Mommy Questions:
I have a million questions for my mama friends out there, and I'm gonna start writing them down now so I don't forget later. I'm 11 weeks today. Hopefully in another few weeks we'll be able to make the big announcement. It's crazy to think everyone is just living their lives, and no one (well besides our family and my best friends) have a clue that I'm almost 3 months pregnant with a miracle babe.
Anyways... gonna start jotting some of these questions down now so I'll remember to ask y'all when it's okay to.
1. Serious runner moms-- what is the best running stroller out there? Is it better to have a separate running stroller and carseat/stroller combo for everyday? My SIL uses her running stroller on a daily basis, but it seems a little less stable than I'd like for marathons and trail runs. I'm a mom that's gonna be running long distances 6-7 days a week, so the investment is worth it...but what exactly do I need?
2. How many carseats do we need? Should we get one carseat/stoller and one additional carseat? Or is that unnecessary. Is it really annoying moving the bases or not a big deal? What do you guys have?
3. I need a pack and play, right? What is that exactly?
4. And what else-- a baby swing? play pen? (or is that the same thing as a pack and play?)
5. Crib and a separate bassinet, right? Worth it to get the crib that turns into the big kid bed or not?
6. If i'm going to strictly breastfeed, do I still need bottles? If so, how many? Just a few? (I'll pump too eventually, but not for awhile.) Dr. Browns are best, right? And you can do pumped milk in the dr. browns or do you get bottles with your pump?
7. For pumped milk, what do I need? Freezer bags?
8. What are the baby products, furniture, etc. that you couldn't live without?
9. What baby products do you not really need and would exchange for something else?
10. Besides cute outfits for certain events, what does a baby born in December typically wear on a daily basis? I know from being an aunt that Caleb does not wear jeans and cute little polos everyday. What kind of clothes should I buy a bunch of?
Here's my 2 cents on your above questions!
ReplyDelete1. I use the bumbleride Indie for both running with Isaac and everyday errands. It's a nice running stroller, probably not the greatest model out there, but it's done the job well for me. I would suggest also getting the snap-in stroller frame for when baby is still in the car seat... so easy!
2. We started with 1 carseat and 2 bases, but as soon as I went back to work, Id start forgetting to take the carseat out and it would come right along with me to work. We finally broke down and just got a second seat.
5. We got a crib and a pack-n-play for sleep instead of a bassinet. Isaac slept in the pnp for the first 6 weeks before we transitioned him to a crib, which is a convertible model, but it's so chewed and dinged up now, I don't know if I'll even use it as a full size bed once Isaac has outgrown it. As far as the pack n play goes, I've used it less than 5 times since we moved Isaac to the crib. It felt like a must-have, but now it's just gathering dust in the closet.
6/7. Get bottles. It doesn't have to be many, but there will be times where you'll want/need to give baby pumped milk from a bottle. We used the Avent Naturals.... supposed to be great for bf babies and have very few parts to wash, which you'll appreciate later! If you plan on pumping, definitely stock up on freezer bags.
8/9. I used my boppy every single day for nursing. Also, because I had a major overproduction problem, I also used my pump a ton. Strangely enough, I still refer to Baby 411 (book) regularly. I rarely used our Bumbo seat, "fancy" swaddling blankets (I took a couple from the hospital!), and Isaac never took a pacifier.
10. I loved keeping Isaac in white onesies for sleeping. They were easy to change diapers at 3am, but didn't get too hot when we swaddled him. Easy cotton onesies and pants that can be mixed & matched are always good to have a lot of.
Hollie, thank you SO MUCH, you are so sweet and your answers were so helpful! That is exactly what I need. advice from mommies who have actually used these things. Thanks for taking the time to do that. You're the best! Let me know if you think of anything else :)
DeleteI'll chime in! ;)
ReplyDeleteFirst of all…congrats again!! Knowing what a miracle this pregnancy is…a pregnancy is a miracle in general, but this is a miracle miracle!! SO happy for you!! I'll absolutely pray for you and this precious baby as the weeks go by.
Ok-to answer some of your questions:
1) I'm not a "serious" runner, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE my BOB. Anyone who has a BOB will tell you BOBs rock. You'll love it. They glide effortlessly. I can't use it for running now (since there are 3 littles I am constantly with), but we take it up to Lake Geneva and use it for walks on the rigid trails and it goes over bumps and rocks and cracks so easily…it's awesome. 100% look into it.
2. The car seat situation depends…I would never need a second car seat, but if you're like Hollie and I'm assuming dropping the baby off with someone on a daily basis while you go to work, it might be worth it, because taking the base out every day would get really annoying. It's definitely not hard, and if my mom takes the baby once in a while or something I can put it in her car, but doing it multiple times a day would be super annoying. So, case by case. :) That said, if you were to register for an extra base and didn't get it, I would look on Craigslist because people are always selling extra bases and you could get it for like 1/4 of the price. Extra bases aren't cheap! So first try an extra base, and if that's not good enough, THEN buy an extra carrier (esp bc those aren't cheap…) Car seats are a different story, because those are much nicer to just leave in a car and not have to constantly be taking out.
3. We didn't have a Pack-and-Play! THE ONLY time we've ever used one was once or twice when we traveled somewhere overnight, but then borrowed it from someone because like Hollie said, it sort of just sits and collects dust. With each baby you sort of figure stuff out, and by Evie (#3), for the first few weeks of her life, we'd sleep her in her swing on the laying positing because we felt it sort of cradled her and the slight upward positioning helped with her spitting up. Around 6 weeks, I started sleeping her in her crib to get her used to falling asleep in that asap. By the 3rd, I've learned to try to nip bad habits in the bum as soon as possible (like you don't want to get your baby used to being rocked to sleep every night)! And if you can get your baby to love their crib…you'll be one happy momma. :) We also never had a bassinet or any of the newborn sleepers, because they grow out of them literally in 6 weeks. See if anyone has one you can borrow to sleep the newborn close to your bed!
4. Each baby is different! Josh hated his swing, but then Lyla semi-liked it-especially because we started rocking her to sleep early on it it, but that was about it, and Evie has gotten a ton of use out of it. She still goes in it every morning after she wakes up and is in a good mood so I can do a few things without having to hold her. Definitely get a floor mat with dangly toys…Bumbos are dumb in my opinion (but then again, others love them…they're only functional for a short period of time too)…we've also gotten a ton of use out of a bouncer with Evie. We actually figured out she LOVED the vibrating one and if we turned of the vibrations, she'd start to cry. For the first few weeks, that's how we'd get her to fall asleep, by rocking her with the vibrations. Those first few weeks before they're on a schedule, come midnight, 1 AM, 2 AM…you're just desperate for them to go to sleep so you do whatever works!
5. I was super impressed with the 3 in 1 convertible cribs when I was pregnant with Josh, but like Hollie mentioned, they get SO beat up with scratches and teeth marks, that by the time you're putting together a big kid room (like after it gets beat up in the toddler/early years), you'll want something new, especially if more than one kid used the crib. But most of the cribs are made convertible now anyway.
6. You'll definitely want bottles!! Especially if you're pumping, because otherwise you'll never be able to be away from your baby! I heard Dr. Brown's were the best too so those were the ones I got with Josh, but they actually have a lot of parts, so like Hollie mentioned, washing them gets really annoying, even if it's just one or two extra pieces! I ended up getting new bottles because I got so sick of all the pieces. We also have the Avent Naturals, and the newest one on the market is literally the bottle and the top. That being said, all babies are different and sometimes one bottle might not work and you'll have to try something else. Evie actually only takes the one they gave us at the hospital! So funny enough, I only have one of those, which is annoying but also makes me just wash it right away instead of letting milk just sit in it. I didn't feel like buying more bottles than all the ones I already have, but now they have bottles that are compatible with the pump, which is awesome, because as soon as you're done pumping, you literally just screw the top part of the bottle with the nipple and you're ready to go (so you don't have to pour it into another bottle). My sister in law only uses the Medela bottles and loves them and the simplicity of being able to screw the top onto every little container you pump into. Less cleaning! And yes, stock up on freezer bags.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of nursing…THE BEST nursing bra is from Soma. OMG, SO comfortable and it gives you shape, you won't leak through it…it's seriously so awesome I would and probably will wear it when I'm done nursing! (http://www.soma.com/store/browse/product.jsp?maxRec=8&pageId=1&productId=570077514&viewAll=&prd=Full+Coverage+Contour+Nursing+Bra&subCatId=cat5579277&color=&fromSearch=&inSeam=&posId=1&catId=cat40089&cat=Bras+Nursing&onSale=&colorFamily=&maxPg=1&size=) Soma also has THE most comfortable pajamas (esp the 'cool nights' line) and they almost all come in a button down, which is convenient for nursing at night. 5 stars, 2 thumbs up. Oh and you can always find a coupon-like $20 off $60.
8. Baby furniture…When you're doing the nursery, I wouldn't specifically buy a changing table, but just a changing pad and screw it into the top of a dresser (it comes with screws and two straps to screw into the back) so you can continue using it after diapers. Ummm…definitely get a comfy chair to nurse in, and don't be afraid to venture out to lazy boys!/chairs that aren't in the nursing section at Buy Buy Baby. MAKE SURE IT'S RIDICULOUSLY COMFORTABLE!! haha There've been hundreds of times I sleep-walk to the baby's room at 3 am to nurse her and end up falling asleep and just wish I had a more comfy chair! If it's big and comfy, you can use it to snuggle in and read stories in as the baby gets older. The gliders are the ones they typically sell in baby stores, but those aren't great for snuggling in comfortably in to read stories as the kids get bigger and you'll end up having to sell or replace it (plus they're not comfy if you fall asleep nursing! It'll happen.).
9. Nurseries are adorable, but before you know it, they've outgrown it. I wouldn't go ALL OUT to decorate the nursery and buy every single accessory that comes with a theme. I'd probably also suggest going with a theme that will carry over into their toddler/little kid room. I've heard mixed feelings about diaper genies, but we do use ours… Like I said, we've gotten a ton of use from our play mat, definitely a jumper…a swing is hit or miss (but ours was a hit so I'd recommend it!). We've gotten decent use out of the pouch/carrier that you wear on your chest on vacations and things like that, but I don't usually whip it out on a regular basis, and i've never tried Baby wearing (the cloths you put your baby in and wrap around you), but I think I've heard good things!
ReplyDeleteI'll try to think of other things I "couldn't live without" --oh PACIFIERS!! But here's the secret I learned with #3: NOT ALL PACIS ARE CREATED EQUAL! Josh took to his paci right away, no problems. Then, even though Lyla was such a sucker and wanted to suck all the time, she hated the dang thing and would never keep it in her mouth, so we assumed she wasn't a paci baby, but would always always want to fall asleep sucking on something (be it me, nursing, or a bottle). So this time around, with Evie, same thing. Huge sucker, but hated the paci. UNTIL IT HIT ME TO TRY A DIFFERENT PACIFIER! I gave her the one we got at the hospital, and she immediately was soothed-a different child. If you think about it, every pacifier has a different shape and you sort of have to see which one works for you. Some babies just take whatever you give them, but others don't. And if I could go back, I wish I had tried other pacis with Lyla, because she ended up never using anything…and there've been countless times I wish we could have just given her something to soothe her. I honestly think she'd be a better sleeper right now if she had taken a paci!!
Not sure if you're a member at Costco, but Costco wipes are THE BEST. They're strong and soft. Pampers wipes are too flimsy, and when you're trying to wipe poop, they're almost tooooo soft. Costco ones stay wet all the way to the last wipe. As long as we're talking about wipes…I love Pampers diapers. At the beginning, I use the swaddles which are SO SOFT, and then I switch to Pampers Baby Dry when they grow out of Swaddlers. Pampers all the way. I actually had someone give me the Target brand because they had a lot left over, and Evie had THE worst rash that I couldn't get rid of until I thought to switch diapers. But that being said, your baby's tush could have that reaction to Pampers too, so it just depends on your baby's bum! But, if you register for diapers…Pampers Swaddlers. :) They're the ones they give at the hospital (at least they were at Edward when Josh was born, and CDH when Lyla and Evie were born).
10. The first few weeks, you'll probably just keep the baby in sleepers. I also realized I hated the ones that snap, because when the baby is fussing/crying, you're half asleep, trying to hurry or whatever, snapping takes a long time and 90% of the time you'll mis-snap and have to unsnap and re-snap those dang buttons! I quickly realized I much much prefer zipper sleepers, and after the first few snap ones have never gone back. Plus, come December, you'll just want them warm and cozy! Also, you don't have to put those on over their heads,which they hate at the beginning. :) I'd definitely stock up on onesies to layer and fuzzy zip up sleepers.
ReplyDeleteSo lastly, about the strollers, that'll totally also depend on your day-to-day situation, but I found as much as I LOVED my BOB, it is a little bigger, more substantial and durable (perfect for running) but I hated taking it to the mall or for quick errands and found that I loved just having a little easy to fold umbrella stroller in the car that was light and easy. That being said, you can't put a newborn in an umbrella stroller so you'll definitely want to get the carseat bar for your running stroller, but if that's the stroller you keep in your garage (so you don't have to take it in and out of your car-you'll probably want to keep one in your car at all times because THE WORST is when you get somewhere (say, like the mall) and realize you forgot to put your stroller back in!), then I'd recommend finding a different lighter, smaller stroller that's still compatible with your carseat.
Hmmm ok that's all I can think of right now. :) Hope this helps!
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear that you are pregnant! Congratulations to you and Jon on your little miracle!
I'd love to throw in my 2 cents for some of your questions. I will however say that the best advice would be to do as much reading as you can, go with the general consensus,(or what seems to make the most sense for your lifestyle), and adjust accordingly once he's here. There will probably be alot of advice given that's not going to work for you. That being said, here goes:
1. I definitely don't run nearly as much as you do but from all the moms I know that do run long distances several times/week, they all rave about the BOB. I have a jeep jogging stroller and could take it or leave it....It's not great, but it allows me to bring my daughter on runs which is all that really matters. I don't usually take her on long runs (anything over 4 miles) though. I go alone on longer runs.
I would DEFINITELY recommend a seperate stroller for everyday use. We have the britax b-agile that attaches to the infant seat and can be used a regular stroller after they outgrow the infant seat. I absolutely love, love, love our britax! It's small, super easy to manuever, and easy to get open and closed when you've got a million things in your hands (which will always be the case going forward). You will surprise yourself with how many things you can carry at once...a weird superhuman strength they don't tell you about that happens when you've got a little one! :)
2. Infant carseat- we had just one seat, but 3 bases. They are kind of a pain to constantly move from vehicle to vehicle so investing in a few bases, rather than additional seats (which all need a base anyways) is the way we went. I had a base, the hubs had a base, and my sis in law (she watches my daughter during the day).
A side note: You're probably already aware, but if you haven't heard, the mirror that attaches to the headrest of the seat with your little guy, is the best thing ever! I was constantly looking in that thing the first few months when you're panicking because you can see them in the car.
3. I loved my graco pack and play that came with a removable bassinet and changing table. We kept it set up in our family room for roughly the first 6 months for diaper changes and naps. Once she got a little older and napped in her crib, we took it down but still use it when we're on the go. It is incredibly easy to fold down and take with us if we were going somewhere that she would need a place to sleep.
4. Other essentials- The swing was a must for us. When she went through stages where she would cry if you laid her down but I absolutely needed to take care of something that required me to be able to do with out a baby attached to me, if was a lifesaver. It kept her happy and would help put her to sleep when she was fighting sleep.
ReplyDeleteSwaddle me blankets (with the easy-peasy velcro flaps). She slept in these for roughly the first 4 months. She loved being swaddled but could wiggle out of the traditional blanket swaddle.
Lots of burp clothes! My daughter happened to spit up...alot! We had them stashed everywhere. They also came in handy to wipe of all other random types of spill/messes.
Baby carrier/wrap- You definitely want to do your research here because there are a ton of wraps and carriers on the market. I would highly recommend two: the ergo (its a more structured carrier) and the mei tai (this is closer to a wrap-for dummies). Please don't go with the baby bjorn. Contrary to popularity, they aren't very good for your baby's hips. Plus, they really aren't very comfortable compared to the two listed above. The reason why I'm saying these are have-to-haves: there will be countless times that you will need 2 hands to get things done but your baby either is needing to held, or you don't want to put him down. This will give you the ability to hold him while you are being productive. It also comes in extremely handy when he gets older and you need to keep an eye on him, and he's mobile, but have to get things done. I still use my mei-tai when I have to vacuum and my daughter is 16 months. She actually LOVES to be in it and I wear her on my back.
5. I'm not the norm here- We went straight to her crib at night. It worked for us but I know a lot of moms that would disagree. This way I didn't have to transition her later and lose even more sleep.
Her room was right next door to ours and I could be at her crib-side in 10 steps, so for me, it worked. Do whatever feels right for you. :)
6. I breastfed exclusively for 9 months and can say you will absolutely need bottles. While everyone raves about Dr. Brown's, they have a lot of parts and honestly, every baby is different in terms of what bottle they prefer. Your best bet would probably be to get a couple bottles of a few different brands and see which he likes best. Then, you can buy more and avoid spending a bunch of money of a particular brand that he won't use.
I wanted to make sure my daughter would be able to bond with my husband during feedings too so we made an effort to have him bottle feed her at least once/day from the time she was about a week old. I started pumping after being home from the hospital just a couple of days. It helped relieve some of the engorgement and allowed me to start building up my stash.
7. I would highly recommend the medela freezer bags. I would pump into bottles (because they could hold more than the bags and we potentially less messy than pumping into bags). Then I would transfer the freshly pumped milk from the bottles into the bags and stick them in the freezer. I would highly recommend starting to build up your freezer stash early (depending on how long you intend to breast feed).
ReplyDelete8. There's not really much on the list that I haven't already written down....oh, except for breast pads. Not fun, exciting, or sexy, but you'll need a ton of them.
9. We used pretty much everything so this is hard to answer. Maybe the dishwasher thingy for your bottle parts. We always just hand washed the bottles and it worked well.
10. My daughter was born in February and her main wardrobe consisted of sleepers/footy pajamas everyday, with a onesie underneath for extra warmth of course. They are easier than taking pants on and off for diaper changes, they don't ride up when you pick the baby up, and you don't need to worry about socks falling off (which happens constantly on newborns).
We still had plenty of cute outfits for going out places and seeing family/friends but the sleepers were the way to go for us.
Have fun with all the planning and prepping. It's so much fun getting ready for your new babe and just gets better every day after they're here in your arms. :)
thank you thank you thank you for all of your help!!! I'm learning so much! I really appreciate you guys taking the time to give me some mommy advice. Hugs to you all!
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