British Bun in the Oven

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Hehe, I've certainly received a lot of tips - but it never hurts to have more!

Crackers do seem to work. Problem is, I forgot to take them home with me, so they weren't within easy reach this morning. And of course I hadn't been able to stomach much the night before so yes, empty stomach had done it!

Getting soooo sick of crackers. I'll be glad when I don't have to have them any more.

Ginger ale doesn't really ward off the nausea for me, but I AM finding it more digestible than water at the moment, especially when diluted with ice. It's my main source of fluids!

I haven't tried peppermint yet. I do love peppermint tea. I should also try sucking on any hard sweets.

[TracyTN 237]

I hope those help. My vomit was like Pavlov's dog. I would vomit almost daily in the shower, so even once the nausea had truly passed (about 3 weeks into the 2nd trimester), turning the shower on could induce it. I found I had to sing songs to myself as the shower came on to get my mind off of it so I wouldn't hurl.

[Fandango 1,440]

The hubs bought me a ginger tea. It worked as best as anything could. Sometimes, even smelling the tea bag was enough to stave off the nausea for a bit.

[Alex & Rachel 78]

I hope those help. My vomit was like Pavlov's dog. I would vomit almost daily in the shower, so even once the nausea had truly passed (about 3 weeks into the 2nd trimester), turning the shower on could induce it. I found I had to sing songs to myself as the shower came on to get my mind off of it so I wouldn't hurl.

Oh no! I love my morning shower, I don't know what I'd do if it started to induce vomiting in me!

Strangely enough, I always feel worse at work! I felt fine - well, not nauseous - all weekend, and now it's Monday morning the nausea's returned in full force again.

The hubs bought me a ginger tea. It worked as best as anything could. Sometimes, even smelling the tea bag was enough to stave off the nausea for a bit.

Ginger anything is pretty great! Ginger ale, crystallised ginger... I even find ginger chewing gum very handy for motion sickness (which I only tend to get playing certain video games, bizarrely).

I found out from my MIL that there's a very cool shop that operates a diaper service within a mile of where I live. $22 a week for 80 diapers, which they take away, wash and return to you. Looks as if Alex and I are going to start learning how to fold cloth diapers.

[TracyTN 237]

Uh no folding required - not with the way cloth diapers are anymore! They've come a LONG way!!!

We use cloth - Fuzzi Bunz. - but there are TONS of different brands out there.

Here are some helpful links for your research:

http://www.cottonbabies.com/

http://www.theclothdiaperwhisperer.com/

http://www.kellyscloset.com/ - this one apparently allows you to do a free cloth diaper trial, though I didn't do it so I can't tell you much about it.

We also didn't see any need to pay a diaper service to do an extra load of laundry. The shells can be dried in the dryer on low heat and the inserts on high heat. We can get an entire load done in 2-3 hours. We have 17 diapers total.

Let me know if you have any other cloth questions!!

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Thanks Tracy!

I think a diaper service would be necessary for us as we live in an apartment complex with shared laundry facilities - we're lucky enough to be able to wash our own clothes (the laundry rooms were full all Sunday/most of yesterday), let alone do any extra loads! It's also reasonably expensive; we spend about $25 a week doing our laundry. But it's great to have options. I'll no doubt have lots of questions later!

Here's a question for all of you ladies - what things did you find most/least useful? I have quite a bit of free time at work and it's fun to virtual window-shop! Going to start building up a list so I can try and save/spread costs.

[TracyTN 237]

Oh right - that would make it a little harder. I was thinking in my 'laundry in my house' box. Sorry.

Good question too btw!! I wish I had thought a little down the street for my gift registry - meaning not all infant items. Sure we registered for (and got!) many different sizes of clothes, but I never thought to put a Bumbo on there. Something we used religiously for several months.

I found the wipe warmer thing to be totally useless. Esp. as we now use wet washcloths for wipes (only use actual wipes when traveling). I also never got the point of those thingys you put in shopping carts when you go out. Most stores now provide sanitizing wipes for you at the cart bay which is much easier than lugging that thing out every time. We used it maybe twice. Glider for her bedroom - we barely ever use, but that could be just us.

One other thing that helped us was finding a dresser that has a flat top which we use as the changing table (instead of buying a completely separate changer). That way we can still use it when she's older to set books or things on top of it.

I think part of the catch .22 for baby items is you need them when you need them, but then once you don't, they're obsolete. Particularly if you're not planning on a second child (like me). Swing and bouncy seat helped in the first several months, but for us they became obsolete around month 9. As such, I have one of each for sale - gently used - if you're interested. LOL! So just be prepared for a LOT of stuff like that.

Are you breastfeeding or bottle feeding? That may alter some of our answers too (I bottle fed). Which means I also have a full bottle set plus sterilizer for sale.

That's all I can think of right now!

[TracyTN 237]

Oh and I know I'm alone on this one, but we didn't use the baby monitor much past about 3 months of age. I am a light sleeper anyway so there is no way I wouldn't have heard her wake up (aside from the fact that hubby and I did 'shifts' where one of us was awake around the clock - at least while I was on maternity leave). Plus I knew I wouldn't sleep a wink if I heard every move or gurgle she made. But I know they give a lot of parents comfort. I think I'm just a freak. LOL.

And you know where this is going... I have one for sale, cheap.

ETA I didn't mean to sound like I was saying 'don't buy one'; I just meant you may want a less fancy one than you think. And to put up this link:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2044921/How-new-parents-spend-4-000-born--experts-warn-bassinets-baby-wipe-warmers-waste-money.html

Edited October 4, 2011 by TracyTN

[Fandango 1,440]

Here's a question for all of you ladies - what things did you find most/least useful? I have quite a bit of free time at work and it's fun to virtual window-shop! Going to start building up a list so I can try and save/spread costs.

Right, I am a broken record when it comes to talking about this product, but it has been THE BIGGEST HELP for me that I have it.

It's called an Angel Care Monitor. There are pads which you put under the baby's mattress. It monitors the movement from breathing. It's that sensitive! It has all sorts of bells and whistles...my model was the deluxe version 2010. This is a direct c&p:

Why this monitor?

It combines a quality sound monitor and a movement monitor in a single system

Whether baby is awake or sound asleep, Angelcare® under-the-mattress Sensor Pad will detect all of her movements

Rechargeable Parents Unit (4 AAA rechargeable batteries included)

Features

Under-the-mattress Sensor Pad detects all baby's movements

Alarm sounds after 20 seconds if absolutely no movement is detected

Adjustable sensitivity

Battery or AC adapter operated

Optional 'tic" sound to hear baby's movements

8 channels to minimize interference

Automatically converts to battery in case of power failure

Sound lights to see and hear baby's sounds

Low battery indicator

Practical soothing night-light.

Choice between voice activation or continuous sound reception

Nursery room temperature display on the Parents unit.

Vibration option on Parents Unit when alarm (dependent on models)

Extra Parents Unit: You only need to program one parents unit the other will automatically set up.

I did not get a sound night's sleep before getting this. Beforehand, I was sitting by his cradle watching him sleep. When it was too dark to see him move, I'd put my hand on him to feel him breathing. Sometimes, that would wake him up! grrrr, lol. The 'tick' noise is almost like a metronome, but it makes noise when he's moving (breathing). It's by far the most awesome sound, and the most awesome peace of mind there ever was to be had...again, speaking for me only. Video was not available, so we bought a separate video unit...but now they have it all combined in a superfly 2011 version.

Btw, there's no electrical current. It's entirely passive. Someone once said they weren't comfortable with their child sleeping on a live current, and I can assure you I wouldn't be comfortable with that either, lol.

Here's the superfly version: http://www.angelcare-monitor.com/International/en/products/angelcare-monitor-AC1100

From me, this product is worth its weight in gold. I am not a paid endorsement, lol...I truly am grateful for this invention.

[Fandango 1,440]

Two more things re: the monitor. You can also set alarms for the temperature, if it goes too high or too low. It's really just that awesome! And like Tracy said about things that become obsolete, I think this is something we will use for many years to come...it's a great way to keep track of the baby. And when he gets older that he's more mobile and can get out of bed, this will let us know.

Hell, in thinking about it, perhaps I'll sneak it in his room when he's 16 so I can make sure he doesn't sneak out of the house, lol.

________________

Bottles: I did some research myself, and because I was breastfeeding, I went with what I thought was a great bottle. Tommy Tippee. They say it causes less 'nipple confusion' because it's shaped more like an actual breast and nipple. Problem is, he had silent reflux really badly, so my mom did some research and switched us to Dr Brown's, which was a Godsend. I never used Tommy again, and there really wasn't the 'nipple confusion' I thought there would be.

We got the custom microwave steamer as well, but it's big and bulky, and little did I know, they make disposable bags for steam sanitizing bottles. They worked out better for us as well.

And my very best gf on the planet....goes by Tmma here - bought us a Starlight Papasan Swing. GODSEND! He loved it and was in it every day for hours. Up until 8 mos or so. It was really such a welcome respite, and he loved being in it. He'd fall asleep in there every single day.

_______

Another thing I loved...we got this http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=stuffed+animal+with+soothing+sounds&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6529231758476648900&sa=X&ei=6GuLTpn_Ccq5tgfU-aC6Aw&ved=0CHgQ8wIwBA that is a stuffed animal which plays noises. I'd put on the heartbeat setting when we finally got him to bed, and I do believe it reminded him of the safety in utero, because he'd stay asleep, and every morning, he'd be cuddled right up to it.

Speaking of sounds...if either of you are rockers, lol....they have a series of CDs called 'Rockabye Baby' which are lullaby renditions of popular music. Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, Bob Marley, Beatles...you name it. Nick LOVES those, and so do we, lol. It's cool the way they're done. Here's the site with some clips:

http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/

I'll post more when it comes to me, lol.

Edited October 4, 2011 by Anita Cocktail

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Thank you for the recommendations!

Tracy - oh, I'd love to be in a house with my own facilities. Unfortunately, living in San Jose, I don't see that happening unless I win the lottery or receive a very big raise at work! Sigh! I do love California but the cost of living is a little ridiculous sometimes.

I actually read that Daily Mail article (haha - I can't help it, reading that site is a guilty pleasure of mine. I usually go for the reader comments) and wondered if you'd seen it as soon as I saw 'wipe warmer!'

A dresser that functions as a changing table sounds excellent - I can't believe I didn't think of such a solution! My coworker was telling me how necessary a changing table was (she really hurt her back changing her son's diapers) so I was planning on getting one... but yes, it'd be far more sensible to just get a right-sized dresser.

Thinking ahead for future ages - yes! This is why I thought I'd ask the question. I saw my mother receive bags and bags of second-hand newborn clothes when she had twins, and then she had almost nothing for as they grew bigger.

Alex and I are planning on having more - although I must confess, there are times when I wonder 'how on earth can people do this more than once?' (Usually while I'm bent double over the toilet). I have no problem with buying used goods. (If you're seriously offering, I will consider it!) I was a baby who had second-hand everything - and had no idea, of course! But I will definitely be buying a brand-new car seat; I know that's one item that can't be skimped on.

I'm hoping to breast-feed, although it's going to be tough being at work full-time.

Re. monitors - I hadn't given too much thought to them, but I am a VERY heavy sleeper so it might be a good idea for me. It's also why I'd never, ever dare co-sleep with the baby; once I'm asleep, that's it. The Angel Care Monitor sounds really good! Definitely something to consider.

[Fandango 1,440]

Btw, the Rockabye Baby songs are great for shower music!

[Alex & Rachel 78]

Two more things re: the monitor. You can also set alarms for the temperature, if it goes too high or too low. It's really just that awesome!

That does sound great! Would definitely provide peace of mind.

Bottles: I did some research myself, and because I was breastfeeding, I went with what I thought was a great bottle. Tommy Tippee. They say it causes less 'nipple confusion' because it's shaped more like an actual breast and nipple. Problem is, he had silent reflux really badly, so my mom did some research and switched us to Dr Brown's, which was a Godsend. I never used Tommy again, and there really wasn't the 'nipple confusion' I thought there would be.

We got the custom microwave steamer as well, but it's big and bulky, and little did I know, they make disposable bags for steam sanitizing bottles. They worked out better for us as well.

Good to know, especially since I'll also be both breast-feeding and using bottles.

And my very best gf on the planet....goes by Tmma here - bought us a Starlight Papasan Swing. GODSEND! He loved it and was in it every day for hours. Up until 8 mos or so. It was really such a welcome respite, and he loved being in it. He'd fall asleep in there every single day.

I know all of my brothers and sisters and I loved our swing... especially me (I was a terribly colicky/hard-to-settle baby). Even if they can only be used for a few months I think if we're planning on more it's not going to work out to be too terribly expensive.

Another thing I loved...we got this http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=stuffed+animal+with+soothing+sounds&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=6529231758476648900&sa=X&ei=6GuLTpn_Ccq5tgfU-aC6Aw&ved=0CHgQ8wIwBA that is a stuffed animal which plays noises. I'd put on the heartbeat setting when we finally got him to bed, and I do believe it reminded him of the safety in utero, because he'd stay asleep, and every morning, he'd be cuddled right up to it.

Speaking of sounds...if either of you are rockers, lol....they have a series of CDs called 'Rockabye Baby' which are lullaby renditions of popular music. Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, Bob Marley, Beatles...you name it. Nick LOVES those, and so do we, lol. It's cool the way they're done. Here's the site with some clips:

http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/

I'll post more when it comes to me, lol.

I'm not a stuffed animal fan normally - but that is one cute sheep! And the Rockabye Baby CDs are AWESOME! That's a definite purchase.

[Fandango 1,440]

I'm glad we're able to help! A year and a half ago, I was like a deer in headlights, lol. But we've been pretty lucky with what we've gotten - I can't say anything was particularly useless. Tracy and I disagree on monitors, and apparently on wipe warmers too, lol. Nick HATES being wiped with a cold wipe, and screams his head off. Although sometimes my hub will just hold the wipe in his fist for a minute to get the cold out, and that works too.

I will say we bought way too many clothes/shoes. You'd be shocked if you saw Nick's closet, lol. Even now that I've cycled out his sizes several times already. I just kept buying and buying, hahahah. Then peeps got me stuff too. Sometimes he wears an outfit/shoes once, and by the time it cycles around to be word again, it doesn't fit! If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably not buy as much.

I just found a pair of Nike airs that I forgot I had. Of course, they don't fit now. *smh*

_____

One more thing I loved. He had a cradle in our room for the first 6 months or so. Not ideal for marriage, lol...but perfect for new parents. We never co-slept either. We're both heavy sleepers, although I do believe that changes somehow after you have a kid. But either way, it was nice to have him so close. And until he moved into his own room, we changed him right on our bed...even though there was a fully set up nursery on the other side of the house. Not that our house is massive...but to me, as a neurotic new parent....it might as well have been another country, lol. Once he was getting to the age where I knew he was going to have to be transferred out, I'd put him in his crib for his naps. Of course, I didn't have two angel care monitors, and I wasn't about to transfer them as well...so I'd just stay nearby. Btw, the transition to his own room was painless for him, but I cried for a week, hahahaha.

We had a glider too, but I rarely used it. It was also in our bedroom, but in Nick's room, we had this oversized chair. It is massive...it's like a mini couch for one. That's still in his room now. I use it all the time...and when he's sick, I bring the ottoman in there, and I sleep in his room. It's really nice and comfy, which to me is a perfect place to sit and just chill with him.

Re: the Rockabye Baby CDs....we enjoy them as much as Nick does. We got Nick an ipod, lol...and one of those portable speaker system iHome thingies. It's such an easy way to have music in his room.

Edited October 4, 2011 by Anita Cocktail

[TracyTN 237]

Thank you for the recommendations!

Tracy - oh, I'd love to be in a house with my own facilities. Unfortunately, living in San Jose, I don't see that happening unless I win the lottery or receive a very big raise at work! Sigh! I do love California but the cost of living is a little ridiculous sometimes.

I actually read that Daily Mail article (haha - I can't help it, reading that site is a guilty pleasure of mine. I usually go for the reader comments) and wondered if you'd seen it as soon as I saw 'wipe warmer!'

A dresser that functions as a changing table sounds excellent - I can't believe I didn't think of such a solution! My coworker was telling me how necessary a changing table was (she really hurt her back changing her son's diapers) so I was planning on getting one... but yes, it'd be far more sensible to just get a right-sized dresser.

Thinking ahead for future ages - yes! This is why I thought I'd ask the question. I saw my mother receive bags and bags of second-hand newborn clothes when she had twins, and then she had almost nothing for as they grew bigger.

Alex and I are planning on having more - although I must confess, there are times when I wonder 'how on earth can people do this more than once?' (Usually while I'm bent double over the toilet). I have no problem with buying used goods. (If you're seriously offering, I will consider it!) I was a baby who had second-hand everything - and had no idea, of course! But I will definitely be buying a brand-new car seat; I know that's one item that can't be skimped on.

I'm hoping to breast-feed, although it's going to be tough being at work full-time.

Re. monitors - I hadn't given too much thought to them, but I am a VERY heavy sleeper so it might be a good idea for me. It's also why I'd never, ever dare co-sleep with the baby; once I'm asleep, that's it. The Angel Care Monitor sounds really good! Definitely something to consider.

OMG the Daily Mail is my 'guilty pleasure' read too! I read it every day at my desk while I eat lunch (its like my lunchtime break).

I am totally serious about selling those things - though by the time we factor in shipping on the swing or bouncer, it may be cheaper for you to buy one yourself. I would try some consignment shops near you and see if they have any. We really would not buy a new one if we knew then what we know now (oddly, Lisa and I had that same swing - the Starlight Papasan cradle swing. We actually got our car seat from a friend, but I know and trust her well enough to know it had not been in a wreck (the main thing with buying one that's used). It was a Peg Perego and we also got the stroller from her, which we're still using.

The bottles and all probably would not cost us much to ship, though I can understand if you want to get your own. The ones we have are Avent. Both the large and small bottles, nipples, the sterilizer, and a Munchkin dishwasher basket and drying rack are in that box.