Yep, converted. We are now a fully cloth family.
A cloth family? What is that?
We only use cloth diapers.
Yes, I know your response. "EWWWW"
I felt the same before my beautiful bundle of joy arrived. Why would you want to TOUCH and CLEAN poop. That is disgusting.
Then my world changed when my angel arrived. See what non-parent me did not realize is that even when you use disposables you will be touching poop (gasp!) and cleaning poop (the horror!).
I have quickly realized that babies are evil geniuses. They will hold that poop in until the most inconvenient time and then it is an explosion and they are silently chuckling at our frantic cleaning.
No matter how hard you try if you have a newborn you will get poop on your hands, on your clothes, and under your nails. Just hope you are lucky and you never get it in the car seat or your hair.
Once I was past this I was able to see the benefits of cloth diapering. There are many but the one that really drew me was the expense. Most babies are potty trained between 2.5 and 3 yrs. And even then some heavy sleepers need to use pull ups at night, about 40% of children use night protection up to age 4.
The average cost per diaper when bought in bulk is $0.23- $0.31. This is name brand and for sensitive skin (less chemicals). The price per diaper goes up as your child grows. The average baby uses 8-10 diapers a day once they hit 3 months. Newborn to 3 months averages closer to 12-15 per day.
So doing the math and estimating at the higher end of the averages. That would be $0.31 per diaper, 15 per day for 90 days then 10 per day up to age 3 (1005 days). That is a total of 11400 diapers totaling $3534. You also have to remember this is an average. If you child gets sick or has diaper rash on a regular basis you will be changing diapers more often.
Cloth diapers have a higher up front cost and you can obviously pay more for higher end styles but in the long run they are way more affordable. I was able to cloth diaper my daughter for $200 and if I take care of my diapers I can use them for multiple children.
There are other reasons to cloth. The second biggest for us is that my daughter has very sensitive skin. Once she started wearing cloth she has not had one diaper rash (or blow out). The third main reason people cloth is the fact that it is more eco-friendly. Studies have shown that one disposable diaper may take up to 500 years to decompose. That is nuts!
Before I jumped into cloth diapering I did a ton of research and I have tried 4 different types of diapers so I will soon be doing a Cloth 101 post to help you guys who are interested in how this works. There will also be cute cotton bottom pics on that one :)
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Game of the Day!
So the new game we are playing today is..... (drum roll)
CHASING THE DOG!
Yay! This kills 3 birds with one stone.
1. Happy giggly baby
2. Dead tired dog
3. Mommy's workout
now we all need a nap :)
CHASING THE DOG!
Yay! This kills 3 birds with one stone.
1. Happy giggly baby
2. Dead tired dog
3. Mommy's workout
now we all need a nap :)
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Registry 101
So because I did a post on my favorite things I thought I would do one about baby registries. Maybe my new found knowledge about baby shopping will help those pregnant mommies out there. Also, I have some information about discounts at the different stores in case you need to buy a baby present.
I registered at the following stores. I will not register there again. Here are the pros and cons of each store.
Babies R Us
I originally registered here because I thought they were the gurus of baby stuff. I was wrong. The staff does not know the merchandise. It is usually hard to find help and they don't always tell you the correct answer. I have only found one store that was clean. Most are dirty. They send lots of coupons but you have to use them in store and there are lots of exclusions. Most of the items are overpriced. They have a completion program but there are lots of exclusions and stipulations. They are not very good with returns. You have to have a receipt or gift receipt. And it always seems the people who give you gift receipts are the ones who buy from the registry, not the other way around. The only time they have a really good deal going on is when they do the Trade-in event. You can turn in an old car seat, high chair, crib, stroller, pack and play, etc and get 25% off a new baby gear item (some exclusions apply). They do this event 2 times a year (right now and in the fall, around September). If you don't have something to turn in they also have 15% off baby gear coupons at the same time.
Target
I registered at Target because there are targets everywhere. Easy for all people to go to and buy from. The main problem with target is that they don't have many of their items in store and every store is different. They have lost of toys and clothes but only a few baby gear items, no furniture, and VERY limited bedding. Most people will buy you something they can run in the store to get. Also, most of the time with baby items you need to see it to decide if it will work for you. They have a completion program but it is not as much off as Babies R Us. They will send you samples of formula and bottles in the mail along with regular coupons. They also do not have a very good return policy.
Burlington Coat Factory
I only registered at Burlington because they had more bedding sets in store. Babies R Us carried the sets I liked but they did not have them in the store for me to look at. That was the only thing I registered for there. When I registered it was the first and last time I have set foot in the store. It is not that I have anything against this store it is just never very accessible to where I live and I prefer other stores. I don't know if they have a completion program. They send me regular emails now but they go strait to the trash folder. They do not carry more of the high end brands.
I will register when I am pregnant with future babies. Not that we are planning any in the near future. The main reason I will register again is for the completion programs and coupons. There will be at least a few items that will be needed and I am all about the coupons. Next time here is where I will register.
Buy Buy Baby
I had never seen a Buy Buy Baby until I moved to MO. It is closer to me than Babies R Us so I went in to check it out one day. I fell in love. This company is owned by the same parent company as Bed Bath and Beyond. It is set up basically the same inside except it has baby stuff. They have more brands than Babies R Us and the stores are clean. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They will price match and you don't even have to bring in the advertisement. They will look it up on the competitors website for you. They will take competitors coupons as long as they are not expired (yep so you can use your babies R us coupons on the cheaper buy buy baby prices). They will also take Bed Bath and Beyond coupons as long as they are not expired (Bed bath and beyond coupons never really expire, I used one last week that was 3 years old). Also if someone wants to send you a gift from the registry they can go in store and order it, use a coupon, have it gift wrapped and mailed. Babies R Us will not let you use in store coupons to order things online from in the store. They have a completion program but I am not sure what it is because I did not register there. They are great about returns and I have not had any problem returning with out a receipt. I am also now brand loyal. Why you ask? Simple, I had the best customer service experience. When I had a 7 week old infant my dog ate a part to my breast pump. I was sleep deprived with an infant who refused to nurse and my double pump was now a single. I was not happy and I am sure I looked like crap when I showed up at the store. I went and bought what I thought was the replacement part. I get home and it does not fit. I take it back to exchange and I can not find the appropriate piece. The employee helps me look. She can not find it either. We then spend 30 minutes on her computer looking at the Medela website trying to figure out which part is the one I need and if any retailers sell it. We were unable to find it. The Medela help line was closed because it was 9:30pm. If it had been open she was going to call for me. So while I left empty handed (Medela does not sell that part at all) I had an amazing experience and left with a smile. At that point it would have been very easy for me to get upset and emotional but because they were so nice and helpful I felt very well taken care of. It was also nice to have an adult conversation so that may have had something to do with it.
Amazon
Is another great place to register. You can find everything you need. They have a 10% off completion program. All returns are free up to 90 days. Also if someone is buying you something and they have prime they have free shipping.
Tips for Registering:
- Do not register at more than 2 places. It is hard to keep up with them all and not have overlaps.
- Do not register for clothing. People will buy you what they think is cute not what is on your registry. Don't waste your time. If you really want something throw it on there to get with your completion program
- Register for bottle starter kits. At least 2 different brands. You don't know what you and your baby likes.
- Don't register for all one brand in something that you need multiples. Register for different styles. You don't know what you will like (example swaddle blankets)
- Don't register for blankets. You will get a ton and they will probably be better than the ones you register for.
-You do not need a travel system. Most of the travel system strollers suck. Try out the strollers. Fold them up. See if you can lift it with one hand, because that is all you will have available. If you happen to like one that goes with a travel system that rocks. Other wise register for the stroller you like and then figure out which car seat works with the adapter that brand has.
- Try not to get over whelmed. Your baby will be fine if you end up getting the second best high chair instead of the best. They will become happy adults even if they have the wrong mobile. The baby industry makes us think that all of these things are SUPER important for babies development and if you don't buy the newest and most expensive you are a bad parent. That is so wrong. As long as you love your baby everything will work out perfectly
I registered at the following stores. I will not register there again. Here are the pros and cons of each store.
Babies R Us
I originally registered here because I thought they were the gurus of baby stuff. I was wrong. The staff does not know the merchandise. It is usually hard to find help and they don't always tell you the correct answer. I have only found one store that was clean. Most are dirty. They send lots of coupons but you have to use them in store and there are lots of exclusions. Most of the items are overpriced. They have a completion program but there are lots of exclusions and stipulations. They are not very good with returns. You have to have a receipt or gift receipt. And it always seems the people who give you gift receipts are the ones who buy from the registry, not the other way around. The only time they have a really good deal going on is when they do the Trade-in event. You can turn in an old car seat, high chair, crib, stroller, pack and play, etc and get 25% off a new baby gear item (some exclusions apply). They do this event 2 times a year (right now and in the fall, around September). If you don't have something to turn in they also have 15% off baby gear coupons at the same time.
Target
I registered at Target because there are targets everywhere. Easy for all people to go to and buy from. The main problem with target is that they don't have many of their items in store and every store is different. They have lost of toys and clothes but only a few baby gear items, no furniture, and VERY limited bedding. Most people will buy you something they can run in the store to get. Also, most of the time with baby items you need to see it to decide if it will work for you. They have a completion program but it is not as much off as Babies R Us. They will send you samples of formula and bottles in the mail along with regular coupons. They also do not have a very good return policy.
Burlington Coat Factory
I only registered at Burlington because they had more bedding sets in store. Babies R Us carried the sets I liked but they did not have them in the store for me to look at. That was the only thing I registered for there. When I registered it was the first and last time I have set foot in the store. It is not that I have anything against this store it is just never very accessible to where I live and I prefer other stores. I don't know if they have a completion program. They send me regular emails now but they go strait to the trash folder. They do not carry more of the high end brands.
I will register when I am pregnant with future babies. Not that we are planning any in the near future. The main reason I will register again is for the completion programs and coupons. There will be at least a few items that will be needed and I am all about the coupons. Next time here is where I will register.
Buy Buy Baby
I had never seen a Buy Buy Baby until I moved to MO. It is closer to me than Babies R Us so I went in to check it out one day. I fell in love. This company is owned by the same parent company as Bed Bath and Beyond. It is set up basically the same inside except it has baby stuff. They have more brands than Babies R Us and the stores are clean. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. They will price match and you don't even have to bring in the advertisement. They will look it up on the competitors website for you. They will take competitors coupons as long as they are not expired (yep so you can use your babies R us coupons on the cheaper buy buy baby prices). They will also take Bed Bath and Beyond coupons as long as they are not expired (Bed bath and beyond coupons never really expire, I used one last week that was 3 years old). Also if someone wants to send you a gift from the registry they can go in store and order it, use a coupon, have it gift wrapped and mailed. Babies R Us will not let you use in store coupons to order things online from in the store. They have a completion program but I am not sure what it is because I did not register there. They are great about returns and I have not had any problem returning with out a receipt. I am also now brand loyal. Why you ask? Simple, I had the best customer service experience. When I had a 7 week old infant my dog ate a part to my breast pump. I was sleep deprived with an infant who refused to nurse and my double pump was now a single. I was not happy and I am sure I looked like crap when I showed up at the store. I went and bought what I thought was the replacement part. I get home and it does not fit. I take it back to exchange and I can not find the appropriate piece. The employee helps me look. She can not find it either. We then spend 30 minutes on her computer looking at the Medela website trying to figure out which part is the one I need and if any retailers sell it. We were unable to find it. The Medela help line was closed because it was 9:30pm. If it had been open she was going to call for me. So while I left empty handed (Medela does not sell that part at all) I had an amazing experience and left with a smile. At that point it would have been very easy for me to get upset and emotional but because they were so nice and helpful I felt very well taken care of. It was also nice to have an adult conversation so that may have had something to do with it.
Amazon
Is another great place to register. You can find everything you need. They have a 10% off completion program. All returns are free up to 90 days. Also if someone is buying you something and they have prime they have free shipping.
Tips for Registering:
- Do not register at more than 2 places. It is hard to keep up with them all and not have overlaps.
- Do not register for clothing. People will buy you what they think is cute not what is on your registry. Don't waste your time. If you really want something throw it on there to get with your completion program
- Register for bottle starter kits. At least 2 different brands. You don't know what you and your baby likes.
- Don't register for all one brand in something that you need multiples. Register for different styles. You don't know what you will like (example swaddle blankets)
- Don't register for blankets. You will get a ton and they will probably be better than the ones you register for.
-You do not need a travel system. Most of the travel system strollers suck. Try out the strollers. Fold them up. See if you can lift it with one hand, because that is all you will have available. If you happen to like one that goes with a travel system that rocks. Other wise register for the stroller you like and then figure out which car seat works with the adapter that brand has.
- Try not to get over whelmed. Your baby will be fine if you end up getting the second best high chair instead of the best. They will become happy adults even if they have the wrong mobile. The baby industry makes us think that all of these things are SUPER important for babies development and if you don't buy the newest and most expensive you are a bad parent. That is so wrong. As long as you love your baby everything will work out perfectly
Saturday, January 19, 2013
My favorite things (newborn to 4 months)
I wanted to write some posts about my favorite baby things. Mainly as a reference for my friends and for myself in the future. Unfortunately I am not Oprah so you don't get all of these things as presents. Sorry. I would if I could :) Also, if you are buying a baby present and want to get them something that will be used the items on this list all fall under that category. This list is for babies aged newborn to 4 months old. I will continue these lists as I get to older ages.
SLEEP
- HALO sleepsack swaddle: we had the summer swaddle blankets but Emily was a long baby so these did not work very well. Luckily the hospital sent us home with a halo. I loved it. I bought a couple from someone. I did not like the ones I bought second hand as much. These were sacks where the swaddle part came off (was held on by velcro). I prefer the one where the swaddle is not removable. We only swaddled for about 8 weeks but some babies prefer longer. This brand is great for that because there is room by the feet.
-Cloud B sleep sheep: I really liked this and still use it. We have an older house that makes lots of noises so this is great to help keep her asleep before she gets to deep sleep. We got the normal sheep. If I could go back I would have gotten the travel size one. The main difference is that one is smaller and the travel one does not have the "womb/heartbeat" sound. Emily does not really like that sound (it also turns the monitor on) so we don't use that sound. The travel one would be more useful in the car and is cheaper. They also have other animals.
FEEDING
-First essentials bottles: These bottles are great. They are cheap. I think $3.50 for 3 at Target. They also attach to most breast-pumps. They have a universal top so all universal collars fit. These are not as great for mixing formula in. The formula will always spill when putting in the bottle via scoop.
-Similac Simply Smart Bottles: I recieved a few of these 4oz bottles free and was given many coupons for them from the company. That is the only reason I used them. I am so glad. I love these bottles. They have a special attachment that assists in mixing formula. It is also wide mouthed which I liked when I was still breast feeding and pumping. They also have an amazing formula holder that becomes the cap for the bottle. I suggest getting the starter kit. The only downside is that it has a little gas vent and if you are not careful the nipple catches and is not flat against the collar and you will have major leaking. So you just have to check before screwing on the collar. Babies R Us does buy one get one every once an a while. And Walmart has half off on a regular basis.
-Burp Cloths: you can never have enough burp cloths. I like the ones that look like pre-folds. Gerber makes some that are in cute fun colors and are really soft. Some of my favorites are ones that people had embroidered with Emily's name and or initials. These are great when I take her places like the church nursery and the daycare at the gym because they never get confused with ones that belong to other kids.
-Bibs: I really like using bibs. Emily has really bad reflux and so if I don't use bibs I have to change her clothes 7-10 times a day. I like the solid ones because they match every outfit. Most of mine are not waterproof but those are great. If you want something personalized have the baby's name embroidered on it. I have 2 of these and I like using them when I take her to the church nursery or to the gym at an odd hour. That way the workers remember her name.
Toys
Right now we dont play with lots of toys but here are a few that we like.
-Vulli Sophie the Giraffe: many people are put off by the price of this teether but it is worth it. We are not cutting teeth yet but love our Sophie. She is easy to hold and is made of natural rubber.
-bright star snuggle and teether: Emily has the elephant. She loves it. It is easy to hold and it makes crinkly noises. It also has a teething part as well.
Baby Gear
-Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller: I LOVE my stroller. I received it as a Christmas present from my parents. They got it from craigslist. Which is always a great way to get more expensive baby gear. This stroller is so popular that they go fast from craigslist and consignment sales. This stroller is only 10 lbs and has a handy one handed fold mechanism. This means that you can hold your baby while using one hand fold and lift the stroller into the car. I do not have the attachments for this stroller but if you will be getting before baby is born or when they are still a newborn I would suggest getting the car seat adapter and a corresponding car seat to make this into a travel system. The website has a disclaimer that this is not a jogging stroller and yes if you are a very fast runner I would not suggest utilizing it in that fashion but if you are a slower jogger and only want one stroller it is a good option. It does have a way to lock the front wheel if you are running on a straight track.
- Carseat: I have not included a link for a carseat. Pick the stroller you like the most then buy the corresponding carseat. We have the Graco snugride 35 which is very safe. I would not buy it again. for several reasons. One it is heavier because it holds a baby up to 35lbs. We will not be using this carseat up to that weight. Most 2 year olds are not that heavy and if you do have a heavier baby you are not going to be carrying them around in the pumpkin seat. Buy a cheaper car seat that holds up to a lower weight and you will have an easier time carrying your baby in the pumpkin seat because they weigh less (it will also fit in the shopping carts better). I also would buy a carseat that has a handle where you can change the angle of your grip. Would just make carrying it easier. Carseats dont expire for 5 years from the date they are manufactured. Due to this I bought a neutral color so that I can use this same carseat for any children we may have in that time period.
-Ergo Baby carrier: I love my Ergo. It is easy to use and comfortable. You can hold up to 40lbs (i know several people who carry their toddlers and are comfortable while doing it). There is an infant insert which makes it easy to use with newborns but is a little hot. I love using this when grocery shopping. You can also switch to carrying in back when the baby gets older. This was great when Emily had slight colic (due to allergy), it puts her right to sleep.
- Play mat: Any play mat is great. I prefer ones that make noise and have lights. I have added more toys to ours so she could reach them. This is great to entertain baby while you take a shower.
-Jumperoo: We have a jumperoo. Emily prefers this over the exersaucer she has also used. She is not really big enough to jump but she really likes sitting in it. Which ever kind you like will work. The one that is linked is the one we have. It was easy to put together and the toys are easy to use. She can even play with them now.
-Bumbo seat: we like using the bumbo seat. We borrowed one from a friend. Emily likes it because she likes to sit up but is not completely ready to do it on her own. This also means she can sit up and I can face her to play.
-Swings: we were given an older version of a Fisher-price swing. Not the one linked (based on the age of the persons child I think it is 10 years old, so they do last). It was nice but is big and bulky. It is perfect for ranch houses or condos. A friend let me borrow their Bright Stars portable swing which I really like. This swing easily folds up and moves. I was then able to move it to the floor I was currently on. Also when Emily was having colic I was able to move it to my room and sleep in my bed instead of on the couch. And when I had people coming over I could fold it up and put it away so it was not taking up space.
-Baby monitors: I like my monitor but if I was doing it again I would probably buy a video monitor. I have the Sony baby call nursery monitor. I like that it has two receivers and both have a charger. I leave one in my room and one in the basement. It also has an on mode and a mode that is voice activated (though the sleep sheep sometimes turns it on, see above). I did not originally register for a video monitor because I thought they were expensive and over kill. Now I can see the reason for them. The baby makes noises that you want to check sometimes and it would be nice to just look and see what she is doing. She is a light sleeper and walking in sometimes wakes her up. Though I do know several moms who have become obsessive with their video monitors. So there is some pros and cons.
-carseat canopy: I really like this on my carseat. It is great to keep people from touching her. For some reason people like to kiss random babies at the store. It is also great with the cold. You are not supposed to put jackets on them when in the carseat so this with a blanket keeps her nice and toasty. They have lots of patterns, I went with the one shown here because it matched my gender neutral carseat. You can get this free at this website with a coupon code. They have lots of different codes. Check out retail me not to find one.
Health Items:
-Safety 1st Thermometer: I really like this thermometer because it has interchangeable tips for all 3 modes of temperature taking.
-Bath tub: this bath tub was awesome when she was a newborn because it has the canopy attachment. This held her in the water with out fear of drowning making it easier to soap her up. Now we don't use the canopy and the back has a seat and is designed to help her sit up. I bought mine used at a consignment sale, it is really easy to find these there in good shape.
So I think that is everything right now. I am sure that I will add things as we go along. If you have any questions about these items let me know. I am happy to elaborate. And please remember I am not being paid by these companies. This is just what I have learned from using these products.
SLEEP
- HALO sleepsack swaddle: we had the summer swaddle blankets but Emily was a long baby so these did not work very well. Luckily the hospital sent us home with a halo. I loved it. I bought a couple from someone. I did not like the ones I bought second hand as much. These were sacks where the swaddle part came off (was held on by velcro). I prefer the one where the swaddle is not removable. We only swaddled for about 8 weeks but some babies prefer longer. This brand is great for that because there is room by the feet.
 |
| Sleep sheep by cloud B |
-Cloud B sleep sheep: I really liked this and still use it. We have an older house that makes lots of noises so this is great to help keep her asleep before she gets to deep sleep. We got the normal sheep. If I could go back I would have gotten the travel size one. The main difference is that one is smaller and the travel one does not have the "womb/heartbeat" sound. Emily does not really like that sound (it also turns the monitor on) so we don't use that sound. The travel one would be more useful in the car and is cheaper. They also have other animals.
FEEDING
-First essentials bottles: These bottles are great. They are cheap. I think $3.50 for 3 at Target. They also attach to most breast-pumps. They have a universal top so all universal collars fit. These are not as great for mixing formula in. The formula will always spill when putting in the bottle via scoop.
 |
| Similac simply smart |
-Similac Simply Smart Bottles: I recieved a few of these 4oz bottles free and was given many coupons for them from the company. That is the only reason I used them. I am so glad. I love these bottles. They have a special attachment that assists in mixing formula. It is also wide mouthed which I liked when I was still breast feeding and pumping. They also have an amazing formula holder that becomes the cap for the bottle. I suggest getting the starter kit. The only downside is that it has a little gas vent and if you are not careful the nipple catches and is not flat against the collar and you will have major leaking. So you just have to check before screwing on the collar. Babies R Us does buy one get one every once an a while. And Walmart has half off on a regular basis.
-Burp Cloths: you can never have enough burp cloths. I like the ones that look like pre-folds. Gerber makes some that are in cute fun colors and are really soft. Some of my favorites are ones that people had embroidered with Emily's name and or initials. These are great when I take her places like the church nursery and the daycare at the gym because they never get confused with ones that belong to other kids.
-Bibs: I really like using bibs. Emily has really bad reflux and so if I don't use bibs I have to change her clothes 7-10 times a day. I like the solid ones because they match every outfit. Most of mine are not waterproof but those are great. If you want something personalized have the baby's name embroidered on it. I have 2 of these and I like using them when I take her to the church nursery or to the gym at an odd hour. That way the workers remember her name.
Toys
Right now we dont play with lots of toys but here are a few that we like.
 |
| Sophie the Giraffe by Vulli |
-Vulli Sophie the Giraffe: many people are put off by the price of this teether but it is worth it. We are not cutting teeth yet but love our Sophie. She is easy to hold and is made of natural rubber.
-bright star snuggle and teether: Emily has the elephant. She loves it. It is easy to hold and it makes crinkly noises. It also has a teething part as well.
Baby Gear
 |
| 2012 City Mini |
-Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller: I LOVE my stroller. I received it as a Christmas present from my parents. They got it from craigslist. Which is always a great way to get more expensive baby gear. This stroller is so popular that they go fast from craigslist and consignment sales. This stroller is only 10 lbs and has a handy one handed fold mechanism. This means that you can hold your baby while using one hand fold and lift the stroller into the car. I do not have the attachments for this stroller but if you will be getting before baby is born or when they are still a newborn I would suggest getting the car seat adapter and a corresponding car seat to make this into a travel system. The website has a disclaimer that this is not a jogging stroller and yes if you are a very fast runner I would not suggest utilizing it in that fashion but if you are a slower jogger and only want one stroller it is a good option. It does have a way to lock the front wheel if you are running on a straight track.
- Carseat: I have not included a link for a carseat. Pick the stroller you like the most then buy the corresponding carseat. We have the Graco snugride 35 which is very safe. I would not buy it again. for several reasons. One it is heavier because it holds a baby up to 35lbs. We will not be using this carseat up to that weight. Most 2 year olds are not that heavy and if you do have a heavier baby you are not going to be carrying them around in the pumpkin seat. Buy a cheaper car seat that holds up to a lower weight and you will have an easier time carrying your baby in the pumpkin seat because they weigh less (it will also fit in the shopping carts better). I also would buy a carseat that has a handle where you can change the angle of your grip. Would just make carrying it easier. Carseats dont expire for 5 years from the date they are manufactured. Due to this I bought a neutral color so that I can use this same carseat for any children we may have in that time period.
-Ergo Baby carrier: I love my Ergo. It is easy to use and comfortable. You can hold up to 40lbs (i know several people who carry their toddlers and are comfortable while doing it). There is an infant insert which makes it easy to use with newborns but is a little hot. I love using this when grocery shopping. You can also switch to carrying in back when the baby gets older. This was great when Emily had slight colic (due to allergy), it puts her right to sleep.
- Play mat: Any play mat is great. I prefer ones that make noise and have lights. I have added more toys to ours so she could reach them. This is great to entertain baby while you take a shower.
-Jumperoo: We have a jumperoo. Emily prefers this over the exersaucer she has also used. She is not really big enough to jump but she really likes sitting in it. Which ever kind you like will work. The one that is linked is the one we have. It was easy to put together and the toys are easy to use. She can even play with them now.
-Bumbo seat: we like using the bumbo seat. We borrowed one from a friend. Emily likes it because she likes to sit up but is not completely ready to do it on her own. This also means she can sit up and I can face her to play.
-Swings: we were given an older version of a Fisher-price swing. Not the one linked (based on the age of the persons child I think it is 10 years old, so they do last). It was nice but is big and bulky. It is perfect for ranch houses or condos. A friend let me borrow their Bright Stars portable swing which I really like. This swing easily folds up and moves. I was then able to move it to the floor I was currently on. Also when Emily was having colic I was able to move it to my room and sleep in my bed instead of on the couch. And when I had people coming over I could fold it up and put it away so it was not taking up space.
-Baby monitors: I like my monitor but if I was doing it again I would probably buy a video monitor. I have the Sony baby call nursery monitor. I like that it has two receivers and both have a charger. I leave one in my room and one in the basement. It also has an on mode and a mode that is voice activated (though the sleep sheep sometimes turns it on, see above). I did not originally register for a video monitor because I thought they were expensive and over kill. Now I can see the reason for them. The baby makes noises that you want to check sometimes and it would be nice to just look and see what she is doing. She is a light sleeper and walking in sometimes wakes her up. Though I do know several moms who have become obsessive with their video monitors. So there is some pros and cons.
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| Carseat Canopy in Reagan |
Health Items:
-Safety 1st Thermometer: I really like this thermometer because it has interchangeable tips for all 3 modes of temperature taking.
-Bath tub: this bath tub was awesome when she was a newborn because it has the canopy attachment. This held her in the water with out fear of drowning making it easier to soap her up. Now we don't use the canopy and the back has a seat and is designed to help her sit up. I bought mine used at a consignment sale, it is really easy to find these there in good shape.
So I think that is everything right now. I am sure that I will add things as we go along. If you have any questions about these items let me know. I am happy to elaborate. And please remember I am not being paid by these companies. This is just what I have learned from using these products.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Smiles and giggles
We have defiantly entered the smiling and giggling phase. I have loved all of the stages so far but this one is amazing. It is so wonderful to have her light up when you walk in the room. I cant describe how it feels to know you are her favorite person and how much joy you bring her. You find yourself doing ridiculous things just to hear a giggle.
Working
I received a position as a personal trainer and a group fitness instructor at a local city recreation center. I started working the first week of the new year. The best part is that they have onsite child care that I can use. So I am timing my hours around the child care hours. The normal days I am completely fine because I have never left her there for more than 2 hours. But last weekend we had an open house and I worked for 5 hours. Emily stayed home with James but I was having a bit of a freak out. Silly right? That was the longest I had been away from her. It was not that I was worried about how James was going to take care of her. I knew they were going to be fine. James is a great dad and I never have to worry about that. It was more that I missed her. I am sure if I was doing something more fun and not working I would have been fine :)
I am really enjoying this location. I don't have any classes that I own yet but I am looking forward to getting one. The best part is that I can work out now. Of course I am cheap. If I am working out I have to pay for the child care for Emily. That means I am utilizing the track. They let you take strollers on the track. I started jogging this week because Emily is now big enough to use my nice stroller. I think I need to start picking races for motivation.
I am really enjoying this location. I don't have any classes that I own yet but I am looking forward to getting one. The best part is that I can work out now. Of course I am cheap. If I am working out I have to pay for the child care for Emily. That means I am utilizing the track. They let you take strollers on the track. I started jogging this week because Emily is now big enough to use my nice stroller. I think I need to start picking races for motivation.
Sleep training
So about 2 weeks ago I did some research on sleep. Apparently you are supposed to put newborns down when they are still awake but sleepy. I so did not do this. I did not realize you were supposed to. I would just hold and rock Emily until she fell asleep and then I would sneak her into her crib. This meant she did not know how to sooth herself to sleep. Looking back I do not regret holding and rocking her to sleep. She was only a newborn for a very short time and I will never have that time back.
But that meant I needed to teach her how to comfort herself. So we started sleep training.
Sleep training SUCKS!
But we did it.
We started a night time routine. Starting with a bath. Then we read 2-3 books. Followed by a bottle and some lullabies. Emily is then tucked in and kissed goodnight.
The first night she cried for 45 minutes before she fell asleep. Every 5 minutes we went and rubbed her tummy (did not pick her up) and tucked her back in. This is so horribly emotionally draining. I ended up sitting in the basement with the monitor off (checking every 5 min) so I could not hear her.
The second night she cried for 40 minutes before falling asleep and the third night for 30 minutes. Fourth night she went straight to sleep! Score!
Now she not only falls asleep at night, she puts herself back to sleep the few times she wakes up at night. She still wakes up once a night (not every night, about every other) for a bottle. She is sleeping longer (10-12 hours). Now she goes to bed easy for naps too.
So I was a nervous wreck for 3 nights and had a hard time dealing with the crying but I stuck with it. I am so glad I did because she is so happier now.
But that meant I needed to teach her how to comfort herself. So we started sleep training.
Sleep training SUCKS!
But we did it.
We started a night time routine. Starting with a bath. Then we read 2-3 books. Followed by a bottle and some lullabies. Emily is then tucked in and kissed goodnight.
The first night she cried for 45 minutes before she fell asleep. Every 5 minutes we went and rubbed her tummy (did not pick her up) and tucked her back in. This is so horribly emotionally draining. I ended up sitting in the basement with the monitor off (checking every 5 min) so I could not hear her.
The second night she cried for 40 minutes before falling asleep and the third night for 30 minutes. Fourth night she went straight to sleep! Score!
Now she not only falls asleep at night, she puts herself back to sleep the few times she wakes up at night. She still wakes up once a night (not every night, about every other) for a bottle. She is sleeping longer (10-12 hours). Now she goes to bed easy for naps too.
So I was a nervous wreck for 3 nights and had a hard time dealing with the crying but I stuck with it. I am so glad I did because she is so happier now.
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