This is a place for FTMs to ask questions and S+TMs to share the wealth of knowledge they've accumulated on baby products. Each week we'll spotlight a new category of product to help streamline and make it easier to refer back. This week it's.... summertime essentials! We've already had a lot of threads that may have touched on some of these items, but since our babies will be born right before/during summer, I thought it would be helpful to discuss anything essential for summer for babies 0-3 months. Clothes? Swim? Fans? You tell me!
Please use the prompts below to try to share as much relevant info as you can in a format that is easy for those reading to absorb/respond to. If you'd like to recommend/ask questions about more than one product, please copy/paste the prompts as needed.
For S+TMs:
For FTMs
To view past Product Spotlights or view the upcoming schedule, see here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gjNtxy2Kd2JceTYYR5wkwVcpTbU-khgazhjcZnfI1y4/edit?usp=sharing
(Also just a reminder that if anyone wants to revive old threads to ask questions as we get further along and it becomes more likely everyone is doing further research, please feel free!)
Re: Product Spotlight Series: Summertime Essentials (babies 0-3 months)
Sunscreen/ sunblock- I know we have discussed before, but there products not approved for babies under 6 months. After 6 months only Sunblock is approved- it sits on top of the skin vs being absorbed into the skin. For our LOs we should be covering them up as much as possible (long sleeve bathing suites, big hats, umbrellas/tents/ect).
We used a pop up tent like this when we went to the beach- if we go again this summer (need to decide soon) we will keep baby boy in the cabana pretty much the entire time, DD will spend 75% of her time in the shade as well.
Keeping babies cool is most important during the summer- it is advised not to cover the baby carriers with blankets or towels- which restricts air flow. For trips to the pool this summer, I plan to bring the RnP and keep him under the shade of an umbrella as much as possible. DD loves the bath, so I'm expecting her to be in the water as much as she can. I'll baby wear whenever I don't have help (my mom/DH/babysitter to play with DD while I sit in the shade with LO).
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
Can newborns have blankets? I've seen mixed reviews, because some grab and risk of it over the face. I was thinking a light cotton blanket in case, or would footie sleeper be a safer bet?
I know most newborns want to be swaddled, but I'll be surprised if this one wants to be swaddled .... she hates any constriction on my belly as is.
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
DS: 6/1/18 (Pre-E; IUGR; seizures; NICU)
TTC #2: 12/2019
Sept 2020: HSG possible blocked right tube
Nov 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFN
Dec 2020: Letrozole + TI - BFP!!! EDD 9/18
I'll definitely look into those swaddles, because only ones I'd seen was babe all wrapped up. I was a stretcher at newborn {hated swaddled} and my H was okay to be swaddled except his hands - they had to be out.
Also, you should not be draping the carseat / stroller with a blanket while outside in warm temperatures. The blankets will trap the heat and can cause issues. https://www.today.com/parents/seeking-stroller-shade-why-covering-blanket-can-be-dangerous-baby-t101059
BFP#4- 9/26 edd 6/5/18
diapers are awesome and really the only thing that fits at that age. I think the iplay ones start at 6m but they run on the smaller size. I recommend the ones with snaps because it’s easier to take off if they poop in them.
I've never had a baby as young as 2 months on a summer vacation. Really at that age you just need to keep them cool and fed. The only 2 extra things I could think of that might be nice for you are bringing an infant bathtub to let them rest in. You can let the water sit in the sun so it's not so shockingly cold (that'll probably just piss them off) and a sling you can baby-wear in the water. This also might just piss baby off at that age, though, if the water feels cold at first, lol. Pics. in spoiler.
The Noggle - Making the Backseat Cool Again - Vehicle Air Conditioning System to Keep Your Baby / Children Cool and Comfortable When Traveling in the Car - Works with Most Vehicles - 6ft, Black Ice https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LXT23RU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_WfnZAb3PET74Y