Baby products? Questions for PT skin kid moms.

[finn's mom]

I started a registry through walmart, and plan to start a couple others because i've had several people tell me to make sure to offer a variety. so, i am. i didn't register for a boppy, but i found a similar item for about half price through walmart, and the reviews are great. thanks for the suggestion on that!

i also registered for an exersaucer, but i might remove it since it's for older babies. not sure, though...the one i looked at is kindof expensive, so i may leave it on there and just store it until baby is old enough to use it.

i love the idea of glass bottles, so i registered for those, too...

i keep reading stuff about SIDS and not laying your baby on his stomach to sleep, etc, which i was already aware of. but i have read multiple times that you should keep the sleeping area clear of "extras" like pillows and blankets. It makes sense, as I can totally see how a baby could get his head under the blanket or pillow or bumper or sheet or whatever...

Because of that information, I'm considering not even bothering with the cutesy bed linen packages, and just sticking with the basics of sleeping...a mattress with a fitted sheet and not much else...what do you all do?

[JenBKR]

I started a registry through walmart, and plan to start a couple others because i've had several people tell me to make sure to offer a variety. so, i am. i didn't register for a boppy, but i found a similar item for about half price through walmart, and the reviews are great. thanks for the suggestion on that!

i also registered for an exersaucer, but i might remove it since it's for older babies. not sure, though...the one i looked at is kindof expensive, so i may leave it on there and just store it until baby is old enough to use it.

i love the idea of glass bottles, so i registered for those, too...

i keep reading stuff about SIDS and not laying your baby on his stomach to sleep, etc, which i was already aware of. but i have read multiple times that you should keep the sleeping area clear of "extras" like pillows and blankets. It makes sense, as I can totally see how a baby could get his head under the blanket or pillow or bumper or sheet or whatever...

Because of that information, I'm considering not even bothering with the cutesy bed linen packages, and just sticking with the basics of sleeping...a mattress with a fitted sheet and not much else...what do you all do?

IMO get the exercauser - your baby will be 4 months before you know it and it's wonderful!

No blankets or pillows in the crib, but you do want a crib bumper. That will keep baby from getting legs/arms stuck when he/she starts rolling around. We got a bedding set, which included sheets, bumper pad, quilt (just used for decoration) and a window valance.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

These are all great suggestions. It's exciting that we have so many PT babies this year.

I wanted to add that craigslist.com is also a great place to go for many things. There are some things I wouldn't buy used (car seat, etc) but for others it's really nice to be able to get something for cheaper that the baby won't use long anyway.

We bought a co-sleeper for the side of the bed and also a crib. I plan on having the baby sleep in our room at night and nap in the crib so she can get used to it (and also to keep the pets from bugging her). We'll see how that works out in real life!

I would agree that people LOVE to give baby clothes. Our baby already has far more than she will probably be able to wear, and she isn't due for another 2 months. I didn't register anywhere but I did get a surprise shower and I got a lot of really nice things- people really like to buy baby stuff! You might find that you will need an extra room just for all the baby stuff you will buy/be given.

Now, I have a question for moms who have pumped- I plan on getting one so my husband can share in the joy of nighttime feedings too. I really want the Medela "In style" pump (the expensive one). Can I use any kind of bottle with this, or do I need to buy a specific brand/ type?

[JenBKR]

Now, I have a question for moms who have pumped- I plan on getting one so my husband can share in the joy of nighttime feedings too. I really want the Medela "In style" pump (the expensive one). Can I use any kind of bottle with this, or do I need to buy a specific brand/ type?

I didn't usually pump directly into the bottles. I had these little containers that I bought that I pumped into and stored the milk. I'll look online and post a link to what I bought. If you want to pump directly into the bottle, you will have to get bottles that will screw into the pump. We use Dr. Brown's bottles (regular,not the wide neck) and those work like that too.

Hope you don't think I am trying to be a know-it-all.....I'm at work, and a bit bored, and I love talking baby

[Husky_mom]

one thing about a baby sleeping on his tummy... I know all the scary stuff but still my boy slept on his tummy always... head turned to the side... I guess I was lucky as he did not EVER placed his face down at all...

I think I also was more scared of him throwing up and choking on it if he slept tummy up... I don´t know.. but I guess every case is different... a friend of mine whenever puts her baby face down she rolls over so she´s face up..again every baby is different...

as for bedding I only had a fitted sheet and a blankie just enough size to cover and not get all bulky, no pillows or toys or anything and I did use the crib bumpers, althought loosely tied so they were easily moved... now they are some new kind of bumpers that are kinda like screen doors...those sound great

[JenBKR]

http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com...s_baby_depot=1

Here are the milk storage containers I used.

[finn's mom]

Thanks for the info on the bumpers. I figured I'd get one, but I want to make sure it's not a kind that can easily be lifted up or bunched up. With SIDS, don't the babies typically die without making much noise at all? I would think with choking on vomit, they would cough or cry or something...thus waking someone to the situation...I don't know, though. I plan to have the baby sleep on his back, but I'm not going to faint if my mom puts him down on his tummy. I'm sure the three of us all slept on our bellies. We'll just have to see.

I haven't really looked at a co-sleeper, I'll have to check that out. David was worried about having the baby sleep in the bed with us as he is afraid we'll roll over on him. But, again, I'll have to look at a co-sleeper, as that seems like a great idea!

[sparks19]

OOOH is it the Cuddle-U pillow instead of the boppy that you saw at Walmart? That is the one I used (I still call it a boppy lol can't help it) and it was AWESOME. it's a great nursing pillow.

Another thing about the registry. Put ANYTHING you need or think you will need on there... then people can pick and choose what to get you and whatever is left over will serve as a list for what you still need to get.

We used the regular crib bumpers when Hannah was a newborn and didn't really move around. We also put a blanket on her up to her waist because she didn't really move around too much at first so I wasnt' worried about it.
When she started moving around a lot more I took out the regular bumpers and got a breathable bumper. it's mesh. it keeps baby bits inside where they belong and doesn't pose a suffocation hazard.

When Hannah was about 1 1/2 or 2 months I put her down to sleep on her side. She seemed more comfortable curled up on her side and if she wanted to she could roll onto her back.

[finn's mom]

OOOH is it the Cuddle-U pillow instead of the boppy that you saw at Walmart? That is the one I used (I still call it a boppy lol can't help it) and it was AWESOME. it's a great nursing pillow.

Another thing about the registry. Put ANYTHING you need or think you will need on there... then people can pick and choose what to get you and whatever is left over will serve as a list for what you still need to get.

We used the regular crib bumpers when Hannah was a newborn and didn't really move around. We also put a blanket on her up to her waist because she didn't really move around too much at first so I wasnt' worried about it.
When she started moving around a lot more I took out the regular bumpers and got a breathable bumper. it's mesh. it keeps baby bits inside where they belong and doesn't pose a suffocation hazard.

When Hannah was about 1 1/2 or 2 months I put her down to sleep on her side. She seemed more comfortable curled up on her side and if she wanted to she could roll onto her back.

I don't remember what it's called...that's terrible, I just looked at it, hahaha. It has a removable washable slipcover that comes standard with the pillow, which apparently is sold separately with the boppy. I may ask for a couple of them, one for home and one for in the vehicle.

The mesh bumper sounds great, that's probably what I will go with.

I just took a peek at some of the co-sleepers, that looks like a great idea, although I really don't want David to have to get up too often at night. We'll just have to talk more about it when it comes time to decide what we want to do with nighttime arrangements. I may simply not have a choice if I'm too exhausted, I may have to ask him for help. Not that he would mind, but he will continue to work, whereas I will become an instant stay-at-homer.

And, absolutely, I plan to put whatever and more on the registries.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I didn't usually pump directly into the bottles. I had these little containers that I bought that I pumped into and stored the milk. I'll look online and post a link to what I bought. If you want to pump directly into the bottle, you will have to get bottles that will screw into the pump. We use Dr. Brown's bottles (regular,not the wide neck) and those work like that too.

Hope you don't think I am trying to be a know-it-all.....I'm at work, and a bit bored, and I love talking baby

Oh gosh, no, it's good advice! Thanks for the link, too- I will look into those! I can definitely understand wanting to talk baby, too...the closer I get to my due date, the more I think about it and of course wonder what it's really like, you know? You can read on it and have experience with kids, but I'm sure it's completely different having your own!

I haven't really looked at a co-sleeper, I'll have to check that out. David was worried about having the baby sleep in the bed with us as he is afraid we'll roll over on him. But, again, I'll have to look at a co-sleeper, as that seems like a great idea!

That is what I am scared of too, accidentally hurting the baby, or being too scared about it to sleep very well. The co sleeper attaches to the bed and comes down on the side so your baby is right next to you, but on their own bed. You can also use it as a regular bassinet. The one I got is an Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper- they have a mini and a bigger size. They run anywhere from $150-250 new, but I bought mine on craigslist. They really can't be used too long so I figured I would buy a practically new one at a fraction of the cost.

[Husky_mom]

for a few weeks I used a moses... more like a basinet or something... baby sleeping inside and it placed on the bed, so no roll over mishaps ... the one I used was practically a rectangle...

something like this one

[beeniesmom]

Hope you don't think I am trying to be a know-it-all.....I'm at work, and a bit bored, and I love talking baby

Oh Gosh No! Thanks for the info.

[Karen]

Did you moms-to-be see King2005's post about her company's baby monitors over in the Marketplace forum? Looks cool!

[Cataholic]

If you are interested in BFing: I would skip the formula purchase and instead spend your money on a couple of good books about BFing. The first month or so can be incredibly difficult, and obtaining all the support you can early on can be the difference between quitting and continuing. Le Leche League has some great books, a monthly (or so) publication, supportive meetings and women that can get you started on the right track! By far, the money I spent towards fostering my BFing relationship with my son was the absolute best money ever spent. I will never forget the after hours, in home, visit from a leader that totally saved the relationship.

I would buy a 'boppy' called My Breast Friend over the Boppy. It fit me way better, was larger, so it lifted Jonah up closer to the 'spicket', and was more supportive in general.

I would buy a hospital grade electric pump. It makes pumping so much easier! And, make sure the nozzles you use fit! I would find a local lacatation shop in your area, and go visit.

I would buy a couple of decent nursing bras. Skip the Target/Walmart brand and go to a specialty shop for propper fitting. On that end, find clothing now that makes BFing easier to handle..not only around the house but for out and about, too!

As to other things, diapers seem to be all about fit. I used Pampers brand for newborn (swaddlers), but, at size 2, they didn't fit, and had that very inflexible fastener. I used Huggies after that. I liked the cloth-like feel, and never had leaks.

I would not put anything in the crib other than a fitted sheet. Not even a bumper pad. Course, Jonah didn't spend a whole lot of time in it (and even now gets the night time ride to his own bed! ).

If you can, try to find the old-fashioned square playpen. I never used the two pack and plays my GF gave me. They are small, the mesh is not conducive to looking in or out, and did I say that they were small? LOL. The old fashioned 3 x 3 wooden ones rock. I managed to find two that people had in their homes. We made two mattress like covers (foam covered with terry cloth). And, these serve so many purposes, especially if you have dogs. I put Jonah in his when I showered, or, needed to do a few things around the house, and felt comfortable with his 'safety'.

I would get a baby bath tub, a wipes warmer (nothing says, "hello, wake up and scream now" like a cold wipe on a warm bum), a Britax seat, a SMALL stroller...I gotta tell you, nothing says, "get that damn thing outta my store" faster than a stroller larger than a Hummer. They are too big to use, too hard to navigate, etc.

I would get the aquafor....WAY better then any other bum cream, and my son has the sensitive skin award for 4 years running. I would stay with a generic soap/shampoo. I did use the baby detergent, but, really, it was for the smell more than anything else. I heard the local Children's Hospital uses regular detergent. (but, what do they know, right?).

I went through a lot of onsies....trying to find the snap/pull around instead of the over the head ones was super hard, too!

I was one of those moms that dressed her child in sleepers for the first year. LOL, well, close to it. I did very litte 'dressing' of Jonah. I didn't do the shoes, the shirts, the pants, the socks. In fact, Jonah's first shoes were one his first birthday. Up til then, he wore socks, and when he started walking, he wore "Robees". Clothing wise, it was simpler and cheaper. (I do dress him now for preschool).

I wouldn't buy stuff you don't need for the first 6-8 months now. You don't need to 'baby proof' your house now, unless you are birthing a 8-9 month old. Save your money, the storage space in your home, and the stress of trying to do it all now. I am single, work full time, and still managed to find the time to do it later. Plus, I am really old, so, if I can do it timely, so can you youngins'.

For people with cats, I would definetly spend the $30 and get a crib tent. That way, when your child IS in the crib, you aren't worried about the cats jumping on top of your children (though I have a hard time imagining MY cats doing this.., but, money well spent).

I would skip the baby monitors, it just encourages anxieties. I would skip the baby DVDs..since the AAP is pretty strong that TV for infants is not appropriate.

I would buy a bassinet/co-sleeper thing/moses basket for your room. I didn't buy one before Jonah was born. We stopped for one on the way home from the hospital. I couldn't bear the thought of this tiny newborn sleeping in another room, in such a big space (crib).

Otherwise, remember that you need a lot less that you think. Remember to think of things that will make this transition easier for you! Maybe that means getting a hair cut before, having someone clean your home for the first 6 months, cooking, shopping, etc.

Finally, at your 7-8 month, get some professional shots done- at whatever your comfort level, to memorialize the experience. I didn't do it, and regret it.

[BitsyNaceyDog]

That is what I am scared of too, accidentally hurting the baby, or being too scared about it to sleep very well. The co sleeper attaches to the bed and comes down on the side so your baby is right next to you, but on their own bed. You can also use it as a regular bassinet. The one I got is an Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper- they have a mini and a bigger size. They run anywhere from $150-250 new, but I bought mine on craigslist. They really can't be used too long so I figured I would buy a practically new one at a fraction of the cost.

I'm looking at the Arm's Reach Co-sleeper too. We're still co-sleeping with Nathan and I really have no plan on kicking him out of the bed any time soon. When the baby is fussy I'll just go to the living room and let Nathan and Justin sleep peacefully in the bedroom. That's what I did when Nathan was fussy in the night anyway so Justin could sleep.