Hey all! I thought "Misc, #1 Must Have" was kind of similar to our monthly "Ask a STM" thread, since only STM could participate, so I thought we'd just roll it in to June's "Ask a STM" thread. This is actually our SECOND TO LAST "Product Spotlight"!
Anyway, STM: if you could post your #1 Must Have for baby below, that would be brilliant. Put a link too, if you are so inclined. And of course, feel free to ask questions as well.
FTM: Question away as per usual!
Here's a link to spreadsheet of old convos:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nhSR3UAwJx8UitC9b2hRx57c4hHkK6BU679FjqXMeHQ/edit#gid=0
Re: Ask a STM+: The "#1 Must Have Because We're Super Close" Edition
Rapor Raz Pacifier Clip, it retails for under $7 on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0043B43QO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1528112827&sr=8-1&keywords=vapor+raz+pacifier
Since using vapor rub on a baby is a little EEK, this is actually just a pacifier clip that you insert tiny aromatherapy tabs into. It always cleared up DS and calmed him down during a cold without fail. He only used a pacifier to sleep, so other times we would just clip it to his clothes. Totally unexpected product, but definitely worth trying out. Those first colds are so nerve-wracking.
Our swing was also very helpful!
SwaddleMe Original Swaddle 3-PK, Girly Bug (SM) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01644OYI4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CotfBbRX79PMW
https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Blanket-Swaddle-Natural-Beige/dp/B00NEQJ5T4?th=1
My stability ball also helped a lot during the witching hour weeks - sitting and bouncing her would soothe her more quickly than anything else.
@kc1293 I got a boppy lounger and am planning to return it - if just seems like a fancy pillow to set baby on and cant be used very long. What am I missing? Talk me into keeping it! Lol
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
Which makes me think of another question - how many swaddles should I have? Do I need to plan on having a new one every night in case or blowouts or spit up?
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
@MrsMiller8588 - we had 3 or 4 swaddles and just rotated them. I did laundry almost every single day though.
nightlights.
They absorb so much and you can use the same one all day without it feeling super wet/crusty. When DS was little I had one in every room. I get these for every baby shower I attend.
@zande2016 she said not to swaddle with any blanket (even the "swaddle" ones) and to either use the velcro ones like above, the sleep stacks with zippers, or not to swaddle and just put baby in the crib in a sleeper. She didn't really say why (and I didn't really ask since I was planning to use velcro and sacks for ease of use). She did say the hospital still uses blankets and her opinion is they should stop because of the recommendations she heard, but that they are also better at swaddling and baby is more monitored during the hospital stay anyway.
I already have 5 velcro swaddles and at least 2 halo sleep sacks (I think those are a little bigger). So I'm probably already overstocked. I'm so bad at laundry though..
TTC December 2016
BFP 2/28/17 // CP 3/1/17
MFI Diagnosis: Aug 2017
BFP 11/1/17 // DS born 6/18
TTC January 2019
BFP 3/21/19 // D&C (MMC) 5/8/19
I think it is is one of those preference things. If your baby sleeps better swaddled then go for it, if not then there is no need to swaddle.
Also those Gerber cloth diapers are excellent burp and all purpose cloths. The regular Gerber burp cloths are okay, but the diaper ones are best.
This. I don’t even have one for this time around. I am a big supporter of holding/wearing baby as much as possible so in general I’m not a huge fan of places to put them or set them. We do have a rock and play and a swing, in addition to the crib though.
I also second the gowns for quick diapers changes, and the easy swaddle blankets. Those can be a life saver!
Married 6.12.10
DS 11.8.12
Baby GIRL! due 7.4.18
I think its interesting that the advice is to not use swaddle blankets. I’m definitely not using swaddle thingies with the Velcro. I’m confident in my blanket swaddling abilities and don’t want to have to buy a million thingies with Velcro on them in different sizes just for sleeping. Blankets are a lot more versatile I think. But definitely follow your doctor/midwife’s recommendation.
I also didnt love love the sleep gowns. Babies are floppy and I thought it was harder to get their little bums out of the gown than it was to just unbutton or zipper quick. I have some left over from DS though so I plan to give them another try because apparently I’m the only one that hated them lol.
I also love my bobby! And my rock n play! Two life savers for sure! @MrsMiller8588 do you have a regular boppy? I always propped my kids up on those. It’s not something I’d leave them unattended in but if you already have the original boppy then you could just use that to prop and return the lounger.
Edited- wrong tag