New Pre-Mommy Questions

Hi everyone!  Many thanks and appreciation on the following clarification questions:  (I'm due July 2008 and registered this weekend, now having SO many questions!)

1.  Bottle warmer:  I don't want to use the microwave.  I registered for a bottle warmer.  Are these effective; or should I go conventional stove warming?

2.  Pamper's Swaddlers:  What are those?  Regular diapers?  I scanned newborn regular diapers that has a space cut out for the umbilical cord site to heal.  That I know.  I just don't understand what swaddlers are as compared to regular diapers.

3.  I registered for a bassinet, Pack -n- Play and a play-yard/playpen.  Do I need all these?  I like the play-pen.....my mom suggested I get one becuase they can play in there safely while I make dinner, work, excercise; etc.

4.  How  many sheets do I need for the crib, and pack-n-play, and bassinet??

5.  Baby sling vs. Bjorn body carrier?  What's more comfy and safe for baby?  I like the look of the sling, but the acutal front carrier from bjorn with all the straps look safer, but way uncomfortable.

6.  How fast do they grow out of onesies?  It's looking like this little one is going to be a big baby-  how long do newborns stay in onseies made for 0-3 months?

7.  Baby Powder for bottoms:  Do people use baby powder on little bottoms or now is it always a diaper rash cream?  Is Triple Paste Ointment that great?  I've heard good things about it-  but not sure.

THANK YOU!!!!

1. No need for a bottle warmer.  Are you planning on breastfeeding at all?  If not, you should really consider it, but that's another topic and I am kind of a breastfeeding advocate, so I won't say anything else on that.

I found what works best is a oversize cup of hot water. I have a big THERMOS brand thermos and the water would stay HOT all day and I could take pumped cold milk in a bottle and warm it up that way.  I also used the plastic liners so when it was in the water, it warmed it up pretty well since the water was surrounding the milk.

2. Swaddlers are regular diapers, they are just very soft for baby's sensitive.  I used those and loved them.  My daughter used Pampers brand until she didn't use diapers anymore. I know some people could use generic, but they just were good enough or soft enough in my opinion.

3. I personally didn't use a bassinette at all.  I think the pack and play is good enough for use of all 3 of those you mentioned.  As long as you don't mind a not-as-pretty-as-a-bassinette.  I think a lot of that stuff is a WASTE of money, but then again, I didn't know that until my daughter was a little older and I look back. (She is 4 1/2 now by the way).  Also, for exercising and stuff where the baby is right near you, try a swing or bouncy seat.  Mine LOVED her bouncy seat, plus it was great for me if I was pumping or doing something quickly and always kept her entertained.

4. Sheets....I would say maybe 4 or so of each.  It depends on how often you do laundry.  If you have a washer and dryer, I think a couple is enough.  If you have to go to a laundromat though, I would say a couple more wouldnt hurt.  Also, for sheets, I would say check a consignment store.  Wash them yourself after you buy them and they will be much cheaper that way.

5. I preferred the sling but I breastfed, so it made things much easier for me.  I think either are fine.

6. Onesies go up to usually 12 months or so.  It depends on where you shop.  Thats another thing I would say go to a consignment store for.  They outgrow everything SOOOO quickly.  I like to go to upscale consignment stores as the clothes are in VERY good shape.  They are a little pricier than cheap consignment stores but the quality and cleanliness is what matters to me.

7. Do not use powder.  First of all, there is no reason for it.  Second, if baby were to get a hold of it or if there was an accident and the baby inhales powder at all, it can do a lot of damage to their little lungs.  Stick will ointment for any rashes and I found that sitting with baby on the floor and letting them air out before putting another diaper on right away and changing every 1-2 hours was great.  I did use the Triple Paste and although I paid $8 for a little tub of it, it lasted a long time and was well worth the cost. 

You can PM me if you want to chat more.  I feel I am a rather educated, open-minded mommy who is more than willing to help out a new mom.  Congrats!!!

OMG thank you SOOOO much!!!!  this is SOOO helpful!!  I thought all those pack-n-plays and bassinets were a little over the top.  I am planning on breastfeeding; and pumping/storing so I thought I would need the bottle warmer for that.  Good idea about the hot water though.  I'm just so excited and trying not to get crazy over the details.  I'll try the swaddlers then too-  I just didn't know what they were!!!!  My goal is not to get too crazy with all this "stuff" -  I just want to have fun with her and but also keep her as safe and as healthy as possible. 

This just mad me smile......remembering all the things you don't know!  Don't know if I can cover them all, but I'll try:

bottle warmer- i found unneccessary........i breast fed, but even when i had pumped and refrigerated the milk, we heated it in a big mug with really hot water out of the tap.....may take a few more minutes, but you don't have the microwave issue or the stove to contend with.  if you're using formula, you can mix it with warmish water and go from there

swaddlers-just another ploy for pampers to make you think this is something you need!  the spot for the umbilical cord was never low enough to make any difference anyway.  you will find you like particular diapers over another.....buy several different kind and experiment.  my oldest son was a pampers kid and always wet through huggies, but son number two and three had no problem

packa nd play- that is pretty much the same as a playyard, so i'm not sure why you would need both.  i liked having a bassinet as well...gives you more palces to put the baby down....we had a bassinet in our bedroom and the pack and play in the living room

sheets-i would get at least 4 sheets for the crib, but maybe 2 for the bassinet and pack and play if the baby's going to primarily sleep in the crib.  we also used the little fabric (but waterproof) changing pad (about 10 inch square) under them for small accidents.....helps cut down the laundry.  EVERY mom i know has had one night where everything got peed on or worse several times a night and it didn't matter how many sheets and blankets you have, you won't be able to find one when you need it!

carrier-totally subjective......if you have a friend with a baby, ask if you can try it out (i'm so serious!)

clothes- expect the need a six up after just 6 weeks or so........there are extenders that just make the crotch longer, but my boys were alwasy too fat for that!

powder-most pediatricians ask you to avoid powder......most creams are pretty equal, i liked one called budreaux's butt paste

good luck......i admire you're wanting to have it all "just right", but be prepared for nothing going quite as you planned..........that's part of the fun!

1.  Bottle warmer:  We had one, only used it rarely – but they are handy.
2.  Pamper's Swaddlers:  I have no idea – I don’t think they had these when my boys were born (and it wasn’t that long ago).
3. bassinet, Pack -n- Play and a play-yard/playpen:  All of these are great, but I registered for an all in one deal – there was a thing that set down on top of the playpen that was a bassinet on one side, and a changing station on the other.  Lift it out, and there’s the play pen.
4.  How  many sheets do I need for the crib, and pack-n-play, and bassinet?? Depending on how often you want to do laundry, about 4 to 5.  If you don’t for designer type things, they come in pretty cheap multipacks.
5.  Baby sling vs. Bjorn body carrier?  What's more comfy and safe for baby?:    We got a carrier, and I hated it – I couldn’t get my son in and out of it without help, so it was worthless when I wanted to go out on my own.  Didn’t get the sling – when we went on walks or out, we used the carrier snapped into the space in the stroller.
6.  How fast do they grow out of onesies?  Depends on the baby.  My first took forever to grow out of each size of his, but my second seemed to go through a size about every 3-4 weeks.
7.  Baby Powder for bottoms:  I never used it – me and the boys didn’t like breathing in the dust, which is bad for you anyway, especially if there’s talc in the powder.  Best diaper rash stuff we found:  Desitin night time formula.

Got it.  No baby powder.  I'll try swaddlers.  I'll nix the bassinet, since I was on the fence.  (although it is pretty)  I'm sure I'll get some clothes from my sister becuase she has two darling girls.  I'm hoping it's some of the stuff I bought them (is that bad?  I just thought what I bought for them was adorable!!!!)  I know I'm getting her pump.  I'll nix the bottle warmer.  I don't want people to spend uneccesary money.  I'm going to plan on not having anything happen the way I planned it!!!  And, I'm not a fan of laundry :)  I'll get a few sets of sheets.  I registered for the dry pads that go in the cribs/pack-n-plays.

Glad we could all help you a little Vanessa.  It's great that you want to be informed.  That's how I was and I am glad I got many peoples input and did a lot of 'research' before giving birth!

You will do fine.  Nothing we say will ever prepare you for being a mom, but you will do great and learn as you go!

I'm chiming in a little late, but here's my take.

1.  Bottle warmer:  Totally useless.  I breastfed or mixed formula, so I never put anything in the frige/freezer to need warming.  I have a warmer for the car, and I never once used it.  Even when packing pre-made bottles in ice packs, they never got cold enough to warrant warming. 


3.  I registered for a bassinet, Pack -n- Play and a play-yard/playpen.  Do I need all these?  I used a play yard for the first 2 months.  He slept in our bedroom, and it was perfect.  Once he started sleeping through the night, he moved into his own room in a crib.   From that point on, the play yard was only used when we took him outside.  A baby's not going to sleep in a bassinet for very long at all, so I felt that it was a waste of money. 


4.  How  many sheets do I need for the crib, and pack-n-play, and bassinet??  I have three sets of sheets for the crib, plus 2 mattress pads, and 4 sheet savers.  That seems to be enough for us.  As for the play yard, we bought two thin sheets and two quilted sheets, but we never used the quilted ones.


5.  Baby sling vs. Bjorn body carrier?  I have a Snugli, which I think is similar to the Bjorn brand.  My son loved it! 

6.  How fast do they grow out of onesies? My son was over 8 pounds at birth, so he grew out of the 0-3 month onesies fairly quickly.  However, I just bought him a bunch at Burlington Coat Factory.  You can get a 5-pack for about $7 there.  I think they're even a little more expensive at Walmart.  Still, I'd invest in those.  My son was born at the beginning of Spring (but in Texas it might as well be summer), so he lived in onesies in the beginning.  They're so easy to take on and off, and will be cool for the baby.  

7.  Baby Powder for bottoms:  I only use Desitin as needed.  I bought baby powder almost 3 years ago and have never opened it. 

Hope this helps!

I always use powder on bottoms but its corn starch only.  No talc!!  Found that the drier the bottom the less likely for no rash to start.

Ive had 3 of my own and also do homedaycare as well.

I would STRONGLY recommend Getting educated about breast feeding and taking a class with a lactaction consultant.   Im not sure where you are but pumping/storing and nursing is very time consuming and your pumping efforts might be next to nil on the output.

When it comes to diapers the brands are almost all the same and usually the generic ones work just as good as the brand name ones

I always used a bassinet or moses basket for them when little and in our room up to 4 months old

Original Post by vanessa1031:

Hi everyone!  Many thanks and appreciation on the following clarification questions:  (I'm due July 2008 and registered this weekend, now having SO many questions!)

1.  Bottle warmer:  I don't want to use the microwave.  I registered for a bottle warmer.  Are these effective; or should I go conventional stove warming?

2.  Pamper's Swaddlers:  What are those?  Regular diapers?  I scanned newborn regular diapers that has a space cut out for the umbilical cord site to heal.  That I know.  I just don't understand what swaddlers are as compared to regular diapers.

3.  I registered for a bassinet, Pack -n- Play and a play-yard/playpen.  Do I need all these?  I like the play-pen.....my mom suggested I get one becuase they can play in there safely while I make dinner, work, excercise; etc.

4.  How  many sheets do I need for the crib, and pack-n-play, and bassinet??

5.  Baby sling vs. Bjorn body carrier?  What's more comfy and safe for baby?  I like the look of the sling, but the acutal front carrier from bjorn with all the straps look safer, but way uncomfortable.

6.  How fast do they grow out of onesies?  It's looking like this little one is going to be a big baby-  how long do newborns stay in onseies made for 0-3 months?

7.  Baby Powder for bottoms:  Do people use baby powder on little bottoms or now is it always a diaper rash cream?  Is Triple Paste Ointment that great?  I've heard good things about it-  but not sure.

THANK YOU!!!!

1) I'm a stay-at-home dad, so I've had to do a lot of reheating of breastmilk in the past 18 months.  A bottle warmer is sooooo much more convenient than the stove top is.  It's definitely worth it.  But one question, since you're a mom-to-be, are you not going to be breastfeeding?  Breastmilk is far superior to formula and heating breast milk is much easier :D

2) Swaddlers are just stretchy diapers as far as I can tell.  I liked the swaddlers better since they felt less stiff on the boy.

3) We used the pack and play with the infant insert for a long time since we were moving house right after our son was born.  It has been invaluable for travelling and dinner parties since then.  We bring the pack and play and when the boy gets tired, we put him up in a room in his pack and play and he sleeps while we have fun.  We really would not have had any use for a bassinet.  We did, however, get a playpen.  Frankly until the kid is crawling, you won't need a playpen at all.  My suggestion is to get some of those puzzle piece floor mats for the baby to lie down on, one of those little vibrating chairs, and/or a swing.  Those will come in much more handy for the next 6 to 12 months than a playpen will.

4) We have 2 sets of sheets for his crib and one for his pack and play.  That's been more than enough for us.

5) We started out with a cheapo baby carrier that we got at a garage sale for like $3.  It lasted us for basically the first year without any problems.  Then we moved on to a massive hiking backpack.  Recently my wife got something similar to the baby bjorn but more versatile and can handle him now that he's bigger.  We're not fans of the uber trendy baby bjorn if you can't tell.  My wife has a sling too, though we hardly ever use it.  She says it's comfortable for her, the baby looks way uncomfortable (though he appears to sleep well in it), and I can't freaking stand it because it's so uncomfortable.

6) They grow out of onesies faster than you'd think.  My wife and I went to garage sales and spent $50 and got him almost all the clothes he needed until he was 3 years old.  They were all very new clothes, most had only been worn a few times, some still had the tags on them.  Now his clothes are stained and dirty and packed away for our next child.  We can't imagine spending $10 on one outfit (let alone $50 or $60 that we've seen in stores sometimes).  FYI, our boy was big too (8lbs 11oz) and he has consistently been 3 to 4 months ahead in his clothing.  His 0-3 stuff was getting tight at 2 months.

7) I've heard (though I haven't verified) that baby powder is a no no since it can get in baby's lungs which is bad.  We've used desitin from the start and that's been great.

Just chiming in with my 2 cents, feel free the PM me if you have more questions. :) My youngest is now 10 weeks old so these things are active in my mind right now!

Original Post by vanessa1031:

Hi everyone!  Many thanks and appreciation on the following clarification questions:  (I'm due July 2008 and registered this weekend, now having SO many questions!)

1.  Bottle warmer:  I don't want to use the microwave.  I registered for a bottle warmer.  Are these effective; or should I go conventional stove warming?

The bottle warmer is way faster and uses less water than the hot mug trick but either one will work.  We went without one for a long time without any trouble and then got one and thought it was much more convenient.  We bottle feed breastmilk so it separates in the fridge and the bottle warmer gets it nice and warm so it blends back.

2.  Pamper's Swaddlers:  What are those?  Regular diapers?  I scanned newborn regular diapers that has a space cut out for the umbilical cord site to heal.  That I know.  I just don't understand what swaddlers are as compared to regular diapers.

Swaddlers are just regular diapers.  That being said they are the only diapers I have used through 3 babies that don't blow out poop the back and legs.  Although if you get 1 size up most brands should be ok.  FYI you don't need the newborn cut out, just fold the front of the diaper down so it rest under their belly button.  Most of the time the cut out doesn't fit the baby exactly and you have to fold it anyway.  Don't buy too many newborn and size 1 diapers, you'll be shocked at how quickly they grow in those first few weeks!!

3.  I registered for a bassinet, Pack -n- Play and a play-yard/playpen.  Do I need all these?  I like the play-pen.....my mom suggested I get one becuase they can play in there safely while I make dinner, work, excercise; etc.

I am not sure what the difference is between the ones you registered for but what you want to get is one of the new ones that is a playpen with a bassinet insert and a changing table.  We have one in the living room so the baby can sleep, play, and be changed without having to go upstairs to her bedroom.  Also it is great for travel because you have all the equipment you could need.

4.  How  many sheets do I need for the crib, and pack-n-play, and bassinet??

Get about 4 sheets for the crib and multiples of those waterproof fabic pads. There will be nights the baby will spit up every time you lay her down and you want to be able to change what's under her quickly (and with one hand).  I don't use sheets in my pack n play, just one of those fabric mats.

5.  Baby sling vs. Bjorn body carrier?  What's more comfy and safe for baby?  I like the look of the sling, but the acutal front carrier from bjorn with all the straps look safer, but way uncomfortable.

I have always used a baby sling but the kind you get will make a huge difference as to how comfortable it is.  It has taken me 3 kids to find the perfect one.  I use it because it is easy to stuff in my purse, it covers the baby completely so I don't have to worry about cold, germs, etc..., and I also find it fashionable and comfortable.  That said I have also used the baby Bjorn and for bigger babies it is fine.  Not quite as portable as my sling and the baby is much more exposed, but comfortable for the wearer. 

6.  How fast do they grow out of onesies?  It's looking like this little one is going to be a big baby-  how long do newborns stay in onseies made for 0-3 months?

Onesies are really stretchy, so they usually last long past their weight limit.  However depending on the size of your baby that doesn't necessarily correspond to the month/age.  Although for baby clothes and diapers I would focus on the 3-6 month sizes.  The first 3 months the baby gows so fast you'll be growing out of clothes and diapers right and left.    

7.  Baby Powder for bottoms:  Do people use baby powder on little bottoms or now is it always a diaper rash cream?  Is Triple Paste Ointment that great?  I've heard good things about it-  but not sure.

I also never used baby powder although I have bought several bottles of the cornstarch only kind with the intention of using it.  We also have always used Desitin (the original formula, not the creamy it rubs off too easily).  The best way to take care of their butts is to not use baby wipes too often. 

 

 

I though it might be helpful to list the things I can't live without:

My baby sling.  I love it, it is easily portable, it always fits, its super comfy for both of us, and I look cool and get lots of comments and questions about it.

A cradle swing.  These things are awesome.  Babies go instantly to sleep in them.  All of my babies who couldn't stand bouncy chairs, vibrating chairs, or traditional swings LOVED the cradle swing. 

Recieving blankets.  Get as many as you can.  They are invaluable for swaddling newborns, as a burp cloth or cleaning up spit up, acting as a barrier between babies and people's germy clothes, floors, sofas, etc..., use as a changing pad, they are soft and warm.

A glider.   I like them better than a rocker because they are more stable and take less effort, and are more comfortable.  Trust me, if you have a fussy baby you'll spend hours in it especially at night.  You might even sleep in it a few times.

White noise.  These come in all types from systems that clip to the crib rail, to teddy bears that have heartbeats.  These always helped my babies transition from the nosy house to the quiet of their cribs.   

Zippers.  Get clothes, suits, and pajamas with zippers whenever possible.  You would never think what a pain all those tiny snaps are in the dark, with a screaming baby, and you're sleep deprived.

That's all for now, hopefully the others will chime in. :)

thank you all again for all your input!!  I'm going to research a good lactation consultant.  My sister is giving me her pump-  she breastfed both her little ones and can recommend someone I'm sure.  I'm just so excited to meet this little one that kicks and jabs and dances!!!  I feel like I'm more worried about what basics I need vs. giving birth!  I can't stop thinking about what it may be like and I'm so ready for sleepless nights and screaming babies but also all the fun that goes along with meeting your new best freind.  I so appreciate everyone's input and feel so much better about these little details!!

two more "must-haves" if you're breastfeeding........lansinoh (or other pure lanolin nipple cream (use it  EVERY time, before problems happen) and  a bag of frozen peas or corn (when your boos are hot and about to explode you'll figure it out!) also, majamas makes the best nursing jammies

Just a thought about baby carriers - I had the Sport Baby Bjorn - it was great until my son was 8 months.  I loved it!  I used it at least 4 times a week - everytime I went shopping, walking, everything!  However, he is now too big.  I recently bought and Ergo carrier (from myfavoritebabycarrier.com).  It is even better.  It carries a child from newborn (with an insert) upto 40lbs.  Baby always faces in, but you can carry them on your front or your back.  I can even hike with it!  If you want to be active, you may find you get more use from the Ergo!  It is so much more comfortable.  Weight of baby is on your hips, not your shoulders or low back!  

Congrats on your pregnancy!!!!  Good Luck!

I just wanted to chime in about the bottle warmer.  It seems as though most think it is useless, but agreeing with the SAHDad, it is very convient for warming breastmilk.  My husband used it quite a bit.

Congrats and good luck!

I know you got a lot of replies but here I go

1.  I used frozen breastmilk all the time!  Put a large mug in the microwave for 21.5 minutes and the bag fits right in and 3-5 minutes later is ready to pour in the bottle!  EASY!

2. Swaddlers are so soft and work great.  Loved them since my twins were only 5 lbs.  Just felt so much better agains there skin.  Later on go cheap!

3.  I got the pack & play with the basanet shelf that vibrated and played lulabies and had a changeing table attached on the side.  I LOVED IT AND USED IT EVERYDAY.  They are 14 months old and I still use it!!!

4. 2 sheets for the crib and 1 for the pack & play.  Get 2 changeing pad covers and 3-4 of the lap protector changeing pads.  Put one of the lap pads on top of the changeing pad so if there is an accident and you need to change it quick you can just pull the lap pad off and have the cover still underneath.  Saves a lot of time and headaches!!!

5.  Had both but couldn't really get the hang of the sling!  I envy the people that could breastfeed in a sling.  Used the carrier a lot!  Especially shopping and cooking!!

6.  Onesies are great!!  Need them but just like all clothes it really is up to the growth rate of your child!

7.  NO POWDER!  I use desitin original!  A little sticky but absolutely the best for diaper rash.  Dont use anything just let the butt dry before you put a diaper on untill the sign of redness!

 

GOOD LUCK!!!  ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!!!