Bibs are a necessary item for most babies. We all know it but before you have a baby you have no idea what you will really be using them for. So for all those moms-to-be this should save you from drawers stuffed full with bibs you will never use.
1. Cotton bibs - virtually useless. For newborns and infants that spit up or drool this bib easily soaks through to the baby's clothes and usually has to be changed a couple times a day. It can be made of terry material, sweatshirt or t-shirt material. You can get them with back or side closure or pull over the baby's head.
2. Cotton vinyl lined bibs - this is my favorite for spit up or droolers but not good for new eaters because they have to be washed after every use.
3. Vinyl or plastic bibs - Great for new and seasoned eaters that make the occasional accidents because it can be wiped clean between uses and disinfected but not absorent for drool or spit up.
4. Sleeved bibs - Great for little artists and particularily messy eaters but only the ones made of plastic or vinyl otherwise you have to wash between every use.
At this time, I have drooler, a messy eater and a little artist so we are packing the arsenol of bibs. So save yourself the laundry and expense and buy only what you need. Good luck!
The Days of Sleeping In
I remember those days. Don't you? I think that was the first thing that occurred to me when I had my first baby. It wasn't the lack of sleep because I was prepared for that but the choice of what time I was going to wake up. I had and still do have an issue that. Of course we are all controlled by our children's needs but this is the one that bugs me the most. I am waiting for the day my kids can get themselves up especially on the weekends. We all mean something different when we say 'I can't wait till my kids grow up', amoung other reasons this is a biggest reason for me.
Awsome Mommy Trick #2: the Podee Bottle
The Podee Bottle!
http://www.podee.com/
Need I say more.
Today I went to pick up my oldest at preschool and just as I was leaving a very common scene in every mother's life, when you have small children, my youngest starts to cry because he is hungry. Well I couldn't stop to feed him so I filled up the podee bottle with warm milk and gave him the bottle's soother. He finished 3 quarters of the bottle and was content, at least till we got home an hour later and I could feed him a real bottle.
For those of you that live in Canada you will have to purchase on eBay but I think its worth it, especially if you have multiples.
http://www.podee.com/
Need I say more.
Today I went to pick up my oldest at preschool and just as I was leaving a very common scene in every mother's life, when you have small children, my youngest starts to cry because he is hungry. Well I couldn't stop to feed him so I filled up the podee bottle with warm milk and gave him the bottle's soother. He finished 3 quarters of the bottle and was content, at least till we got home an hour later and I could feed him a real bottle.
For those of you that live in Canada you will have to purchase on eBay but I think its worth it, especially if you have multiples.
Ode to my Husband
After a hard days work he travels home
Through endless traffic and the bc dome
When he arrives at the door his children cry
'Come see, come play' and 'We want more'
The sweats come on, the bath is run
and after the book his job is done
His wife makes food and he sets the trays
They watch their shows and talk of days
He wants to rest yet one thing must be finished
He has to clean the kitchen and finish the dishes
He watches his sports and Seinfeld in numbers
Then ends his day with minimal slumber
He returns to work more tired than some
but he works hard so she can be a stay-at-home mum
They love him lots and appreciate for
what he does for them so they can have more.
We love you Daddy. Love your family.
Through endless traffic and the bc dome
When he arrives at the door his children cry
'Come see, come play' and 'We want more'
The sweats come on, the bath is run
and after the book his job is done
His wife makes food and he sets the trays
They watch their shows and talk of days
He wants to rest yet one thing must be finished
He has to clean the kitchen and finish the dishes
He watches his sports and Seinfeld in numbers
Then ends his day with minimal slumber
He returns to work more tired than some
but he works hard so she can be a stay-at-home mum
They love him lots and appreciate for
what he does for them so they can have more.
We love you Daddy. Love your family.
The Journey of a Weight Watcher with Babies
So if you have been following my blog I mentioned that I would be starting my journey again and this is the 411 on my situation.
Weight loss after baby can seem impossible, believe me. I have been on a neverending journey of lose weight, get pregnant, gain weight, have baby, lose weight, gain weight, lose weight for 3 babies now.
I heard from a friend that she is 18 weeks pregnant and only has gained 3lbs. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I gain 3lbs just saying I am pregnant. In 2000 I started Weight Watchers because I was over 200lbs and eating terribly. I wanted to learn how to eat healthy and of course lets not kid ourselves, who won't love to be a few or many pounds lighter. I worked at it for 2 years and lost 57lbs, yah! But then I met my husband and got lazy and I started to fudge my diet a little and by 2003 when I got married I had gained 12lbs back and by 2004 when I got pregnant I had gained another 5lbs.
Through my pregnancy with my daughter and sick and tired and I ate to make myself feel better but 44lbs later here she was 8lbs 13oz and I had only lost 10lbs. How can that be right? Then I breastfed and gain that 10lbs back. After 5months I stopped breastfeeding and tried losing weight on my own and really only lost about 7-10lbs so I went back to WW and lost another 32lbs before getting pregnant with my first son. I was one pound from where I started with my daughter. Again I gained 44lbs and was up to 214lbs when he was born and 198lbs when I went back to WW when he was 1 year old. Six months later I had only lost 24lbs and was now 4lbs up from where I started before I had kids and I was pregnant again. This time I only gained 30lbs but that still put me at 208lbs on the day I delivered my second son and over the next month I lost a total of 24lbs and my son weighed 9lbs and 1oz but then I gained 19lbs back. Can you imagine? So frustrating!
So again back to WW I go. I started at 203lbs again. So I am right back where I started 9 years ago but I am up 3 kids which is totally worth it. I have gained about 135lbs and minus my occasional slip up that cost me a pound or two I have lost approximately 150lbs. And although I am not naturally blessed with a slender body I am aiming to get my curves back. You know the ones we all had before we became moms and stopped being women.
As of November 2nd I have started the WW journey once again and will keep you updated, if anyone cares, as to how I am doing. If anyone is out there reading this and would like to join me, I would love the support and lets face it so would you. Its going to be a struggle with no time to exercise and food always around with my 3 kids and a skinny husband but I am going to work my way back to 165lbs, maybe even 160lbs. So far 7lbs down and 36lbs left to go.
Weight loss after baby can seem impossible, believe me. I have been on a neverending journey of lose weight, get pregnant, gain weight, have baby, lose weight, gain weight, lose weight for 3 babies now.
I heard from a friend that she is 18 weeks pregnant and only has gained 3lbs. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I gain 3lbs just saying I am pregnant. In 2000 I started Weight Watchers because I was over 200lbs and eating terribly. I wanted to learn how to eat healthy and of course lets not kid ourselves, who won't love to be a few or many pounds lighter. I worked at it for 2 years and lost 57lbs, yah! But then I met my husband and got lazy and I started to fudge my diet a little and by 2003 when I got married I had gained 12lbs back and by 2004 when I got pregnant I had gained another 5lbs.
Through my pregnancy with my daughter and sick and tired and I ate to make myself feel better but 44lbs later here she was 8lbs 13oz and I had only lost 10lbs. How can that be right? Then I breastfed and gain that 10lbs back. After 5months I stopped breastfeeding and tried losing weight on my own and really only lost about 7-10lbs so I went back to WW and lost another 32lbs before getting pregnant with my first son. I was one pound from where I started with my daughter. Again I gained 44lbs and was up to 214lbs when he was born and 198lbs when I went back to WW when he was 1 year old. Six months later I had only lost 24lbs and was now 4lbs up from where I started before I had kids and I was pregnant again. This time I only gained 30lbs but that still put me at 208lbs on the day I delivered my second son and over the next month I lost a total of 24lbs and my son weighed 9lbs and 1oz but then I gained 19lbs back. Can you imagine? So frustrating!
So again back to WW I go. I started at 203lbs again. So I am right back where I started 9 years ago but I am up 3 kids which is totally worth it. I have gained about 135lbs and minus my occasional slip up that cost me a pound or two I have lost approximately 150lbs. And although I am not naturally blessed with a slender body I am aiming to get my curves back. You know the ones we all had before we became moms and stopped being women.
As of November 2nd I have started the WW journey once again and will keep you updated, if anyone cares, as to how I am doing. If anyone is out there reading this and would like to join me, I would love the support and lets face it so would you. Its going to be a struggle with no time to exercise and food always around with my 3 kids and a skinny husband but I am going to work my way back to 165lbs, maybe even 160lbs. So far 7lbs down and 36lbs left to go.
Your life will get easier.
You have a baby and you think 'Finally she's here. Lets get this party started' and 24 hours later reality sets in and you think 'OH MY GOD. I want my life back.' It does get easier and little at a time. With every milestone comes a rebuild of your life because lets face it your life is never going to be the same now that your soul is out in the world but it does get easier. This is what I found.
- At 3 weeks feeding gets on track and you get used to not sleeping
- At 3 months baby usually settles easier and starts to be more reactive and you're understanding the signals better
- At 6 months they can sit and can play for short periods of time independently
- At 9 months crawling and is more mobile and less dependant and sleeping through the night if not before
- At 13 months walking
- At 18 months walking and running independently
- At 26 months talking and can communicate what they want.
- At 2 and a half they can competently fetch things for you.
- At 3 yrs they can turn the tv on then change it to the correct channel themselves and eat snacks without making too much mess
- At 4 yrs old they can get food for themselves and play independantly for hours.
With every milestone your life gets easier.
- At 3 weeks feeding gets on track and you get used to not sleeping
- At 3 months baby usually settles easier and starts to be more reactive and you're understanding the signals better
- At 6 months they can sit and can play for short periods of time independently
- At 9 months crawling and is more mobile and less dependant and sleeping through the night if not before
- At 13 months walking
- At 18 months walking and running independently
- At 26 months talking and can communicate what they want.
- At 2 and a half they can competently fetch things for you.
- At 3 yrs they can turn the tv on then change it to the correct channel themselves and eat snacks without making too much mess
- At 4 yrs old they can get food for themselves and play independantly for hours.
With every milestone your life gets easier.
Working out with a 4 year old puts me to shame.
So for those who don't know, I am back on Weight Watchers trying to get rid of the Baby Wyatt weight and part of the pre-vacation body makeover. So since I am on week 3 of WW I now am adding in exercise and started today with my WW Walking at Home DVD.
First Madison, Jack and I did the 10-minute segment while Baby Wyatt watched contently from his exercauser. It was fun and the kids kept up the whole time and didn't stop once. Then we began the 10-minute solution Dance off Fat Fast DVD, which is made up of 5 10-minute workouts. 2 minutes into the first workout, Baby Wyatt started to fuss so I picked him up and continued exercising while holding him but then Madison accidently bumped into Jack and knocked him to the floor where he proceeded to cry. Well that gave me a good enough reason to quick. Really at this point I was getting tired, yes after 13 minutes of exercise, pathetic!
Now Madison, my amazon girl, proceeds to not only finish that one segment but also the next 3 by herself and then Jack joined in for the last one. She didn't stop or sit down once for the whole hour. I videotaped the last 5 minutes while they were both doing it and replayed it for my husband when he got home and the 2 of us almost peed ourselves laughing so hard. Of course the movements were nowhere close to perfect but she enjoyed herself. She was tired by bedtime and we didn't hear a peep after she was put to bed and that is what counts in the end. Of course that and the fact that she had fun.
But she sure put me to shame.
First Madison, Jack and I did the 10-minute segment while Baby Wyatt watched contently from his exercauser. It was fun and the kids kept up the whole time and didn't stop once. Then we began the 10-minute solution Dance off Fat Fast DVD, which is made up of 5 10-minute workouts. 2 minutes into the first workout, Baby Wyatt started to fuss so I picked him up and continued exercising while holding him but then Madison accidently bumped into Jack and knocked him to the floor where he proceeded to cry. Well that gave me a good enough reason to quick. Really at this point I was getting tired, yes after 13 minutes of exercise, pathetic!
Now Madison, my amazon girl, proceeds to not only finish that one segment but also the next 3 by herself and then Jack joined in for the last one. She didn't stop or sit down once for the whole hour. I videotaped the last 5 minutes while they were both doing it and replayed it for my husband when he got home and the 2 of us almost peed ourselves laughing so hard. Of course the movements were nowhere close to perfect but she enjoyed herself. She was tired by bedtime and we didn't hear a peep after she was put to bed and that is what counts in the end. Of course that and the fact that she had fun.
But she sure put me to shame.
Awsome Mommy Trick #1: Johnson's Baby Shampoo
Wyatt (6 months old) had a tearing, red and goopey eye a few weeks ago and I know this is going to sound bad but I didn't have the time nor the energy to take him to see our family doctor so I took to the world wide wave and put forth the question, how do you treat this at home or can you? You can! Johnson's Baby Shampoo! I started every 3-5hrs washing his eye with diluted shampoo on a cotton ball and then when it started to impove I washed his eye directly with the shampoo while I was giving him a bath. And after about a week it was gone! It never hurt him due to the fact there is no soap in Johnson's Baby Shampoo, really!
So there you have it I an awsome mommy trick. Good luck.
So there you have it I an awsome mommy trick. Good luck.
Pressure!
Being a mom there is so much pressure to be a great mom, to have perfect kids and to not have a nervous breakdown in the process. Now I have great kids but not one of them is perfect. They have their meltdowns, their quirks and their mouths that are sometimes not connected to their little brains.
I know, of course before we were moms, wink, wink, we have all seen those moms in the grocery store with some kid screaming at the top or their lungs and thought 'Can't she control her child?' but now we are those moms and sometimes its like trying to control a runaway train and you just can't stop it. So you either have to walk away or try to deal the best you can. I can even admit to thinking it now because of course my kids are 'perfect' and I have the magic snack bag. For my kids food is the magic ingredient to any peaceful event but of course in twenty or so years my kids will all have eating disorders but at least I got the grocery shopping done.
So for me its having well-behaved kids and kids who succeed in school. For you it could be something else but we all have that mom pressure. So next time you see that mom in the grocery store give her a wink and let her know you know what she is going through.
I know, of course before we were moms, wink, wink, we have all seen those moms in the grocery store with some kid screaming at the top or their lungs and thought 'Can't she control her child?' but now we are those moms and sometimes its like trying to control a runaway train and you just can't stop it. So you either have to walk away or try to deal the best you can. I can even admit to thinking it now because of course my kids are 'perfect' and I have the magic snack bag. For my kids food is the magic ingredient to any peaceful event but of course in twenty or so years my kids will all have eating disorders but at least I got the grocery shopping done.
So for me its having well-behaved kids and kids who succeed in school. For you it could be something else but we all have that mom pressure. So next time you see that mom in the grocery store give her a wink and let her know you know what she is going through.
TV, TV, TV
I try to be the best mom I can and basically have done, I think, pretty well with things like eating, sleeping and social behavior but TV I am failing badly. I have to admit, I LOVE IT. I love tv only second to movies which I will watch on my TV. Now I am creating a bunch of little tv-holics. Sometimes they are even WORSE than me, if that is possible.
We are told to raise people who are bright, intelligent and creative through exposing them to literature, sports and art and avoid the evils of tv. Even though I try to expose them to all those things, I think I still let my kids watch too much tv. I make the excuse that as long as they are watching feature length movies that it is better than 15 minutes of episodic tv but now their imaginary friends are characters from High School Musical!
I really don't think I or my husband will lose our love of tv so I guess we will one day have a whole family fighting over the tv or get our kids addicted to the shows we love so that we can spend quality time together watching those shows. I guess it’s better than children out graffitiing the neighborhood or at least I will tell myself that so that I can go on watching my tv.
We are told to raise people who are bright, intelligent and creative through exposing them to literature, sports and art and avoid the evils of tv. Even though I try to expose them to all those things, I think I still let my kids watch too much tv. I make the excuse that as long as they are watching feature length movies that it is better than 15 minutes of episodic tv but now their imaginary friends are characters from High School Musical!
I really don't think I or my husband will lose our love of tv so I guess we will one day have a whole family fighting over the tv or get our kids addicted to the shows we love so that we can spend quality time together watching those shows. I guess it’s better than children out graffitiing the neighborhood or at least I will tell myself that so that I can go on watching my tv.
How do you keep your kids healthy?
I am so tired of having one cold after another. Watching my baby suffer with a pathetic sqeeky voice and stuffy nose. Since Madison started school we haven't gone more than 8 weeks without one or more people in the house getting sick. I try, I try everything...
- We all take multivitamins
- We all take extra Vitamin C
- I have been teaching my kids about germs and not putting toys in their mouths
- I have been teaching my kids to cough/sneeze into their elbows
- I have been teaching my kids to wash their hands before eating and after using toilet
- Everyone gets alot of sleep.
Are BOYS and GIRLS born BOYS and GIRLS?
Funny I never thought so. I thought that most of that was nurture. If you put a dress on a boy and treated him like a girl that he would act like one.
Living in this day and age I didn't want my children to feel they had to fit some mould created for society. Now I knew that it could make their live more challenging if they didn't conform but I wanted it to be their choice. At first I bought gender neutral toys and then when we would go to a playgroups I would watch and see what toys they would choose and then nurture that. A funny thing happened, Madison automatically gravitated to dresses and carried around a stuffed cat like a baby and played with girl type toys. She will never wear pants and loves pink. Now with Jack he has a older sister he idolizes and who dresses him in girl clothes and has made him love and learn all the lyrics to all 3 High School Musicals but he was born with a basketball in his hand. He can throw better, understand what to do with toy cars better and loves trains and all while running around in a dress saying 'I a beautiful princess'.
So maybe they are pre-programmed but if they choose to play with gender opposite toys I don't worry. I will follow their lead.
Living in this day and age I didn't want my children to feel they had to fit some mould created for society. Now I knew that it could make their live more challenging if they didn't conform but I wanted it to be their choice. At first I bought gender neutral toys and then when we would go to a playgroups I would watch and see what toys they would choose and then nurture that. A funny thing happened, Madison automatically gravitated to dresses and carried around a stuffed cat like a baby and played with girl type toys. She will never wear pants and loves pink. Now with Jack he has a older sister he idolizes and who dresses him in girl clothes and has made him love and learn all the lyrics to all 3 High School Musicals but he was born with a basketball in his hand. He can throw better, understand what to do with toy cars better and loves trains and all while running around in a dress saying 'I a beautiful princess'.
So maybe they are pre-programmed but if they choose to play with gender opposite toys I don't worry. I will follow their lead.
Exclusively Pumping; Why is it any different than breastfeeding?
This is the question I ask myself as I spend hours a day pumping so that my son can have exactly what he would get from the boob but I don't have to want to die everytime he latches on. Why is it that people don't think that I am doing just as good for my children by doing this than if I breastfed?
Other moms don't tell you the truth about breastfeeding. How extremely painful it can be no matter what you try. I am going to tell you, it can. First I will dispell some myths about breastfeeding:
If you choose to pump and feed here is a great website to help you Mother-2-mother but these are the key points:
Other moms don't tell you the truth about breastfeeding. How extremely painful it can be no matter what you try. I am going to tell you, it can. First I will dispell some myths about breastfeeding:
- Bigger boobs does not mean more milk.
- Bigger boobs makes it harder to get the baby to latch.
- Breastfeeding is not always more convenient.
- You will not be closer to your kids because you did breastfeed.
- Your children will not be healthier because you breastfed.
- You will not loose more weight breastfeeding unless you continue till the baby is more than 6 months old.
- Breastfeeding is not easy!
If you choose to pump and feed here is a great website to help you Mother-2-mother but these are the key points:
- Invest in a good tandem or double ELECTRIC pump. I use Pump-in-Style from Medela but I have also used Ameda's Purely Yours. Both are good. Save yourself from having to wash the horns and bottles every pump by putting them in a Ziploc and then into the fridge, Then once a day disassemble and wash all pieces with HOT soapy water and dry in rack.
- The first 8-12 weeks try to pump as much as you can. I did every 2-3 hours or basically everytime Wyatt woke up to be fed I would feed him and then pump. I am now pumping 4 times a day and my son is 5 months.
- Drink 8-16oz of water while you pump.
- Your machine does not have to be on the fastest or strongest suction to be the most productive. I start 5 min slow and low suction and then go to fastest for 5 min and then move the suction up to medium for the rest of the 25 min.
- Make sure to pump at least one time between 1am and 5am as you make the most milk then.
- Do not pump for less than 15 minutes but always 5 minutes past when your milk stops to stimulate more milk production. I have been there for 45 mins at times.
- Oatmeal, brewer's yeast and flaxseed help to increase breastmilk. Here is a recipe for cookies that have all those ingredients but I use raisins instead of chocolate chips. Lactation Cookies (Tip: Buy brewer's yeast at a health food store as it is very expensive at the grocery store)
- Make yourself a hands free pumping bra. Here is a website for instructions Hands-free pumping bra
- Don't stress if you aren't producing alot at first it will improve. If your milk drops it could be because of stress or your period. I just add one or two more pumps for a few days to increase.
My Body, My Weight
Now I know that I grew up in the 80s and that meant Kraft Dinner and Hot Dogs, canned veggies and McDonalds, then in high school went on crash diets consisting on not eating for long periods of time then gorging on large portions of spagetti or donuts. Well today I know better because now I have spent the better part of my adult life fighting my weight.
In 2000 I joined Weight Watchers because I was over 200lbs and really wanted to get down to a reasonable weight, find a husband and have children. So I succeeded and got down to 154lbs and made lifetime. Then I met my husband and when we got married I had already gain 11lbs and by the time a was pregnant a year later with Madison I was 5lbs heavier.
During my pregnancy I gained 44lbs due to the fact that I was nauseous and depressed and not working because I was so sick and feeling sorry for myself. When Madison was 6 months I rejoined and lost all but 1 pound but then was pregnant a month later and gain another 44lbs. When Jack was one year I joined again and lost all but 3lbs and was pregnant 2 weeks later and gained 34lbs. Now Wyatt is 5 months and I am about 30-35lbs over what I want to be.
In 3 weeks I finish pumping and want to get back to WW and exercising but if anything I can only do WW because it is impossible to exercise with 4, 2 and 5 month old but am going to try. So what am I doing right now, making endless batches of cookies (I love to bake) and eating hidden chocolate bars while my kids nap just to prepare myself for my long long dry spell, lol.
I will blog my progress once I finally get started.
In 2000 I joined Weight Watchers because I was over 200lbs and really wanted to get down to a reasonable weight, find a husband and have children. So I succeeded and got down to 154lbs and made lifetime. Then I met my husband and when we got married I had already gain 11lbs and by the time a was pregnant a year later with Madison I was 5lbs heavier.
During my pregnancy I gained 44lbs due to the fact that I was nauseous and depressed and not working because I was so sick and feeling sorry for myself. When Madison was 6 months I rejoined and lost all but 1 pound but then was pregnant a month later and gain another 44lbs. When Jack was one year I joined again and lost all but 3lbs and was pregnant 2 weeks later and gained 34lbs. Now Wyatt is 5 months and I am about 30-35lbs over what I want to be.
In 3 weeks I finish pumping and want to get back to WW and exercising but if anything I can only do WW because it is impossible to exercise with 4, 2 and 5 month old but am going to try. So what am I doing right now, making endless batches of cookies (I love to bake) and eating hidden chocolate bars while my kids nap just to prepare myself for my long long dry spell, lol.
I will blog my progress once I finally get started.
Sleep its a Health Thing
In my mind sleep is the answer to what ails ya. It is the answer to everything! I have followed this therory for me AND my children but you know what bugs me? People telling me I should be for flexible when it comes to my kids sleeping schedule.
Now I have some really well balanced, well behaved and happy little people. I think there are 3 main things that keep them that way
Healthwise I have seen my children go to bed with cuts or a diaperash and wake up healed. If that is what happens to their skin what do you think happens to their brains and their spirits. Sleep is natures reboot button.
Now I have some really well balanced, well behaved and happy little people. I think there are 3 main things that keep them that way
- SLEEP
- A well balanced and healthy diet.
- Boundaries.
Healthwise I have seen my children go to bed with cuts or a diaperash and wake up healed. If that is what happens to their skin what do you think happens to their brains and their spirits. Sleep is natures reboot button.
Drop-in groups; Speed-dating for moms.
Drop-Ins are general playgroups in your community that have a variety of activies and have a leader to help guide the kids but you are responsible to watch your kids. These are great for kids between 18 months and 5 years. Especially if you have more than one kid its a great option for them. You don't have to go every week and it isn't always the same people.
I am pretty outgoing but I find this much harder to make new friends because its like speed-dating for moms. You meet a mom, size up her kids, her and whether or not you could stand spending 2-3 hours with her and her children. Then if you like ask for her number and then hope you remember to phone her soon enough that she doesn't think you ditched her.
Some groups to look for:
I am pretty outgoing but I find this much harder to make new friends because its like speed-dating for moms. You meet a mom, size up her kids, her and whether or not you could stand spending 2-3 hours with her and her children. Then if you like ask for her number and then hope you remember to phone her soon enough that she doesn't think you ditched her.
Some groups to look for:
- The Family Place
- Strong Start
- Community Centres
Baby Groups to support system.
I love these. I was the first of my friends and my family to have children and living in a new city. I made amazing new friends with children the same age from joining this new moms group through my health department. We started with 16 moms and 17 babies all born between October 2004 and February 2005. The group officially ran for I think 9 weeks but 12 moms kept it going by having what we called 'Coffee Club' every Thursday at 1pm. Each person would hold it at their house and supply coffee and tea and some snacks. We would be there for an hour or 2 and just chat. Sometimes during the summer people would hold a parks but because people were on vacations and husbands were home it slowed down but started again in September. Through that we found people that we had more in common with and broke down into smaller groups and some people went back to work and left us with about 6 moms but then about a year later people started having their second babies and returned for another year. The kids were about 3 and a half before it completely stopped. During those 3 1/2 years I slowly built myself a community of moms that have become my support system but when I had none these people became my support system.
I am still friend with a few of them but I personally found one of my bestest mommy friends in this group and even though we don't spend alot of time together anymore I still feel like I am so lucky to have found her.
I am still friend with a few of them but I personally found one of my bestest mommy friends in this group and even though we don't spend alot of time together anymore I still feel like I am so lucky to have found her.
New or Used. I'll give you the skinny.
Well when Madison was born in 2005 Craigslist was not such a big thing and the Buy & Sell was kind of a pain to deal with so unless you knew people who had babies before you you kind of had to buy new or possibly find a consignment store. But now with Craigslist in most areas and instant access to it online you can get some really great deals.
For example, I bought 30 pieces of 6-9 month summer clothes for Baby Wyatt for $5. They were in great shape because lets face it how long do they really wear the stuff. I have a friend who has a little addiction to buying strollers and she has found some great stuff on Craigslist. I bought the Miracle Blanket for $20 when it was new for $40 and it had been used 3 times.
The other option is Kids Only Swap Meets in your local areas. I have bought toys, a backpack carrier and a toilet all for $30. I usually will only buy toys, toilets etc used that I can clean with bleach and hot water. Clothes I wash with detergent and OxiClean or colour-safe bleach to get any stains I might of missed. The only thing I would be sure to check that it comes from a NON-SMOKING home because it is impossible to get the stink out no matter how much you wash stuff.
Personally if you are planning more than one kid I would buy a stroller new. The following are things I prefer to buy new for safety or hygenic reason;
For example, I bought 30 pieces of 6-9 month summer clothes for Baby Wyatt for $5. They were in great shape because lets face it how long do they really wear the stuff. I have a friend who has a little addiction to buying strollers and she has found some great stuff on Craigslist. I bought the Miracle Blanket for $20 when it was new for $40 and it had been used 3 times.
The other option is Kids Only Swap Meets in your local areas. I have bought toys, a backpack carrier and a toilet all for $30. I usually will only buy toys, toilets etc used that I can clean with bleach and hot water. Clothes I wash with detergent and OxiClean or colour-safe bleach to get any stains I might of missed. The only thing I would be sure to check that it comes from a NON-SMOKING home because it is impossible to get the stink out no matter how much you wash stuff.
Personally if you are planning more than one kid I would buy a stroller new. The following are things I prefer to buy new for safety or hygenic reason;
- breastpump
- crib mattress
- sheets
- mattress pads
- soothers
- bottles
- plastic dishes and cups
- carseats
What to wear when you Babywear
Before I had Madison I got a Snuggly front back wearer and after I had Madison I never wore it. One it hurt my back and 2 what else did I have to do but carry her around all day.
Before I had Jack Jack I was making Maya Baby Slings to make some extra money and because I thought I would have less time to carry him around but after Jack Jack was born I found he got too heavy very quickly to be carrying on only one side of my body and my shoulder and back hurt.
Before I had Baby Wyatt I made some Moby Wraps because I was sure I wouldn't have anytime to be sitting around with him and I LOVE IT! Its soft, it doesn't hurt my back and you can wear it so many different ways depending on the baby's age and weight. Its easy to make even if you can't sew but if you make it use a single knit or fabric with low stretch not no stretch or too much stretch. Here are the instructions to make one:
Whichever carrier you choose start early so that they get used to it. If you wait too long you may not be able to get the baby to like staying in it.
Before I had Jack Jack I was making Maya Baby Slings to make some extra money and because I thought I would have less time to carry him around but after Jack Jack was born I found he got too heavy very quickly to be carrying on only one side of my body and my shoulder and back hurt.
Before I had Baby Wyatt I made some Moby Wraps because I was sure I wouldn't have anytime to be sitting around with him and I LOVE IT! Its soft, it doesn't hurt my back and you can wear it so many different ways depending on the baby's age and weight. Its easy to make even if you can't sew but if you make it use a single knit or fabric with low stretch not no stretch or too much stretch. Here are the instructions to make one:
- Cut a piece of fabric 5 metres long and 20 inches wide. Make sure that the stretch is on the short sides.
- Finish the edges to stop unraveling and over-stretching. You can sew or use a flexible fabric glue to glue the edges down.
- Sew tag in the exact middle of one long side. That will be the top.
Whichever carrier you choose start early so that they get used to it. If you wait too long you may not be able to get the baby to like staying in it.
Things I needed in the first year.
1. 15 flannel receiving blankets per week
2. 30 face clothes
3. Lot of bibs for my spit-upper.
4. My changing table is on a different floor so I found having a playpen with changing table downstairs incredibly helpful. Get a playpen sheet.
5. Diaper genie with Stage 1 refills till 6 months and the baby is on solid food. I go through one every 2 weeks.
6. Swing. You probably won’t need it for long so don’t bother buying an expensive one unless you plan to have 5 kids.
7. Baby monitor with 2 receivers and light alert. So you don't have to listen to the baby cry when your trying to get her to sleep.
8. Vibrating bouncy chair.
9. Crib with sheet, and water proof mattress pad
10. Glider with ottoman.
11. Nursing pillow even when I’m not nursing.
12. Stroller with car seat and base for car. The one I have has a pull-down underbasket, which was brilliant when the baby was sleeping in the stroller.
13. Only one package of Huggies Newborn diapers and then a case of Huggies #1s or 1/2s. I tried every other diaper and Huggies and Kirklands are our choice.
14. Kirkland wipes from Costco. A whole case is under 20 bucks.
15. Chest of drawers or some sort of storage.
16. A baby bath that fits a double sink (if you have one), Gerber lavender baby bath, 2 thick terrycloth towels. Don’t get the cheap, thin ones, you will regret it. It will be like trying to dry your baby with a paper towel, lol
17. I found t-shirts ride up and diaper shirts or rompers, whatever you want to call them, work better at least until there are one.
18. Until they are 3 months, they wear sleepers most of the time. I suggest 7 sleepers, 5 diaper shirts, 1 dress, a toque, 3 pairs of socks, and a hooded sweatshirt jacket to start with. Don’t buy lots of Newborn unless you are planning on having a baby under 7lbs because they grow out of them so quickly. They may not even fit when they are born.
19. Pants and overalls that open in the crotch make for quick diaper changes.
20. Robbeez slippers in 0 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months. They don’t fall off.
21. A travel sleeping bag or bunting with hole for car seat strap. Doesn’t matter what season it is.
22. A baby sleeping bag for the crib.
23. OxyClean powder and a big bucket to soak poopie clothes in because it stains.
24. One box of Ivory Snow laundry detergent and one box of any other detergent that is something “Free” to use after that. Example: Cheer Free, Tide Free, Sunlight Free. Ivory Snow is expensive.
25. A car blanket (thick), 2 fleece blankets (to alternate) and afgan for crib, so the baby doesn’t suffocate when its sleeping.
26. Backpack containing: Changing pad, re-fillable travel baby wipe container with wipes, 2 receiving blankets, 4 diapers, 1 diaper shirt, 1 sleeper, lots of face cloths, bib, socks, a bag for soiled stuff, diaper cream, baby Tylenol, Band-Aids, hand cream, lip balm, water for me, a pen and paper, a sweater/sweatshirt, formula (if needed) and my cell phone and wallet. What is the point of carrying a diaper bag and a purse?
27. If bottlefeeding, wide, slow nipple bottles are good because it is more like the breast and causes less nipple confusion. I would get four 4-6 oz bottles to start with and four 8 oz bottle for later. Madison doesn’t like the Avent bottles. We liked Playtex Ventaire.
28. Breastfed babies need Vitamin D solution (1ml daily) till 1 year for or until they are on at least 16oz a day of formula. You can put it in formula or bottled breastmilk if they won’t take the dropper.
29. A dropper to get rid of snot (yuck! I hate that word) by putting saline or warm salt water up its nose.
30. A mirror for the back window of the car to check on baby when they are facing backwards.
31. The Miracle Blanket for swaddling. Expensive but worth it.
32. Soothese soothers, 2.
33. Exersaucer
34. Jolly Jumper.
35. Bumbo Seat if your kid is getting a flat head.
2. 30 face clothes
3. Lot of bibs for my spit-upper.
4. My changing table is on a different floor so I found having a playpen with changing table downstairs incredibly helpful. Get a playpen sheet.
5. Diaper genie with Stage 1 refills till 6 months and the baby is on solid food. I go through one every 2 weeks.
6. Swing. You probably won’t need it for long so don’t bother buying an expensive one unless you plan to have 5 kids.
7. Baby monitor with 2 receivers and light alert. So you don't have to listen to the baby cry when your trying to get her to sleep.
8. Vibrating bouncy chair.
9. Crib with sheet, and water proof mattress pad
10. Glider with ottoman.
11. Nursing pillow even when I’m not nursing.
12. Stroller with car seat and base for car. The one I have has a pull-down underbasket, which was brilliant when the baby was sleeping in the stroller.
13. Only one package of Huggies Newborn diapers and then a case of Huggies #1s or 1/2s. I tried every other diaper and Huggies and Kirklands are our choice.
14. Kirkland wipes from Costco. A whole case is under 20 bucks.
15. Chest of drawers or some sort of storage.
16. A baby bath that fits a double sink (if you have one), Gerber lavender baby bath, 2 thick terrycloth towels. Don’t get the cheap, thin ones, you will regret it. It will be like trying to dry your baby with a paper towel, lol
17. I found t-shirts ride up and diaper shirts or rompers, whatever you want to call them, work better at least until there are one.
18. Until they are 3 months, they wear sleepers most of the time. I suggest 7 sleepers, 5 diaper shirts, 1 dress, a toque, 3 pairs of socks, and a hooded sweatshirt jacket to start with. Don’t buy lots of Newborn unless you are planning on having a baby under 7lbs because they grow out of them so quickly. They may not even fit when they are born.
19. Pants and overalls that open in the crotch make for quick diaper changes.
20. Robbeez slippers in 0 to 6 months and 6 to 12 months. They don’t fall off.
21. A travel sleeping bag or bunting with hole for car seat strap. Doesn’t matter what season it is.
22. A baby sleeping bag for the crib.
23. OxyClean powder and a big bucket to soak poopie clothes in because it stains.
24. One box of Ivory Snow laundry detergent and one box of any other detergent that is something “Free” to use after that. Example: Cheer Free, Tide Free, Sunlight Free. Ivory Snow is expensive.
25. A car blanket (thick), 2 fleece blankets (to alternate) and afgan for crib, so the baby doesn’t suffocate when its sleeping.
26. Backpack containing: Changing pad, re-fillable travel baby wipe container with wipes, 2 receiving blankets, 4 diapers, 1 diaper shirt, 1 sleeper, lots of face cloths, bib, socks, a bag for soiled stuff, diaper cream, baby Tylenol, Band-Aids, hand cream, lip balm, water for me, a pen and paper, a sweater/sweatshirt, formula (if needed) and my cell phone and wallet. What is the point of carrying a diaper bag and a purse?
27. If bottlefeeding, wide, slow nipple bottles are good because it is more like the breast and causes less nipple confusion. I would get four 4-6 oz bottles to start with and four 8 oz bottle for later. Madison doesn’t like the Avent bottles. We liked Playtex Ventaire.
28. Breastfed babies need Vitamin D solution (1ml daily) till 1 year for or until they are on at least 16oz a day of formula. You can put it in formula or bottled breastmilk if they won’t take the dropper.
29. A dropper to get rid of snot (yuck! I hate that word) by putting saline or warm salt water up its nose.
30. A mirror for the back window of the car to check on baby when they are facing backwards.
31. The Miracle Blanket for swaddling. Expensive but worth it.
32. Soothese soothers, 2.
33. Exersaucer
34. Jolly Jumper.
35. Bumbo Seat if your kid is getting a flat head.
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- CFS Fairy
- A Canadian Stay-at-Home mom of 3 beautiful and awsome golden cupcakes. I have been a mom since 2005. This is the best job in the world but it is sure tough sometimes, don't you think? This is my journey.