(Part 2) Best baby according to redditors
We found 7,990 Reddit comments discussing the best baby. We ranked the 3,727 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 21-40. You can also go back to the previous section.
If you're looking for a cheaper Lanolin alternative someone mentioned to me Nipple cream. Its super cheap and you can get A LOT of it. I personally love any products that have lanolin in it. Bite's lip balm and lip mask are my favs.
I ended up buying these for when I want something simple and effective. Would highly recommend.
The manufactuer in their demo bills the pail as not requiring special bags thus money savings (source). Probably Hanlon's razor as several people on the Amazon.com product page complain that the pail rips bags (search keywords "tear" and "rip" separately in the reviews).
>Ubbi, your diaper pail needs to go back to drawing board because there are major design flaws. See photo. I have had many garbage bags fail in this pail from Ubbi bags, to Hefty ultra strong flex, and now industrial strength 30 gl bags. The reason for this is the stupid lip this trash can has at the top for the seal and duel lid to act as an anti-smell capsule. Every time the bag will catch on this lip and tears. Fail at least once a week now and I have 2 kids
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>This works great if you like to pick up diapers by hand when the bag tears open. Seriously. There are little downward facin tabs around the rim that sometimes snag the bag and can tear it open. Sometimes is too often IMHO when dealing with dirty diapers. My better half says it never happens and I do it wrong - don't know, I'm certainly not try to bare hand deal with the toxic contents and it's happened DOZENS of times over the last 3 years. When my last one is out of diapers I swear to Christ I'm gonna take an ax to this thing.
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>I regret my purchase of this container. It doesn't hold nearly as many diapers as my last one and it's a pain to replace the bags. When them unit is full, it's horribly smelly to replace the bags and when you pull it out, the bag tears every time from the back hinge.
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Apparently you may be using an older revision of the pail as the manufacturer commented on one of the bad reviews saying they had changed the product to make the bags not tear:
>Our latest Ubbi diaper pail models have:
>1. Smoother teeth on the bag holder, and are turned upward instead of downward
>2. A smoother cover to shield the jagged rim, so the bag doesn’t get stuck in between these teeth
>We do hope these updates and explanations help ease your frustrations with your Ubbi diaper pail. Send us an email at [email protected] so we can further discuss your issue and come to a solution. Kindly accept our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and we look forward to hearing from you!
Here are a couple more pictures.
Top Five that money can buy:
Top Five that money can’t buy:
> If it was two little human kids with leashes people would go crazy and the police would be called.
Um. I'm guessing you're not from America? That's a thing here...
They sell them on Amazon. Only $7.53, what a deal!
Rave: Lanolin
Holy shit, guys. Thanks to recommendations I found via the search bar, my lips are healing! Lipsense destroyed my upper lip and it was chapped and scabbed for 3 full months. I got some Lanolin from Amazon a week ago, mixed in a bit of Aquaphor, and put it into some empty squeezable lip balm tubes, and my lips are almost back to normal!
Another idea... there are a bunch of childproof locks you could probably use that would be a lot easier than moving a 50 pound chair everyday. Something like this or similar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007A2ZSZ8
Edit: this one is self locking so you’d never forget to lock it in the first place: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK5BRDL
Exactly! If you're going to suck his nose, at least use protection.
Best $20 I’ve ever spent
Here's some real advice - I hope it helps.
Good luck. We've been there, done that, and it does get better.
We love our Ubbi diaper pail: http://www.amazon.com/Ubbi-Steel-Diaper-Pail-White/dp/B00821FLT4. Expensive but holds the odor so well and uses standard trash bags, which is nice, and lots of colors to work with your house.
We couldn't live without the Rock and Play or Ergo carrier. Sleepers with foldover mittens were a lifesaver too - Old Navy had ones that worked for us. Also, absorbent pads for the changing table! We set them on top of the changing pad cover, and just wash them when there are poop/pee incidents.
Lots of onesies - it just made sense for us early to just dress her in a onesie and call it good. Carters worked well - the Gerber ones were a bit thinner and ran small.
We used Circo receiving blankets as burp cloths because we received like seven million as gifts.
Worst purchases: lots of newborn sized clothes - she grew out of them so fast and never wore 90%! We've yet to get any use of our baby shoes, because her feet are teeny, so we stick with just socks.
I would recommend getting a Haakaa from Amazon $12.99 I think. It uses suction and can relieve the pressure without emptying your breast, so your brain won’t get signaled to increase your supply.
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump 4oz/100ml,2019 New Style https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iFWEDb5YHN16S
Have you tried using a haakaa? It suctions onto your breast and gathers milk from your let down. So when you breastfeed, you put it on the side the baby isn’t currently using. It’s a really good way to stockpile some bottle feeds, without risking creating and oversupply.
I could usually get an ounce or so per feed. You can combine several sessions to get enough for a bottle, then freeze. Just make sure that the milk is the same temp when combining. So if you already have a container of milk in the fridge, let the new milk cool before adding it to the container. You can leave in the fridge for several days before you need to freeze.
https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Breast-Manual-Silicone-Breastfeeding/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=breast+pump&qid=1569093074&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyT01OQTkzREZXUTgwJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzk4MjAyM1RFNFMyMzlEOE9IRyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTYwMjE2NTRUM0s0WElFTTAyJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-XTRAGUARD-Count-Action-Latches/dp/B007A2ZSZ8/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1411756003&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=Drawer+locks
We use these drawer locks, they work great! Also use these to lock the toilet lid.
http://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Movement-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B00GU07FLQ
People put their kids on leashes all [the time.] (https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Kid-Keeper-Count/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=lp_2237486011_1_2_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1496090567&sr=1-2&th=1)
Das kann ich überbieten
The Haakaa Manual Breast pump, if you plan on breastfeeding. It catches the milk from the other breast while your LO nurses. No more losing that liquid gold all over your shirt/bra. Because, you’re pulling milk out by simple suction on one side, you are also boosting milk production! Serious, lifesaver! Only 12.99 on Amazon!
Check this out: Haakaa Breast Pump Manual Breast Pumps Silicone Breastfeeding Pu... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awdb_t1_kNiaCbW0GBDWV
:( 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.
Kids get into a crazy amount of stuff. When my son was about to turn two, he stood up on his tip toes, opened the silverware drawer, and pulled out a large knife, then fell backwards (while holding the knife) with the force he used to pull it out.
Babyproofing is amazing for peace of mind (and also so you don't have to be on them saying 'no' every 2 seconds). There are a few key things which have helped me feel confident to leave my son alone for a small period of time while I go get a drink of water, or go to the bathroom.
Here are some of my best babyproofing finds:
Baby fence - put this around your entertainment center/computer area.
Door Monkey - no installation, takes literally 1 second to put onto the door frame, and keeps the kids out of non-babyproofed areas, like the bathroom, or spare room, etc.
Latch - can be used on drawers or appliances that you can't or don't want to drill into, such as the storage drawer at the bottom of the stove which my son loves pulling open, even if its hot!
> He's not sure he wants to use them, but logically says there's no reason we shouldn't.
I'm going to say that this is more about emotions than logic. Forget the money or whatever invested, the best thing to do would be to donate that furniture to a womans shelter or something along those lines and start fresh. It is the best way to respect the memory and begin to create new ones, in my humble opinion. You can't just overwrite the past.
Also, silly as this sounds, I'd look into getting an Angel Care baby monitor. It was extremely useful for easing my nerves with our children and they sound an alarm if a baby stops breathing. They are stupidly effective.
/avoid crib bumpers unless they are mesh
//nightvision camera's are never a bad idea
http://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Movement-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B00GU07FLQ
You could get them an indoor star projector thingy like this. Or maybe a moon in my room and a really soft throw blanket.
Or how about a theme park gift card? That way they can buy the tickets when they want. Maybe if they like a certain theme park with certain characters you can buy them a novelty from it (like a Steamboat Willy) and some candy themed from there.
Nature? Awesome! How about wildlife documentaries on DVD? Maybe a cool wilderness guidebook? What about a butterfly kit? Oo! How about a firefly light?
Ok I'm out of ideas off of the top of my head for now, but I think it really is doable. :)
^I'm ^trying ^here
Try these!
I assembled this cart for our living room, and I thought y'all would appreciate it. We also considered naming it the T&A cart, but "boob & butt" won out.
The bottom shelf just has extra diapers, wipes, and nursing pads.
I was just researching this last night on Reddit (here and SCA) to see if I could find other options before buying the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask that I'd been eyeing a while. The thing is, my lips aren't really chapped or super dry, but I find that they tighten up pretty quickly and I needed something that wasn't just an occlusive moisturizer (which is what my Aquaphor basically amounts to, with SPF 30).
One thing I realized is I've been exfoliating the lips too much. I tend to scrape off the top layer (it comes off easily, it's not dry either but moist) every morning and I think that's caused a vicious cycle of it peeling easily. So this morning I used my thumb to go over my lips and remove leftover balm without scraping the lip itself. This may not be helpful to you in particular but I figured I'd mention it in case anyone with an issue similar to mine checks out this thread too.
More to the point: I decided on trying Lansinoh, which is lanolin (it's actually marketed to breastfeeding mothers for their chapped nipples, but who cares). I got it this morning and it's definitely unlike anything else I've put on my lips and they haven't felt dried out all day. I went for this option because people said lanolin can penetrate deeper for more lasting moisture, rather than just sitting on top like petroleum jelly. It's $7 on Amazon for 3 little tubes (https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Lanolin-Minis-Breastfeeding-Mothers/dp/B00FNZQHJA/) so I think that's worth a shot for anyone who'd want to avoid spending more right away. The Laneige pack is so much more pretty-looking though that I might want to try it anyway…
Been there, done that. Moved into this house with a 2-year-old, started the garden, got pregnant, had that one, had another one, still gardened all the way through.
My advice to you is: Figure on dialing it wayyyy back for 2017. New Babby can be overwhelming. You probably won't have time or energy for much else besides Babby, and you don't need guilt about the messy garden added to that. I made the mistake of basically digging up my entire yard in enthusiasm the first few years, and it turned out to be a maintenance nightmare that gradually, inevitably, nearly all went back to weedy lawn, because I couldn't keep up. My husband just basically started mowing the weedy overgrown bits that were obviously no longer garden.
> We already have blueberry bushes, black currant bushes, grapes, strawberries and raspberries that come back each year.
Don't add anything else to this that can't survive on its own. These are already a set of "enough to do, enough to think about" things for this year. Those things require paying attention to them, which you can't do if you've got Baby Brain all during May, June, and July.
Honestly, I would strictly limit Super E-Z new baby stuff to add to this to the one no-brainer: tomatoes, and cage them, don't single-stake them or florida weave because those require training and pruning, which cages don't. Make them some concrete reinforcing mesh cages and turn them loose.
Everything else--zukes, cukes, pole beans--if you ignore them, they stop. They ripen that one fruit to monster size, and then as far as they're concerned, they're done, so you finally get around to going out there one day and there's nothing to pick except a baseball bat cuke or zuke, and a few pods of monstrously huge dried Kentucky Wonders. Great, your seedsaving for 2018 is all taken care of, or you can make a very small pot of bean soup. Lettuce needs thinning, which you can't do in April when you've got a bowling ball strapped to your front. You might be able to get kale in and out by the time Babby arrives, but it really does better as a fall/winter crop, as trying to beat the summer heat deadline doesn't always work. Doing it in the fall gives you a lot more leisurely harvest.
So. You need to batten down the hatches for 2017 because there's a storm coming, smack in the middle of busy season. Line up a selection of tomato plants, either from seed or a garden center, give them to a trusted gardening friend to keep watered and alive until June 1, and plant them after Babby arrives, since it's pretty simple to sit in a lawn chair with Babby on your lap and instruct Daddy in how to drop a tomato transplant into the ground. Dig hole, insert plant. It's not rocket science.
You also dodge your "cold soil" and "frost" bullets if you wait until afterwards, as even in south Michigan the end of April, beginning of May is too early to plant tomatoes outside, so you can't plant them before Babby arrives. I'm in Illinois and generally May 15 is the earliest I'd plant tomatoes. Your date is probably more like June 1. Talk to the extension office about scheduling. http://msue.anr.msu.edu/county Your Tax Dollars At Work.
Mulch them heavily with shredded bark or straw, mulch everything else you can reach, get a big wall calendar and write down your pruning and other duties for your small fruits on it in red Sharpie, and call it done. You'll thank me in July when you don't have to feel guilty that you haven't touched anything in the garden in weeks.
Then once you get your own brain back during the summer, you can start planning for fall crops, which go into the ground at the end of August, and begin picking up your gardening where you left off. If you have your own brain back earlier, garden centers usually start clearancing things like flats of annuals in the middle of June. Put in some cheap 75%-off petunias or marigolds. Just to keep your hand in.
Putting Babby in a playpen in the shade works sooooo much better than wearing him in a carrier. Your back will thank me. Get one of those light cheap portable play yards. https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Play-Portable-Playard/dp/B00KBGTRAC?th=1
You're only going to be using it under your close personal supervision, 10 feet away, and all it needs to do is keep Babby up out of the mud and the bugs. Or strap him into the stroller and park it next to you.
I just wrote this comment somewhere else too, but get a haakaa!!
https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Breast-Manual-Silicone-Breastfeeding/dp/B07CWK4S5W
Make sure if you feed from both breasts that you use it for the whole feed and put it on the other breast when you switch sides so that it is not all foremilk.
If your supply is regulated appropriately, you’re not going to get much extra from pumping (which is GOOD because you don’t want oversupply!)
You have to wait til milk is chilled to the same temperature to combine, but I’ve found with my haakaa I can get 1-2 oz per feed. Sometimes I’ll hand express into it while baby is feeding to get a little more out of it. I have multiple since they’re so cheap so that I don’t have to wash them between every feeding. If you use it every time, you’ll probably have an extra 5 oz by the end of the day that you can then use for a bottle. Then you could pump a full bottle’s worth at once when you need to use it.
I also find I get much more from the pump in the morning than at night, so if you’re going to do a bottle feed morning could be a good time for it.
I’ve read that if you plan to freeze milk it’s best to do it straight away rather than after time in the fridge, so if we don’t have immediate need I’ll usually freeze the milk from the full pumping session.
Oh man, this post is like my jam. I'm currently tandem feeding twins and supplemented at the start. I did not have PCOS, so I did not have that barrier to overcome. Here's what I did:
Bring to hospital: hands free pumping bra, angled flanges, hot packs, lanolin(at first, I liked the medela lanolin better since it spread a lot easier, but now I like the lasinoh lanolin ointment more. I'd buy both, and apply after every feed/pump)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004S8MGGQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0085CBA90/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Day 1 - breastfeed baby as often as they want, but at least every 3 hours. This is your time to be working on latching and such. After each feed, you need to hook yourself up to the pump using your fancy new angled flanges(more comfortable, and allow you to recline while pumping - your back will KILL if you are trying to slightly lean forward all the time while pumping) and pumping bra(you do not want to sit int he hospital and be pumping for 10-15 minutes and have to hold the stupid flanges up yourself). As someone who worked NICU, has used both the spectra and the medela symphony, you'll want to go for the symphony at this point. Colostrum is thicker than normal milk - the spectra I don't think would draw the colostrum down as well as it does regular milk, so that is why I'd use the medela until your milk has come in, and for about a week or two after. When you are pumping, you should throw the hot packs towards your boobs and be massaging down towards the nipple.
The reason you are pumping at least every 3 is chances are your kid either has a crappy latch or not a strong suck, and both of those things are not going to stimulate your supply to come in the way you want it to. Not a lot of kids come out into the world and both latch strongly and suck and swallow to adequately and easily drain the boob, and that needs to happen.
For bottle feeding - the hospital we were at gave Similac Supplementation, and we used that until we were off formula. We used it with the hospital Similac slow flow nipple that screwed onto the ready feed bottle, and then used Dr Brown premie nipples at home. So, the shape of the nipple you use for bottle feeding isn't actually that important in my opinion. I'd say the bigger thing would be flow - definitely want slow flow/premie nipple in whatever brand you pick, and then technique. For technique, do not put the baby in your arms cradling them and then point the nipple at the back of their mouth like you are the virgin mary feeding the baby jesus. Instead, put them in an elevated sidelying position, and then angle the nipple sort of towards the top of their head. Basically, you're trying to mimic the boob nipple position with the bottle nipple position, and by having them sidelying you're also mimicking how they breastfeed.
We did 15 mls of formula starting around 24 hours of life after each breastfeeding attempt. This gradually did increase to an ounce. I had enough supply in by day 6 or 7 to stop supplementing with formula after each feed(I still pumped after each feed for breastmilk). I stopped supplementing altogether around a week and a half, but continued pumping so my husband could give a bottle a night while I slept for a couple hours.
Which actually, that's another part of this everyone overlooks. There is this oh poo poo new mothers shouldn't be sleeping and need to be awake every hour to feed/pump/whatever. You should do this for the first couple of days, but honestly, for your sanity, you need to pick a 3-4 hour block of your life to be uninterrupted and unconscious and have someone else feed and care for the baby. If you are in the throws of breastfeed/supplement/pump, you're not getting a lot of sleep, and are going to need a window somewhere to actually sleep. 3-4 hours sounds like nothing now, but when you are consistently getting 20-30 minutes, it's life changing.
On a random note, I saw from comments you want to use the Spectra S2 - I strongly believe in angled flanges, so here's the adapter to go from medela to Spectra so you can continue to use angled flanges.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DGEDVUM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
When it comes to formula, I'd keep a couple things in mind. Your baby literally has NO taste experiences in their life(other than amniotic fluid). Therefore, breastmilk and formula will be all they know. Think of it like the kid with food allergies - you taste their allergen free brownie and think it's disgusting but they love it because they don't know any better. We switched formula on kids fairly often in the NICU for various reasons, and typically we had babies be fussy for a feed or two and then settle into the new stuff if they were going to fuss at all over the change. Therefore, I'd use whatever they give you, but have a box of formula at home that is unopened and returnable.
We have five kids, so things here have lasted at least that long:
Baby Bjourn Babysitter which goes by a new name now.
NoseFrida Snotsucker is the grossest name, but very handy and BIFL
Bumbo floor seat is a plastic seat kids sit on, on the floor
Boppy is a big U-shaped pillow for floor sitting or nursing
Wood stacking toys - either Ikea or Melissa & Doug
Saddleback leather/Love41 bucket bag for a diaper bag
This $9.00 adapter allows you to use Medela partsand accessories with your Spectra if you go that route: https://www.amazon.com/Maymom-Breastshield-Connects-Backflow-Protector/dp/B01DGEDVUM?th=1
It's sounds like you're being really thoughtful to their needs which is awesome! Are you renting a house/cabin etc for this visit? Are they flying or driving? Is there a place nearby they can stop for diapers, wipes, snacks etc if needed when they get in? If they are driving they might just bring all that stuff with them- it they are flying that gets trickier. I would also add a bit of childproofing (or make sure these things can be provided) make sure there are outlet covers in their bedroom and the common areas everyone will be hanging out in... Also move breakable decor higher there if need be. I don't know the layout but the other 2 things I would think of are if there is a cabinet in the kitchen with lots of cleaners etc put a childproof lock (varies by cabinet design- knobs or not) and lastly if there are any stairs to watch out for. Maybe since you are renting a crib/highchair you could rent a gate or see if the property already has one you can use?
The Winkle toy was my son’s absolute favorite thing to play with starting around 12 weeks old.
You don't need a wipe warmer.
You don't need pee-pee-tee-pees.
You don't need baby shoes. Shoes are for people who walk.
You don't need 12 bottles. I recommend between 2 and 4 bottles. If you have more bottles you'll just end up having to wash more bottles. We do very little formula though so if you're going right for formula then I don't know.
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PJs with zippers. Snaps are fine but take forever when he's crying.
Diaper Cream paddle. It seems silly and people who don't have them give us shit for using one of these but seriously. The cream goes on fast and even and you don't have goop on your finger that you have to wipe off before doing up the onesie. We're near the end of a tub of cream and I can barley get my finger down there but the paddle reaches easily.
A bath with a hammock. This one has been great. We used it next to the sink when he was a newborn. He laid in the water supported by the sling. Once he was a little bigger but not quite sitting up it adjusts to give a more upright position. Then you just get rid of the sling when he can sit up.
Nose Frida. Bulb aspirators don't work very well and are hard to clean and you're supposed to replace them incredibly frequently. The Nose Frida works better and is less disposable. He'll still hate it though.
Nail Grinder. You'll need clippers too but this nail grinder is great. If you use it regularly you can skip the clippers almost entirely. That's nice because clipping baby nails is terrifying. This has the added benefit of rounding the edges which makes those razors attached to the end of your baby's fingers a little less sharp.
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I'm sure there's more for both lists. I'll edit if I think of them. You could also share your current registry and get comments based on that. I don't think that violates forum rules, but I haven't checked.
Plenty.
Difficult right?
I mean I totally get letting your child destroy a priceless and irreparable thing because stopping them is just so damn hard, and expensive too. I mean a whole SEVEN. DOLLARS.?!? Way too rich for my blood.
http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Kid-Keeper-Count/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=zg_bs_2237486011_9
I don't have a ton of toys, but my baby loves this thing: https://smile.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Sensory-Teether-Activity/dp/B000BNCA4K/
He also really digs his exersaucer/jumperoo (similar to this, but you can pick one up at a yard sale for like $15 or less: https://smile.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-K6070-Rainforest-Jumperoo/dp/B000LXQVA4/), which has different toys all around the rim and allows him to jump up and down endlessly. He hated his swing, is meh on the bouncer seat, but has a ball in this.
I don't think you need to make a big deal for a baby so young. I'm not worrying about it and I have an active 7 month old daughter. But here are some toys she liked
Twilight Turtle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BNQC58/ref=gs_htljs
Sleep Sheep (we had the giraffe instead, but we needed the white noise feature to get our daughter to sleep for a few months)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GKWA66/ref=gs_htljs
Kick piano
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Precious-Planet-Kick-Piano/dp/B0028K2RME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324308002&sr=8-1
hahaha maybe you just need some childlocks! I bought these off of Amazon to keep my toddler out of our cleaning chemicals, and they work well!
We have this:
http://www.amazon.com/Ubbi-10000-Diaper-Pail-White/dp/B00821FLT4/ref=sr_1_10?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1414244485&sr=1-10&keywords=Diaper+pail
Yes, it's expensive but it works! We also got it at Buy Buy Baby with a 20% off coupon which is incredibly easy to find. It uses regular trash bags so that's great, and as long as you remember to close the lid, it keeps all the smell contained. The only downside we've found is that because it's so big, it holds like a weeks worth of diapers, and then the bag is so crazy heavy when it's time to change it that I can't lift it and my husband has to do it! Not such a bad downside for me actually :)
Great advice! I think I am going to order some lanolin right now to start prepping for breastfeeding. Thanks for writing out all your tips =)
Also, this reminded me of something:
> Our first night home, hubs and I had a hard time sleeping out of anxiety because Quinn wasn’t in our room. His room/crib is literally fifteen steps from our bed but it made us uncomfortable not being able to look at him and hear his little fusses and snorts.
You may get better sleep if you look into a Snuza Hero or Angel Care Monitor! They both track the babies breathing and will alert you if it doesn't detect anything for 20 seconds. They aren't inexpensive but you may be able to find them second-hand or at consignment. I know I got much higher quality sleep when I wasn't lifting my head to make sure LO was breathing 5 times a night.
http://www.amazon.com/Snuza-ILSHER-Baby-Monitor-Hero/dp/B008OJ7C6Y
http://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Movement-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B00GU07FLQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1411361301&sr=1-1&keywords=angel+care
It gets easier, but there are regressions which will catch you off guard. Sleep will get better then get worse. It's the cycle as they grow and become more aware of their world and their senses. Behavior will get seemingly better and then get worse. But if you add another child to the mix the ENTIRE dynamic changes!
One thought directly related to the cold... Are you using a Nose Frida?
Baby Nasal Aspirator NoseFrida the Snotsucker with 20 Extra Hygiene Filters by Frida Baby https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RP0GHBO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2Xq4Db0MCS76P
If you're not using the Nose Frida to keep nightime coughs and stuffy noses at bay, then you're doing it wrong!! I have 3 kids, of which #1 did not have the Nose Frida used on her. She had bad nights when she was sick... Would get bad post nasal drip which would cause coughing spats and sleepless nights. #2 and #3 have had the Nose Frida used on them and (knock on wood), we have not had a fully sleepless night due to sickness.
My wife and I are in the throes of parenthood right now. 10F, 4M, 2M. It's insanity at our house. But we do our best, support each other and try our best to cling to the good moments and try and let the bad/annoying/frustrating stuff go (but that's not easy!).
So it gets better, no doubt. Just have to try your best and hold on for the ride as there are many aspects of them growing up you'll never really be able to change or control.
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!
We hardly ever used the regular c-shaped Boppy (I did not breastfeed) but we got a TON of use out of the Boppy Newborn Lounger. So good for laying baby down anywhere, and it has a handle so it's easy to carry with you from room to room.
This has been a lifesaver for me and my 3 week old. She let's me put her there next to me on the couch and will sleep for a few hours in it.
Boppy Newborn Lounger, Elephant Love Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014A7MABU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qO-Rzb4489R98
I never had a dock a tot, but we use the shit out of our boppy infant lounger.
We got one for our shower with our first daughter along with the normal C shaped boppy, which we never used. We use it for bottle feeding and just setting her down when need be. As she grows and gets longer, her feet just hang over the age, so we used it with our first daughter until she was about a year old. There were times we let the kids sleep in it, but it's not recommended for sleeping (but you have to do what you have to do). I was always pretty comfortable putting the kids in it to sleep until they started rolling. It seemed to help with our second because she had a bit of reflux and she was propped up a bit.
I've literally washed it a million times, sewn the seams together twice (it gets a lot of use, not that it's cheaply made), it's traveled with us everywhere. We use it inside and outside, etc.
The only downside i've found is that my cat loves it, so we have to kick him off constantly.
Wow. I really like that babylist website! Never seen it before. Very easy to read and the font is nice too. I used the click connect 35 car seat/stroller for my last baby and was very happy with it. I hope you like it too :)
Edit: can I recommend the boppy newborn lounger? It is my favorite baby gear item. It's a safe place to put down your newborn and they can nap there too (must be supervised though!). Also inexpensive. boppy newborn lounger
I got a haakaa pump to catch the milk that leaks from the opposite breast while my baby feeds from the other one. (I don’t use the suction though to avoid creating more demand for milk.) I just prop it under my breast to catch what drips out and then I store it in the fridge. That helps because I’m not wasting the milk and it doesn’t go all over me or the baby.
I also bought the lansinoh ultimate protection nipple pads and they are AMAZING. They hold so much milk and you can avoid getting milk on your bra or clothes.
And I got the lansinoh nipple cream because it’s safe for baby, no need to wipe it off before she eats. And I haven’t had dry or cracked nipples yet!
My baby is only 11 days old but this combo has been working so far!
YAYS:
Chux pads, hands down, were the best purchase we made. Those saved us so much laundry and so many diapers. The link is hit or miss - one box we got was great and quilted, the second box was not quilted and they fall apart more easily. Which really sucks because we're not going through several a day anymore, so it has time to really fall apart before it gets soiled. Even the shitty ones are incredibly helpful.
A Haakaa breast milk catcher. Best money I've ever spent. I stopped using it every day at 11 months PP. 11 months of daily use.
An electronic nail file. I cut too close once, and decided I don't ever want to do that again. It's quiet, it has a little light on it, two speeds, and a bunch of different nail heads.
Stacking cups. Don't know why we even have other toys. Did you know you can throw them and chase after them and then throw them again, mom? You can put them inside each other! You can put them in the toy basket and then take them out and then put them back in again! You can knock them down when mom & dad foolishly stack them up! You can clack them together! You can bang them against EVERYTHING!!
This inflatable tub. It has a little shoehorn for the crotch so you can use it before baby can totally sit up by themselves. We're still using it because my child is dead set on committing suicide in the bathtub.
Sleeved bibs. Or as we like to call them, eatin' ponchos. We got some "art smock" cheaper ones to alternate with, but the Bumkins one is 👌👌👌 so much better. The art smocks are fabric-y on the body, so they stain.
A ring sling. No link because I actually borrowed from my local babywearing community. But I checked out a ring sling back to back to back. My chonker outgrew the Moby wrap I had (which was super hot and a PITA to get on and off) by 3 months when I finally discovered ring slings. Ring slings are like the cool, breezy older sister.
A yoga ball. We spent hours bouncing our child.
NAYS:
This Graco Swing. Well, any swing, but this is the one we had. Of the several swings at daycare, my baby tolerated one kind...for a few minutes. Obviously this is a my baby thing.
A walker. We got one used from a garage sale before we realized they're not really recommended for babies anymore.
Any chew-toy specific type teether.
If you decide to go the route of discreet pumping in public area, I would suggest using https://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8 cups and quiet battery operated electric pump. The freemies can be worn under a loose fitting shirt with just a couple of thin tubes going to the pump.
Keep the breastmilk. You don't need a fridge, an ice pack will keep it cool.
When I got the chance I did some searching and found some experts showing how it's done. Same technique applies for adults (of course your mouth is a bit larger so you'll probably end up taking more in, but it all works out).
Aim the boobie for the roof of the mouth, when your mouth takes in the boobie it'll slide down to where it's almost gagging you.
You'll make like a seal and it'll just stay where it's supposed to be. You use your tongue to massage the teat (Don't know how else to describe it, but once you play around you'll figure it out, and breathe through your nose.
As the suckler it was a bit weird and until I learned to relax my jaw got a little tired trying to do more work than necessary.
Your nipples being a little sensitive afterwards sounds normal. I know nursing mothers sometimes get cracking, but there are fixes for that
I don’t know if it’s available in the UK but I used mother’s love nipplecream.
link
Get a couple of the childproofing covers if you're really concerned.
I personally would not 3D print this part, socket covers are basically free on amazon. If you break a tine off the 3D printed part inside the receptacle it will be a PITA to get it out.
The only reason I could see going with 3D printing is if you add some kind of fun theme over the standard plain ones. But here again, I don't think it is a good idea to attract a toddler's attention to the outlet.
My son is 7 months old, I stay at home with him and heres what we like: Books, These stacking cups , this annoying cube , this tactile ball , we've had this one for longer but he still loves to chew on it and shake it around , he also likes to chew on and cuddle with any fabric so maybe more muslin swaddle blankets (if you don't already have enough!), plus they can double as burp cloths! Also, when it get closer you could ask for seasonal clothes in the right size (my son has been in 9 month outfits since 5 months so you might want to wait to be sure of sizing).
Travel safe! Its been years since I didn't check neo in the airport, though, that would be weird for me.
And good luck researching baby stuff. I bought one of these things for a baby shower and man, it was ADORABLE.
We're almost eleven months out (OMG, HOW?) and this has been our experience:
> If you use a dresser for a changing table, do you need a way to keep the baby from falling off while you’re reaching for supplies?
> Are diaper pails necessary over a regular trash can?
> Should we store diaper change equipment up on an open shelf that doesn’t require hands to open a drawer?
> Ambient vs task lighting? Nightlights?
> Blackout curtains for napping?
> A recliner that’s comfy enough to doze in?
> Is a light colored rug a terrible idea?
Anyway. Our experience. Hopefully you find a few pearls in there that are helpful to you!
Lanolin is the crowd favorite here. Some people shy away from it because it's actually a nipple-chafing cream, but it's a natural substance with no irritating additives. Many people find that it works FAR better than any of the typical lip-care products. This is the version that most people use, though you can search for products that are made with lanolin but look like typical lip-care products.
Oh my god I can so relate to this. To get over it, I can't recommend this monitor enough. It beeps if no movement/breathing is detected for 15 seconds, and it's allowed me to feel so much better when the baby is sleeping. I see now that there is a version of this that comes with a video monitor, which I didn't see when I bought mine, but looks pretty awesome.
The one drawback to this monitor is that it's pretty stationary since it needs to be plugged in and there are cords, so it doesn't work if you have your baby sleeping in several places. For something more mobile, I've heard good things about the Snuza monitor that you clip onto the baby's diaper and it vibrates and has an alarm if it senses no movement.
Note that for both kinds of monitors, having anything that moves in the crib (like a mobile) or using it when baby is in a swing or bed sharing (in the case of the Snuza) can interfere with effectiveness.
Hope that helps!
We used this:
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Play-Portable-Playard/dp/B00KBGTRAC
Not nearly as big (especially if you combine multiple giant gates together), but it's easily transported to non-child-safe houses and works great outdoors too.
Until they hit ~2.5, and decide that the tiny area allocated to them is no longer big enough, no matter how many toys are inside. And then they hit 3, and are able to climb over the walls.
My son tossed an animal into his crib this weekend. He climbed in after it, and asked to be let out. Thank heaven there's some kind of cognitive block there; he hasn't yet tried to climb out but he certainly could. I think I have less than a month left before nap time becomes much more difficult.
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Play-Portable-Playard/dp/B00KBGTRAC/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540482637&sr=8-1&keywords=summer+infant+play+yard&dpID=41ScPp5hwoL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
This is what we have for our 11mo boys. It packs up like a camp chair and is easy to setup and tear down. The floor of it is slightly padded and the boys enjoy it. Also came with a hanging tablet mount if you want to put up a movie or something for them.
Mother's Love worked great for me. It can also double as diaper cream.
My son would have ripped off the tape lickety-split. Outlet plugs are pretty cheap. It's a baby proofing item I'd definitely get. They're inexpensive. Amazon has 36 for $2.09.
My kid was like this at some points, and at other stages he would sedately hold my hand and stay by me with no problem. I'm just gonna tell you that some kids are completely insane and do whatever they want sometimes with no warning. It is totally mind-boggling how they switch back and forth as they grow.
My only way of making sure my kid didn't get snatched by a stranger, fall into the shark exhibit at the aquarium (almost happened to my friend's kid while I was right there!), or get creamed by a car was a kid leash.
Basic for $9
Cute Giraffe for $18
There is no rush to buy toys as others have said. Tummy time should begin at birth and you could try to get toys that will hold LO’s attention in that position before they learn to reach for things:
Next up would be a playard (the Kick n Play Piano one was super popular in our Bumper group) to hang things overhead that they’ll eventually bat at or kick. The Manhattan Toys with lots of strings or loops are great first toys to grasp. You might also like some plastic chain links, which can be toys/teethers on their own at first and graduate to tools for tethering toys in the stroller/car seat.
I was thinking it was one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Turtle/dp/B000BNQC58
the lazy man's route!
Definitely do positive reinforcement classes. Our trainers used a time out technique for instances when a pup needed correction. Instead of using NO as a verbal cue to indicate something bad, since it's so over used, we were taught to use TOO BAD. Even now at 3, if I tell my dog TOO BAD, he knows he did something wrong. The technique we used was to mark the inappropriate behavior with the verbal cue, and then immediately put him in a quick 15-20 second time out.
We used an open topped playpen like this: https://www.amazon.com/North-States-Superyard-Metal-Gate/dp/B000U5FOT2/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1467385077&sr=1-1
This was really useful whenever he would go over threshold, chew on something that was off limits, or dealing with his adolescent nipping phase.
The sooner you start, the more success you will have. Good luck!
We have a set of these:
metal super-gates of awesomeness
no horizontal footholds = no way to climb.
they're more expensive, but they're pretty good quality.
I strongly, strongly advise against a convertible for a newborn.
You should really get an infant carseat then buy a convertible one once baby outgrows the infant one. The infant carseat is the one you can remove from the car to carry baby in, which is a HUGE bonus - you don't have to wake baby when you're out running errands, he can just stay sleeping while you carry him around. Having to take baby out of the seat and put him back in while running errands will piss him off and it's very annoying. Also, you'll have to find something to put him in while you're in the store, for example. It's also SO much easier to buckle him in the seat in the house then click it into the car.
You can also buy a travel system where the carseat clicks into a stroller frame - HUGE plus! This is what we had: https://www.amazon.com/Chicco-Keyfit-Caddy-Stroller-Frame/dp/B005JDOYF0 & the matching Chicco Keyfit 30 carseat.
I understand wanting to save money, but your life will be so so so much easier with an infant carseat. I'd find another item to save money on if money is an issue.
Also, convertible carseats don't have the neck support that infant ones do because they don't recline as much, so your newborn's head will flop forward, which is a safety issue on its own (positional asphyxiation).
We put together the Pack N Play and the crib over the weekend. Every day since the nursery-in-progress has been my happy place. I was planning to wait until after the anatomy scan (coming Monday) for the big purchases, just in case, but they went on sale and I can't pass a good bargain. I've been finally feeling confident that I have a healthy baby in there so hopefully I'll be proven right at the appointment.
Word to the wise: We put together the Pack N Play first because we thought it would be easier. We were so, so very wrong. This was the most frustrated we have both been in a hot minute. Those instructions are not super clear and there were a ton of little parts. Prepare yourselves!
One last tip for those who are yet to put theirs together. On the one we got, it told us to put the mattress in the bottom after expanding the main part out and clicking the rods into place. There were a slew of hard to reach snaps and velcro to secure it into place. Then we added the mesh basket-type thing above it. After, it said to remove the mattress from the bottom and place it into the mesh basket. I wanted to rip my hair out, so hopefully you won't waste any time with that non-sense after seeing this.
I am a fan of Graco pack and plays that have the basinet and changing table attached. It's perfect for the first few months when the baby sleeps in your room and take up so little space for their function.
Here's one I like: https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Playard-Bassinet-Changer-Rocking/dp/B005UV0USQ/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1481487182&sr=1-4&keywords=graco+pack+and+play
I got you, bruh! Here you go!
Edit: Also, le asshole cat gives his judgment
I love my diaper pail so much!! I got the Ubbi diaper pail. I have never smelled anything coming out of that thing, the seals are so good (unless I forget and leave it open, but that's not their fault). It's stainless steel so the dog can't get into it, cause my dog has been known to eat plastic to get to something he wants to eat. I use regular kitchen trash bags with it. It's expensive for a can that holds poop, but it's cheaper than a good regular stainless steel trash can. I highly recommend it!
We love this https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00821FLT4/
Cause its basically an adult version on THIS.
Also maybe look into trying the Haakaa. It’s a pump you use on the opposite breast while the baby is nursing. It just suctions on and does the work for you. It’s very easy to use and only costs about $15. Just another tool to help keep your breasts as empty as possible. Good luck!
Edit: here’s the link
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump 4oz/100ml,2019 New Style https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CEIrDbDCREG7N
Hi! We ran off of advice given to us and some lists online. (Lucie's list is really good.) What is unique to where you live? When are you due?
For example, I'm due Nov 7 and in Colorado. So we registered for warmer baby beanies as well as cold weather clothes like long sleeve footies and such. I also made sure to register for car window shades because the sun in Colorado is no joke. I added in a set of wetbags because I've heard they're insanely useful. There's also a rocking chair because my mom had one with me and my sister and swears by it.
We didn't register for any of the health kit things because they have a lot of stuff we've been told not to use (nail clippers) and other stuff we know we won't use (the bulb nose clearers are great I'm sure but the nurse at the infant class told us to just get the Nose Frida. We just put in a baby thermometer you can use under the baby's arm, nail files, comb and brush kit, and Boudreaux's Butt Paste because my mom was adamant we don't need to bother with anything else. I know we'll need to get baby Tylenol but I didn't bother to register for it. (Maybe I'll go ahead and add that now...) OH! Also teething stuff but you already got that. If I mentioned something you already have sorry, I got a bit carried away.
Anyway. It might help to go to Buy Buy Baby or Target or some place to register in person, just put everything cute on the list. You can shorten the list later but this will give you a broad scope if you're worried you're forgetting something.
How is the one that you linked different from this one that is already $12? Just doesn’t come with a lid? https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Breast-Manual-Silicone-Breastfeeding/dp/B07CWK4S5W
You can get the actual Hakaa or a similar brand on Amazon that includes a stopper and lid!
This was the only piece I needed to use Medela parts with my S2.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DGEDVUM/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1496459635&sr=8-1&keywords=spectra+to+medela+adapter&dpPl=1&dpID=31cWLYYI1hL&ref=plSrch
I'd recommend getting a few sets of them, I would lose one from time to time and then I'd be stuck only pumping one breast at a time until my replacement arrived. That was not fun.
These work very well to just slip into your bra cups. however practice with them first, if you use them incorrectly they will leak! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Z8xRBbAFN7ET8
The spectra suckles somehow, and is much more gentle. I had the medela first, and when I ordered the spectra I was disappointed at first because the letdown mode is much slower, and I was worried it would not work for me. However, the suckling feels more similar to breastfeeding and once I got used to the pump I had no issues with letdowns. The medela generally gets the job done, but I feel a bit more like a cow in a factory getting my udders yanked :)
Regarding the parts - I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/Maymom-Breastshield-Connects-Backflow-Protector/dp/B01DGEDVUM . This allows the spectra to be used with the medela flanges and bottles. So I can use the same parts and bottles for both of my pumps. If you just have the spectra though, you can use the parts it comes with.
I posted this on beyond the bump, but for others:
I have that play gym with the clouds and stuff. Very cute, but I wish I chose something with brighter colors/more contrast.
I don't know why these aren't more popular- wipeable changing pad covers:
https://www.target.com/p/wipeable-changing-pad-cover-with-plush-sides-arrows-cloud-island-153-gray/-/A-51911979#lnk=sametab
This was my favorite and most used registry gift by far:
https://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Newborn-Lounger-Elephant-Love/dp/B014A7MABU/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1501707491&sr=8-1&keywords=boppy+lounger
I really, really liked Motherlove. It's herbal, and super smooth and soft. I couldn't stand trying to mash the hard Lansinoh onto my already sore nipples. One note of warning though, it's mostly oils so will stain clothes/bras if you don't have anything protecting them.
:( don't feel lonely! We're all here :) I think [outlet plugs] (http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Outlet-Plugs-Pack/dp/B00081J3N6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395859358&sr=8-2&keywords=baby+proofing), [corner guards] (http://www.amazon.com/Prince-Lionheart-Corner-Guards-Chocolate/dp/B002SG7JSU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1395859358&sr=8-4&keywords=baby+proofing) and [toilet lid locks] (http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Toilet-Seat-Lid-Lok/dp/B000GE1MEI/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1395859428&sr=8-6&keywords=baby+proofing) are all must haves.
Install two of these. :)
We used a harness when my son was learning to walk, from about 9 to 18 months. But it was mostly to help him learn. He was falling quite a bit. It looked a bit like this:
https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Kid-Keeper-Count/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=pd_bxgy_75_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Q5BXFDFQ1K0QE0SB1K60
But I think at 18 months, your child might not accept it and you may have trouble getting her to wear it. However, she is now old enough for discussion. For example, I would try to speak to her before going to the shop:
"Do you want to come with me to the shop? Or do you want to stay home with Daddy? If you come to me, you have to stay in the shopping cart seat and behave. If you do not want to do that, you should stay home."
She might not get that completely at first. But slowly, such negotiations in advance should help to improve the situation.
You mean like this? I see them all the time out on trails in popular areas.
Ideally you don’t want baby in the car seat for more than 2 hours at a time without taking a break.
For toys... get some new toys to introduce on the drive. Some ideas off the top of my head from that age are things that shake a make noise (you can put some dry rice in a sealed container and it makes a cheap shaker), touchy feely books like jellycat books like this or this, large silicone straws, multi textured balls, winkle toy
-1. Here's an amazing bed!
-1A. Here's another bed, which corresponds to my bonus answer
-2. The best bedtime snack for camping!!
-3. Can you picture yourself in these flannel pajamas??
-4. Multi-purpose for when you just want to cuddle!
-5. Whispering waves to help your baby sleep! (And match your adult nightlight!
BONUS: What's black and white and red all over?^^a^sunburnt^^panda!
She used to say she could taste sleep and that it was as delicious as a BLT on fresh French bread.
"decor for boys" Gah!!!! That sort of thing makes me so stabby!
I think it is a fabulous mobile for a little girl. Don't forget about a Twilight Turtle, too.
Save a few bucks.
Twilight Turtle
We bought two of these to go across our fireplace and TV stand. They worked great.
https://www.amazon.com/North-States-Superyard-Metal-Gate/dp/B000U5FOT2
Go get a baby gate with a proper gate on them. They're relatively inexpensive. I suggest getting the tall ones so the cats can't jump over it
Now, the cats can just walk through the bars, so to prevent that in my house I bought a sheet of fiberboard (it's in the same section as the peg board at hardware stores) and cut it to size, then I drilled some holes and zip tied it to the baby gate. In my case I turned it into a chalk board for my daughter, but it keeps my ferret & cat out of the hallway.
>> but this requires confidence that you will never, ever leave the nursery door open; never, ever turn your back on the baby when your partner comes in the door to ask a question.
Just get a self-closing baby gate. The extra tall ones are nearly cat and dog-proof (I use a 42 inch gate to keep my cats from getting into my sewing workshop when I'm not home) and the door can still be closed with the gate in place for added security. A $40 gate can keep pets and babies separated until you're 100% sure that the pet is appropriately socialized.
Well-socialized pets generally aren't going to seek out a baby to attack (the idea of cats getting "jealous" and attacking a baby is pure myth). It's much easier for a cat to get into a crib than out of a crib, though, and a cat who finds itself trapped in an enclosed space with an unfamiliar animal is likely to panic. So it's a good idea to keep cat and baby separated until the baby is past the crib stage. Cats aren't as trainable as dogs, but they're really not that hard to train if you keep natural cat behavior in mind.
I'm sure there are rare cases of exceptionally violent animals who can't be kept in a house with children at all, but a responsible owner will explore behavioral therapy and other options before giving up the pet.
Ended up ordering this!
Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate, Bonus Kit, Includes 6-Inch Extension Kit... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OC5UNA/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_daqTBbWSVV65G
I have a 50lb <1y/o mutt, a rather pissy big old cat, and a tiny grumpy old man bunny. The dog chases both of them, but he chases everything (leaves, bugs, birds, anything that moves). Cat holds her own, so pup will chase her if she runs down the hall, but backs away as soon as she stops. And when he "gets" the bunny, he just stands over him. I'm still cautious (bunny basically lives under the bed & has escape routes) and I keep the dog separated from the rabbit when we're not home, but I've been happy to see that they get along well.
But I do want to caution you on what type of gates to get if you go this route for extra security: my mutt was like a rock climber, he scaled or pushed his way under the baby gate. We finally got rid of the old one & picked up one of the ones that's primarily vertical bars so he couldn't climb it. It's been amazing.
https://smile.amazon.com/Regalo-Easy-Step-Extra-White/dp/B001OC5UNA/ref=sr_1_9_s_it?s=baby-products&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1500641106&amp;sr=1-9&amp;keywords=baby+gate
I hope they end up getting along beautifully, but if he's a chaser like mine, always keep escape routes/areas and separate areas of the house for them. If he ever seems like he's making an effort to actually get the cats & hurt them, seriously consider rehoming them. It sucks, but as said before, having a dog that's killed another pet is just awful.
What about one of the accordion style closet doors? Will take up much less space in your kitchen when you open it (or even enough to still open into the laundry room?)
There are also vinyl ones that fold up much tighter, but they usually look kinda cheap.
They do make taller baby gates that are about waist high (here for example), but still might not be tall enough for you.
I hunted around for something similar for a long time and finally found this. It's listed as a baby gate but stands 41 inches tall. It's worked very well for me, neither of my cats (one seven pound, one thirteen pound cat) has attempted to jump over it yet. (I've had it since June)
We have a Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate. It's too high for the cats to jump and for the toddler to climb. The toddler can open it if it's unlocked but that's not an issue for us given where we use it.
Edit: This probably won't help you. I misunderstood your cat-restraining needs. We need to keep our cats out of where the gate goes. You want yours to be able to jump it.
Believe me, you're in for a bit of a challenge in the playing regard. It's pretty important to not let them play at all initially.
/u/AnalgesicSex explained it very well above, but basically they are taking the knee apart, grinding/cutting away in there, and trying to put it back together better than before. It's pretty fragile until the muscle grows back, so if you're not able to keep them calm, our vet(s) recommended crate rest only for a few weeks. In our case, we bought this (extra tall, he's a lab) baby gate and put it on the door to our office. I basically kept him in here with me every possible waking hour, and put him in the crate when I couldn't directly supervise. It wasn't much fun for him, but the dogs all got used to it very quickly.
Surprisingly enough, neither! We got a dog with a totally shaved leg (it looks hilarious) and some gruesome nasty crusty staples covering the raw incision. I was pretty surprised myself, but they said it was better to let it air out. They did provide us with a cone of shame (Elizabethan collar), but we didn't need it after the first day. We were also on an antibiotic for 10 days. As always, YMMV with that stuff, and I'm sure the vet will do whatever is best for your pup. Our main concern was to go above and beyond all the instructions to ensure the recovery went well.
We were fortunate enough to be gifted the Chicco Keyfit 30 system and the accompanying stroller frame. These things were THE BEST. The base installs in less than a minute and then you just plop the car seat in it and it clicks and secures into place. To get it out you just press in the little handle deal and it comes right out. Easy AF and such a time and back saver. Then if you get the stroller frame the seat will click into that the same way. It folds up with ease and has plenty of storage space. All the while not really having to disturb the little one. We used that shit ALL the time. Only downside is it's pretty expensive, but you're looking at a stroller, carseat and base that will last quite a while.
You can have a sturdy stroller that also has a snap-in option for your car seat. Not sure what reviews you saw that said the strollers were collapsing on their own, but it might have more to do with the method by which they collapse than having a car seat attached. Just a guess.
You might want to consider a travel system. You can get the Chicco KeyFit with base and a stroller that will last through the toddler years for $310. Another option is to get the stroller you’ve already picked, and get a car seat caddy to use while your baby is still an infant. The Chicco caddy is $100.
Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System, Papyrus https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YWHYX8W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Nr1JAbMYPJG4Y
Chicco Keyfit Caddy Stroller Frame https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JDOYF0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dr1JAbQFWKX3P
Can definitely recommend this one:
https://www.amazon.com/Graco-Playard-Bassinet-Changer-Rocking/dp/B005UV0USQ/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1484625131&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=pack+n+play+cuddle+cove
This was my older daughter's main crib until she turned 2. As a newborn in a small apartment, we loved having the little "cuddle cove," which served as her bouncy seat/rock n' play and the changing table was nice for the first few weeks to have right next to my bed. It comes with a little diaper organizer that attaches, plus an attachable nightlight which was awesome for checking if she was breathing without waking her up, plus changing those midnight diapers without turning all the lights on. Plus it's cute and matches my bedroom decor :) Can't wait to get it out again for #2.
We used this one. Baby slept in the bassinet all over the house wherever we went. It was never for unsupervised sleeps though, we had an Arm's Reach for that.
Graco Pack 'n Play Playard with Cuddle Cove Rocking Seat, Winslet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UV0USQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_LZ7EAbMQE08VT
This is the Holy Grail: https://www.amazon.com/Ubbi-Saving-Special-Required-Locking/dp/B00821FLT4
Same here. Diaper genie drew us in because it was inexpensive initially, but they get you with all the refills you have to buy. We picked up one of these Ubbi's and while it seemed like a lot upfront we can use our kitchen garbage bags we get in bulk from Costco in it.
Ubbi more expressive but it uses whatever bags you normally would in your kitchen. It keeps ANY smell in. It's awesome. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00821FLT4/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1394731099&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=SY200_QL40
Lanolish. It's actually marketed as a nipple cream for breastfeeding moms, but it makes a fabulous lip balm. Head over to /r/skincareaddiction to see many raves about it. It's the only thing that can help my lips in dry winter months. They'd be cracking and damn near bleeding before I found this stuff. After a day or so, they were back to soft and feeling great. Make sure you aren't allergic to wool/sheep products, but otherwise try it out.
Its possible because sometimes they are strong enough to do this - they get very frustrated because back sleeping is NOT the most comfortable way for them to sleep. Stomach sleeping is more comfortable for most newborns. They also tend to be less...pudgy...at a week old. Its quite possible that as time goes on and she acquires those adorable little baby rolls that she will lose her ability to do this for a while until she grows enough muscle to once again be able to roll over. At the same time, she might not ever stop rolling, every baby is different.
You really can't prevent it, unless you don't want to sleep. I would just do all of the other SIDS prevention techniques to ensure that she is safe - keep her room at a cool enough temperature, use a fan, no blankets, have her use a pacifier while she sleeps, etc. Also, you can use an Angelcare monitor or a Snuza monitor to help ease your worries.
Highly recommend this one. Now that my 9 month old is mobile this is a lifesaver! You can also bring it to the beach and ours came with a sunshade. https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Play-Portable-Playard/dp/B00KBGTRAC
Invest in a pop and play. It's super portable, much bigger than a pack and play, and you can put the kiddos toys in it and let them go to town no stress.
Summer Infant Pop N' Play Portable Playard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBGTRAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ruHvybGPTTGXX
I use this. It’s been great and even though it’s only 1 oz, I still have a lot left after BF for 6 weeks.
My son thought it was hilarious to bite me and get a reaction. I️ would gently press his face into my breast like I️ read about, but that did not help. I️ then just took him off the breast and stopped the session for a few minutes, that seemed to make a better point. I️ used Motherlove nipple salve and it helped but I️ remember one time I️ actually had to avoid nursing on one side for a day (hand pumped when needed, pink milk was interesting). Good luck!
Motherlove Nipple Cream Certified Organic Salve for Sore Cracked Nursing Nipples, 1 Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007CQ726/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_PFhbAbPJS8TFP
I hate lanolin/the idea of wool grease, but MotherLove makes a really nice organic and (minus the beeswax) plant-based one of you ever decide you want to try something else. I like it!
Here's the link if you're interested: Motherlove Nipple Cream Certified Organic Salve for Sore Cracked Nursing Nipples, 1 Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007CQ726/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_VKOFxbT6WEZ29
MotherLove makes a great nipple cream that doesn't have any lanolin. This site has some really great videos and fact sheets about what breastfeeding looks like and how to handle difficulties. Have some Soothies in the fridge for at first when your nipples HURT. Don't have formula ready to go "just in case" as it will inhibit your ability to trust that you can feed your baby. Trust yourself, your baby, your body. See if there's a La Leche League group near you and start going to meetings before the baby comes. You'll get a chance to see breastfeeding in person if you haven't before, as well as meet lots of moms who can talk you through tough times in person (which is huge). Some moms there might even be willing to show you how their babies latch and what you can expect.
The single best 2 pieces of advice I got: Don't be afraid to get help. Never quit on a bad day.
This is the kind I use. Bought mine at Target, but here's an Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Motherlove-Certified-Organic-Cracked-Nursing/dp/B0007CQ726
I love this list, I kept thinking "ditto!" with almost everything you wrote! Because I can't help myself, here is some of my feedback on some of those products:
For boob cream- I loooove the Motherlove Nipple Cream. The Earth Mama Angel Baby one was really grainy to me, and I'm not a big fan of the cocoa butter smell (to each their own!). The Motherlove cream saved my nipples those first few weeks and I still use it after a long pumping session.
Leak management- gurl I feel you on being leaky! I am SO leaky. I love the nighttime Bamboobies, they're the only ones that work for me (and I have to switch them out three times a day). The downside is they're pretty obvious through clothing, so when I have to go out of the house I'll pop a disposable lansinoh one in there instead. But Bamboobies all the way!
Leak Collection!- Yes! The Milkies Milksaver I have has been great at catching the ~1oz I leak from the non-nursing side. Now that Miss V and I have more of a breastfeeding pattern that involves her only eating from one side per session I'm going to try out a Haakaa Silicone Pump to see if the suction will draw out even more ounces from the neglected boob.
Extra Pump Parts- NeneSupply on Amazon is a Spectra pumping girl's best friend, especially for hard-ish to find and expensive spare Spectra parts.
Nursing Bras- They're expensive but I'm a total Bravado fanatic. I'm a big girl and they carry a wide variety of sizes, even for the much bigger bust sizes. And they recently released this hands free pumping attachment that, the few times I've experimented with it, was freaking awesome. I hope it continues to be awesome when I go back to work!
Edit:
Oh! I forgot one of my favorite pumping accessories! The Pumpin' Pals Super Shields have made a difference in my output but are also a thousand times more comfortable that regular flanges. Plus you can recline while pumping without spilling breastmilk everywhere! I was gifted these by a friend at my shower and I was skeptical about them living up to the Amazon reviews hype but I am definitely happy to have them.
Amazon has a checklist feature that really helped me build my registry as a FTM. There's also a "Good, Better, Best" checklist that has honest, unbiased reviews of products in each category to highlight the "covers all of the bases, minimal bells and whistles, low cost" to the "all of the crazy shit you will never need but costs a million dollars!"
Here are a couple of things that I selected based on those lists and reviews here:
Breastfeeding pillow
Booger sucker
Wipe warmer (I also picked out a stand for it to protect the dresser I'll be using as a changing station)
Washable organic nipple pads... to answer your question they absorb leaking milk so your shirts don't look like they're crying all the time. disposables exist, too, but I figure why spend more money throwing them away when you can just toss them in the wash. This pack had enough pairs that it's not like you'll run out in between laundry loads, especially with baby making messes!
Motherlove Nipple Cream becaude apparently your nipples will become the Sahara.
I was/am in the exact same boat - first kid, limited funds, starting from scratch, going through reviews and prices drove me insane. It took me probably three months to get my registry together, and, even then, I am still switching things up, lol.
lucieslist.com was invaluable while picking everything out. I highly recommend you check it out.
What we have bought ourselves that fit our tight budget:
Graco Comfy Cruiser Travel System. We had already decided to go with that car seat, given that it seems to be the top-rated budget option, and the stroller ended up being a much-needed bonus. We go on walks a lot, so it works for us. If you don't need the stroller, the seat itself is, I think, only ~$100.
The Pack N Play, which I've heard from literally everyone and their mother is almost a necessity.
Because we don't have an IKEA near us to get our hands on a swanky $99 crib, we bought this DaVinci crib. We still only ended up paying $100 for it, as we found it on sale, however, we would have paid the $200 for it, given that the reviews are good, and, when compared to some other cribs that cost $400 and up, the price isn't bad at all.
As for the rest of the registry, we have on there a Moby wrap (affordable baby wearing, yay!), nail clippers, outlet plugs, nursing pads, a wipes case, a baby tub, baby wash, assorted crib sheets, waterproof crib sheets, Pack N Play mattress, and sheets to go with, crib mattress (we actually bought this one when we found it on sale for $20, and it's just fine), receiving blankets, dirty diaper bags (because we aren't getting a diaper pail, just a small can with a seal-able lid), changing pad, and a cover to go with, pacifiers, Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow, a bottle brush, bottle warmer, thermometer, booger sucker, camera to monitor the baby, and a few other assorted things that I couldn't really find a definitive "best in class" for, so pick at your own discretion: diaper bag, swaddles (although I've read good things about the Summer Infant brand), bottles (we're going with Phillips Avent), a bouncer (we got this one), and a swing.
I agonized over this stuff for what felt like forever, lol, so I hope it helps you and saves you some hair-pulling. It's all so overwhelming!
You will never convince them. I'm not sure the fear of fire is exactly what's going on. They have more to worry about with wall wart power supplies, phone chargers and plugged in laptop supplies.
On another note, I knew crazy people who think cell phones cause cancer, as well as microwave ovens, and even electricity would leak out of unused outlets and had outlet safety plugs in all of their outlets: https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Outlet-Plugs-Count/dp/B00081J3N6
During heavy rain, water can blow the individual fuses within each string of lights -- but more often this is caused by having too many strings of lights connected. Limit it to however many it says on the box.
Water will also trip a breaker. This happened to us with any amount of rain. For years, we'd tape up the ends with a piece of tape, but this gunked up the connecters after a while.
The best solution we found is to use electrical outlet plugs like these
They're cheap and they keep the water out. Good luck!
CRICKET!
http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-Outlet-Plugs-Pack/dp/B00081J3N6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&amp;colid=63XKTOQC8MP2&amp;coliid=I3JWATSHGYQC27
Sorry, I don't know how to make my links short and say things :/
Probably this.
Helpful but boring.
Absolutely not, but I do suggest a harness/tether system or one of those tether backpacks for once they learn to walk but haven't learned to/are too short to hold your hand reliably. I'm pretty sure ours saved both our kids' lives a dozen times.
They've been hard at work over at the occulus labs and they finally have a product to address this. Amazon Link
Quality thick blankets for laying on, a pack and play in the living area as a safe space away from pets, sibling.
I only used the bouncy seat in the bathroom so she was safe and cozy but within eyesight.
The only toys she liked under 6mo were chewy toys, silicone or other flexible rubber toys. Comptomo teether
Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BNCA4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OOaEDbJK6RZHF
It's only recommended that babies use jumpers for max 15 minutes a day, so I wouldn't buy something that I could only use for that short amount of time. My baby is 5 months old and in the last month I bought the foam puzzle mat pieces that I can arrange on the floor and let her roll around. I propped up a cheap door mirror sideways on the wall so she can look at herself while rolling on the mat, and she loves to stare at herself and laugh. I also have a few different small toys for her. The favorite for the past few weeks has been this one: https://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Sensory-Teether-Activity/dp/B000BNCA4K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1497457560&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=winkel+toy
He loves any of the Lamaze stuffed animals since they have bright colors and different textures. We have the monkey, cat, turtle and firefly (favorite is the firefly). He also loves this thing because he can grab it easily and stick it in his mouth.
Lol my two year old is the same with every flashlight he’s ever had. Turtle light we have one of these for the two year old and one in our 9 month olds crib too, the lights aren’t that bright and they can press the buttons to change the colors. We hear the two year old at night sometimes going “wooaahhhhh stars!!!” Haha it’s cute.
For the 4 month old, toys that build sensory awareness are really good. Things like balls with different textures, different sizes, etc. There is a seahorse that Fisher Price makes that plays music that both my kids loved at that age. They make blue and pink.
For the 1 year olds, I got LeapFrog's Scout/Violet for each of my children on their first birthdays. They were hits with both of them (in fact my 4 year old still plays with her Violet every now and then). Scout is the boy version, Violet is the girl version. They can be personalized with the child's name and it is incorporated into songs that are played and little activities. It's very cool.
For the 20 month old, you could get this Twilight Turtle Constellation Night Light. Each of my children have one (4 yrs and 17 months) and it's a must have at bedtime for each of them. My daughter was so impressed by it, she named hers "wow" and that name has stuck (she's the 4 yo). You could also get the LeapFrog My First Leaptop. Again, both my kids love this (although we only have one and it's my daughter's, my son steals it frequently to play with himself).
Also, I did those recordable books from Hallmark as gifts when my daughter was a year old and she loves them very much. You could do one for your son. They are pretty cool.
Hope this helps!
Best toy. My son has had these for awhile and we use them to teach him letters, animals and other items.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005KBQGH0
Best teether. Yes it's expensive but it's worth it. Instead of trying a bunch of others, just buy this one.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000IDSLOG
He loves this doll. You can customize it to say their name, what songs it plays and a few other things.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001W30D2O
We used this for a nightlight. He has used it since birth (almost 2 now).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BNQC58
Also this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GKWA66
We got two of these to create a baby pen for my son, with the expectation that we'd be adding two more kids to it. It's expensive, but it's awesome. Solid as a rock and because it's bars, rather than a grid pattern on the panels, he can't climb it.
There's nothing wrong with putting your babies in a confined space to keep them safe.
We have two of these and love them. I read a lot of the reviews before getting anything. This one is heavy (toddler can't push it), and has straight bars (rather than e.g. a criss-cross pattern) that toddlers can't climb up easily.
Have you looked at playpens that can also be used as a gate, like this one http://www.amazon.com/North-States-Industries-Superyard-Metal/dp/B000U5FOT2/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1425749099&amp;sr=8-7&amp;keywords=baby+playpen+gate They have removable panels so you can make it smaller, or but additional panels to make it bigger. And if the size isn't perfect you can angle the panels to make it fit.
A little pricier than other options, but I got this one for my GSD puppy and it has been awesome. It's technically for kids but it has worked well for her.
I like that the bars are metal and there are no horizontal bars across it so it keeps them from being able to climb. It is basically indestructible. You can buy additional panels that are super easy to attach. It also comes with a kit to anchor it to walls if you want to use it as a gate to block off rooms instead.
These are the gates I use in my house, they work very well and are tall enough so the dog cannot jump over and the vertical bars do not allow climbing.
I highly recommend the Regalo Easy Step Extra Tall Walk Thru Gate. Toddler went be able to open it, and you don't have to climb over it.
Even an extra tall gate? We have this one from Amazon. It's delightful because it's a walk through door which you don't need to drill into the wall, but it's extra tall so my 2 year old can't climb over it!
Yes there are Chicco travel systems. I'm going with a CitiMini GT stroller and there is an attachment you can buy for it to fit certain car seats including the Keyfit. There's also a Chicco Keyfit Caddy - http://www.amazon.com/Chicco-Keyfit-Caddy-Stroller-Frame/dp/B005JDOYF0/?tag=lucslis-20
Oh ok. Well maybe just something like this that she can put the carseat on? Cheaper than most strollers and as much support as your car seat has.
Chicco KeyFit Caddy Frame Stroller https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JDOYF0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_w5FCCb9GRTE21
I looked at both in the store and decided on the Chicco because it was easier to install (it took all of 20 seconds) and because it fit better in my car's tiny back seat. It also just felt sturdier, although I don't know that that's necessarily true.
They're both heavy, so I would highly recommend a snap-on stroller base. I bought the Chicco brand one, but Baby Trend makes one that will work with the KeyFit too. Plus it's cheaper. If this is your first child I would not recommend getting a convertible car seat just yet. You're going to have a hard enough time maneuvering your newborn in to that carseat and getting him or her strapped in safely with it sitting on a flat surface in front of you. Now imagine trying to shove your little bundle of joy through the small space between the carseat and the back seat, get it all strapped in and comfy, buckled up without pinching anything, all while supporting its floppy little head. And you can forget about not waking him or her up! Oh, and did I mention you'll be leaning over and in to the car to do this? Yeah, not so good for your back either.
We got the stroller that the carseat can just snap into. Our 1MO only likes the stroller if you're willing to really zig-zag a lot and make it pretty bouncy. This one
We are about to get a Ring Sling, because holy hell, the Moby wrap is hot AF. The moby should come with a warning that it's only comfortable if the air temp is less than 80. Even better probably 70.
I would absolutely not get a $900 stroller, unless you're very wealthy and just want it. But if that's the case, I'd probably rather have the overly expensive Snoo Smart Sleeper than an overly expensive stroller, since sleep is gonna be the thing you aren't getting enough of.
I do want the mini changing table. I'm trying to decide between this and this. I can't decide if spending an extra $100 is wasting money out of fear of the unknown or if getting the less expensive once is just being cheap and I'll regret actually living with it.
Which Pack and Play did you register for? The one I want has a bouncy chair with it, so I'm not going to register for a separate swing or anything either.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005UV0USQ?colid=QY2U0MCE4MR4&amp;coliid=I315S19832OJI6&amp;psc=1&amp;ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl
First, you should talk to your extended family to see what they use in their home. They may be able to bring the larger, more expensive items (e.g. baby gates) with them depending on how they're traveling. But I've also made a list below.
Full disclosure: Most of this comes from research and talking to my parent friends since I only have a two week old. Some of these might be unnecessary depending on your home - they're just suggestions.
if it ever becomes a concern, probably 100 childproofing products to choose from
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007A2ZSZ8/
btw, really awesome work on your remodel
We used these at our previous house: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RD46LX
When we moved out, I was able to just use a hair dryer to warm it up and it came off without any problems.
The munchkin things: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007A2ZSZ8 I had a much harder time getting off.
I'd really strongly recommend the Ubbi Diaper Pail.
First, it's human smell-proof. We have our changing table in our bedroom, and never had a problem with it.
Second, that lid should definitely be dog proof. It even has the locking latch so the hatch won't open, but I'd expect a beagle to bee too short for that to be an issue. Between being able to lock the hatch, and maybe put some small weights in the bottom so they can't knock it over, it'll be safe.
Third, the pail just takes normal 13gal bags. We did disposables for newborn, and our normal kitchen bags did great. We have wet bags in it now, and they're still perfect.
The only, only thing I do, and I have no evidence I need to, is leave it open when there's no bag in it to air-dry out a bit. Diapers are exothermic, and it generates some humidity in there. It's a steel pail so I'd like to think I'm offsetting future rust. I'm at least letting nasty diaper humidity get out.
Sorry guys, but I win.
Now I feel like a real shit, my 14 month old has an iPad! and a shiny new iPotty to go with it!
Not quite as bad as this wonderful contraption
http://www.amazon.com/CTA-Digital-iPotty-Activity-Seat/dp/B00B3G8UGQ
My lips are my biggest issue—they're in a neverending peeling cycle. I have really dry skin in general and I can't really breathe through my nose, and I think all the mouthbreathing exacerbates things. I don't get cracking or the red circle around the lips that kids get, but just constant peeling peeling peeling.
I use lanolin. It's the sheep equivalent of sebum, which doesn't sound great, but it's similar to the oils produced by human skin. I use Lansinoh, which is intended for nipples that are chapped from breastfeeding. (Don't buy pure raw lanolin, it will smell like sheep.) I recently found it in these minis, which I really like since they're a normal chapstick size. They helpfully say "SOOTHES & PROTECTS SORE, CHAPPED NIPPLES"... I try not to leave them out when my students are around.
It works best when I use it as a routine several times a day instead of as needed. I always fall back into trying to apply lip products only as needed, which completely does not work for me. I would never wait until I had a problem to apply any other moisturizer, so why do I do it with lip moisturizers? Who knows.
I do the wash cloth exfoliation thing, which maybe helps, but is not nearly enough for me. Does anyone do any intentional chemical exfoliation on their lips? Are there products for that?
I've never really found a solution for my peeling lips and have mostly just learned to live with it. :\
I'm going to try switching to an SLS free toothpaste. I've used them before and didn't notice it helping my lips, but I wasn't looking out for it so who knows.
For SPF I've been using Banana Boat SPF 45 Lip Balm. It's fine.
For cold sores I take 2g of Valtrex (an antiviral used for herpes) when I feel a tingle, and then 2g 12 hours later. If I take it in time it can normally completely prevent an outbreak. I also use Abreva, but only on the sore itself at the very early stages since it works by protecting cells from becoming infected. I don't think there's any point in using it once it erupts, though I'll keep using it on my other lip if it's touching.
Lansinoh Lanolin Nipplecreams for Breastfeeding, 100% Natural Nipple Cream, 3 Mini Tubes (0.25 oz each) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FNZQHJA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AfF4BbXCF4BCN
Or if you’re frugal, you can get three of these little ones. Same stuff just unflavored.
Lanolin is good for this. I use it for my lips but the product I use is marketed for nipples.
link on US Amazon for what I use
$12 for the three small tubes of pure lanolin I mentioned here on Amazon
You can get a bigger tube and just use that if you're the kinda gal to always have a purse on you. I like the convenience of the smaller tubes and a little goes a long way!
I think an Angelcare monitor might help you relax a little more. She'll probably never need it, but at least it'll give you some peace of mind.
http://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Movement-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B00GU07FLQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1394069146&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=angelcare++monitor
The Angelcare monitor, a thousand times over. I knew I did not want a monitor with a video option as I felt I would be checking it REALLY often.
This monitors breathing (and with a baby that insisted on tummy sleeping, this was literally a life saver), room temperature, and has the regular old audio feed as well. At $75 new, it's well worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Movement-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B00GU07FLQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1421948981&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=angelcare+monitor
I had two kiddos that were both born at 25 weeks gestation. They lived in the NICU for 4 months each and came home with no medical equipment. However every single sound, movement etc they made terrified me that something was wrong. I worried to death that they would stop breathing while sleeping. So our doctor recommeneded this for their cribs - Angle Care Breathing Monitor this thing was amazing. If they moved off the pad the monitor freaks out, if they pause breathing for more than 10 seconds it freaks out. From what I am reading you would probably like this. It will help you feel more secure about letting them grow on their own. I think everything will be fine, and you are doing a great job! Besides that worrying means you care and more attention is always better than less with babies.
I've got this one but with two receivers.
We don't use the heartbeat sensor though. I did a lot of monitor research and to be honest there's no real consensus on the "best."
I like this one because it has really good battery life and it's sensitive enough to ignore the sound machine we have and only turn on when the baby cries.
Also, I'd recommend not getting a video monitor. I have plenty of friend that have them and they are checking them all of the time. It raises your anxiety a lot.
I bought this one:
Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor, Aqua/White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GU07FLQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zG1Zzb2NG58V3
> I can barely sleep I'm so terrified I won't hear her struggling
One tangible thing I would suggest is getting a movement monitor, https://amzn.com/B00GU07FLQ or https://amzn.com/B008OJ7C6Y. I scoffed at these for our fist child, but in hindsight she was easy and we were naive. Six miscarriages later and a difficult birth for our second, I totally understand the comfort that these provide - and you need all the sleep you can get!
Summer Infant Pop 'n Play Portable Playard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBGTRAC/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_0sCBwbBJ759YM
This one! It's amazing. Sets up and tears down in less than a minute, no tools or anything, and is big enough so he doesn't feel trapped like in the pack n play / not so huge that it takes up my whole living room
Summer Infant Baby Jail for an option to keep kid and toys cleaner, camped with other adults do there were people to hold the baby sometimes, especially packing up. Because of course, you want to leave for the long drive at naptime. It would not have been possible to camp just the 3 of us last summer without a baby meltdown packing up. At 16m he was walking for 3m and listened to voice commands to stay close and we spent time establishing the "boundaries of the site" and we packed everything we possibly could the night before and went bare bones in the morning. He didn't mind being in the tent while we packed up what was inside. I could do some stuff in a front carry, there was the cold day he would not nap except in my wrap, and my ultimate plan after 6m was a back carry while packing or cleaning if he wouldn't cooperate. Our biggest issue this summer has been the tent being too hot for naps, but luckily I trained mine to do walking naps in the stroller that reclines as we approached a year ago I could walk the camp loops, etc and then roll him into the shade with me. For sure the brightness of a tent is sometimes an issue too, including at bedtime so some backup plans for naps is a good idea, they are more important than ever. This last trip instead of 8:30-7:30, he slept 9-6:30, so almost an extra 90 min needed to be made up in napping if he was going to stay on schedule. But we didn't stress too much, we just looked hard for nap cues and sprung into action so he could get the best rest he could. And no more elaborate meals, if it takes more than 15min to prep and cook, it's too long.
P&Ps: We have two Graco pack & plays that have seen a lot of love and use over the last 2.5 years. I had one with an infant napper and changing pad, and one without the napper. We really used these mostly for Grandma's house and traveling, but they're fantastic to have.
Crib: We did a Baby Appleseed Davenport crib, which was pricey ($700), but we love it. My son is 2.5 and still in the crib, but it can transition to toddler bed and full standard bed as well. I am pregnant with our second child, and instead of buying a new crib, we're going to buy my son a low loft bed and use this crib again for the new baby. The workmanship and quality of Baby Appleseed is amazing, and you can use 20% off for them at BuyBuyBaby.
Carseat: We actually did two, we initially bought the Britax B-Safe 35 Elite system with the B-Agile Stroller. This stroller is amazingly light and compact. The carseat is manageable weight, easy to install base, and holds baby snug and secure. It's also infinitely easier to move the shoulder straps because it's on a slide, rather than having to take the seat apart. We also bought a Graco ClickConnect Jogging Stroller and Carseat. I was not a fan of this carseat when my son was a newborn. It was too large for him, and he moved around too much when strapped in, ending up at weird angles that gave me anxiety. Once he was about 3 months old though, this was fantastic. I highly recommend getting a jogger if you like to be outside. Despite being in a brand new development, our sidewalks are wonky and the jogger absorbs a lot of the shock. We took him to Renaissance Festival in this stroller and we still take walks with this stroller, when he tolerates it. Once he was around 8 months, we transitioned to Graco Extend-2-Fit and we're still in that now.
Extra non-newborn necessity item: Summer Infant Portable Play Yard - we spend a ton of time outside and this was great for when my son was smaller (5-11 months) and we didn't want to plop him in the grass or throw down a blanket. It's super portable, super easy to set up and take down. Highly recommend.
Here is the playpen. It's so easy to travel with.
FridaBaby Nose Frida Nasal Aspirator for those that want the link.
Ok, I will try to format this nicely, but for some reason it always comes out TERRIBLY, so if you see it's been edited, it's just for formatting. Also, I didn't do any sort of price search, so these links aren't the best price guaranteed.
Dream Team Pumping Purchases
As for bottles to attach...you can use Ameda or Medela bottles, or any bottle that fits the Medela connectors (I use the Medela bottles and sometimes Dr. Brown's bottles since they fit (depends on what's clean).
I have one, but as a FTM without my kid here yet, I pretty much know jack shit. However, after searching for the S2 on Amazon, I found that customers also bought this and other various things to make life easier or that can work with Medela bottles/parts/etc like these flange adapters. The top customer review had some info about how they used medela bottles with pumpin pal flanges and didn't have to "hack" anything or cut tubing. Have a look around. I am getting a better grasp on everything by doing this.
Kellymom.com is my go-to resource for everything breastfeeding and pumping related. You could try pumping after your baby feeds. My daughter used to eat on one side only and I would pump the other side when she was done. You might not get much, but it would encourage your supply. I also have a Spectra pump and use Medela parts. Just get these adapters from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGEDVUM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vBt.zb62EH61A
Just Google search how to determine best flange size. The standard 24mm works for most women I'm pretty sure.
I actually use the medela flanges and bottles with my spectra pump. We just got the adapter from Amazon. It plugs in in between the flanges and the backflow protector. It is a little odd but works well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGEDVUM/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_cdv0AbHBJN135
The Spectra is better imo. The good news is that you can buy an adapter from Amazon that will allow you to use Medela parts with your Spectra. I didn't do this last time, but have purchased them for use with these babies.
Regarding the bottles - I was super concerned before baby about pumping into the bottles that baby used, but it ended up being easier for me to pump into the bottles that came with my pump and then transfer the milk into bags/bottles baby used. At least for me, I didn't ever pump the exact same amount, so there was always lots of adding/subtracting milk from each bottle before I could feed baby with it. I DID use the Medela bottles at first with Dr. Brown's preemie nipples, and using the adapters I linked to above, I can pump directly into these with my Spectra this time around.
I ordered these. Maymom Flange adapter
These plug into the breastshield from Maymom or Medela then into the back flow protector from Spectra.
OK, I've been thinking about this all day. Would a set-up like this be possible for you?
You might look a little funny with a backpack on, and may not be able to assist in a crisis due to possibly sloshing milk, but you would be able to stay on the floor.
This one
Haakaa Manual Breast Pump 4oz/100ml,2019 New Style https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ce4jDbG5WPXFJ
You can buy these and use with your current pump.
Freemie Collection Cups The Only Hands Free and Concealable Breast Pump Milk Collection System, Clear, 25/28 mm Funnels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jUHoDbKZWJ5NT
So, what I have done is pump one side and nurse the other. That way I'm not stuck in the chair all day long. I usually do it once or twice in the early morning (thats when your milk is usually most plentiful, from 4am on) and it is enough for one solid feed at night.
I also have a fast let down and pumping for just one or two moments on that side can help with the squirt to the back of the throat. A haaka is a nice affordable option for this as it doesn't require lot of cords and tubes.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_wJlPDbQZ0BJNJ
I know it's exhausting. I also know you are a great mom for giving it your best.
A nose frida. I know it sounds weird, but it's a better tool than the bulb that most people use for nasal auction.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00RP0GHBO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1504956535&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=nose+frida&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41GiWFhmDwL&amp;ref=plSrch
You could try this. Otherwise, I don't really have a recommendation. I'm not sure how safe a q-tip would be.
The beautiful Boppy Lounger is what got us through many many weeks (until baby could roll) in combination with some co-sleeping while side-lying nursing. I personally didn't feel comfortable co-sleeping until I felt like baby was more physically sturdy and her movements would wake me up so I felt confident I could safely sleep next to her. We transitioned her to a co-sleeper (not attached to the bed) and when she could sit up on her own, to her crib. Change was definitely doable as we felt another set-up was more appropriate. Sleep. Please sleep!
https://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Newborn-Lounger-Elephant-Love/dp/B014A7MABU/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=baby-products&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1518933170&amp;sr=1-2&amp;keywords=boppy+lounger
Boppy lounger https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014A7MABU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1523072597&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=boppy+lounger&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=51VW217S31L&amp;ref=plSrch
And
Rock n Play https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014D50LCY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1523072640&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=rock+and+play&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41gaUYwVY2L&amp;ref=plSrch
Lifesavers!
I love the Rock N play. Ours rocks automatically and has sounds that you can turn on. That's where LO is sleeping at night. I use a Boppy and I really like it. I use it as a nursing pillow (in fact LO is nursing on it right now!) and also use it to put him next to me for a second. Some people prefer the MY Breast Friend pillow but the idea of being strapped into something is not for me. We also have a Boppy Newborn lounger that I keep on the floor of our master bathroom so I always have a quick spot to put him down if I have to use the toilet.
Yeah, I get that, and I definitely get not wanting to make major waves! I work for a really small company and I'm just going to be taking over our conference room (which does at least have a lock). But it's good to at least be aware. If I were in your shoes I think I'd be more about holding them to the break time requirements than the space ones, but that's me.
Also, you might want to check out Fremies, which allow you to pump with your shirt on. I'm still pregnant so I'm not to this point yet, but when I get there these are what I think I will use.
http://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1451311076&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=freemie
She is on the boppy lounger https://www.amazon.com/Boppy-Newborn-Lounger-Elephant-Love/dp/B014A7MABU/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=baby-products&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1521980374&amp;sr=1-4&amp;keywords=boppy%2Blounger&amp;th=1. It's really convenient to have!
The spectra is awesome for travel, however that is the one that needs adapter pieces to use the Medela parts. The bottle the spectra is set to pump into is a wide mouth. The Avent, and Dr Browns bottles will fit straight onto the Medela as it uses standard mouth sizes.
The pumping cones for the medela are the ones that fit most handsfree bra's, and quite frankly most common items will fit the medela. However you can order adapter kits off Amazon for the Spectra to use the Medela phlanges easily.
Flanges should be the size of your areola, and this is something they can help go over with you in the hospital.
I am using The Frremie collection cups with the Spectra. I love them as they go under my clothes, and really easy to clean.
If you want I can take photos of the different set ups that I use if you think that would help.
You’re going to want 2 of these 100%
Boppy Newborn Lounger, Elephant Love Gray https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B014A7MABU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d8tkDbPKMSAM8
Freemies have sped up my pump time substantially. No need for a pumping bra since they tuck right in to your regular bra. And I don't think pumping only 5 ounces each time should lower your supply since your body makes what it is used to using up. (So, if you are usually pumping 15 ounces it will keep making 15 ounces.) I actually cut out a pumping session at work and just pump a little longer instead. Would that be an option for you? I go 4+ hours between sessions with no issues with my afternoon supply. (I had issues when my pump broke, but that's another story.)
My little dude has all sorts of eating problems (tongue tie, really inefficient, etc). So my current routine is to breastfeed him and then bottle feed him while pumping. I use what I pumped the day before to supplement him while I'm pumping. I bought these things so I could be hands (and weird things hanging off my chest) free while I feed/pump simultaneously. Kind of pricey, but really worth it: http://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1464114081&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=freemies
I have to call my insurance to see what the free option is. (I'm definitely going with the free option.) I think it's a Medela. And then I was planning on ordering the Freemie collection cups https://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Collection-Cups-Concealable-Funnels/dp/B00UV6JDN8.
Freemies!!. And Medela Freestyle??
Have you looked into manual pumps at all? Like this one in the link below. It's what I'm going to get. The reviews seem amaze-balls, and no noise, no weird attachments and super portable.
https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Breast-Manual-Silicone-Breastfeeding/dp/B07CWK4S5W/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1GWRGJTZC98J5&keywords=haakaa+manual+breast+pump+4oz&qid=1570590409&s=baby-products&sprefix=haakaa+manu%2Cbaby-products%2C331&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRVVLSFVBMVo5UjBYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzg3ODcwUDYxN1hSWVY5UTc4JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzNjYzOTIzVFgxTktFRUNMQ09FJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I bought the Freemie's (Freemie Collection Cups The Only Hands Free and Concealable Breast Pump Milk Collection System, Clear, 25/28 mm Funnels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UV6JDN8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_1E-Eyb8Z7YA2B) when I went back to work (and a 9 volt car adapter for my pump) and they work sooo much better than my pumping bra. They don't stick out so I don't knock them while driving. I like to put it all together once I'm in the car and have my seat belt in, so I can get into a comfortable position. I don't see it being a problem with shifting, as long as you have the tubing out of the way before driving. I also got extra long tubing so I could maneuver it behind my shoulder to keep it in place.
I also have a bunch of stuff on my registry that is inexpensive ($10-$25) for friends and if my coworkers decide to do a shower here which they have done for other new moms in the past. Here are some of the things I have on mine
Sleeping gowns so you don't have to unsnap the onesie for midnight changes
A baby tub
Tub Thermometer
Baby thermometer
Nose Frieda which others have mentioned
preferred bath/care products
Cloth diaps which make fantastic burp cloths/cleanup
Nursing pillow also good for tummy time
Plus some other odds and ends. People will also buy stuff that they like, so you'll probably get stuff that was not on your list and that is ok. You can also request to have a "diapers n wipes" shower which a friend did since she was on her 4th child, and she probably got 2 months worth of diapers and wipes out of it if not more. Also, make sure you get multiple covers for your changing pad, it'll be nice to have more than 1 when it needs washing! Congratulations!
If you still have your Medela parts, you can use these adapter things to convert them to use with the Spectra and save some money:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGEDVUM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_waJGAb1NX8VYV
We used the boppy lounger in the corner of our sectional couch when she was still super tiny. Then I used this travel bassinet because I was paranoid about her being out of sight but wanted her out of the lounger. We eventually transitioned to her being in her bassinet in our room with a cheap baby monitor (sound only) and I'm just now having her nap in her crib at 5mo. Honestly, if we were to have a second, I'd probably start them off in the bassinet in our room - it helps them get better sleep and allows for you to get more done OR actually nap when baby naps since you're not holding them.
I use this (less parts!): https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01E3W689M/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr0_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1469575979&amp;sr=8-1-fkmr0&amp;keywords=maymom+long+stemmed+backflow
But you can also just get this little guy:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01DGEDVUM/ref=pd_aw_fbt_75_img_3?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=FTFM0HMWK9Q7E104PMGK
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGEDVUM/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_imevzb7EVASCA
Okay... question for you. Would I need to buy this and this? Also, how does the cup sizing work? Is it like Medela?
I think these are the ones used https://www.amazon.com/Freemie-Breast-Collection-System-Clear/dp/B00UV6JDN8/
The Boppy Newborn Lounger is a lifesaver for me. My LO is about 15 weeks and is now starting to grow out of it. It's basically a round cushion with an indent so that LO can nestle in it. It's perfect for interaction or naps (It says not to let them sleep on it, but that thing was the only way I got any sleep the first two weeks. I'd pop her in there and put her in the middle of my bed and curl up around it.). Just an all around good way to keep her close without having to constantly keep her in your arms. But honestly now that she's starting to try to roll onto her belly, I probably will end up giving it to a friend of mine that's having her baby soon!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B014A7MABU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1491913749&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=boppy+newborn+lounger
SPECTRA SPECTRA SPECTRA! :)
I had the Medela PISA and while it was okay, I bought the Spectra because it comes so highly recommended. I could NOT be happier with my choice. I have better output, it's quieter and I think it hurts less as the Medela sort of has a "tugging" sensation, the Spectra feels more like vibrating. It also has a timer and a nightlight on it. I've been telling anyone who will listen because I love it so much!
Also, if you have a Medela and the accessories already, you can easily use all the Medela parts with the Spectra. Here's the link (http://www.amazon.com/Maymom-Breastshield-Connects-Backflow-Protector/dp/B01DGEDVUM/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_2492161011_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1465222552&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=maymom+spectra+medela+adapter)
The Spectra is also a closed system like the Ameda, so you don't have to worry about any backflow problems! I purchased the Spectra with my own money and it only runs about $130 on amazon. Totally worth the money, in my opinion!! :)
Edit: I should also mention that I tried the Ameda, it's the one I chose from my insurance and I was not a big fan. the suction was too low and I thought the speed was slow as well.
I had a C-section. Here's my list of musts:
Nipple Cream: https://www.amazon.com/Motherlove-Certified-Organic-Cracked-Nursing/dp/B0007CQ726/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1524170982&amp;sr=8-1-spons&amp;keywords=nipplecreams+for+breastfeeding&amp;psc=1
Nursing Pads: https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Ultimate-Protection-Nighttime-Discretion/dp/B0179BQBP0/ref=sr_1_8_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1524171034&amp;sr=8-8&amp;keywords=nursing+pads
Huge drinking cup so you don't have to get up so often: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGMBG5Q/ref=dp_prsubs_3
Nursing Bras: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B075DBJ53P/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Extra Long phone charging cords: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074296YH3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Burp Cloths (which are useful for a million things, I bought 3 of the 10-packs and am so glad I did):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VBYVVA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
And my MIL got me this housecoat type thing made of sweatshirt material that was longer than knee length, zipped up, and had 2 massive pockets. I lived in the thing for like a month because I couldn't stand pants after my C-section. Plus it was warm and the pockets were really handy for carrying things (phone, water bottle, burp cloths, etc) while I was holding the baby.
I'm a first timer, so I have no experience post-pregnancy, but my nips have been tortured since early on. I got this stuff on Amazon and it is a life saver. It works so well that I only have to use it a couple times a week to keep everything hydrated and happy for several days at a time.
i never used one of those baby baths, i always brought her in with me and sat her in my lap.
if youre breastfeeding and want to stick with it, i recommend finding a bottle and nipple you like, (this one is "slow flow" and is the one she liked back when she would take one. slow flow is where its at for breastfeeding, as its closest to the amount of sucking shed do when breastfeeding) and giving her one few days at least til shes closer to a year old. i hardly ever gave mine a bottle and she flat out refused to take one or take a binky til she was 18 ish months old and weaned herself. almost two years and she could never go to a sitter or grandmas house for more than a couple hours max. i liked bottles that took these since you dont have to worry about washing / sterilizing everything.
i never used a crib, she co slept til right around when she weaned herself. one day she just... dragged her blankets to her toddler bed (where she always took naps) and decided she was done co sleeping. was awesome. co sleeping is the best when youre breastfeeding, no getting up and down in the middle of the night, can just roll over, pop a boob in her mouth and doze.
get nipple cream! NIPPLE CREAM! and those handy little nipple shields to go in your bra for when you leak. at about 2 weeks - one month your nipples will be on FIRE. it will suck, but only lasts for about a week after that. its WORTH IT when you dont have to lug around formula and bottles everywhere you go.
get or make a baby wrap / carrier. youll look like a new age hippie, but its more comfortable than any traditional baby carrier, and feels more secure than any of the slings. i made two out of about 10 yards of gauzy cotton fabric, cut longways its about the right width. you can wrap her in front when shes little and breastfeed her without anyone being the wiser, later, you can carry her on your back like a champ without her little legs getting sore from hanging out of one of those "typical" carrier types.
heres a wonderful site that lists all the different wraps by age, this one is my fave. http://www.wrapyourbaby.com/frontwrapcrosscarry.htm
instead of a mobile, get one of those rotating star projectors. theyre move expensive, but will last well into preschool, and double as a nightlight.
36 packs are around $2.50 online, and similarly priced at Walmart.
If you're more handy and want something that looks better, tamper-resistant outlets are around $1 a piece.
Unfortunately yes, it is the tub. No idea why anyone would think it is a good idea to set that up so close to the floor. And I am planning to buy these for that outlet. Thanks for the advice for silicone
For almost a year I was stuck using powine adapters. I was fortunate enough to maintain a mostly consistent connection. I did a lot of "testing" to try squeeze every last megabit out of the things, and here's everything you can do to get the most out of them.
I had a 100mbps connection from my isp, and my 'network' setup consisted of:
Modem > power line > unmanaged desktop switch > my computers. I lost about ~20mpbs using Power line, but 80 was still a decent speed. The biggest issue was the occasional disconnect. It was usually a VERY brief interruption, but as you're probably aware even a second of missed gameplay can be devastating. I was never able to overcome this issue, as it was caused by short bursts of interenefce (someone turning on an applience or other device somewhere in the house)
There is another option you can check out, called MoCA adapters. Rather than using the wiring in your house, this makes use of existing coaxial cable to bring internet to rooms that you cannot run Ethernet to. This obviously only works if your house (or at least starting and destination rooms) are wired with coax.
If you are stuck using powerline, get a decent set. I have the netgear PL1200, but before that I tried a cheaper actiontec set, which was garbage.
Edit: fixed link and clarification
Or just get one of these.
Mommy's Helper Don't think it's what the Stones were singing about... our baby is the cutest.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00081L2SU/ref=zg_bs_2237486011_3?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=C3QS2YRZFT1JJZPP6768
We introduced a couple toys and the play gym at that age. I attached extra toys to the play gym to keep things interesting. You will be surprised how fast the grasping happens!
Tummy time is something we did not do (LO had terrible reflux) that I wish we had. If you prop a mirror in front of baby they will probably like it a lot.
Both of my kids started playing with a baby gym at 6 weeks - they loved it. Of course, they'd only play for a few minutes before getting tired at first.
I have loved the toys on this list for my infants, though we never had a tool toy http://mamaot.com/2012/07/09/15-toys-for-babys-first-year/
I also really recommend the winkel - http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-Toy-Sensory-Teether-Activity/dp/B000BNCA4K - it was the first toy both of my kids picked up. We also have a variety of rattles and stacking cups.
I got this for my daughter after our very first daddy-daughter errand day. (She was good - didn't cry and just chilled in the Baby Bjorn while I went shopping, so this was a "reward" - read: it was an excuse for me to buy her a toy.)
She was 2 months old then, 4 months old now... It's consistently been her favorite toy. It has a soft rattle, is easy for her to grip, and apparently tastes pretty good as well.
I have a 6 month old right now... We have a ton of toys but here are a few examples of the only stuff he plays with right now.
blocks
Monkey teether
Rings
Rattle
He loves anything that crinkles, we have a crinkle book that came with his baby gym, that he doesn't like being under.... But he loves that book.
This can also wait too, but I highly recommend one of these, we started putting him in this thing at 4 months with a box under him so he could reach, he loves this thing and could bounce in it for hours.
So is the 6 month old starting to crawl yet or showing an interest? Some of my son's former favorites:
learn and play zoo This one was great because it was the only way for him to do tummy time
Manhattan toy company sensory thing It was just great for him to learn grasping and made a rattle. Wonderful in the car
Mortimer the moose Just a simple toy that makes noises (bell in one hoof, squeeker in the body, etc.
play tower May be a little advanced but he will just love watching it and start to understand where to put the balls once he get s a bit older
play cube This one he could sit and play with for a while. It's light so he can pick it up and move it
my personal favorite-spinning tower toy This is a favorite for all ages. A little young at 6 months but he will probably watch it in amazement. My son is now 14 months and understands the concepts well, but before he just loved watching the disks spin. It's been a toy given at many a 1st birthday parties
I hope that gives you a decent start. Good luck!
I recommend this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BNCA4K/ref=redir_mdp_mobile
My 4 month old loves it because she doesn't have the dexterity to put something in her mouth directly yet (except her hands.. She LOVES to shove those in there). This one is great because she can just pull it towards her and something chewy will land in her mouth.
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes
Oball rattle
Manhatten Toy - Winkle
I think it was that and the fact that the back is velcro and there is a battery pack that could be pulled out. Those would be my guesses. I will say it's super soothing though. So is the Twilight Turtle
this is the closest I could find without being overly cheesy, like this one.
Edit: Scratch that, this is much cooler.
yes!!! We were dealing with the same things and I was super pregnant and cranky and tired. We ended up putting a door knob cover on her door so she couldn't get out. We tell her to just knock and call for us and we do have to go in multiple times at the beginning of the night, tuck all her dolls in etc. One thing that recently helped was to transition from living room where she gets her pajamas on to our bedroom where we have ' family meeting' which is books and talking about the day. Then brush teeth and bed. I find that spending some time on our bed helped her instead of just straight to her room. Then we say she can play in her room with lights out but nightlight on and to call us when you want to be tucked in. Within 30 seconds shes calling for us. Giving her control has been huge! Then before bed I go over what we will do the next day with great excitement. And lastly this turtle light was a huge help! once again gave her control of her environment, she could turn the dim light on whenever she wants:
https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Turtle-Nightlight-Projector/dp/B000BNQC58
What about one of the constellation night lights? I know they're technically for babies/young children, but they're actually really cool.
http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Twilight-Constellation-Night-Turtle/dp/B000BNQC58
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cloud-b-7323-ZZ-Twilight-Turtle/dp/B000BNQC58/
Edit: Added UK link -- there are a bunch of different varieties beyond turtles too.
My daughter loves these two night/light toys:
Rainbow in my room
And
Light Turtle
She also likes these little kid magnet toys - they are really weird looking - but when she finally figured out the "pull" of the magnets they became amazing to her:
GeoMag
I obviously have a girl - but I'm sure your kid would love any of these! Pretty universal items!
I know you said you don't have time, but making a sandbox for her (of course with parents permission) would be awesome, and they could keep it for years. Plus you could always update it each year- repaint the sides, add decoration, etc as a birthday gift.
From Amazon: A turtle that shows the constellations. My baby brother had one and loved it- and my parents enjoyed having a pretty night light that they could use as a learning tool.
Also this keepsake kit will allow the parents to make a new Christmas ornament of their girl's first Christmas, plus they can make an extra one for the favorite grandma. Yes, this isn't really for the daughter, but lets be honest; she'll play with the box and be completely overjoyed.
If you want to really make the daughter happy, this sensory tub is AMAZING. Just a tub, you say? Oh no. This can be filled with sand, small pebbles, noodles, water, beans, etc to fully engage her sensory experience. I teach with a program that has one-year-olds and they go crazy when these tubs are brought out. You can even make it into a cute basket by including things like this and this and still stay in your budget! :)
For me? I'd like this so I can sleep in a few mornings :) Good luck to you in your quest for the perfect present!
If you can afford it, I would suggest upgrading to the metal version: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U5FOT2
The plastic version is a lot easier to climb (the diamond pattern provides horizontal toe holds) and the metal version comes with wall brackets.
I wish I could help. Our top-of-the-stairs gate needs a bolt that goes all the way through the wall to be screwed in with a nut/washer on the other side. another gate is tearing out the door frame. The only one that really works is this free-standing one we have at the bottom of the stairs.
I have this one with 8 panels
North States 3-in-1 Metal Superyard - 144 inches Long Play Yard: Create an extra-wide gate or a play yard. Hardware mount or freestanding. 6 panels, 10 sq. ft. enclosure (30" tall, Beige) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U5FOT2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VoJFDbPZST87Q
We had it over a foam mat. Now that we moved and LO is older, we have 3 panels with the gate mounted to seperate the living room from the rest of the house. Keeps toddler in and pets out.
How about these?:
https://www.summerinfant.com/gates/custom-fit-walk-thru-gate-grey
https://www.amazon.com/Metal-Superyard-North-States-freestanding/dp/B000U5FOT2
This wouldn't work for you? Works great for me. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000U5FOT2/
Alternate solution for those of us with 100$ to burn
https://www.amazon.com/North-States-Metal-Superyard-freestanding/dp/B000U5FOT2/ref=zg_bs_166868011_28?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;refRID=MY7Z3TCRN9QC1BHVWXBQ
I had gotten a gate that went to 10 feet I believe (we had a really wide area between the living and dining room) I’ll check and see if I can find it again. You can remove panels from it.
Yeah lol I’d rather not “wait and see”
“I’d rather ‘try and do’ but thanks”
People are ridiculous. I remember when I first got pregnant I was asking my friend who had already had two kids and was on her third (was pregnant around the same time as me no less) I asked how I could get Medicaid and she couldn’t tell me. I’m like why do people not want to tell you THESE Things but will tell you before or when asked but will have no problem giving you “advice” on things they really shouldn’t.
Going to go look now and calm down a bit.
Edit: found it!!
We used this gate around my desk area until our little guy was about 2. Now he just leaves it alone... mostly.
I agree, baby gates are likely your best tool so you can ensure the dog can't get to the son without your knowledge and supervision. They have ones with doors in them so you don't have to constantly climb over them.
This is the one I use https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001OC5UNA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_j8plDbG1JKBZN
I found a tall gate that worked well for us: https://www.amazon.com/Regalo-Easy-Step-Extra-White/dp/B001OC5UNA/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1522192719&amp;sr=8-3&amp;keywords=tall+baby+gate
Or if she is not a crawler, you can get one of the frame mounted ones and just mount it a little higher. That's what I've done for my current dog since he doesn't like crawling.
Get a baby gate for her door, or at the top of the stairs, whatever works best for your floor plan and where you want her to be. We have one of these in the door:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OC5UNA
Bought these recently for my new Shepard mix.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001OC5UNA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Get the keyfit stroller frame, not the travel system with the big stroller. SO much lighter, better basket space and accessibility, cheaper, and once they're out of the car seat you can just get a cheaper umbrella stroller cause they'll be old enough. We love our chicco and their customer service is awesome. Also if kid is asleep it's so much better to be able to move their seat instead of pulling them out and waking them up.
http://www.amazon.com/Chicco-Keyfit-Caddy-Stroller-Frame/dp/B005JDOYF0
I plan on getting the same exact car seat (better sooner than later at this point)! I however decided against the Travel System. I love the car seat, has great reviews, great safety ratings, and the price is under $200, which is great for my father who is buying it for me. I read mixed reviews on the stroller, and as a FTM I figure I may want a different stroller all together by the time he's big enough to ditch the car-seat as part of the stroller. For now, while he's an infant, I'm going with the car seat and this stroller frame: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005JDOYF0/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&amp;colid=OUURZJ8F00GY&amp;coliid=I28HX1QK2Y76YR. I believe I'll appreciate the simplicity, ease of use, and smaller size while I get the hang of this mom thing. You just have to think about what your priorities are! I'm convinced there is no "perfect" stroller/car seat.
Even if you don't buy a big formal stroller, you might want a lightweight frame, something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Chicco-Keyfit-Caddy-Stroller-Frame/dp/B005JDOYF0, but for whatever carseat you buy.
If the baby falls asleep in the car, it's really really nice to be able to leave them in the carseat and just clip the car seat into a lightweight, super-easy to fold frame. I found it was particularly awesome for grocery shopping; i could do the shopping in ten min while the baby slept, and just put the groceries under the stroller until I got to the checkout line. I'm already watching for one to come up on craigslist!
edit to add: I think the frame-style stroller lasted us most of the first year, so it definitely would hold off the larger purchase and give you time to evaluate options. I did mostly baby-wearing too, but sometimes it was a relief to only carry my own body weight ;)
Lol my bad. I don't know why I kept saying cabby, it's caddy. https://smile.amazon.com/Chicco-KeyFit-Caddy-Frame-Stroller/dp/B005JDOYF0
Like these. I've seen fancy airport specific strollers and whatnot, but like... Unless you fly every month and have triplets, I just wouldn't want to spend the money or something I will use maybe twice.
I've used the caddy exclusively until mine outgrew the bucket seat, we didn't get a stroller until after that. Way too heavy with the car seat attached in my opinion
I was in the same boat. I registered for a BOB Revolution and one of the infant carseat adapter stroller/frames for the first 6 months. To be honest, I just don't feel like hauling the BOB everywhere from the get go. I intend on having the BOB be used for most outings later on and getting a cheap umbrella stroller some point down the road.
I was looking at this one since it's essentially a mini nursery and if I get pregnant right away, we won't be able to set up a real nursery until we move. I like the one you showed me too :)
I'm super excited, we went out to a baby resale store and got a $180 fancy pack n play for $80.
I've got my eye on this one. We're probably going to have to downsize a few months after the baby is born, so I'm looking for things that are multi-use and that we will use through multiple stages.
I have a few kids and they only need a few things. See links for examples not recommendations:
First a place to sleep.
I would not recommend a crib. Most kids hate them as they get stuck in bars and cribs make reflux worse. Yes most babies have some level of re-flux for the first 3-9 months. My favorite is a quality pack & play. It is just as safe as a crib, can have an inclined bassinet for colic and has a changing table. They also take up a smaller footprint and are easier to get baby in and out of all while being portable. It is awesome to take baby's bed with you on a trip. Other options include a portable bassinet up to 9 months and a Montessori mattress on the floor. I know some moms who even kept baby in a dresser drawer.
Second something to eat
Boobs or bottles your choice. If you go the bottle route get the anti colic bottles and just avoid any problems from the start. I like the playtex ones with drop in liners because you only have to wash the nipples but liners are bad for the environment. Look into baby lead weaning it makes feeding easier and with less stuff. The Ikea $15 highchair is the easiest one to clean and the cheapest I have found.
Third something to wear
Second hand is the best here. It is cheaper and baby doesn't care if they are in the latest fashions. Things that don't last don't make it into the shops either. Babies grow in starts and stops. Wait till they need something before you buy it. Go for 3m clothes and not newborn unless you expect a preemie. Dress them in the same layers you wear. If you have on a blanket at night add a warmer or extra layer. You don't need shoes until they are walking.
Fourth a way to be moved
If you have a car you need a car seat. You can either get an infant seat and then buy another when they out grow it or buy a convertible one and keep it up to 7 years. The downside to the convertible one is that you can't carry it around with you. I also recommend a stroller (full size and umbrella are great second hand items) and/or a baby carrier. There are lots of baby wearing groups where you can try before you buy. Check facebook for them.
Fifth Diapers and wipes
Disposable and cloth both with so many options! My pro tip wait till you have baby before buying more than enough for the first month or so. Different babies fit them differently and a stash of ill fitting diapers is awful. Then there is also the baby that is allergic to some brands.... Yeah that's not fun...
And Lastly Toys!
Don't buy them!! Let your kid choose them. One of mine liked kitchen utensils and hated toys and I let the other have ones that held their interest at the local thrift shop. Donate when done.
You will likely find that more things may be nice but you will feel the need for them as you raise your kids. Some kids need burp clothes some don't. Same with bibs swings etc.
And of course Congratulations!
We got a pack-n-play set that has a changing table + removable rocker/bassinet thingy from amazon, and that's stationed next to my side of the bed. It's stocked with diapers & wipes. I also have a nursing basket that will travel wherever I decide to feed, with snacks, burp cloths, nipple cream & breast pads right next to it. We're lucky that our nursery is kind of an en suite room off our bedroom, so I can walk 10 steps to the glider if I want to rock little one.
I got this one. I had been looking at it for a while already and it was so cheap I just decided to go for it.
Flip lock for top of the door:
Prime-Line Products U 9888 Flip Action Steel Door Lock, White Finish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LR1YA6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_L.fMybQ334BF9
Sticky lock thing:
Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches, 2 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007A2ZSZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_cbgMybVRQX2X2
I would just get rid of the nightlight. Is it really necessary? When my son was born I bought this chargeable light and it has been a great investment. It's dimmable and since you charge it with a USB I can move it around to wherever I want without worrying about cords or outlets. It's also saved my ass any time the power has gone out.
Edit: and get latches like this for the diaper pail.
I'm a little late to the party, but we had a lot of luck with these and our jumbo kitty that likes to get under the sink. Some reviews say they're a pain to remove (we haven't tried yet) so use caution if you're renting.
I use these on my oven door and my dishwasher door
Munchkin Xtraguard Dual Action Multi Use Latches, 2 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007A2ZSZ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_WuENDb5DAREC1
would something like this work?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007A2ZSZ8/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
These are much easier
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B007A2ZSZ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_s_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1556839795&amp;sr=1-1
the ubbi doesnt use bags. its a newer product from them, not their initial break into proprietary bagged systems.
so the ubbi im talking about is basically a regular old 80 dollar trash can but it has heavy duty rubber seals and child proofing. its made of stainless steel, you just use regular glad bags in it or no bag if you want (you nasty ass). heres the product and currently its on sale for 50 bucks instead of 80. they list ubbi bags with it, obviously, but you can just get any costco bag for that size container and use it.
Thats comparable to the cost of a regular nice looking stainless steel trash can but it those regular cans dont have any sort of smell seal on them.
I bought this one for a couple reasons: Not plastic, so won't absorb odors. And doesn't take special bags or cartridges, just regular kitchen bags.
Baby's not here yet, but it seems nice and simple, comes in nice colors and can just become a regular trash can when we don't need diapers any more.
Ubbi Steel Odor Locking, No Special Bag Required Money Saving, Awards-Winning, Modern Design, Registry Must-Have Diaper Pail, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00821FLT4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OXyMDbVKKQT5K
You only forget to lock it once or twice... 🤣
I would recommend this awesome diaper pail because you don't have to buy special bags. It just uses regular garbage bags. Save you money in the long run.
I love ours
Yeah, a lot of the reviews suck because they are written by random people. The good ones get upvoted to the top. There is also something called "vine voices" or something like that, where if you write awesome reviews for stuff on amazon, they will send you free products to get some reviews going.
Sometimes reviews are funny though, check these ones out.
iPotty
3 wolf moon shirt
and last but certainly not least we have
Tuscan Whole Milk, 1 Gallon, 128 fl oz
http://www.amazon.com/CTA-Digital-iPotty-Activity-Seat/dp/B00B3G8UGQ
I tend to browse GeekWhack while on the toilet.
I don't really know a whole lot about socialism or communism, but I'm going to try to refute you just for fun.
So your first point claimed that people only clean their own house because they benefit from it, not because it benefits society as a whole (or some other reason). Moreover, you claim that no one really cares about cleanliness in public places, or at least no one wants to take responsibility for it.
Because I'm not really sure if you are critiquing socialism or communism (as they go back and forth between the two in OP's video), I'll just defend both.
In the case of socialism, your argument doesn't really apply: incentivization is a major part of socialism. In fact, it is essential to it. Under socialism, individuals are motivated to work because the more one works, the more one has access to resources. As Marx put it, to each according to his contribution.
Under communism, cleanliness is not really an issue. Marx claims that communism can only arise under sufficiently advanced technological conditions. Thus, it isn't a stretch to claim that these conditions include the ability to keep public (or private) places clean with little to no work.
Finally, it isn't true that the division of labor is eradicated under socialism. Remember, socialism is just like capitalism in terms of work conditions except one is rewarded for their work rather than some arbitrary wage drawn up by a CEO. In the case of communism, division of labor is outmoded because of sufficiently advanced technology.
>"Automation" is this magic wand that nowadays is often waved over all the shortcomings of socialism to make them disappear
This isn't really true. In some ways, socialism is the answer to technological shortcomings of capitalism. Whereas capitalist technological advancements can be driven by fads or trends, socialism promises a strict adherence to what is necessary. E.g. instead of encouraging engineers to develop a Digital 2-in-1 iPotty, they are encouraged to work only on stuff that matters (no, we don't need the iPotty). Given enough time of focused innovation, required labor would reduce, hastening the era of communism.
>Ironically the degree of automation we are seeing today and on the horizon would never have occurred if Marx had his way.
Just so you're clear, Marx never really morally criticized capitalism.. Marx merely remarked upon patterns he noticed in capitalism. Thus, Marx is more a historian than a revolutionary. Similarly, Marx never encouraged revolution. He only claimed that revolution is inevitable and that it is in the interest of the proletariat.
Again, the hard jobs argument shouldn't even really be an argument, and I don't really think OP's video really made a good refutation of it. I kind of addressed this earlier: in socialism, incentivization functions in a nearly identical fashion as it does in capitalism, the only difference being that it more directly incentivizes work rather than finding a boss who will you screw you the least.
Furthermore, the claim that work ethic today has decreased is unfounded (especially considering that you failed to provide any sources.) Even if your example of lazy rich kids is correct, this is just another strike against capitalism: under socialism, the economic chasm between rich and poor shrinks. Spoiled rich children is a symptom of the capitalist inclination for inequality.
For communism, the hard jobs are not those of physical labor (since these are minimized by technological innovation) but of philosophical antinomies, I claim. People will have to wrestle with the fundamental absurdity of their existence, the inevitability of death (although maybe we can prevent this with advances in medicine), and the indifference of the universe. But that's neither here nor there.
I've already addressed this a bunch of times.
Unfortunately, I know nothing about this, but I think I understand the point that OP was trying to make. Basically, because capitalism emphasizes selling commodities for the highest price while paying workers the least amount, we get these strange anomalies where companies will actually produce less in order to make a profit. Under socialism and communism, the focus shifts from exploiting the proletariat to maximizing production for the least labor. Only then do these weird capitalist idiosyncrasies disappear.
>They just were never able to get past the basic problem that summarizes most of the issues here: the economic calculation problem
There is no evidence for this. In fact, there's no evidence for this being an observable issue in any economy, ever. Mises, the economist who came up with the economic calculation problem, himself claimed that "its statements and propositions are not derived from experience. They are, like those of logic and mathematics, a priori. They are not subject to verification or falsification on the ground of experience and facts." Essentially, the problem is a purely theoretical one and is unscientific because it cannot be tested. Thus, the "problem" only indicates inaccuracies in the neoclassical economic model.
>the above statement... really does reflect the positive trend over time for our capitalist society to make things better for people at the bottom.
If you honestly believe capitalism helps the lower class, you are sorely misinformed. Read this and this for some quick statistics. It's really, really well documented that capitalism causes excessive economic inequality.
Your idea of implementing "capitalism-with-a-social-safety-net" is a step in the right direction. Access to food, medicine, homes, etc. should be available to everyone, if not for moral reasons then at least for economic reasons, as you yourself have suggested. But this doesn't solve the problem of inequality, it only allows it to persist, albeit in a less extreme state.
>"under socialism the rich are poorer, but the poor are poorer too."
Under capitalism, the poor still get poorer. The rich get richer, but this is hardly a benefit. I don't really see how your statement really motivates any member of the proletariat to embrace capitalism.
>The USSR was actively trying to incite communist revolutions throughout the world. They weren't an innocent bystander being bullied from the outside.
Honestly, it doesn't matter who bullied who. The fact of the matter is that there was international (and intranational) conflict for Russia at the time. This muddied the waters, making it hard to establish a truly socialist regime without fear of domination from other countries. Like OP said, there were world wars going on at the time. Russia had to make sacrifices, and ultimately they regressed ideologically.
People who actually know about socialism and communism, please correct where I am wrong. I only have a passing interest in Communism. I'm more of a Baudrillard fan than a Marx fan :)
Clearly not far enough...
You can have that one, just remember to buy your kid: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B3G8UGQ?pc_redir=1395650604&amp;robot_redir=1
Read the most helpful reviews for the iPotty: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B3G8UGQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1414846282&amp;sr=8-1&amp;pi=SX200_QL40
The first one is the best, but there are a few other good ones too.
http://amzn.com/B00B3G8UGQ
I have never used it personally! I buy the cheapo Lansinoh via Amazon and I've been using these tubes for ~6-7 months and they're all still pretty full. A little goes a long way. I suspect they're similar!
have you tried any type of lanolin?
I use this type
I use this one off Amazon! But it's not as refined as some others that are specifically processed for lips and it does smell strongly of sheep (I don't particularly mind this because I wear it at night).
Other options that I know are really popular include Dr. Lipp and Lansinoh but I don't have personal experience with those.
Lansinoh HPA Lanolin Minis for Breastfeeding Mothers, .25 Ounce, 3 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FNZQHJA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_O37iyb511C4W1
I usually get it on amazon. You can find larger sizes at Walmart and target. I think I've seen them at cvs too but not sure. Look in the baby section, it'll be packaged as nipple cream for nursing women but it's fine to use for lips!
I was paranoid that my guy would stop breathing (he was a preemie, so it was very possible). So I went for a monitor with the sensor pad under his mattress. When there would be no movement for 15 sec ( and it detects movement from breathing!) it'd beep once and no movement for 20 sec- it'd start beeping loud. Here is the one I have and it's amazing. It also has temperature sensors for too hot or too cold and you can adjust the sensibility of the monitor too. The little soft light button is handy too ( I may or may not have used it a few times to shine under his crib to find a fallen dummy!)
http://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Movement-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B00GU07FLQ - saved my sanity and allowed me to sleep in peace, you likely will get a few false alarms but it works amazingly well
There is a movement monitor that goes under the mattress, so if baby stop moving/ breathing for more than 20 seconds an alarm goes off. HERE!
I could hardly sleep through the night without getting up to make sure my daughter was breathing. Until I got this monitor
https://www.amazon.com/Angelcare-Movement-Sound-Monitor-White/dp/B00GU07FLQ
The sensor pad goes under the crib mattress and will alarm if it doesn't detect movement (breathing). When my daughter, now 2.5, gets out of bed it alarms and wakes me up. She doesn't get to run around the house and get into things that she shouldn't.
We're headed to the beach in June with what will be 7 month old twins, along with a couple similarly aged cousins, and will be taking one of these with us. It's decent sized for containing them, somewhat keeps them out of the sand, and collapses into a carry bag the size of a camping chair. You can also buy versions with canopies to help provide shade. We're also bringing a 10x10 popup/tailgate tent with us, so we can use that for added shade if needed.
I recommend borrowing the following two things from friends -
Summer Infant Pop-n-Play
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Play-Portable-Playard/dp/B00KBGTRAC/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1495664261&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=pop%2Bn%2Bplay&amp;th=1
Canopy - for shade and hanging towels
Something that looks like this (or smaller): https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Pop-Up-Canopy-Tent-10/dp/B0145R49C8/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1495664326&amp;sr=8-6&amp;keywords=beach+canopy
-------
As for getting them to the beach, you can get a beach cart - or borrow/rent a jogging stroller (with giant wheels for getting over the dunes).
Don't forget that you can always back-carry your twins in carriers (Ergo/Tula, etc) - to leave your hands free to carry stuff and set up.
If you've never back-carried before in a carrier, it's awesome. And generally people will think you and your wife (and babies) look super adorable as you walk along. Here's a how to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImBAhltsbRQ
But why subject your child to a suffocation risk like this in the first place? You can get well-rated play yards for $55. Is your child's safety really worth less than $35?
I have a playpen like this: Summer Infant Pop N' Play Portable Playard https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KBGTRAC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1WBdzb0F3WVKK
I just stick him in there with some toys, cheerios or a pouch, and something to drink. I throw on some baby Einstein or Daniel Tiger or whatever and shower away. I keep the door cracked so I can hear him and I make sure the doors to the house are locked in case anyone just walked up but that's it.
I bought a portable playpen of Amazon bc I too bring my baby to work - works really well. Easy to put up and put down and he still has space to move.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00KBGTRAC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1498957675&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=playpens+for+babies&amp;dpPl=1&amp;dpID=41ScPp5hwoL&amp;ref=plSrch
This is what I immediately thought of when you mentioned the box. Not sure if it's the same thing, but maybe similar?
Great box! Only things missing are pacifier clips, ear plugs and Nose Frida
The other comments of consumable things like wipes, rags, etc are great ideas. Gift cards to places like Target are great too, you always need more something with a newborn. A couple other little things I found really helpful when my son was young:
Baby timer to remind you for the next feeding, nap, diaper, whatever: http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Nanny-Itzbeen-Personal-Timer/dp/B0012BS2O2/
Nose Frida (yes gross, yes very useful): http://www.amazon.com/FridaBaby-Aspirator-Additional-Hygiene-Filters/dp/B00RP0GHBO
Mom here, this stuff was amazing for the soreness. Also makes a good lip balm too.
Motherlove Nipple Cream Certified Organic Salve for Sore Cracked Nursing Nipples, 1 Oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007CQ726/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nfN3BbX2MTRH3
Nah I saw one the other day, out of curiosity I did a quick Amazon search lol
Toddler Leash & Harness for Child Safety - Keep Kids & Babies Close - Padded Shoulder Straps for Children's Comfort - Fits Toddlers w/ Chest Size 14-25 Inches - Kid Keeper by Mommy's Helper (Blue) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OpwDDbBNREYSS
http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Helper-10101-Kid-Keeper/dp/B00081L2SU/ref=pd_sxp_grid_i_1_2
walking with your child's hand stretched over its head, hand firmly clasped in yours, leads to sprains and dislocations. Adults always underestimate their own strength and the softness of of kids ligaments, especially in times of stress or danger. Even the leashes that attaches to the kid's wrist is a bad idea. Around the time they hit the terrible twos, and your usually tractable child turns into a monster, you will wish you had this.
Holy crap, I didn't even know that existed.
*edit: Holy. Shit.
Link...