Got Baby? Avez vous un bebe?

[Revenesque 2]

Do I have to get a Boppy or will a $3 Target pillow do? :-)

I vented about this in the vent thread, but it's apropo here too:

Now I know why there's such a gap in prices of baby travel systems and car seats (even from the same manuafacturer) in the US vs Canada! The one we bought at Babies R Us in Seattle was $159...the exact same one at Babies R Us in Vancouver is $249.

Apparently, any car seats (and travel systems have car seats as part of the package) sold and used in Canada MUST comply with Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and carry the National Safety Mark. Therefore, any car seats being imported from another country including the US for use in Canada are ILLEGAL.

I read that Canadian border agents will confiscate baby car seats from cross-border shoppers or allow you to turn back to the US to return it for a refund.

Sigh...I have to return my baby car seat. Things I'm learning as a new parent.

Edited April 14, 2010 by Revenesque

[antda 13]

LMAO, Raven . Keep us updated on your progress, for sure. I guess I just have to live the experience vicariously through you for now!

ValerieA-You're not pregnant anymore?

Do I have to get a Boppy or will a $3 Target pillow do? :-)

I vented about this in the vent thread, but it's apropo here too:

Now I know why there's such a gap in prices of baby travel systems and car seats (even from the same manuafacturer) in the US vs Canada! The one we bought at Babies R Us in Seattle was $159...the exact same one at Babies R Us in Vancouver is $249.

Apparently, any car seats (and travel systems have car seats as part of the package) sold and used in Canada MUST comply with Canada's Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and carry the National Safety Mark. Therefore, any car seats being imported from another country including the US for use in Canada are ILLEGAL.

I read that Canadian border agents will confiscate baby car seats from cross-border shoppers or allow you to turn back to the US to return it for a refund.

Sigh...I have to return my baby car seat. Things I'm learning as a new parent.

Reven-

No, it doesn't have to be a boppy pillow. For example, I use a boppy pillow, but the hospital I was at used some other brand, but it still worked in both instances, anyways. (lol..though I personally prefer the boppy ones...)

For more info about boppy pillows, you can read here: http://www.boppy.com/

(I got mine at target, for $40 or so...the pillow and the washable slipcover included)

However, regardless of the brand, I honestly do recommend a 'nursing' pillow, as opposed to a standard pillow, as nursing pillows are firmer, have more support, and are more contoured for yours and your baby's body. As well, they come in cool designs/covers and can be used later on as an infant support pillow when they learn how to sit....

As for the carseats....I posted this on another message thread (car seat (CDN to US): http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/240534-car-seat-cdn-to-us/page__p__3688679__hl__car%20seat%20__fromsearch__1entry3688679), but I thought it would help you here too..

I don't know exactly about carseats between Canada and the USA....

But..I can tell you that Car Seats have nothing to do with car insurance!

(lol..at least from my experience..I have never been asked such here in the USA!)

In all honesty, no need to buy another Car seat......Unless your child grows out of the old one!

But yes, each state does have various weight and height restraint recommendations.....

The general consensus overall though, is that children need to be in a

1) Baby rear facing bucket-style carseat (newborn- 1 year)

2) Baby front facing sitting-up/upright carseat (1 year - 2/3 years)

3) Child booster seat (3/4 years - 7/8 years)

Check with your specific state and specific Car Seats for more information too....

By the way, I have travelled into Canada with my baby with an American Car seat...lol..no problems there...

Lol...And as long as you can read the instructions (be it that it is in English, French, or whatever else)...So be it...

Interestingly enough...A lot of "Canadian" products are actually shipped from the USA....So it should be ok there too...(you might have to read your instruction manual on that one...usually there is both a Canadian and American phone number on that...)

The important thing is that the baby/child is buckled up, can be comfortable in their seat, and that the seat meets state guidelines too...

Also, you should be looking at is your child's weight/height so that they are not too big or too small for their seat!

And yes, things are cheaper here in the USA than in Canada...So if you can find a better bargain here in the USA, by all means...Shop there instead...lol...

Lol..Likewise, I'm learning about parenting too...It's all about experience, and taking it 'a day at a time'.....

Ant

Edited April 14, 2010 by Ant+D+BabyA

[Revenesque 2]

Ant, I'm seriously thinking of just keeping our US carseat. I don't think the safety issue between Canada and the US is that much different. Plus the baby's not likely to be in it for long.

[OBX 51]

Do I have to get a Boppy or will a $3 Target pillow do? :-)

I wasn't even aware of nursing pillows when my boys were babies so I used a regular pillow.

[Colleens 40]

I can finally join in on this thread....after 3 positive pregnancy tests and being about 20 days late...I think it is a pretty sure thing. I know that it is early and a lot can happen, but I am not the best at keeping secrets!! I have an appt with the OB/Gyn on Monday and we have decided to go to the courthouse and get married on Thursday so that I can be added to Si's medical insurance.

[Rhiannercakes 14]

I can finally join in on this thread....after 3 positive pregnancy tests and being about 20 days late...I think it is a pretty sure thing. I know that it is early and a lot can happen, but I am not the best at keeping secrets!! I have an appt with the OB/Gyn on Monday and we have decided to go to the courthouse and get married on Thursday so that I can be added to Si's medical insurance.

Congratulations

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I can finally join in on this thread....after 3 positive pregnancy tests and being about 20 days late...I think it is a pretty sure thing. I know that it is early and a lot can happen, but I am not the best at keeping secrets!! I have an appt with the OB/Gyn on Monday and we have decided to go to the courthouse and get married on Thursday so that I can be added to Si's medical insurance.

How wonderful - this is just the most exciting thing! Forget that wedding thing....babies are so much more fun!!!!!

[Udella&Wiz 325]

I wasn't even aware of nursing pillows when my boys were babies so I used a regular pillow.

I had one in the hospital, but used a regular one at home....any pillow is helpful...much nicer to have the baby supported and not have the strain of holding the baby.

[Udella&Wiz 325]

:thumbs: Totally agree.

I breast-fed for longer than a year and let both of mine wean themselves. But it can be difficult to get going; doesn't always work out like those peaceful pictures you see of mother and baby. But with good support and determination it is well worth the effort and it is a great health benefit. Plus it's less expensive than formula!

Yay - my co-champion of Breast Feeding. I forgot the free part, that and it's so convenient (you won't forget the boobies at home )

I have lots of hilarious BF-ing stories...I'm sure they'll come out eventually.

[OBX 51]

Yay - my co-champion of Breast Feeding. I forgot the free part, that and it's so convenient (you won't forget the boobies at home )

I have lots of hilarious BF-ing stories...I'm sure they'll come out eventually.

Yup I'm just cheap.

Funny thing...my oldest turns 21 this week and I can still remember my breast feeding mishaps

Edited April 20, 2010 by OBX

[Colleens 40]

Fortunately ALL of my friends in Canada have had babies over the past year...there was one pretty much every other month, so I am pretty up to date on the latest baby issues....on top of being a baby planner extrodinaire I think baby showers cost me more in the last year than the immigration process!!

[Tater&Bugger 3]

It's "bébé"..... but you're close enough!

[Hugglebuggles 60]

Awww Colleens! Congrats!

[OBX 51]

I can finally join in on this thread....after 3 positive pregnancy tests and being about 20 days late...I think it is a pretty sure thing. I know that it is early and a lot can happen, but I am not the best at keeping secrets!! I have an appt with the OB/Gyn on Monday and we have decided to go to the courthouse and get married on Thursday so that I can be added to Si's medical insurance.

Missed this post yesterday.

Wonderful news. Congratulations !

[Revenesque 2]

I can finally join in on this thread....after 3 positive pregnancy tests and being about 20 days late...I think it is a pretty sure thing. I know that it is early and a lot can happen, but I am not the best at keeping secrets!! I have an appt with the OB/Gyn on Monday and we have decided to go to the courthouse and get married on Thursday so that I can be added to Si's medical insurance.

Congrats, Colleens! Exciting times.

It's "bébé"..... but you're close enough!