Can we talk baby nests (dock a tot, cheaper versions)? I used rock and plays for the first couple months with my 2 (they recalled the rnps shortly after my 2nd transferred to a crib). This time baby will be sharing my room and probably end up bed sharing at times.
So how safe have you felt if you used a baby nest?
@Lexibizzel consumer report has linked them to several deaths, so they’ve always been a no for us. With that said, there were definitely nights my son would not go down in his bassinet and we ended up bedsharing - it was either that or fall asleep trying to hold him in a chair, which was way less safe.
I personally felt best with bedsharing only under very strict circumstances - I’d kick my husband out of the bed, firm mattress, remove blankets and top sheet, no drugs/alcohol in my system, no pillows near baby, no loose clothing on mom.
This time around I’m going to try and throw money at the problem and rent the snoo but we will see if it works.
@Lexibizzel we used the dock a tot for cosleeping with DS2 and DS3 and also in the pack and play next to our bed. I felt comfortable especially while they were swaddled and not rolling. I know it is a hot topic but we will personally use it again this time as long as baby likes it. It is also very convenient to lug around the house for naps during those first couple months of constant nappong.
@rexnie I've been comfortable bed sharing with my kids. I've followed all the guidelines and my kids were healthy. Plus we bf so we were awake often. I am definitely willing to throw money at whatever can get me and baby sleep. I'll check out the snoo. I'm also looking into the Merlin sleep suit and the like.
@runsoncoffee If I can get baby to nap well in a baby nest I'll consider it a win. It seems super convenient in how easy it is to transport.
@Lexibizzel I used a nest with DS2 and I felt safe I suppose, it was just hard to get everyone really comfortable I guess. But once he outgrew it we would sometimes bed share, but he was pretty good at sleeping in the crib. With DS1 I was reluctant to bring him to bed with us for too long and he was such a fussy baby to sleep. He wouldn’t sleep unless I was holding him upright and moving. But there’s only so many hours I could do that every night. I gave up one night and brought him to bed with me to nurse and that’s where he stuck for a while. We ended up doing a thing where we took the forth side of the crib off and attaching it to our bed so he could lay on his surface but still be next to me, and that worked until he was over a year. But every family will find what works best for them!
@Lexibizzel I'm starting to stress about the sleep situation.. We had a Halo that DS was supposed to sleep in, but he a reflux baby and was literally impossible to lay flat, so he slept in a RNP until he started to squirm and try to roll in it (about 4-5mo). The crib transition was really rough. We hung on to the Halo, but I'm questioning if I want to keep it and try it with this baby or just sell it and try something new altogether.
Lexibizzelwe used rock n plays with #2 (even post recall 😬) aaaaand probably will with #4. With #1 I basically made a nest inside a momaroo. I’ve always felt okay with it, and more comfortable thank co-sleeping. The idea itself of co-sleeping doesn’t bug me, just personally I cannnnnnot sleep with kids in my bed. Maybe the occasional tiny baby nap, but real sleep is no go for me with a tiny (or child) next to me haha
@rexnie a good friend of mine just rented the snoo and she said it was SO worth it!
@rexnie Oh man, the snoo. Just what I feared. It looks absolutely amazing and is crazy expensive. Soooooo tempted. Even though it was 5 years ago now, I still feel traumatized by sleep deprivation with DD. I would so have purchased this for her. Especially since Dr. Karp's 5 s's were the most effective method I found for calming her. But then lo and behold my second born slept like a dream. I remember the disbelief that I had a newborn and was not exhausted. So I definitely would not have needed a snoo for him. I guess the plan is to wait and see how it goes with #3 then consider renting or secondhand. Someone was offering a like new one with all the accessories for $700 on fb marketplace. But anyway, thanks for mentioning it.
My son is a great sleeper now but was absolutely horrendous the first 15 months or so.
We already have an extra pack n play and travel crib that will fit next to my bed, so my plan is to go with the snoo rental. And if I have a magical unicorn baby, AMAZING!! we’re only out the first month’s rent!
I disassembled and turned in our RNP because I knew I would break down and use it again with our next baby in a moment of desperation. It was the only way our son slept longer than an hour at a time in the beginning. This time we're going to have a Snoo and I'm hoping that will be enough to get us some longer stretches at night.
Ok, so I'm 99% sold on the SNOO. Given their resale value, I'm thinking buying over renting.
@rexnie did you know they offer 30% off purchase to health care providers? Military too. I'm going to see what kind of black Friday deals are available and buy at that time or with my nurse discount.
I am way late to this thread but can add some feedback on the Snoo! I bought ours on FB market place used for $800 for DD1. Honestly - I would not pay full price for it. I do not think it’s worth it and it can actually create some bad habits and you may need to wean your babe off the movement when it’s time for the crib. That said I did like some of the features...pros/cons below (IMO):
pros: - built in white noise machine - built in clips for the Snoo swaddles (which are THE best - Velcro and so easy. You can actually purchase the swaddles separate even if you don’t have the Snoo!) But the clips give even more peace of mind that baby won’t roll over - the app on your phone that keeps metrics each night! an unexpected plus for me was the app that helped me keep track of her night wakings and feedings - every time she woke for a feed and I stopped the Snoo, the Snoo would log it. I actually referred back to the app often to see how our night went early on (Because you won’t remember anything on your own!) - the customer service is 💯. Ours actually broke after a month or so and I called them and gave them the serial number on the bottom and they shipped me a brand new one, and paid to have the broken one shipped back. And they knew that I bought it second hand but it didn’t matter! They also are on call if you have any questions on baby sleep or need tips.
Cons: - I feel like the biggest draw of the Snoo is the movement to rock the baby back to sleep during the night wakings and I can’t say for sure that it worked. The gentle rocking was nice but I still felt that she woke up every 2-3 hours in the beginning (and you have to feed them that often anyway) and for wakings in between feedings, she’d often ramp up thru the levels and I’d get the notice on my phone that she needed me (aka the Snoo didn’t put her to sleep). We eventually stopped using the movement after a couple weeks and just used it for the swaddle and the sound. Which I think was good and I’ll probably do the same this time around, because we had no problems transitioning to the non moving crib. I had a few friends who struggled when ditching the Snoo because their baby was too dependent on the movement!
Ok - so the list of pros is a lot longer but I feel like the con is a big one. We also traveled for a week when she was a month old (without the Snoo) and she slept pretty much the same without it. So I guess I’m saying...if you have the money to burn, sure. But for only a couple months of use, I’m not sure it’s worth the full price tag.
As for other reccos, I second following Taking Cara Babies on Instagram and Facebook and purchasing her newborn class. Every FTM should take her course on baby sleep!! DD is 18 months and has been a great sleeper since the beginning and I followed TCB to a T!
@emeraldisle17 Thank you for the feedback! Yes, dependance on that movement is a little concerning. I feel like one of my kids would have benefited from the snoo big time, but my other one wouldn't have needed it. So I guess this would be a piece of mind purchase.
And thanks for the recommendation on the baby sleep course. Definitely looking into it.
Can someone give me a quick summary of the Taking Cara Babies class? We’re big sleep trainers over here and I love learning new things about sleep but I kind of feel like since this is #4 I prooooobably don’t need to spend the $$ on a class, but I’ve heard SO many people talk about it that I’m curious!
Wondering about support belts for CS recovery. The one I got in the hospital last time was soooo horrible and itchy, I gave up on it much sooner than I should have because I couldn’t stand it. Any recommendations for a comfortable one?
@goldpolkadot I would say you probably don't need the course. A friend actually shared the written part of it with me when my third was born so I didn't watch the video part and although there were some good tips, I'm glad I didn't pay for it as a third time mom. BUT I would highly recommend it to any first time mom especially, or those who don't feel confident in their sleep methods. I have to go back and look it up but I can give you the basic outline of it. I think you can get a lot of the tips from her Instagram page.
I would agree with @runsoncoffee, definitely follow her on instagram - she has alot of her 'topics' saved as stories along the top of her page. She has a Newborn course which is a video and accompanying PDF; I want to say it was around $75 when I purchased it; sometimes she has 20% of deals. It was definitely helpful to me as a FTM. Also if you have a friend and want to go in on it together, you can share the password and log in Then she has a 3-5 month PDF (this one was less intense and cheaper) which I also bought but actually didn't think that one was too helpful. And then she has a larger 'ABC's of Sleep' course which is for 6+ months. I followed the newborn class so closely that she was sleeping through the night by 4 months and I didn't feel like I needed the ABC's course, but I know that is a popular one and many parents find themselves with a bad sleeper by 6 months and speak very highly of the course! My advice would be to start earlier vs. later (even just good 'habits' not necessarily 'sleep training')
Does anyone have recommendations for a nice mattress replacement (upgrade) for a pack n play? I’m considering using that while baby is in our room but would like to get a nicer mattress. Has anyone else done this? Is it worth it?
@carly_themammaslist thank you! This is helpful. What you’ve described as success with the snoo is nearly the same as how DD and DS slept, so probably not worth my money! I’ll stick with what I’ve used previously.
@carly_themammaslist Thanks for that Snoo review! We are getting one from my brother and SIL and I am so excited to try it, though trying to keep my expectations reasonable. My first slept so badly until we sleep trained at 6 months so any improvement on that would be great. I don't think I would shell out for it if we weren't getting one for free though.
@carly_themammaslist thank you for that SNOO review, it was helpful! DH and I decided to rent it, to see how it goes since this is our first. I also follow Cara and bought a gift certificate for her newborn class when it was on Black Friday, so lets hope that with those things combined we can have a good sleeper.
@carly_themammaslist thank you for the well rounded review! I’m like you and our first was a horrible sleeper. I remember praying desperately for just 2 straight hours of sleep. He was 8-10 months before I started getting 4-6 hour stretches. They resell here pretty easily so my plan was to buy one used and resell, but my sister found one first and bought it as a surprise for us.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a breastfeeding pillow? I guess I must have a long torso or something because I used a boppy last time and if I wasn’t sitting with an armrest it was never tall enough to really be perfectly comfortable. I needed a pillow or two under it to really support him without using my own arm strength, and he had a horrible latch and would nurse for over half an hour even when he was older so it got tiring. It also cause some more back issues because I was always bent or hunched over.
@forevertired How lucky! Your sister sounds awesome. I bought one used in excellent condition with extras, and am optimistic about reselling. Yes, still a lot of money spent, but my first was such a horrible sleeper and you can't put a price on sleep, imo.
I can relate to back issues thanks to bf with a long torso. This time I am going to try a butterfly pillow. You can change the height of the pillow considering the position you and baby are in. I may still need a support pillow underneath to elevate when nursing while sitting up, but I have maternity pillows that would work.
@carly_themammaslist thanks for the review! My first had enough sleep trouble that we splurged on the snoo for #2 and I'm excited to get even a little more sleep.
My brestfriend pillow was the BEST with #1. We started with a boppy but I ordered one before we left the hospital after my section - I appreciated the extra support, especially learning to nurse for the first time.
I'm kinda relieved to read that so many of you had bad first sleepers. In my first BMB, it honestly felt like every other baby slept better than my son. I'm sure part of that was just my exhuastion fueling jealousy whenever someone mentioned their baby sleeping more than 2 hours in a row.
I'm kinda relieved to read that so many of you had bad first sleepers. In my first BMB, it honestly felt like every other baby slept better than my son. I'm sure part of that was just my exhuastion fueling jealousy whenever someone mentioned their baby sleeping more than 2 hours in a row.
Just curious, how many hours does your baby sleep?
@changeroscoe With my son it felt like he was waking up constantly for months. Honestly it's all kind of a blur while it's happening, and even moreso now, so it's hard to remember the details. I know there were nights that I did not get more than 2 hours of sleep in a row. As he got older I think he'd usually get one longer stretch of 4 or so hours when he went down, and then would wake more frequently after that.
Oh maybe you meant how long he sleeps now? He just turned 2. He usually sleep about 11 hours at night now. He often cries a bit at bedtime and wakes crying for a few minutes at a time occassionally during the night. There was a long stretch when he'd wake super early and cry (like 4am). We sleep trained with extincton at 6 months, so we think he's just not a naturally great sleeper.
I cant remember if this was already mentioned but one of the only things I'm registering for is the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair. We have one I got second hand that my kids fight over and its honestly the best for ages 6 months and up. Even I sit on it sometimes! If it's in your budget at all I'd highly recommend!
@runsoncoffee stoke high chair is like the 1 legit thing I still to this day totally bemoan not buying. We hemmed and hawed so long and ended up with the boon on wheels and it’s been awesome BUT I still to this day with we had just gotten a stokke!!
Someone in here mentioned kate quinn and it’s was an eye opening discovery for me. I am in love with the softness! What else am I missing out on? I usually shop easy big stores like target, Carter’s, gap, etc. because of convenience but I’m trying to be more mindful about small and boutique businesses. Plus I’m all about soft fabrics.
@forevertired check out the Stars Above pajama line from Target. For you, not baby. But they are ridiculously soft and comfortable, and I plan on living in them during post partum. I wear them to bed now as well.
Re: Baby Items: What you should buy and what to stay away from
So how safe have you felt if you used a baby nest?
I am definitely willing to throw money at whatever can get me and baby sleep. I'll check out the snoo. I'm also looking into the Merlin sleep suit and the like.
@runsoncoffee If I can get baby to nap well in a baby nest I'll consider it a win. It seems super convenient in how easy it is to transport.
@rexnie did you know they offer 30% off purchase to health care providers? Military too. I'm going to see what kind of black Friday deals are available and buy at that time or with my nurse discount.
pros:
- built in white noise machine
- built in clips for the Snoo swaddles (which are THE best - Velcro and so easy. You can actually purchase the swaddles separate even if you don’t have the Snoo!) But the clips give even more peace of mind that baby won’t roll over
- the app on your phone that keeps metrics each night! an unexpected plus for me was the app that helped me keep track of her night wakings and feedings - every time she woke for a feed and I stopped the Snoo, the Snoo would log it. I actually referred back to the app often to see how our night went early on (Because you won’t remember anything on your own!)
- the customer service is 💯. Ours actually broke after a month or so and I called them and gave them the serial number on the bottom and they shipped me a brand new one, and paid to have the broken one shipped back. And they knew that I bought it second hand but it didn’t matter! They also are on call if you have any questions on baby sleep or need tips.
- I feel like the biggest draw of the Snoo is the movement to rock the baby back to sleep during the night wakings and I can’t say for sure that it worked. The gentle rocking was nice but I still felt that she woke up every 2-3 hours in the beginning (and you have to feed them that often anyway) and for wakings in between feedings, she’d often ramp up thru the levels and I’d get the notice on my phone that she needed me (aka the Snoo didn’t put her to sleep). We eventually stopped using the movement after a couple weeks and just used it for the swaddle and the sound. Which I think was good and I’ll probably do the same this time around, because we had no problems transitioning to the non moving crib. I had a few friends who struggled when ditching the Snoo because their baby was too dependent on the movement!
Ok - so the list of pros is a lot longer but I feel like the con is a big one. We also traveled for a week when she was a month old (without the Snoo) and she slept pretty much the same without it. So I guess I’m saying...if you have the money to burn, sure. But for only a couple months of use, I’m not sure it’s worth the full price tag.
And thanks for the recommendation on the baby sleep course. Definitely looking into it.
link just in case you're still interested: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07SJDRY8B/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I can relate to back issues thanks to bf with a long torso. This time I am going to try a butterfly pillow. You can change the height of the pillow considering the position you and baby are in. I may still need a support pillow underneath to elevate when nursing while sitting up, but I have maternity pillows that would work.
thanks for the review! My first had enough sleep trouble that we splurged on the snoo for #2 and I'm excited to get even a little more sleep.
My brestfriend pillow was the BEST with #1. We started with a boppy but I ordered one before we left the hospital after my section - I appreciated the extra support, especially learning to nurse for the first time.
Kickee pants also has really soft stuff but it’s pretty spendy (IMO).