weeks? We live on a one floor house and the baby will be in our room for the first few months. I am trying to prioritize baby gear purchases that are necessary right now and those that can be done later.
@oheliza44 We didn't use one at all until DD moved into her own room at 5 months. Until that point we didn't need one because she was always in the same room as me. It's definitely something you can get down the road!
As a paranoid FTM who feels like answering your STM question @oheliza44, I'm getting the Snuza to use even when she is in her bassinet by my bed in the beginning, but I don't think it's necessary. I just know it will help me sleep better. (Cut to false alarms and angrily throwing the Snuza out the window...) We'll have a video and audio monitor ready to go in the nursery so she can nap in there at least some of the time in the beginning, and then that will be the primary setup when we move her there after the first couple months. eta: I definitely think it's overkill in the beginning when they won't be sleeping away from you much, but that's my style.
@oheliza44 I live in a two-story house, but the nursery was right next door to our room. I never needed the monitor, and used it all of probably 10 times in the first year - all of which were because I wanted to go outside while he was napping. I used the video part more when he was older, so I could see if he was actually sleeping.
Can someone compare the lotus to the baby Bjorn?i won't be buying these immediately but the only difference that appealed to me was that bjorn had a thicker mattress and was flat on the floor.
Lotus is also flat on the floor . We have it and love it.
What brand do you use for storing breast milk? Lansinoh seems to be the most popular but their reviews on their recent redesign seems to be not worth the risk (a lot of leaking). I was initially leaning toward the Kiinde system. I love how you can pump right into their bags using any pump and it attaches right to their bottle but I'm concerned about how much space it will take up and the price of the bags.
@jkbrownstein FTM (and also SAH so pumping is mostly a date night and so DH can feed ordeal) here so take this as you will, but I got the whole Kiinde set for this baby, and even though I haven't used it yet, I love it. Super easy and straightforward to use, especially for DH. I didn't think the bags were all that expensive, especially if you buy the huge packs on Amazon, but I didn't much look into other systems either. I think the convenience, the ability to use them later for food, and the ease of using the system all make the cost more than worth it. No dumping bags into bottles, only having to clean the nipples every time, and how nice the nipples are are big bonuses too.
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)
@rae1-3 I'm pretty sure they are one time use, but I haven't tried and I didn't look into it that much. But they sell them in 120 bag sets, so I cant imagine they would sell them in such large packs if they were reusable.
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)
@rae1-3 I got the Kiinde free sample that you posted about a while ago. I *think* I read that the pouches are single use, but I can't find the info on their website. I can check when I get home.
Me: 31 DH: 31 DS born 6/2017, became a heart angel 8/2018 CP 3/2019
I went between NUK and Lansinoh the last 3 times and didn't have any issues. I found the Medela ones to be too leaky.
My insurance just notified me that they now provide bags as part of my coverage; once every 90 days I can call and they send another huge batch. Might be worth looking into.
So I got my sleep sacks today, and I realized that there is a 5-10 pound size, in addition to the birth to 6 month size...... I kind of thought the birth to 6 month was good enough but now I'm worried they may be too big, even if this baby is a big baby like we think he will be. STMs thoughts? Will the birth to 6 month one be fine, or do I really need to get the smaller ones?
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)
I used lansinoh and NUK breastmilk bags. The lansinoh leaked, I used NUK for a year and NEVER had a problem, not even with defrosting. I've been slowly stock piling them when Amazon has them on sale so I have like 6 boxes...but if I EP then that will only last me 4 months which is nuts.
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.
I'm sorry if this has been asked already. But DH wants to buy a swing after we watched the "Happiest Baby on the Block" video in our infant care class. I've read a lot of reviews for different swings, and the biggest complaint seems to be that once the baby is more than 5-6 lbs, the swing barely moves even on the highest setting.
Does anyone have experience with swings and can recommend one that will last a bit longer as the baby gets bigger?
@Twinkiedoll I have the Fisher Price 3 in 1 (swings in different directions) and we used it constantly until DD was 6 months. She was on the smaller side but it still had plenty of power to swing her up to 14 pounds or so. Worth it IMO and good call with the Happiest Baby video- life saving tips in there!
I'm sorry if this has been asked already. But DH wants to buy a swing after we watched the "Happiest Baby on the Block" video in our infant care class. I've read a lot of reviews for different swings, and the biggest complaint seems to be that once the baby is more than 5-6 lbs, the swing barely moves even on the highest setting.
Does anyone have experience with swings and can recommend one that will last a bit longer as the baby gets bigger?
Thanks!
My last baby was over 6 pounds long before he was born. We even used a battery powered swing and it worked just fine for quite a while. So I'm side - eyeing those reviews.
That's why we switched from the Mamaroo to a swing @Twinkiedoll. The Mamaroo was like slow mo compared to a swing...we put that sucker on high speed and it was exactly what she needed. She used it until at least 4mo.
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.
@twinkiedoll FTM but my sisters experience has been like @dancegurl1118 said. Mamaroo is a gentle motion (which isn't sufficient for many babies). I have heard great things about the Fisherprice Snugapuppy (2 sisters and a friend all have used it and loved it). Personally, we got the Ingenuity 2-in-1 because we liked that it came off to also be a bouncer.
+1 on Fisher Price 3 in 1 had one with DS2 and loved that it moved in different directions. I handed it down to my sister, who then handed it down to my other sister, who then handed it down to a cousin. From what I know that's sucker went strong through each child.
I've heard great things about the mamaroo. We never got one but like all baby things, some things work well for you and some things don't. You have to find what works best for your baby.
I've heard great things about the mamaroo. We never got one but like all baby things, some things work well for you and some things don't. You have to find what works best for your baby.
This. What works for one baby won't work for another. Some like the gentle swing, some want to feel like they're on a roller coaster lol. My personal experience with babies (nieces/nephews) is that most prefer the latter, so no mamaroo for me.
Mine liked the Mamaroo but we borrowed it from a neighbor. Too expensive to buy one not knowing if they'll like it. I'm hoping we can borrow one again this time or buy one second-hand.
So ... I don't want to buy a bottle sterilizer. Would pouring hot kettle water do enough? And just washing? I don't see the point because kids put everything in their mouth, their hands, my hand, your hand etc etc. would the pacificiers be clean enough after washing too?
@BusyZee No need to buy a sterilizer. You can sterilize new bottles by pouring boiling water over them and letting them sit for 10 minutes. Then hand washing or dishwasher are fine.
@BusyZee No need to buy a sterilizer. You can sterilize new bottles by pouring boiling water over them and letting them sit for 10 minutes. Then hand washing or dishwasher are fine.
My dishwasher sucks honestly, I'm trying for them to change it (renting!). Thanks. I had made up my mind but needed someone to give me a go ahead because my dad was horrified by my idea (he's a doc.. !). I don't see why i need to make drinking milk into some kind of lab work.
@OperaSingerMommy and @poppyseed72017, thanks for the rec! The 3 in 1 swing is battery operated only, right? How long do the batteries last?
@BusyZee I've read that a sterilizer not necessary. You just boil the bottles, nipples, etc. for five minutes and let them cool. However, I got one of those microwave sterilizers off CL for $5. They're really cheap second hand.
@Twinkiedoll is it small? I just want to have as few things as possible, but maybe on a holiday this microwave one sounds good. You can boil pacifiers too right?
Also, Medela and other companies make steam sterilizing bags. You put your stuff in the bag, and microwave it. The bag is reusable like 10 times. But I don't sterilize anything so....
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.
@BusyZee - Yes, boil your pacifiers too. I plan to boil the bottles and pacifiers soon and put aside til the baby is here. After we start using them, I don't boil them all the time, I wash them in the dishwasher and just boil them every month or so (more or less depending on how quickly I am using them/ how many I have). There are a lot of good baskets for all the bottle accessories and stuff to go in the dishwasher too. Made my life easier to not have to search around on the bottom or try to strategically place them in the utensil holder.
I was going to suggest the sterilizing bags. I did that with pump parts because they're so dang hard to clean I wanted to make sure if it had been sitting in my hot car after I pumped for a couple hours I'd do the dishwasher and then pop it in the bag and the bag into the microwave just to be sure.
Re: Baby Gear Questions and Recommendations
I got a moby this time around as I want the stretchy fabric as opposed to the fabric of the ktan. I used a few wraps at a babywearing meeting and liked them but the wrap world is SO overwhelming, not to mention expensive.
FWIW I initially made the prejudgment that the babywearing community would be "crunchy" and "judgy" and that was my own judgement, which was also wrong. The meetings were so helpful and I really enjoyed going and trying out different wraps.
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)
CP 3/2019
My insurance just notified me that they now provide bags as part of my coverage; once every 90 days I can call and they send another huge batch. Might be worth looking into.
DS1 - 7/2011, DD 12/2012, DS2 - 4/2014, MMC - 12/2015
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)
Does anyone have experience with swings and can recommend one that will last a bit longer as the baby gets bigger?
Thanks!
CP 3/2019
would the pacificiers be clean enough after washing too?
@BusyZee I've read that a sterilizer not necessary. You just boil the bottles, nipples, etc. for five minutes and let them cool. However, I got one of those microwave sterilizers off CL for $5. They're really cheap second hand.