(Part 2) Best baby health care products according to redditors

| relax and watch netflix while baby adorably lounges on me.

LOLZ. Yeah, me neither. I had a colicky baby and times were tough.

• You need some kind of pain medication that you can take. Call your doctor and ask what your other options are. I was sent home with 800mg Ibuprofen, 5mg Oxycodone, and told to take regular Tylenol to take the edge off. I mostly just alternated Ibuprofen and Tylenol and only took the Oxy right before bed if needed.
  
• Little Remedies Advanced Colic Relief Drops let me enjoy my baby on the days when he just wouldn't stop crying. It's basically super concentrated chamomile tea. YMMV or you may feel against medicating, but this shit saved me a few days.
  
• Set up your "station" - or better yet, have your SO or someone who is staying/helping you set it up for you. Delegate your care to someone else - making sure you have a full water bottle, plenty of snacks, entertainment where you're going to get trapped under the baby. Get some quality snacks - I highly recommend Clif bars, especially if you're nursing because they have a lot of similar ingredients as lactation cookies at 1/2 or 1/3 the cost.
  
• Once a week at least, try to have someone else take over baby duty so you can get a solid 4-5 hours straight of sleep. Either pump beforehand or use a haakaa to have some expressed milk or if you're doing formula, show whoever how much they need, then peace tf out with some ear plugs, your sleepy pain meds, and an eye mask. You will feel wonders better after some uninterrupted sleep. The sleep will also help your body heal.
  
• Babywear - a Moby wrap, or some kind of soft structured carrier, or ring sling might help you out. Sometimes my screamer would only nap if he was attached to me, but I still had to like, pee and eat and stuff.
  
  It gets better. This part sucks. I'm convinced everyone is lying about how beautiful the newborn phase is. It seems like forever, but while I don't know if it ever gets easier, it will change. Sometimes the relief you get from the change makes it feel easier.
  
  You've got this. And if you don't for a while, it's okay to sit baby down in a safe space and put some ear plugs in for 10 minutes and cry. And if you really feel like you don't got this, there is no shame in talking to your doctor about help with PPD/PPA.

10 months ago I was you. I'm so sorry you're feeling these feelings right now. I'm sorry you're going through this.

I want you to know you're doing an amazing job taking care of your baby. He's getting everything he needs nutritionally. You're busting your ass. He's lucky to have you as his mom.

I want you know that this will continue to be the case whether or not you continue to pump. If you move to all formula, he will be nutritionally perfect. If you resume combo feeding, he will be nutritionally perfect. In either event, he'll want for nothing. Again I say it - this is because YOU are his mom. What a lucky little boy!

At 4 weeks, I chose to stop pumping and move exclusively to formula. My son had a tongue tie that was reversed shortly after birth, horrible reflux, spit up more than 10 average newborns combined, had horrible gas, and never could latch. Not once. I nearly killed myself trying to pump every 3 hours for 2oz of milk a day - total. I failed more often than I succeeded. I remember sitting at the kitchen table one day - my back to my baby screaming in the living room, because that's how I had to sit while strapped into the pump - crying. I felt so lost. This isn't what was supposed to happen. I wanted to hold my son. I wanted to love on him and comfort him and be with him - but I couldn't. I was missing so much of these fleeting moments because I was tied to one machine while another machine rocked my baby. I decided then that I was done. I couldn't do it anymore. Giving him what meager amount of breastmilk I pumped was robbing both of us of time we couldn't get back. And I realized that I was more important to him than that breastmilk. I still struggle with my experience, but I do not at all regret my decision. Not once.

Once I stopped pumping - like, literally just decided I was done, I didn't have to do anything to dry up my milk like many women do. I simply never really made any. If you do decide to stop pumping you'll have to look into safe and effective ways to dry up your supply. For my son, we went exclusively to Similac Pro Advanced and that's what he's been on since. To help with gas we went exclusively to anti-colic bottles (Dr Browns, but I see you've gone to the playtex ones, which I've heard good things about as well). And I added in Gerber Soothe Probiotic Drops. 5 drops into his morning bottle. We did this until he was 10 months old. Within a few days of doing these things - going exclusive formula, switching to anti colic bottles, and adding the probiotics - he was a different baby. Still cried. Still had the occasional gas. Still spit up a shitload (he ended up getting reflux meds around 5 months old, which didn't stop the spit up but did help with the reflux). Still did normal baby things, of course. But a different, much happier baby.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you well. Prioritize YOUR health and happiness as well, because god knows you've already been prioritizing your son's. You deserve to enjoy this time with your baby. And you are worth more to him than your breastmilk.

This is on my list even though a rectal thermometer is more accurate, getting a ballpark temp without diaper diving every time will be nice:

Kinsa Sesame Street Elmo Smart Ear Thermometer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H5QL8L6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GP.Kzb4VQN9D2

Go ahead and buy stock in this stuff:

Boudreaux's Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment - Maximum Strength - Contains 40% Zinc Oxide - Pediatrican Recommended - Paraben and Preservative-Free - 4 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00569GU18/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.Q.KzbG1R3BVA

I really want one of these to live in postpartum:

Kindred Bravely The Angelina Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Nightgown Dress (Cabernet, XL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GDCG1DS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lS.KzbX4XQ9V7

Tiny infant leather moccasins! Not because they're walking, but because they'll need more foot insulation than just socks in the winter months.

Yes ! It’s probably a mix of cluster feeding & having gas. We got one of these and it seemed to help her stay asleep a bit longer.

Yeah those are a simple "security" lug style. When purchased they would have come with a socket or adapter to remove them. Scour the car top to bottom, if you're lucky its in there somewhere.

If you're unlucky you can get something like this or this, your local parts house might have something like them.

I know the science on it is mixed to none but anecdotally we have had a lot of success with gripe water. My daughter is generally easy going and since she is formula bottle fed we don't really do comfort feeding but for those times when she gets inexplicably fussy with no apparent need (i.e. has eaten, is dry, not sleepy) a little dose of gripe water calms her right down. However, I would suggest first ruling out with her pediatrician that there is nothing else going on such as silent reflux, a food allergy, etc. just in case.

HaloVa Diaper Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RLWKGQ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_p2BlDb7ZQACD8

b&h Baby Bath Floating Duck Thermometer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073GGVN3Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_r-BlDb2WFQSE8

SoundBub, White Noise Machine and Bluetooth Speaker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HP06EFW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=froourhidpl00-20&linkId=34bb9c1662cbe0b851d4aa01447e155a&language=en_US

Sarah Wells Claire Breast Pump Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0714M16GL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WMClDbTYY2SW1

Ergobaby Carrier, 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier, Pure Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DFVLH4P/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MNClDbT74AG9X

Thanks! I agree that genetics is a factor. And it's hard to give up night nursing when it's so useful.

Is this the brush? https://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Child-Toothbrush-Baby-Buddy/dp/B07S74L58T/

I have a 7 week old and he has always been super duper gassy. I asked the Dr. if I should change my diet and she said she thought it was due to my fast/heavy letdown. When he is drinking I do hear him gulping air down. I EBF and there are several things that were recommended to me to try. You've probably tried these too but just in case:

• the "I love you" massage technique
  
• use a pacifier when he needs to be soothed. If he's done feeding and is just on your breast for comfort, try getting him to take the pacifier so he doesn't wind up swallowing extra air while latched to you.
  
• Use a bottle to feed at least occasionally. This will help with gas prevention in general, and there are some bottles that are designed specifically to prevent gas.
  
• Gripe water
  
• Mylicon
  
• When BFing, use a position that reduces the amount of air he'll swallow. Side-lying is what everyone I talked with agreed is best.
  
• Bicycle kicks
  
• more tummy time
  
• more burping
  
• Windi product. This takes some maneuvering but sometimes it's incredible! Instant relief. I actually use a generic version that's exactly the same: BodyHealt Baby Colic & Gas Relief - 20 Pack Hollow Tube All-Natural Solution - 100% Safe & Effective, Immediate Remedy/Solution for Colic, Constipation, Intestinal Gas & Bloating Problems https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L6QLW7V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WSPQDbDQC6QV9
  
  I'd love to hear what other people have tried and recommend.

I use a baby ear & nose cleaner like this one. Convenience store pickup for < $5. It's just silicone, so there's no reason to spend a lot of money.

It's not going to work for serious cases, but for most people it'll be enough.

I also found that turning the volume down very slightly dramatically decreased the amount of wax I produce.

It's on Amazon.com.

We've had a lot of luck with bath time... here's our routine:

Heat up the bathroom for about 5 minutes before prepping the bath. We have a little floating thermometer and can get the water to just about 101. We go grab the baby to get her ready, and the water drops to 100, which is perfect. We put a wet wash rag on her stomach and pour water over it throughout the bath. Once complete, we dry and take her into her room for lotion, a new diaper, and pajamas.

I'm telling you, the baby absolutely loves it. It's a little warm for us but we have a little fan pointed on us to keep us cool.

Here's the thermometer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KDJWZ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zKbTBbZ0AT0FZ

Gas drops: https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Bliss-Relief-Infant-Troubles/dp/B0742DKFVQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=56115375116&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPHoBRC3ARIsALfx-_KBN11vVSongCfgm3Oa4vN1GAbT8WaDJrRIj68JhdTQyXRCV6vXlogaAkeDEALw_wcB&hvadid=274677448983&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1014950&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4130496716048109423&hvtargid=aud-647006051489%3Akwd-368658883590&hydadcr=6724_9247470&keywords=mommy+bliss+gas+drops&qid=1562153226&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1



Or gripe water: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Remedies-Bicarbonate-Artificial-Newborns-4/dp/B001J5LDM4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=gripe+water&qid=1562153275&s=gateway&sprefix=grip&sr=8-3

Jordan Step 1 Baby Toothbrush, 0-2 Years, Soft Bristles, BPA Free (4 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CKKOIZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aLFOAbWTARZJK

I bought these for my daughter, and we're happy with them. I had been using the finger cover, but I got bit a few too many times.

My son goes a few days without a poop sometimes. I found this stuff that helped him go the next morning after he was having a hard time!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R42HK64/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VHAyCbRHW4D9S

Dock a Tot

got our kid sleeping solid hours and in his own crib; worth every penny.

Contrary to what everyone else has said; we love our Mom a roo

Bumbo is great; little man can sit and chew on things while i'm eating breakfast etc.

Dont buy a ton of one type of bottle; LO might hate that kind then youre stuck.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010LR812/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This teether is a favorite; we have 3 in case we lose one

we have several matress pads; so when we layer his crib we do one mattress pad; then sheet; then matress pad; then sheet and so on. If one gets wet in the middle of the night youre not going to want to change the whole set; just pull the top two off and you'll be all set.

shoes are a waste of money

You should get a bathtub thermometer. I have this one MotherMed Baby Bath Thermometer and Floating Bath Toy BathTub and Swimming Pool Thermometer , Green Fish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4I19UX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xmN1AbA0JFXQT and I love it! It flashes a small red light if your water is hot enough to be harmful to a child/unborn baby, so I bet if you used this his sperm would be fine. I also enjoyed hot baths so hot it hurts to get in, I found those were around 106-108. Definitely not a safe temp. Now I try to stay at 102, it's not as hot but still plenty comfortable.

Seconding all of the other advice: saline drops, nose Frida, humidifier, all good options.

In the event you need something more heavy-duty, our doctors (or the hospital's, IDR) recommended this electric one.

Ok! More suggestions!

1. Don’t listen to defeatist assholes. You can be a great parent!
   
2. Warm baths. 100°F or below. I got this to measure the tub water and now I use it for my little one.
   https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bath-Thermometer-Room-FDTH-V0-22/dp/B07GC7H86T/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=tub+thermometer+baby&qid=1562893019&s=gateway&sprefix=tib+ther&sr=8-5
   
3. Good athletic shoes! I love the shoe brand Hoka. Best extravagance! Take care of your feet!
   
4. Take the childbirth, childcare and breastfeeding classes. The long version. It gives you time to get to know other new parents. That support is great.
   
5. Don’t expect to entirely breastfeed. I made it two weeks with my first and three weeks with my second. I had to go back on my meds. My supply was low. I had guilt. I did have appointments with lactation consultants and they put my mind at ease. If even the LC is saying it’s not worth it and you did great getting them the colostrum! It’s ok to quit. Fed is best. I give you the gift of not feeling guilty about this.
   
6. See if there is a parent/moms group in your area. Sometimes they are even led by a professional to start. This was awesome for me.
   
7. I second, fourth and fifth the suggestion of pillows. I used a regular body pillow myself, but I started to have a lot of neck and jaw pain, and this pillow helped a lot with that
   https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/therapedic-reg-trucool-reg-memory-foam-contour-pillow/1045349089?keyword=pillow
   
8. You can take unisom when pregnant. Just stop about ten days prior to possible birth. Otherwise it dries up your milk. You can take Trazodone when breastfeeding though! Yay!

https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Banana-Bendable-Training-Toothbrush/dp/B0010LR812?crid=1OYWASUJQO17I&keywords=banana+toothbrush+toddler&qid=1537912461&sprefix=banana+toothbrush+%2Caps%2C650&sr=8-2&ref=sr_1_2

I have been using the FeverFrida for the past several years and have been petty happy with it, but upon looking for the Amazon link I see it has pretty poor reviews. Most are related to the Bluetooth range and not the accuracy though.

The FeverFrida is a flat disc that you stick under the arm using an adhesive patch, and it measures the axillary temp constantly and sends to the app. Our pediatrician scoffed at first and said the only accurate temp in a baby was a rectal one, but we did a test right there in the office and it was spot on. I like that I can set a fever threshold to get alerted at and can mark when medication is given. The graph is fantastic and you can literally watch the medicine work.

So, good for little ones and worried mommies that want constant data, probably overkill if you just want a quick temp.