Best advice for moms - please add to list!!!!

[Happy Bunny]

For those wondering (I did), AF came for me at 6 weeks, 1 day - it was business as usual.

Also, the first 5-6 weeks are survival mode, baby is struggling to adapt to being outside mom and mom is struggling to adapt to a feisty newborn... After that, things do settle down and a pattern sets in. Try to remember that the reactionary phase is short and the good times/patterns do come.

[katieb1231]

Wanted to chime in on the changing table I buy puppy pee pads a package is under ten bucks and one lasts about 2 to 3 weeks sometimes more and when you are done just toss them I have only bought about 3 packs and Em is 2 1/2.

I like the diaper dekor diaper pail the number one best thing is that I can just push the lever with my foot toss it in and it has no odor. We had the diaper genie (both kinds) and unfortunately they aren't made the best & my DH broke them....he is a big guy and I guess he muscled it to do something and it broke....whatever you get just make sure you can get the diaper in with no hands or one hand your hands will be full!!!

Still searching for a double stroller really need something that I can fold easily for travel....and I think Em would not be a happy camper if she didn't have somewhere to sit comfortably....did I mention she is a total diva??

I looked after my friends little guy today and at one point they were both crying and I thought WOW....can I really do this? It is becoming pretty real that I will have a 3 year old and newborn...YIKES....this is my dream I always wanted two kids but am I really equipped for this? I am getting scared I want to be a good Mom and don't want to be a mess....and to think last year when I was pregnant with twins I thought I can do this! Toddler & twins....hmmmmm what was I thinking?

[riogirl71]

Katie you will be fine with two kiddos, i would not have it any other way, of course you feel a little guilty that your #1 doesnt get the attention he or she used to but it is all good, they will always have each other!

I am loving the diaper dude bag for all the stuff for two kids, the baby bjorn and baby ktan for slings, the newborn baby lounger from boppy, the head noggin from boppy, a little bouncer chair, halo sleep sac with swaddling, boppy changing pads!

[lou71]

My most used items are her Boppy, and fleece Halo sleepsacks. These are must haves.

My favorite diaper bag is the Petunia Pickle Bottom boxy backpack. I just love it! Perfect size, the glazed canvas wipes clean, it's made really well, and super stylish. I get compliments from strangers all the time. It's worth the $169 price tag. I plan to use it as a carry all when she's older.

I also wanted a cute cover for her car seat/stroller and bought one online from Posh Comforts. We use it every day. It keeps the sun and wind out of her face and germs out also. Great item to have.

I also think the Diaper Dekor plus is a great disposal unit. The refills last forever!

I have the Chicco Keyfit 30 travel system and it's great. We each have a carseat base in our car. My baby is very comfortable in it and she often sleeps. It has great safety ratings too.

I have a Baby Bjorn carrier and really like it. Took some practice getting get in and out, but now it's easy. Using it at the zoo later today!

[longtimerivf]

Thank you all for a wonderful thread!!! trying to write down all the advice!!
Glad you're all doing great and enjoying those little bundles of joy!!!

[to_have_fun08]

I love the zipper crib sheets. so easy to take on and off when.

I also really like having a video monitor. At first i didn't think i would use it much. We have a really small house and can hear every noise he makes. i was going to wait to buy the monitor but my co-workers got me one as a present. Now i love it.. Jake is a really noisy sleeper. There are many times we thought he was awake because he was making so much noise. We would go in his room to check on him and he was still sleeping. With the monitor we can just look to see if he is awake. Plus its so much fun to watch him squirm around in bed.

[longtimerivf]

Hi all!... any suggestions on pack n plays or bassinets for the baby to sleep in your room?? Seen them all but have no idea which one is better...

[Happy Bunny]

We got a bassinet for our room and didn't buy a pack n play until Brooke was about 7 months old.

I preferred the bassinet for our room as it would fit between my side of the bed and the wall and still have room to walk. I liked having her really close to me. I even kept a flash light on my night table so that I could check on her easily throughout the night.

We bought our bassinet used and 100% of the fabric was able to be removed and washed in the washer. For $25 it was a great deal.

[katieb1231]

We use a small pack in play in our room it is smaller than the traditional one and has a upper level so I can just reach in and grab her it is similar to a co-sleeper. I am with Happy Bunny....it is nice to have her really close to me and I too keep a flash light by my bed to check on her throughout the night. I just didn't want to be up running to the nursery all night long.....

[jacks-will]

Well, should I buy lily padz or just buy these disposable breast pads? I not want to create more waste, but if the maintenance and cleaning are a pain then I'd rather just use throw-away. Suggest me some good views.

lily padz

[kerpupples]

I haven't tried the lily padz, but I used both washable and disposable pads.

[kynlee]

Hi ladies Love this thread.... I am starting to register and wanted to see what the best monitor is out there... They are all different prices but wanted to get opinions on ones people have used so I can get a better opinion...

[Sdtryingagain]

We have a very reliable Sony. No frills. We've had for 4 years no problem. I always wished we would have invested in a video monitor since I think it makes sleep training easier to see that they are safe and winding themselves down. We did sleep training at about 1 year old for both our boys (we did sleep training and weaning at the same time since for us they were related) it only took about a week or two so don't know if it would have been worth the investment. Would be interesting to hear from others if they like the video ones.

[lou71]

We love our video monitor! It is the Summer Infant Baby Touch. We bought two cameras, one for downstairs and one for the crib. I use both every day and she's a year old. We joke we'll continue to use when she's in high school. Lol

[kynlee]

Thanks Ladies

Lou- I will have to look into that one when I go to registry this weekend