(Part 3) Best baby & toddler feeding supplies according to redditors
We found 1,904 Reddit comments discussing the best baby & toddler feeding supplies. We ranked the 817 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
![[Award Winning] Kidsme Food Feeder (Large size)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41OvmNA9pCL.jpg)
I accidentally hit save, here are some more items you might want to register for:
Corner bumpers more of a concern when baby starts moving, but if you get it out of the way now you don't have to worry about it later. Same goes for plug covers and cabinet locks! Furniture anchors are a must-have, too. I haven't registered for those yet, need to figure out how many we need.
Pack'n'Play portable playpen, changing station, play mat, and bassinet. Even if you don't travel much, I think it will be handy for taking baby around the house while I do chores. They come in all kinds of designs, this one just stood out because of my nursery theme.
A glider or rocking chair, dresser/changing station, and crib. I don't have recommendations for these because I got mine as hand-downs.
Baby monitor I'm going with middle of the line video, because the audio only ones aren't much cheaper, so why not? I'd like to be able to peek in on baby and make sure he's okay without constantly disturbing him by entering the room. These come in all ranges with all kinds of features, so look at a few to figure out what you want.
Bibs. I love these because they have food-catchers. Mess will still happen, but it looks like these will at least lower the amount.
Infant soothie pacifiers
Breastfeeding pillow for sitting up Probably superfluous with the other one, but I like that it straps around your waist, cushions your back, and has pockets for drinks/snack/phone.
Pacifier clips, so you aren't knee deep in pacifiers that keep falling on the floor
Butt paste. I've heard a lot about this from other moms, apparently it's the best diaper cream.
Butt spatula admittedly I felt silly with this one, but the reviews are raving. Butt paste gets everywhere, and it's water resistant so an utter pain to clean - especially under your nails. On top of that, this makes sure you get a nice, even layer for baby's comfort.
Breastfeeding scarf! I think this thing is so neat, especially with a winter baby. You can wear it like an infinity scarf, but it'd big enough that when baby is ready to eat it will cover both of you comfortably! There are a lot of different styles, I picked a black one and a grey one just so they will go with any outfit.
Graco glider soother I picked this because I thought it was neat, then I saw a bumper with post partum advice list it on her must-have rundown.
Diaper bag! I went for the backpack style so DH and I could both comfortably use it, and honestly I don't want to deal with baby in one arm and an over-the-shoulder bag on the other.
First aid and grooming kit
Bottle sterilizer, because screw trying to hand wash them
Bottle warmer, no microwave/boiling water and guess
Bottles!
High chair. I picked this one because it is a 4-in-1, it adjusts from infant all the way up to toddler booster, so I know I'll get my use out of it.
Puj tub - it folds into your sink to be a warm, soft bathing surface for baby, and then when you're done you hang it flat in the shower, bo fuss, no mold!
I also registered at Target and BRU for some variety, some things that I don't have amazon links for:
Travel system.... I absolutely want one that is a carrier, clicks into a car base or a stroller. Getting two bases, one for each car, and the stroller base, would probably still be cheaper than buying two car seats, a carrier, and a stroller, and with these systems you don't have to wake baby up with every transistion.
Various cloth products, swaddlers, burp blankets, bath towels, bibs, etc. These are everywhere so just pick whatever suits you! I'm not registering for any clothes just because I know everyone is going to see "the cutest little onesie" and get it regardless.
Diapers! You can never have enough. I'd get a couple of packs from each size range. Don't open them until you know how big baby is, so you can exchange any that start too small.
Toys galore. Again, people will give you these registered or not, but if you see something that really strikes you, throw it in there! Jumpers and playpads are good to pick out.
Nursery decor - if you haven't gotten it all yet, black-out curtains, crib set, sheets, matress protectors, diaper genie, changing pad, laundry hamper, mobile, etc etc.
Books! Instead of cards, I'm going to ask people to bring inexpensive books with their personal note to baby, that way he can keep their messages as he grows. I put a good amount of books between $3-$6 on my registry for this, so hopefully we won't get a million copies of the same book.
This turned into an epic novel, but I hope it helps you with some starting places! Check out the reviews and similar products on things I linked, hopefully it will lead you to some things you like!
:( That does sound hectic. My registry is kinda all over the place because I've already bought a ton of stuff, but just some suggestions of some things (FTM so no idea really if these are good or not, some were recommendations from friends, some were recommendations from various online resources).
Lucie's List is probably the best resource I found online.
Forget their registry - get them this. Very handy to have for visiting friends without kids, grandparents, and breweries.
https://www.amazon.com/ciao-Baby-Portable-Chair-Black/dp/B0072IINY8
I use my Brest friend pillow I really like it because it has a bit of lower back support. I bought it for breastfeeding but still use it when bottle feeding. I have a Boppy but it is the newborn lounger. It was super nice for holding the baby when I needed a break. But at 2mo he’s nearly too big for it.
I agree that either a booster seat or a fold-up high chair might help quite a bit. Our guy won't sit on laps anymore at the table (just too wiggly) but in the travel high chair he has his own tabletop, is on the same level as everyone else, etc. We also put down a plastic mat on the floor in case of spills. Seems to keep him happier.
Buy some reusable nursing pads ASAP! They are lifesavers
Here’s a link to the ones I had https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JA8W6E0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UgB4DbV2DKS00
Even if your wife is planning to breastfeed, have formula on hand just in case. I'd recommend the ready-to-feed (RTF) stuff that comes in the little bottles (like this). That way you don't have to worry about your water source, or washing/sterilizing bottles. You can get individually wrapped nipples for them, too (Amazon link). One of the other commenters said you have to refrigerate the RTF formula, but that's only true once it's been opened.
If your wife *is* planning to breastfeed, i'd recommend a manual breast pump and/or a haaka in case baby has trouble latching and she wants to express milk. They have electric pumps with battery powered options, too, if you want to look into that. (in this case you'd obviously also need bottles and a way to wash/sterilize them).
Obviously diapers and wipes too. Another thing is we do so much freakin laundry, which, in the event of an extended outage, wouldn't really be possible. So more onesies and swaddles than you think you need and burp cloths/rags in case you have a spitty baby.
Some items we Amazon Primed in the first week or two that we didn't know we needed: simethicone gas drops, probiotics, vitamin d drops, velcro swaddle, different size pump flanges, slow flow nipples, saline spray/drops, miracle blanket swaddle, and a partridge in a pear tree.
Newborn babies are hard, and I hope you don't have to deal with a hurricane at the same time! Praying for calm weather in your area!
Sure thing. Most people like to sterilize and dry the more old school way, which we did with our first baby. Had to step it up with with our new babe (born early October) because I seriously hate a bunch of little things (pump supplies, bottles, etc) all over my counters.
[electric sterlizer and dryer combo] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M5XZTS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_MWTzoCzaynOxq)
I started off transition with lactation as a goal. At that time, my partner and I were planning to have a baby; for a variety of reasons, that didn't work out. The first time I saw my GP about transitioning, I talked about my desire to at least try to achieve lactation. She was very supportive. So it's not something I've kept from my doctors, they know pretty much all my history.
I started transitioning January 2018. I went full-time in July, and ordered a pump in August of that year. So it was about eight months before I thought it was viable to try inducing. My experience has been .... interesting. I started developing the let-down reflex very quickly. I didn't make substantial progress in milk production, however, for quite some time after that. So, probably like 18 months before I started producing fluid more regularly.
The pump I bought is serviceable, but cheap-ish, and entry-level. I'm considering upgrading soon. However, as a first attempt, it is reliable, powerful, convenient, and discreet. I really like it, and would have no reticence to recommend it.
Pump: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CZZN1VX
I also bought a TENS unit from the drugstore. That made a huuuuuge difference in milk production; the difference I have noted when I use the TENS unit along with pumping, versus pumping only, is remarkable. The TENS unit I use when I'm at work, or when I cannot pump.
TENS unit, something like this, but not this one exactly: https://www.amazon.com/Progoo-Stimulator-Combination-Reusable-Electrodes/dp/B07SLYGYRS
My goal now is to solidify my gains, and basically hold the course. I need to focus on achieving a regular, reliable pumping schedule, which I have struggle with this year. That is currently inhibiting me somewhat. Personally, I aim for three times a day, 30 minutes per session. That's a lot. Some people recommend up to four or six times a day to induce, which is more than I can budget my time for. Twice a day seems optimal for me, where I am right now, with the goals that I've personally set for myself.
Cloth diapers - flour sack towelsfrom amazon as the stuffers - cheap and clean easily. Bamboo liners for the poop. Rubber gloves for swishing it in the toilet for the parts that don't come off with the liners. Lot's of covers that can be used from newborn to 35 lbs. You can use any bum cream if you use the flour sack towels as well FYI because it doesn't ruin them. Also pick up a couple of these laundry bags. Wipes.
Cleaning is easy - "quick wash" with a bit of soap, then a hot long wash for extra soiled diapers.
Baby nest was nice to have but not a necessity. Blankets/towels can help. Also a wrap is nice for the first 6 months but not necessary.
Gripe water for gassy baby, Punkin Butt teething oil
A pump, even hand pump will be handy. Especially in the first few weeks she's regulating her supply.
Zip up sleepers (snaps suck)
Baby Bag (backpack style)
Don't worry about a baby changing table, you can change anywhere. Don't worry about a diaper genie since you're cloth diapering.
Breastfeeding scarf/carseat cover
Older baby (6-12 months will come fast)
- snack containers
- Food holder thing(frozen bananas are awesome for teething)
Try this: https://youtu.be/-l5BpqllTLg deep latch technique
It’s the only thing that worked for me. Though sometimes my nipples still get sore, I slather them with lanolin cream and nursing ice packs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J61VL9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TjWsDb2MKXJSA
I live about 30 mins from Dublin airport, in the north west of the city, you are welcome to borrow this Phil and Ted’s portable high chair for your trip. It might be extra hassle to collect it from us though so no prob if not!
Breast milk (if expressed very cleanly) can be safely kept at room temperature for up to eight hours. Those are the guidelines from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, which the CDC draws on to formulate their own guidelines.
So your wife can pump, and just leave it out until the next time one of you goes to the kitchen. A system like Kiinde (which allows you to pump directly into a storage bag, which can be used to refrigerate or freeze, and then used as a bottle later) can help save time, because you don’t have to worry about cleaning bottles between feeds. You can also buy extra sets of pump flanges so she has enough to get through the night without needing to wash them (for example, if she pumps/feeds four times during the night, and you have four sets of flanges, then you won’t need to wash them all until the morning. Pump, feed, back to bed). You don’t have to pay full price for the pump manufacturer’s brand; you can search Amazon for “Spectra flanges” or “Medela flanges,” and you’ll find lots of inexpensive options. Some women really like the Pumping Pals flanges; other folks like the Maymom ones.
If you can afford it, one of the best new mom hacks is to put a mini fridge (not dorm fridge sized; I’m talking like a foot and a half cubed) on her nightstand. She can have cold water on hand every time she breastfeeds, and any snacks that require refrigeration, and when she pumps she can just toss the milk in the fridge until she’s ready to take it to a freezer (it’s safe to refrigerate for a few days before freezing). They’re about $70-something at Walmart if you’re in the US, or you can find them for a third of that on Fb marketplace or whatever your local equivalent is.
You/your wife may also want to talk to a Lactation Consultant or breastfeeding support group about pumping before feeding. Right now, at five days, you’re in the time frame where you’re establishing her supply. As a general rule, the more she empties her breasts, the more they’re going to produce. So pumping and then feeding is telling them to make more more more, leading to additional engorgement. Meeting with an LC (if possible) or attending a breastfeeding support group would be useful in helping her find the balance between relieving the engorgement and not causing an oversupply.
Having an oversupply sounds harmless, or even desirable, but is actually really frustrating because creating too much milk can cause the baby to get too much of the low-calorie portion that comes out early in a feed (called fore milk), and not get enough of the high-calorie portion that comes out later in a feed (hind milk), causing him/her to be gassy and fussy, and can even make it difficult to continue breastfeeding. Btdt, would not recommend. Balance is good! In the same vein, if she’s pumping before feeding, most of what’s coming out is probably fore milk. Which is great for baby’s growth right now, because he/she will mostly be getting the higher-calorie hind milk. But will mean that if you DO save this pumped milk, and later use it to bottle feed baby, you may want to mix it with some hind milk as well, so baby doesn’t get super gassy or even sick.
Also - congrats on your new little one! You’re in the thick of it right now. It will get easier. You may want to try dividing up labor if you haven’t already (baby gets hungry, your wife picks up baby for a feed, then you do the diaper change and soothe baby to put him/her back down again after the feed. That way each one of you can maximize the amount of sleep you’re getting between feeding cycles, instead of both of you just staying up all the time.
Good luck! It really does get easier. And you can definitely toss the milk if you want to, but you don’t actually need to.
Don't refreeze or microwave BM. I thin them with a little water. And I warm them in a bottle warmer. I freeze them in these cubes then pop the top off and drop it in the bottle warmer
But you can buy a bunch on amazon if you want to have a store of them. You have no idea how hard these were to find the first time I was looking for them, because that's ALL my kid would take for awhile... anyway, here's a link! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TON9BK/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_GFYrDbRCG68P8
A double nursing pillow. If she plans to nursing it is essential and even if she doesn't intend to nurse it's great for feedings and cuddling with the babes. I bought one on my pediatrician's advice on the day I brought my twins home from the hospital and used it continuously until they were a year old.
We had this one which has pockets for your water bottle, phone, snacks, etc. and also a back strap to keep it from getting away from you.
http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Deluxe-Nursing/dp/B0032Z81M4/
That sucks! Two things:
http://www.amazon.com/Drop-Stop-Original-Patented-Filler/dp/B00BYH6C1E
(There are cheaper versions, or just roll up a small towel and shove it in there)
And love this system
http://www.amazon.com/Kiinde-Breast-Storage-Twist-Starter/dp/B00CXSPL24/ref=sr_1_5?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1450393495&sr=1-5&keywords=kindee
I also went back to work at 6 weeks. It sucked. I'm usually away from baby about 10 hrs a day. I guess you just get used to it after a while... Hope this helps!
I just have two cats. Your animals may be different, but our cats were VERY suspicious of the baby when we brought him home. One cat was kinda curious, and the other was pretty terrified of him. Generally, they didn't come near him. They're only just started to show interest at 6 months.
Nursing chair: We didn't use one, just used the couch or a wooden rocker with a cushion in the chair and a blanket over it for comfort. The cats don't care for it, but they do sleep all over the couch and shed. I laid blankets where the cats normally lay, and just washed them frequently.
Crib: I found cats in it before the baby came, and I would immediately spray them with a water bottle or shout at them to get out, and they quickly learned it was off-limits. To be safe though, I shut the door at night. If baby is rooming with you, get the animals used to not sleeping in the room ahead of time. The Pack-N-Play is where our baby spent most of his early nights, while we took shifts with him on the couch. There was no way to keep the cats away, but whenever we were awake, we enforced that they were not allowed in it, again with the spray bottle or shouting at them. They never jumped in while baby was in there, so I felt safe enough to sleep for a few hours at a time.
Diapers/Laundry: We prefer an open laundry basket for our dirty cloth diapers, as the smells air out better in the summertime. But in the winter, we started out using a pail liner instead of a step-to-open trash can. We use disposable wipes, and keep a tiny step-on trash can for those. I don't have dogs, so I don't have much experience there. The cats, of course, aren't interested in anything dirty.
We did have a problem with one of our cats stealing pacifiers and bottle nipples and chewing them. He's a weirdo and likes to chew silicione. So we got 2 dishwasher baskets. One to run in the dishwasher. The other, we leave on the counter and lay a dishtowel in. We put all our clean bottle nipples, pacifiers, anti-colic valves..anything my cat would be tempted to chew, we put in there and closed it. We have this OXO Tot one and this Munchkin one. The cat can't open them up to steal anything. The plastic parts he's less interested in, we place in the Boon drying lawn, and it works out just fine. He is also obsessed with formula and would knock the container onto the floor. We had to start storing it in a kitchen cabinet. My cat is just an asshole though. My other one is an angel and doesn't get on the counter.
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One thing I do love for disinfecting baby toys and areas the cats may have been: PURELL Multi-Surface Disinfectant. It's safe for babies, pets, and food-preparation areas. The scent is very light and pleasant, and it's come in handy a lot.
My first recommendation is to check to see if she has a baby registry. New parents need/want LOTS of stuff, and while all gifts are appreciated, having someone help cover the essentials always made us really happy! Some of my favorite gifts were for things we needed like extra bottles, bassinet sheets, and giftcards to Amazon.
Now, to your question - here are some top items we've used with our new baby:
With the exception of the activity mat, you can really never have too many of the above items!
ciao! baby Portable High Chair for Travel, Fold Up High Chair with Tray, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0072IINY8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sN6rDbZ0J13GR
I'm currently nursing my twin daughters - they're 7.5 weeks. During the first couple weeks, I fed them individually... but, I felt like I had no time to do anything but feed them, so I started tandem feeding to cut down the time. At this point, we tandem feed 95% of the time. There are times during the day when I'll feed one of my daughters individually because the other is sleeping... but, if it's close to feeding time, I'll wake them both up to eat. I always tandem feed at night - I find that I get more sleep that way!!
I use the My Brest Friend Twins Plus Deluxe Nursing Pillow and I love it! I found this video really helpful as well... I use a similar approach except I have one twin up against the arm of the couch (so they can't fall off) with one boppy on the other side. I also wedge receiving blankets on either side of them to give them more stability and make it harder for them to roll off - this makes it easier to tandem feed when I'm by myself (since it's a lot easier to have my husband around to hand them to me!).
There are times when my breasts are pretty squishy and I've never felt that my daughters have a hard time breathing... particularly with the double nursing pillow.
The only other advice I have is that it gets easier! The first two weeks were really hard for me... I'm a FTM, so that may have played a role as well. At times I wanted to give up breastfeeding all together, but I am so glad I pushed through! When I was feeling particularly overwhelmed, we supplemented with formula and bottle fed pumped breast milk a few times. At first, it made me feel like a failure, but I believe giving myself a few breaks in the beginning is what helped me be so successful at 2 months in...
If you have any other questions, please ask! And good luck with everything!! :o)
If you’re going to pump and breast feed in the same day, I cannot recommend the Bravado clip on pumping bra enough. It clips over any nursing bra (with shoulder clips) to turn it into a hands free pumping bra. For me, that means no bra changes throughout the day.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UMY7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_6d8DDbAPXF3KB
(Sorry for any weird formatting, I’m on mobile)
We took our 7 month old and she did just fine. We brought the pack-n-play and put those anti-mosquito bracelets around the bottom to protect her from bugs. We also had a travel [highchair] (http://www.amazon.com/ciao-Baby-Portable-Chair-Black/dp/B0072IINY8/ref=sr_1_1_a_it/189-9189646-1662818?ie=UTF8&qid=1459279157&sr=8-1&keywords=portable+baby+high+chair) for feeding.
I like these... Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads (10 Pack) With Laundry Bag by Baby Zeli - Ultra Soft, Reusable, Hypoallergenic, Washable Breastfeeding Pads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017U98HYY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_6wA-wbMF8MCE2
We did the same thing for the first 18 months of our son's life - we were in a small 1 bedroom apartment. We didn't have a ton of space either but I agree with another commenter here that it really helped to have more than one place for baby to sleep. Our kid HATED the bassinet we got him. Hated. Would not sleep in it. We ended up getting a pack n play and a boppy lounger. For the first few weeks he would only sleep in the boppy lounger, which was fine because it was tiny. Once he switched to the pack n play that was fine too, because we could move it to whichever room we didn't want to be in at the time. So, if we wanted to go to bed early we'd put kid in the living room to go to sleep. Or, if we wanted to stay up and cook a late dinner or watch a movie, we'd put kiddo down in the bedroom. The pack n play fit through our doorway so we could just move him into the bedroom with us when we went to sleep. And, if we had people over and needed the space we could move it to the bedroom or fold it up.
He didn't really do much for the first 6 weeks, I don't think we used a play mat or anything during that time. I think we got the play mat out at right around 6 weeks, but it was pretty easy to roll up and stick in a corner when we weren't using it. I liked having it because he was starting to be so interested in things around him and it felt like the right kind of stimulation. I'd get one and just find one you can roll up easily enough and stick in a closet until baby is ready. We did have a changing pad on top of our dresser. I preferred having something like that vs just a towel in part because it had straps that we could use to secure it to the dresser, it was water proof (easier to clean) and it allowed us to stand up while changing and not be hunched over somewhere (your back WILL start hurting if you change on the floor all the time).
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We ended up getting a swing at around 6 weeks which I swear took up like a quarter of our entire apartment but it was worth it. I didn't realize what we were missing until we had it. Naps became so much easier. It was worth the real estate. But, you could probably wait for the 2 bedroom to get it.
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Because we didn't move for 18 months, the main room of our apartment became the kids room. We eventually got this https://www.amazon.com/Sauder-Bookcase-Footboard-White-Finish/dp/B00B2QU5YW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539832293&sr=8-3&keywords=bookshelf+toy+storage&dpID=41cpmiMr5CL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch which we stuck our tv on top of in the living room (with tv straps to secure it). It worked really really well for storing toys + books in a way that little one could access them himself. We also eventually got a dresser/changing table combo. When he got old enough we just took the changing table part off and now it's his dresser.
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Apartment living with a little one is totally doable :) Good luck!
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Edit to add this: we got this chair instead of a high chair https://www.amazon.com/phil-teds-Lobster-Highchair-Black/dp/B004854WM0 - also a great call. took up 0 space and we could take it to restaurants with us too
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Our 10 month old baby girl sits in this guy every morning when we get ready for work, at dinner time, when we're prepping dinner. It's great - and will travel with us to restaurants and friends' houses.
Phil & Ted's Lobster
My Brest Friend for twins - my friends with twins love these. http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Deluxe-Nursing/dp/B0032Z81M4
They also like the Snap n Go double stroller frame. Fits 2 of almost any car seat.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B008U4MKU6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1418814066&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SY200_QL40
Also I second the swing(s). It's a life saver!
Check with r/beyondthebump for current twin momma advice.
Seconding the clip-in pumping bra! I have this one.
The mesh feeders filled with frozen fruit work really well.
We put the bottles on the top rack and have this dishwasher basket for the nipples and rings of the bottle.
I got these washable ones off Amazon and I like them.
As I see you are breastfeeding, you will definitely want some nipple cream.
You may also want to get some leak protection. I like these because they are reusable!
A boppy or something similar (breastfeeding pillow) won’t hurt either!
These crossover tops are actually really cute, and are perfect to double as breastfeeding-friendly tops.
I use the Oxo LockTop containers for the dry powder and oil.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051T93U8/ref=twister_B00F434L12
http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Blocks-Freezer-Storage-Containers/dp/B004QZBEFK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_k_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1EHTVKXYWYEYQ5JNHJKW
Then for the blended drink, every day I carry 3 12oz ball jars with my DIY mixture.
Engorgement is rough! It’s amazing what you’re doing.
Your milk will regulate soon and then engorgement won’t happen unless you miss a pumping session.
Now this is a conversation I can get in on.
Let's begin with my stainless steel measuring cups. I bake a lot so these are so useful. The 1/8 cup comes in so much more use than I ever imagined it would. And they're just so much nicer than plastic ones. I want to get a set of stainless steel measuring spoons but haven't yet.
Next, I would probably say my French Press. Coffee is important, and my French Press makes some delicious coffee.
I absolutely love this skillet. Works like magic.
I also recommend this 3 tier cooling rack to everyone. It's so useful and stores so well.
In the fall/winter I use my crock pot a whole lot. I also find having large mason jars to be useful for storing food, though I also have this tupperware.
Finally, my KitchenAid stand mixer. Self explanatory. It's fucking awesome. I just want to spend every waking moment putting it to good use and baking everything under the sun.
Let's do it in the kitchen.
This is the one we have. It's about $30 and I feel like it was a great investment. You tell it how many ounces and what type of bottle you use and it knows how long to warm it up and it keeps that setting every time. So I just have to push a button and it heats it up just right. The only downside is that the tommee tippee bottle are really fat so they don't fit in the warmer, so I warm the milk in the medela storage bottles I pump into. Pump and store in the fridge, throw it in the warmer, then pour the milk into the tippee bottle. Makes 4am feedings a hell of a lot easier on a tired momma. :)
Have you tried one of those food feeders?
Here.
The washing is insane! If I had to do it over again, I’d prioritize replacing our dishwasher and kitchen sink faucet before baby arrived. I hate them both.
Really like this basket OXO Tot Dishwasher Basket for the dishwasher, we also have the Munchkin one and it falls over when you open it, we pretty much have to take it out of our dishwasher to load it., and we spend more time lining up the nipples to get them all to fit.
If you end up bottle feeding you’ll want 2 baskets and at least 10 bottles if you wash every day. They use 7ish in a day and some will be in use while the washing is done. (My son had lip tie, tongue tie, and wouldn’t open his mouth to latch... success breastfeeding isn’t necessarily about how hard you try.)
If you end up using the breast pump a lot (I’m an exclusive pumper) just immediately pull the trigger on buying more sets of pump parts so you wash less often. Some bits wear out over time and you have to eventually replace them anyways. Buy more immediately and it will be longer until they all need replaced.
Finally, bottles that come in 5oz size are better because you can use them longer. So if it’s a toss up that’s a clear winner. Don’t buy many 8oz bottles, they won’t need those until they’re down to drinking 4 or less bottles a day (eventually bottle fed babies have larger meals farther apart.)
Enfamil makes 2 oz. nursettes. It's what my hospital used for my son in the NICU. They have disposable nipples that you just screw on to the nursette, then feed. That way, you don't have to worry about washing bottles in a hospital room.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Enfamil-Newborn-Formula-Ready-To-Use-6-2oz-Nursette-Bottles/16940596
https://www.amazon.com/Enfamil-Slow-Nipple-12-count-Count/dp/B004TON9BK
Kiinde Breast Milk Storage Twist Starter Kit
Never tried the bottles, but the bags are great and it comes with an adapter for every pump size. I also still use the bags for Apple sauce and soup for my toddler. They make little suck top adaptors.
https://www.amazon.com/Papablic-Bottle-Electric-Steam-Sterilizer/dp/B074M5XZTS/ref=asc_df_B074M5XZTS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198066647039&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10909890740392584742&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027720&hvtargid=pla-380674478618&psc=1
I bought this one when it was a new product on Amazon. They realized it was a steal and jacked up the price. It fits my Spectra S2, all my teacher crap, and the contents of my purse. I still carry a lunch bag for my lunch and storing breastmilk.
This list is awesome! I was not nearly that organized for my registry! Just a few comments from the other side (my baby is 3 months currently).
Baby nails are sharp and scary, some friends bought us this Electric Nail File and it is absolutely amazing, not painful for baby at all and much more efficient than the little files.
This butt spatula thing has been great for when we apply diaper cream! Saves us from getting it on our hands.
For me personally, I found the Boppy rather ineffective for nursing at first while we were trying to figure out nursing. Baby would kind of slide down between the Boppy and my stomach. Now at 3 months old, the Boppy is super useful for propping baby and sometimes as a nursing pillow if I decide to use one. My first few weeks of nursing I'd use the Brest Friend Nursing Pillow it was great when Baby really needed a little extra support for getting into the best position for nursing.
Breastfeeding was very painful for me the first few weeks. Our LO ended up having a bad latch due to tongue and lip ties we had to get lasered (anterior tongue tie had been clipped by Pediatrician in the hospital, she still had a posterior tie that was diagnosed later by a lactation consultant - just something to keep in mind), by the time we had the procedure done the damage was done to my nipples. These nipple shields are one of the things that really helped my nipples heal in between feedings to keep my bra/clothes off of them. I hope you don't have to use them, but something you may want to make a note of in case you have a similar experience. If you do end up having nipple pain, ask your OB (or Google how to make it yourself) for a script for "Newman's Nipple Cream", that stuff helped save our breastfeeding relationship!
Good luck, looks like you're off to a great start!
As for sex itself, it just gets incorporated into sex pretty easily; playing with your breasts during sex will naturally elicit a reaction, and it can be lots of fun!
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Couple tips:
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Good luck! Feel free to post your progress here if you are interested, but please respect the rules! :)
We used our changing pad (Keekaroo) and the dresser topper it fits into literally every day, many times a day up until my first was potty trained a couple of months ago. She’ll be 3 next month and we’ll continue using both for #2. We’ll either paint the topper to match the new dresser or maybe won’t bother. I would consider both invaluable while many think it’s a total waste. 🤷♀️
Also, for the record, the bottle drying rack has also lived on our counter even beyond bottles. It’s been handy for drying pump parts, sippy cup pieces, straws, the small cups we use now, etc. I like something like this one better than the grass one everyone talks about though - more vertical space for the same footprint and more practical in my experience.
Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Hot or Cold Breast Therapy Pack with Cover, 2 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J61VL9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_nD7YCbD006DC6
These saved me!!!
We have the Phil&Teds Lobster Chair version too but only use it when we go out to eat. It's so nice having my son sit next to us in the booth rather than out in the isle where customers and servers walk. I do NOT want a heavy tray of food being whisked around above my kids head.
Reasonably priced pump. It's really strong but I don't get as much out of it as my regular pump (Baby Buddha). It's just to tide me over if I forget my Baby Buddha.
I bought this bag: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BZSHWV8?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I have a shorter commute and use a little lunchbox with an ice pack to stop the parts and bottles in during the day. I still put the lunchbox in the fridge, but the icepack is more for peace of mind.
I don't know if other moms do this but I wear this pumping bra every day under my nursing bra. I think it makes things much easier if it's just always ready. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1UMY7E?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Even though everything I read said that my baby should only need 13 oz during daycare, she has always taken 16 (sometimes more, eek). 4x4oz. Try and send one more bottle than you think he'll need at least for the first day.
The number of times you pump should match the number of times he eats. I usually pump around 10, 1,3, and 830 pm. I had to add the evening one since she takes 4 bottles while I'm gone. I'm very diligent about the #pumps per day but the timing varies. The days where I'm very off schedule I do tend to pump a bit less but it returns the next day. What will hurt your supply long term is reducing the pumping/ feeding sessions per day. Otherwise I think you'll be fine!
Oh and since you have a long commute you might want to pack a spare shirt is cardigan in your desk in case of spitup or breast milk leaks or spills.
Go mama!
My daughter is 4 months. Here's what she's getting.
Teethers (solid silicone and squishy rubber)
Clutching Toys (like this one http://www.amazon.com/HABA-3856-Haba-Magica-Clutching/dp/B0033M22LM)
Sensory Balls
Soft Toys
Books
Rattle and shaker
A silicone food chew/strainer thing ( http://www.amazon.com/Award-Winning-Kidsme-Feeder-Large/dp/B005KWLEVW)
Things we already had from first kiddo:
Soft blocks
Mega blocks (like giant legos)
Shape Sorter
Containers and objects ( http://m.melissaanddoug.com/stuffed-bug-jug-fill-and-spill-set)
Object permanence toys
Rolling toys
Floor mirrors
Wooden puzzles
More practically, you could ask for baby proofing stuff.
I know there are mixed opinions, but i really like the teething jewelry (for moms).
There are silicone placemats you can roll up to bring to restaurants
If you have an infant car seat you could ask for a convertible car seat
Sippy cups
I agree with commenters saying to ask for a better carrier.
I've been using these for a long time now. They've worked decently, although if my shirt is too thin or tight, sometimes you can see the outline?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JA8W6E0/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_t5xZDbPAR0EP3
I know alot of people here are all about the cute bento boxes, but I have these and they work well for me. I generally only portion out a couple days at a time and refill from the bigger containers.
Also if you are adept at portion control and like gelato/sorbetto, I've found empty talenti containers are about perfect for holding ~200-300g fruit.
Here's what I used:
A bag to carry everything in.
Bigger bottles to transfer into for easy storage.
Small lunchbox for milk storage
Flat ice packs to keep milk cold.
Also I got some small make up containers like these but just from the pharmacy to keep coconut oil in to use before and after pumping as lube and to keep from cracking.
Looks great.... I have 16 mo old twins. The beginning is really rough, but there's some amazing payoff as they get older.
A few suggestions:
Also, you may want to get one of these nursing pillows: http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Deluxe-Nursing/dp/B0032Z81M4/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1426256362&sr=1-4
Good luck!!!
We did BLW with our twins and loved it. I agree with doing long matchstick like cuts and also found that dusting things like chunks of avocado in coconut flour made them not only super yummy, but easier to pick up. We also used these silicone feeders extensively, and I cannot recommend them more highly:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005KWLEVW/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1397161946&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70
These 'disposable' nipples were recommended by our LC and worked for my son. They fit on a standard medela bottle, and you can use them several times (at least 10?).
Not sure how your twins are used to sleeping....but I recommend KidCo Peapods! They're like their own personal tents. We're using them for our twins during our 9 day trip to Montana in 3 weeks. Our girls are used to sleeping in their cribs and have been able to sleep well in their Peapods so far. Also, for high chairs, there's these portable high chairs that fold up very easily and very small.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0167HUE9G/ref=sr_ph_1?qid=1463557579&sr=sr-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=kidco+peapod
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0072IINY8/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?qid=1463557612&sr=sr-1&keywords=portable+high+chair
we used a mesh food feeder to get our daughter used to chewing and eating solids. basically you put food inside and they can gnaw on it like a pacifier or a lollipop. the mesh prevents large chunks to gag on but still essentially eating real food. you can put purees in there too but it gets messy.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005KWLEVW/
My LO had a terrible time with bottles - the only ones that worked were the slow flow kiinde. Worth a try, especially if you are considering pumping anyway.
Also, I second the nipple shield idea if you haven't already tried it. Mine was SO painful unless I was using a nipple shield...and the biggest size. The LCs were kind of dismissive of it, but it was a lifesaver for me.
I started liquid formula with breast milk supplementing after my LO's first day due to a low supply. I understand the failing feeling and I still feel that way at times when I stopped pumping at 5 months. It's hard but as most people say, fed is best. Honestly, having to formula feed is probably the best outcome for all in my situation. My child had no problem transitioning at daycare since she was used to the bottle and having others feed her. I get depressed with little sleep so I could have others help do the overnight feedings once I stopped pumping. You'll feel guilty for some time but you really shouldn't. You are doing what is best for you and your child.
I can't answer the questions about WIC, but here are some tips and answers to your questions:
-Powder formula is not sterile. There are varying ideas if you should give powder formula to a newborn or wait until they are a few months old. I always err on the side of caution, so I did not begin powder formula until LO was 4 months old. I used premade liquid formula up until that point. Your doc can best advise when to start powder formula.
-You keep the liquid formula at room temp until you open the container. Then it needs to go into the refrigerator. Your baby will probably be OK with eating at room temp (mine was until her first cold and then she got picky) but any that is from the refrigerator will most likely need to be warmed up. Again it depends on your child's preference.
-It is advised to not use a microwave to warm a bottle. It can create hot spots though as mentioned here some people just make sure they mix it around. I haven't ever used a microwave and don't intend to. I either use the hot water method you described or use my bottle warmer. I have this bottle warmer: https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-850T-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B0035LLG2W/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484580287&sr=8-1&keywords=doc+brown+bottle+warmer It was great at first though now it is a bit temperamental 7 months in. I use distilled water for the warmer. I just pop the bottle in the warmer and then go do a diaper change while the bottle is heating up.
-I still warm the bottles with powdered formula due to my child's preference described above. She will gag if it is not warmed up enough. I also pre-make bottles of formula and keep them in the fridge so that I don't have to waste time making one when it's the middle of the night or LO is hangry. When you switch to powdered formula, you can buy a formula pitcher to do a big batch at a time so that you aren't making each bottle every feeding. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Formula-Mixing-Pitcher/dp/B001I481LM/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1484581617&sr=8-1&keywords=formula+pitcher is awesome.
-I had a few samples of bottles. My favorite are the Philips Avent Natural. If you use this one, pull the nipple all the way up into the ring until it is flush with the top. I had months of leakage until I figured out that I wasn't making the bottle correctly. You will find out which one works best for you & LO.
-I started out with 4 bottles and now have a total of 11. I decided that I didn't want to spend time washing bottles several times a day and now just do it once at night.
-As previously mentioned, your child will maybe want more milk in a few days to a couple of weeks. You will need to watch for hunger cues for your child to know when she is hungry. She will keep seeking out the bottle after it is empty or maybe even try to root at your breast. Mine would cry after the bottle was just given so I knew she needed more than advised. She started to drink 3 ounces after a couple of weeks.
-This wasn't one of your questions but it's my best advice: BURP YOUR LO OFTEN!! Stop after every ounce to burp your baby in the first few weeks, and then later halfway through the feeding until your child is old enough to burp themselves. With the combo of a bottle & formula, your baby may get gassy. Save yourself hours of screaming by trying to burp her as often as possible.
-I used Similac and then switched to the Costco powder brand about a month ago. I'm in Canada and the Costco brand up here is basically Enfamil. In the states, the Costco brand is basically Similac. It's way cheaper and ingredients are almost the same.
-Sign up for the Similac strong moms rewards program if you stick to Similac. You can get coupons for money off of your formula (can be used with the liquid cans) and eventually free formula coupons. I believe Enfamil has a similar program but I never looked into it. I would just receive their coupons in the mail a lot too.
Just like you would with a dog switching to new dog food, you would want to slowly switch over to any new brand to avoid stomach upset.
Feel free to p.m. me any more questions you may have. I also find the Similac website gives pretty good advise on how to formula feed.
Good luck!!
Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M5XZTS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KyWHAb3NKYQF6
I was using the microwave sterilizer (was told so many times that I didn’t NEED ONE) and it fucking sucks. This one holds more items and organizes them so they fit properly and dries them off. I hated having to wash then microwave then hang up to dry then wait 4 hours to put them away.
I don't have fibro - but I do have something called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I understand the frustration (and sometimes desperation) of chronic pain.
What I have is a connective tissue disorder that is multi-systemic. The main pain cause is the fact that my ligaments are like crappy rubber bands - once stretched, they don't heal (unlike most normal people). This results in subluxations, dislocations, and lots of muscle spasms (where they are trying to hold my joints together). But EDS affects lots of different things in my body (GI, Skin, Nervous System, Blood Pressure issues, etc.)
I've always had issues - but the last two years have been the worst. During that time I spent a lot of time with doctors trying to figure out what the hell was going on - and eventually I ended up with an EDS diagnosis.
It came right as my husband had finally convinced me that having a child was something I could be excited about. In addition to my own genetic disorder (which has a higher risk of membrane rupture, premature birth, and/or rapid birth) - my brother also has a Mitochondrial disorder - so add all of that up (coupled with an assload of pain and self loathing) and it was a rough couple of months while I tried to decide if I was even HEALTHY enough to have a child (not to mention I have a chance of passing these disorders down).
After a lot of testing, talking to my doctors, and soul searching - here I am. 17+4. AND I had to stop taking all of the medications that gave me a "normal" quality of life.
It has not been the easiest of pregnancies and by the end it will likely be very hard and painful. (Though, sometimes I am thankful I already have an insane pain threshold from a chronic disorder - I feel like it has given me perspective and prepped me for what is to come).
I genuinely expect to be unable to walk (unassisted) by the end of my pregnancy (it happens about once a year anyhow due to SI Joint dysfunction).
I also cannot exercise (or do yoga, or get massage) like a normal person - as it causes further injury. Even traditional physical therapy can injure me (I use a specific protocol that is catered just to my disorder).
I am concerned about holding baby as well. My arms, shoulder, and neck are prohibitive - but I have done a lot of reading and research and discussing with mothers who have EDS (shoutout to /r/ehlersdanlos) - and they have recommended some lovely products to help with some of this.
I won't be able to carry the baby - but a lot of the slings aren't quite right for me either (can't be lopsided).. so the community recommended this carrier very specifically ErgoBaby 360 4 way
And this for breast feeding: My BrestFriend - it latches around you and has lumbar support so you don't have to manage the baby AND the pillow.
I got my initial clinical diagnosis last year in October - and had some dark days while I processed the information.
I just got my actual genetic diagnosis (specific type of EDS - there are several) last month.
In between those diagnosis - I had to really settle into myself and acknowledge that my life wasn't going to be a "normal" life.
In a way - you have to mourn and grieve the life you "anticipated" and then accept it.
I also had to "come out" as disabled. It took me many months to even tell some of my closest friends, but a big part of it is advocating for yourself.
If you suffer from chronic pain - you don't lead a similar life to people who don't have that as part of their lives.
You will need help - and you need to accept it (internally) that it's totally okay to not be able to do 100% of the things you thought you could.
Once you accept it and realize your new reality - then you'll find a better world and mentality.
Also - have you ever heard of the "Spoon Theory" - might be a great way to wrap your head around what you feel and how to find a way to advocate for yourself.
Honestly - for me, the biggest thing I have had to "emotionally" deal with is watching other pregnant women bitch and moan about things people do or say to them. Once you live with pain and find that sometimes your body is your own worst enemy - you start to find it silly to be so angry at the world - you're busy fighting other battles that feel so much more important.
I say it is a struggle for me "emotionally" - just because I know deep down that just because my experience is difficult doesn't invalidate another experience (even if it seems less difficult than my own).
Woo- this turned into a long one. :)
Anyhow - if you need to talk. Let me know. You aren't going through this alone in the world.
You may also want to check out /r/ChronicIllness or /r/Invisible for more support and people who suffer as well.
EDIT: I also wanted to add that I am extremely happy (despite being disabled, in pain, and somewhat apprehensive about the future) - so it is possible! Don't give up! You've got this!
I use these guys for yogurt. Baby only eats half of the carton usually, so ill put the remainder in one of these for the following day.
I use the Lansinoh packs below.. I've also heard of using a diaper?
Lansinoh TheraPearl 3-in-1 Hot or Cold Breast Therapy Pack with Covers, 1 Pair (2 Count), Heating Pad and Ice Pack for Breastfeeding Relief, Nursing Essentials https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J61VL9W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GmruDbZ588PAQ
Those things are absolutely impossible to clean well. They make a silicone version that works much better. I know, the price is ridiculous but you'll only need one. http://www.amazon.com/Award-Winning-Kidsme-Feeder-Large/dp/B005KWLEVW
Military brat on both sides of the family :3 plus my grandfather was part of the troop that went in to libertize Auschwitz so that's cool.
We just had a baby and of all things we didn't think to get this is the biggest hassle to not have. I keep drying the bottles on the window sill.
freezer/condiment/baby food blocks! :)
Also 24 weeks (hey due date buds!) and I am fairly sure leaking is coming up for me in the next week or so. Boobs are acting like they're about to do something weird.
Are you asking about something like this?
Edit: formatting
I'm the father of my first 1.5 month old. We have several products that no one should live without.
MVP:
http://m.target.com/p/fisher-price-newborn-auto-rock-n-play-sleeper/-/A-16386093?lnk=rec|mwebpdph2|viewed_bought|mwebpdph2|16386093|1
Close second:
http://m.target.com/p/halo-sleepsack-100-cotton-swaddle-navy-pin-dot-small/-/A-14258213
Third:
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-850T-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B0035LLG2W
Last and most certainly not least:
White Noise Free: sounds for sleep and relaxation by TMSOFT
https://appsto.re/us/nlQDr.i
There is also a Google play version of this app.
We have "heavy rain pouring" playing on my old nexus 7 about 75% of the day. It is the most amazing thing I've ever seen. It instantly calms her down.
I would love to help more. I can give you my Amazon baby registry if you'd like. I can tell you what you should and shouldn't buy off of it. Let me know if I can help.
Freshology Menu:
Muesli Granola with Non-Fat Vanilla Yogurt, Canadian Bacon & Fresh Fruit
Cost from grocery store:
Granola: $5
Yogurt, non-fat, greek style (pint or more): $4
Fresh seasonal fruit: $2-3
Canadian Bacon: $3-4
total out of pocket cost: $14 for a week's worth of food
Servings (approx): at least 4
Cost per serving: $3.50
Freshology cost per serving: $15-20
Spinach and Baby Mozzarella Salad with Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
Bag of spinach, approx 4 cups: $3
Mozzarella cheese: $5
Cherry Tomatoes: $3-4 for a pint
Balsamic Vinagrette dressing: $4 for a bottle
total out of pocket cost: $15 for a week's worth of food
Servings (approx): at least 4
Cost per serving: $4.00
Freshology cost per serving: $15-20
Wild Caught Barramundi w/Roasted Celery Root Puree & Wild Mushrooms
Barramundi or fresh fish: $5-6 per pound
Celery root or potatoes: $3
Mushrooms, pint: $3
total out of pocket cost: $12 for a week's worth of food
Servings (approx): at least 4
Cost per serving: $3-3.50
Freshology cost per serving: $15-20
Tiramisu Cup
Sub your favorite fruit w/a reduced calorie pudding
Fresh fruit: already purchased from breakfast
Pudding cups or homemade pudding: $5 for basic ingredients
You can buy all these groceries to last you an entire week for a measly $46 - let's just round it up to $50. This is the exact same food you would be eating from Freshology for one day.
Buy some tupperware containers (like these here: http://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-50-Piece-Easy-Find-Storage/dp/B002RSO2PW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325047820&sr=8-1 ) and pack your lunches in them. You can get this reusable set for less than the cost of one day of Freshology's food.
Are you convinced it's a ripoff yet?
We keep a spinning dish rack on the kitchen table. She only takes three bottles a day, so we don't have many.
I've read good things about this: http://smile.amazon.com/Boon-Pulp-Silicone-Feeder-Orange/dp/B00BFEULW2/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1408584415&sr=1-1&keywords=boon+pulp+silicone+feeder
I've heard that the mesh kind gets really nasty and hard to clean.
This looks good too: http://smile.amazon.com/Award-Winning-Kidsme-Feeder-Large/dp/B005KWLEVW/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1408584415&sr=1-2&keywords=boon+pulp+silicone+feeder
Freezer meals are great! I'm single and I love having a lunch I can just grab out of the freezer and go, and when I'm tired and don't want to cook, I have a ready-made dinner. I usually make a big pot of something on the weekend, chili, beans & rice, or stew. I didn't get around to it last weekend and yesterday I got off work late and I was wishing I'd made some stew. Got Taco Bell instead. I'm going to the store today to get stew ingredients!
Containers like these are great for freezer meals.
Once you get the hang of it and find some go-to recipes you like, cooking with a slow cooker is easy. You pretty much dump in the ingredients and leave it on all day. Onions are good in most things. I dice them up and put them in a ziploc bag in the freezer, then I can throw in a handful in whatever I'm cooking. A jar of crushed garlic is handy too (in the fridge).
I use these and have no issues with them. They're so much cheaper than Bamboobies. 7 pairs for $14 vs. 8 pairs for $25. I haven't tried Bamboobies though so I don't know if they're sooooo much better or not.
>cute tops, with cute sexy bras or possibly even without a bra
Yeah lady, me too. Sadly I've resigned myself to the reality of being a nursing mom and the fact that my wardrobe is much more limited these days.
I have this one and it fits 12 cups AND dries them. It. Is. The. Shit.
Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M5XZTS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_89N3Bb4NCFWMB
Oh it's hard. But once you're past this "fourth trimester" you're getting skills down (and relearning and altering as the new person changes) and your new person is more ready to interact with people and the world.
What helped my wife and I with sleep: cosleeping. We set up a room that was dark, mattress on the floor, quiet. We could take him in there when he was having a tough night and he did much better sleeping next to his mom. Check out the The Baby Book by Dr Sears and the chapter on sleep.
My wife found this to be a lifesaver with nursing: My Brest Friend Original Nursing Posture Pillow, Grey & Yellow Fireworks https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003TSDMH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jmE6CbZJD7TSF
There are also lactation consultants.
The first two weeks, neither of us slept together. Our baby would only sleep on a person but we tag teamed. You're not in it alone, neither is your SO. Ask her what she needs and talk about what you need. Communication and support is always going to be important but it'll make you a stronger team too.
It'll always be hard and it gets hard in different ways. Fresh in, though, it's a form of torture. It's sleep deprivation mixed with what feels like anger, rejection, and humiliation. That's not what your baby's meaning to communicate. Hungry, gassy, dirty, sleepy, sleepy fighting sleep, bored, overstimulated, cold, hot. That's the check lost my wife and I read somewhere and go through whenever there's crying that can't be solved by a change in position. That's most of what a new born will complain about (outside being sick, if nothing else works you might need the rectal thermometer).
Good for you for reaching out. Community helps. Communication helps. Perspective helps. The tortured feeling of a new parent passes and, on balance, it's a hard but great time.
I pretty much wear nursing tank tops that have a built in bra then use the bravado clip on pumping bra.
https://www.amazon.com/SUIEK-Nursing-Maternity-Pregnancy-Charcoal/dp/B0786KRP3J/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=nursing+tank+tops+for+breastfeeding&qid=1558435726&s=gateway&sprefix=nursing+yank&sr=8-3
https://www.amazon.com/BRAVADO-DESIGNS-Maternity-Hands-Free-Accessory/dp/B01N1UMY7E/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=bravado+pumping+bra&qid=1558435758&s=gateway&sprefix=bravado+&sr=8-3
Been wearing and using them for 11 months and they have held up great! I wear the nursing tank pretty much every day and as a sleep top (keeps boobs in place, not a lot of shifting while sleeping) and even under t shirts.
I don’t have a fridge available most of the time when I pump, a cooler that can hold up to 6 bottles OR 5 bottles and ice packs (with my flanges)— I pump, combine into one bottle, place everything in cooler with ice packs, pump again, as nauseam. I am unable to get away most times to pump, so I keep a nursing cover (I pump frequently in class, my classmates are used to it, and we are in nursing school, so we’ve seen it all).
I keep my spectra in the opposite compartment from my cooler, (I bought this bag and love it! But I also carry a laptop, and nursing school stuff along with a diaper bag for babe before drop off and a cooler to take her milk to her school... ). I carry the pump wipes mentioned above, and nipple balm (just in case) plus a bottle brush and tiny dish soap pack, hair ties, and clean up cloth in case of spills... (I apparently carry a LOT! 😬)
We do Dr Brown's bottles and their bottle warmer is great, not sure if it fits the Avent bottles but it should - http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-850T-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B0035LLG2W
I got one of these and I’ve been really happy with it!
Try freezing breastmilk or formula into cube, and putting them into one of those mesh feeders for them to gnaw on. My daughter had no interest in frozen plastic/rubber teethers or frozen wash cloths, but she loved to chew and suck on those 'milk cubes'. It can get a bit messy but it was effective!
No I mean if somebody else gave her a bottle I pumped at the same time (or soon after).
For building a stash, I would feed her (both sides) and double pump immediately after (while she napped usually). Every little bit helps when you're trying to get a day or two worth before going back to work. I think I had about a week's worth actually. The morning is the best time to pump after she eats because your milk supply is highest in the morning. I never had any luck pumping on one side while she ate on the other (not coordinated, plus she was and continues to be a huge baby so there wasn't room for it!)
Order a hands-free bra now. I know there are hacks involving sports bras, etc. but I didn't feel like it was such a huge investment considering I used it multiple times a day at work. That way you can do something relaxing while you pump (like browse reddit!)
Also since you asked earlier about storage, I used these:
http://www.amazon.com/Kiinde-TS-N-001-NA-Breastfeeding-Starter-Kit/dp/B00CXSPL24
I pumped into the same bag which I stored the milk (and would freeze it in as well) and then the same bag could be used with the bottle. Eventually those bottles stopped working for us (just how she was with bottles, every baby has their own preferences) but being able to pump directly into the bag I stored it in saved me some steps. I liked it.
Wow that's crazy. We're talking just standard plastic tupperware, right? I have this set and it's a really great product for how cheap it is.
Where's the aspirin?
My list is baby things. Lots and lots of baby things. I need them all. Do you have a spare $400,000? Because that's what it's going to cost to raise this child.
Here are my items that I feel I need the most, that add to $20:
Wipes. Twenty bucks. Aaaaand we're done.
Told you babies are expensive.
Other combo items could include:
Pacifiers, $8.99
Onesies, $12.99
Aaaand we're done again. See, expensive.
More:
Crib Sheet, $9.99
Homemade baby food containers, $9.99
Aaaaand we're done again.
As a formula-feeding mom, this has changed my LIFE. Fits so many bottles and helps with sterilizing a variety of items, including the formula pitcher. We use it every night.
Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074M5XZTS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_y4pPDbT9NR8ES
This is my current pump. Initially thought I'd only use it on rare occasion. And that link was so helpful! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CZZN1VX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_93RMDbNRDJZ66
Dr Browns all the way for us. I've tried Avent, Born Tree, Playtex,..you name it, I've tried it and I find Dr. Browns are the best. They also make a bottle warmer which isn't essential, but it does save time.
Here is the Dr. Browns feeding set I got from my registry and it's great - has everything you need:
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Polypropylene-Natural-Newborn/dp/B001IXYOD2/ref=pd_sim_ba_1
Here's the bottle warmer:
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-850T-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B0035LLG2W/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1335786939&sr=1-1
Good luck! :)
32 oz Mason jars with the white plastic lids for the bulk.
For the smaller portions, 2oz containers similar to these
On all above, I make little removable labels using just the sticky portion of a post-it note. It's important to keep track!
Haha, I think that was the part that pissed me off the most. There were a few pieces she didn't take because I was using them when she was moving out, but I was so annoyed when I saw the rest of it gone. She always premade her lunches for work and was constantly eating out of tupperware, so if we had the same sets, I'd understand if she thought some were hers, but they were completely different. She had this style and I had these. They're not even the same brand. Ugh.
When I was at Walmart, the cashier saw all the stuff that I was replacing (but he obviously didn't know that) and he was like, "Are you just moving out on your own?" I didn't want to get into the story and rant at him, so I said yes, but I was sooo annoyed being reminded about it.
Are you crazy? If you're warming bottles then you NEED a bottle warmer. You'll be kicking yourself. Make sure to get one with a reservoir for water (so you're not filling it every time with water) and also some sort of timer that you can set. I got this one and loved it.
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-850T-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B0035LLG2W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422596386&sr=8-1&keywords=dr+brown+bottle+warmer&pebp=1422596343323&peasin=B0035LLG2W
I'm gunna go with teething! Like, about to pop through teething. My little guy was doing this to me so I gave him more finger food because he would chow on cheerios and puffs. Still wouldn't eat. Couple days later, two teeth came through. I'm guessing the roughness feels kinda good, it puts more pressure there. He's still refusing most foods and cranky about it. So, I took all of our frozen purees and have been putting them in This. He goes nuts on the food that way. Or freeze them in a popsicle mold.
I used this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004854WM0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518991649&sr=8-1&keywords=lobster+seat+baby&dpPl=1&dpID=41x04LnLbLL&ref=plSrch
I really liked it. Its collapsible and comes with a bag to put it in.
I have these Baby Zeli pads that I like. I wish they had contouring--you have to be careful when positioning them so they don't bunch up and show through your shirt--but they are very comfortable and absorbent.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017U98HYY/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1491058057&sr=sr-1&keywords=bamboo+breastfeeding+pads
I also just use a regular zippered tote bag with one big pocket. I just throw in the Spectra, my pump strap, a burp cloth or towel, and have a wet bag I use for pump parts. If I'll be refrigerating and reusing parts I bring a plastic food container to put the parts in the fridge (at work I have my own mini fridge) or ice chest (in my car if I'm out for the day). It all fits easily but I carry a separate purse or work bag so don't need more organization.
I was thinking about buying this one, but haven't felt the need yet for my situation.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07D8LD7QZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1549734839&sr=8-4&keywords=spectra+pump+bag&dpPl=1&dpID=51ys%2BL13WsL&ref=plSrch
We went through the same thing. Our son was SUPER particular about the shape of the nipple and wouldn’t take anything that wasn’t very similar to the Doc Browns. We found that the Enfamil Disposable Nipples are similar to the Doctor Brown’s. They screw onto a standard sized bottle, and worked well with these Medela Bottles .
Eventually we got tired of buying the disposables and got these Evenflo Classic. Baby immediately took them and we’ve been using these for 3 months now. Super cheap and WAY easier to clean! Hope this helps!
Not the original commenter, but I bought these pads and they're awesome. They seem a tad big, in terms of the diameter, but I like them. Also weirdly, the ones I received are flat circles and don't have the pleat like in the photos. So. Idk. But I like them anyway haha
Here is the mobile version of your link
When I first opened the package of the bottles I ran everything through the dish washer. For the smaller parts I used [this](oxo tot dishwasher basket for bottle parts & accessories, teal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771FFJ21/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dh.KDbK004XYF) so that all the nipples and plastic pieces wouldn't fly all over.
Once the dishwasher finished I let everything air dry on the counter using a bottle rack.
After that I found it much easier to handwash bottles in hot water with dawn soap using a bottle brush also from oxo. Same with the little plastic parts and nipples. I know some people prefer to sterilize each time but I never bothered - hand washing and letting them dry on the counter was perfectly fine for me. My kiddo is almost 2 and healthy, and I'm expecting #2 early next year and plan on doing the same thing.