Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Moms: Baby item questions
I'm sorry to keep spamming the board with baby related questions! If people would prefer me to email them directly to keep this stuff off the board, please let me know. 
I could ask my month board, since there are a number of 2nd, 3rd, etc time moms, but I trust you guys.
Diaper bags - What features did you like? What didn't you like. I think I want one with a shoulder strap. Other than that I have no idea. Outside pockets or pouches? Lots of inner compartments?
Carriers - I think I want a mei tai style one. I like the facing in or out option (and I know Ergo doesn't allow for face-out carries) but I'm not sure I want a really structured carrier. DH and I are very different sizes, so I think a mei tai would be better for us? If I went with a mei tai, would I need another for the infact stage, like the moby?
Breast pump - The school of science has laction rooms with pumps in them. So I don't have to lug one to work! But I probably still need one for home too, right? Should I get a single or double? I don't want to spend too much because I won't be using it "full time". Maybe I should start off renting one from the hospital?
Sleeping - Did your LO sleep in their crib right away. LO's room is right across the hall so it seems to make sense to just have her in there from the beginning at night. But am I kidding myself? Will I want her right next to me for a while? We're planning to get a pack & play; will this be enough if I decide I want her in our room?
Bottles - Do I need those special drying racks with all the pegs?
Thank you and sorry for all the questions!
Re: Moms: Baby item questions
2012 Reading Challenge
Diaper bags-- I have one from Fleurville-- It's a sling tote I believe. It has a zipper top, pockets on the outside and inside and I love it. I have several others (lands end, vera bradley) that I don't feel work quite as well.
Carrier- I have the becco gemini- it can face in/ out/ back and hip. Love it.
Pump- that's awesome! I would still want a double at home to pump at night or when needed but I'd wait to see what you need after you start BFing.
Sleeping- she hasn't slept in her crib yet. We have a cosleeper next to the bed... she sleeps in it or our bed.
Bottles- we did get a drying rack- it's two tiered... I didn't want one but my mom went out and bought it and it's been handy. I like that it has shelves because when you take the pump apart, the membranes can lie on the shelf.
Diaper bags...we have a Skip Hop Duo Deluxe which I adore (though I do not use the outside pockets much. If we didn't need the space I'd have gone with their messenger style bag. I also have an old Timbuk2 messenger (waterproof) which I sometimes put our changing pad in for short trips (I have a skip hop pad as well, the one w/ the compartments. I like it better than the one that came w/ my bag. I usually take it out and take just it to the restroom for changes in public (well, if I am not alone obviously). The key for me is the stroller hooks, which are awesome on this bag. It does have a lot of compartments which I also like so I can have bibs separate from clothes, etc.ETA: amber is right. you NEED a pouch outside for the bottle. That is the pouch we use
Its really hard to dig for a bottle in the car etc.
Carriers - well, the meitai website doesn't exactly promote outward facing, but it would work (though I imagine w/ the same issues as with a moby etc. We have an ergo and a moby and so far so good. They're young obviously but I can't see having a 20lb+ toddler outward facing on my front, so if they dont like being on my back by then.....(we stll front carry though). I will say Quinn freaks out if she can't see out of the carrier (so i usually put her in the moby since she's still kind of short/squishy for the Ergo without something under her tush) but as long as she can turn her head out she is totally happy. We *may* get a Beco later if we find we need a second carrier so we'd have the outward option (post moby obviously) but I kind of don't think we will.
Pump...that's awesome you can use them at work! I would see what brand the are (probably Medela Symphonies....well, I hope anyway...a hospital grade pump would be sweet to have handy ETA these have one more part than a standard Medela pump and are sharable for obvious reasons. if it is Symphonies you can ask at the hospital for a pump and they will most likely bring you one of these plus a big bag of parts...all yours to take home;) ) and get something compatible so you don't need two sets of parts/bottles/etc. If you'll be pumping sans baby at home ever (eg rather than while nursing on one side) you'll probably want a double to save time and prevent issues with a let down at the same time you're pumping but since C EPs for 3 hrs a day, I can't even visualize what life with a single would be like
Pump rentals are around $50/mo, so that could be an option, though if you'll only need it occassionaly at home, its probably more economical to buy a cheaper model (even if you'd need a second set of parts I suppose).
sleeping - this is really a personal decision but I'd plan on saving myself a few hundred steps a night and get a pack and play. You can use it for containment later and it's just fine for having baby sleep in the room wiht you early on. The Arms Reach cosleeper is an option as well, but they're way more $. The standard PNPs have a bassinet limit of 15 lbs so I think its fine, and if you want them with you past that/rolling/etc, you can alway just drop it to the bottom. ETA: now the babies are in the room next to us and I can still hear pretty much every peep, short of the hand sucking (which I dont miss because who wants to be woken up for that?). We don't even have a monitor set up. Still unplugged on their dresser.
Bottles. We have the grass mat thing and I like it because there's no thought at all to dumping stuff on it. We have 2 and could use another one or two but we have like 3 dozen bottles. You don't NEED a drying mat at all obviously. fwiw, I put them through the dishwasher w/ no heat dry and then dry them on the counter to help save the plastic.
Sorry this is so long. I spent a LOT of time researching baby gear since I had a lot of time pre-pregnancy, plus all the crap we needed/a need to be economical
They are the Medela Symphony pumps, the hospital grade one Emily mentioned below. Everyone buys their own kit accessories. Since I have to walk to the T and ride it, it is way more convenient to use that one and have an extra at home.
No this is great! The more info and detail the better. I have learned so much from you guys and TB in general. And especially where I know you guys better your opinions hold so much more weight than anything I read online.
That's awesome!!
2012 Reading Challenge
This is terrific. They're much more efficient. My insurance doesn't cover rentals, or we would have gotten one for at home (but spending $600+ vs $225 or so didn't make a ton of sense, especially since C would still need a portable one for work).
Diaper bags - What features did you like? What didn't you like. I think I want one with a shoulder strap. Other than that I have no idea. Outside pockets or pouches? Lots of inner compartments?
This will really be a personal preference. Buy Buy Baby has a TON in the store - I'd just go look at a bunch, try wearing them around for a couple of minutes and see what you like
Carriers - I think I want a mei tai style one. I like the facing in or out option (and I know Ergo doesn't allow for face-out carries) but I'm not sure I want a really structured carrier. DH and I are very different sizes, so I think a mei tai would be better for us? If I went with a mei tai, would I need another for the infact stage, like the moby?
We have a Beco Gemini which is similar to the Ergo but allows them to be facing outward which I wanted. She loves it so far and it's really comfy.
Breast pump - The school of science has laction rooms with pumps in them. So I don't have to lug one to work! But I probably still need one for home too, right? Should I get a single or double? I don't want to spend too much because I won't be using it "full time". Maybe I should start off renting one from the hospital?
I have the Medela Pump In Style Advanced (a double electric) and like it so far. If you only need it at home, a single may do just fine
Sleeping - Did your LO sleep in their crib right away. LO's room is right across the hall so it seems to make sense to just have her in there from the beginning at night. But am I kidding myself? Will I want her right next to me for a while? We're planning to get a pack & play; will this be enough if I decide I want her in our room?
A has been in her crib in her room since day 1 and it's worked out really well for us
Bottles - Do I need those special drying racks with all the pegs?
I just bought one and it makes things so much easier, so yes!
Diaper bags - What features did you like? What didn't you like. I think I want one with a shoulder strap. Other than that I have no idea. Outside pockets or pouches? Lots of inner compartments? This is a personal preference mostly but here's what I like about mine:
I have a shoulder strap to wear it cross body - this was a must for me so I could always be hands free with it.
It has 5 outer pockets: 1 on either end and two on the front. In the end pockets I have 1 designated for a bottle of hand sanitizer and the other for a bottle. The two front pockets have smaller anvelope pockets on the outside and also have interior mesh pockets on the inside. I keep one for me and one for Connor. In Connor's I have an extra nuk, nuk wipes, teething ring / toy, gas drops, bulb syringe, thermometer, and alcohol wipes. In mine I have breast pads, gum, chapstick, (in the beginning extra hospital grade pads), hair tie / clip
The 5th pocket is in the back and it holds the changing pad. Take note of the materials! Mine is slippery and so is the lining of the pocket, so it comes out ALL.THE.TIME! I had to fashion a clip to clip the changing pag to the bag just in case.
The inside of the bag: 2 side pockets along the front of the bag and the back of the bag. In the front I carry my inhalor, my wallet, a pen, etc. In the back I have a burp rag, a receiving blanket, and a change of clothes for Connor.
In the center of the bag I have diapers, wipes, face wipes, diaper rash cream, a heavier blanket, and a insulated cooler for extra bottles.
Carriers - I think I want a mei tai style one. I like the facing in or out option (and I know Ergo doesn't allow for face-out carries) but I'm not sure I want a really structured carrier. DH and I are very different sizes, so I think a mei tai would be better for us? If I went with a mei tai, would I need another for the infact stage, like the moby? I don't know much about carriers. I have 2 Snugglis that were passed on to me from 2 different people. Connor can sit in in front or rear facing depending on height, neck control, and age. I've used it once and liked it / no issues.
Breast pump - The school of science has laction rooms with pumps in them. So I don't have to lug one to work! But I probably still need one for home too, right? Should I get a single or double? I don't want to spend too much because I won't be using it "full time". Maybe I should start off renting one from the hospital? Check to see if your insurance covers one (some do!), otherwise you could look into renting one, but I found that after a few months of rental fees it would ad up to just buying one of my own (in the end I am borrowing from a friend). You could also buy a hand pump to start with to see how much you'll actually pump at home.
Connor is 11 weeks today and this is my 4th week back at work so far for us: I pumped before returning to work and built up a small stash (30 oz maybe). I pump 2 times at work and get 3-4 bottles of 4 oz each. Connor only takes (2) 4oz bottles at day care so I am adding 1-2 bottles to my stach every day and I am now up to 70-some ounces in my freezer stash.
Sleeping - Did your LO sleep in their crib right away. LO's room is right across the hall so it seems to make sense to just have her in there from the beginning at night. But am I kidding myself? Will I want her right next to me for a while? We're planning to get a pack & play; will this be enough if I decide I want her in our room? Connor was in his crib from day 1. That was hard for me, but it is what I wanted to do. I didn't want to have to fight any habits down the road. Our rooms share a wall so again I just didn't see the need. He goes to sleep great in his crib and his crib at day care.
Bottles - Do I need those special drying racks with all the pegs? We don't have one and I don't feel that I am missing anything. I have a bottle brush and I wash them with those and air dry on a towel. works for me and my little kitchen
I like the questions! Believe it or not, as your kid moves through the stages you tend to forget some of this stuff, and I'll need the refresher someday!
2012 Reading Challenge
I think this is accurate. That said, it's a good idea to have a bit in the freezer before hand if you can. Chris lost about 5 oz a day when she went back to work (luckily, we'd been freezing a bag (or more when they were eating less) a day before that, so we have a nice stash from her leave), and if she misses a session or cuts it short (work, stress, etc) it throws it all off and we usually need to get a bag out the next day. She's been low this week due to getting her cycle back (awfully early!) and our bad weekend, so we actually used all frozen during the day Monday to get the fridge supply regulated. Of course, this might be less of a issue for one baby who primarily nurses...
Thank you all so so much for your responses! I really appreciate it.
I haven't looked into pumps at all yet, so we'll see what I find with that. I'd like to have a freezer stash before going back to work. I think I probably will only be able to pump twice a day since I have to go to another building. We're going to get me a small netbook to bring to work (have an iMac here - not portable haha) that I can use to answer emails, put in orders, etc so I can still work while pumping. I work 8 hours (with lunch) but have a 70 minute commute each way so I really can't take the time out to just relax while I pump and make up the time. Otherwise I would never see LO.
The idea would be that I'd EBF at night and on the weekends, which is why I was wondering if I should even bother getting a pump for home. But then I think that I may want one from time to time if I felt engorged, or if I was losing my milk from only pumping twice a day at work when LO would probably be feeding more often than that I may want to add a pump session after LO goes to bed. So I think at least having a single would be in my best interest.
I pump once after S goes to bed -- around 9 or so. And for one week, I motivated to wake up at 530am and pump before I got ready and nursed her. I don't get enough from the pump to feed her during the day though. She has more milk at daycare via bottle than she does when she's BFing with me.
C pumps at 11 and 4 and gets 20-24 oz. The babies eat about 15-20 oz each while we're at work (730-5) so even if she was nursing it wouldn't be quite enough without one more session. (fwiw, she pumps at 7, 11, 4, 9 and 2...she'd love to drop the 2, but she just can't get enough to do it..on the weekend she'll usually do 10 pm and 5 am instead, but only because she can fit in a third midday pump). I do think the computer is a good idea- can you borrow one from your department? C does bring her laptop into the pump room since she's there 30 min, and like you said, doing that allows her to not change her hours. ETA: I know we've been super lucky with her supply, and I sort of apologize for bragging about it. I am really proud she's been able to keep this up and keep the babies on BM. So far they haven't even gotten sick despite all of us getting colds.
I wouldn't stress out too much about it right now though - you'll find a pattern that works for you and your LO.
Also, I think you're still going to want a decent electric pump to have at home - it takes some practice to get good at pumping (or it did for me anyway) and you don't want to be experimenting/learning on your first day back to work. You could probably get by just fine with a single though, my understanding for the need for the double is to pump faster, so beneficial for work time, but if you're home watching TV or something maybe it's ok if it takes twice as long?
Also when you double pump, your body releases signals to make more milk in case your LO needs to be fed shortly after you pump. Also, with the length of your commute, if you don't pump on the way to work, you probably would need to pump shortly after getting there. I try to pump 3 times a day... but sometimes only get to do two.
haha, but Holly takes the T to work! I don't think pumping in public is as acceptable as nursing, haha.
True. I do have a 35-40 minute drive to the T first (thank you traffic...normally it would only be 25-30). But since I'd have the pump at work I wouldn't want to bring the home one with me. I could leave it in the car but would have no way of cleaning it (even if I brought it all the way to work with me it would be at minimum 30 minutes between finishing pumping and cleaning the parts - not sure if that's an issue or not).
ugh, I didn't realize you had such a long drive in the car!
I probably wouldn't bring it in the car in your case either because it kind of defeats the purpose of having the ones at work
I was just telling Emily that I probably have horrible pump care... but I only clean the pump parts at night after my final pump. I don't wash them out after every pumping.
haha yeah....chris just keeps hers in the fridge w/ the milk at work, and leaves them out at home (she just dries them off after pumping). We figure the milk is good 10 hrs unrefrigerated anyway, so its ok. Pumping takes enough time as it is.
The LC's at my hospital said to rinse them out as soon as you can after use and then wash the parts with soapy water each night. Since BM has natural bacteria fighting properties, it is okay. I would imagine that 30 minutes between use and cleaning the parts would be okay.
FWIW - I remeber one of the ladies on one of my boards mentioning pumping on the train and then in an airport terminal! Props to her!
I pump twice at work (may add a third since my supply seems to be on the verge of dropping due to being sick) I get [3-4] 4oz bottles throughout the day and C only takes [2-3] 4oz bottles at day care so I typically have an extra to add to my freezer stash each day (some days 2 bottles worth). So for the time being I have found that pumpng at work has been enough to pack for day care the next day.
I had a small stash built up before I went back to work and have just about doubled it in 3 weeks
I have also found it helpful to have a pumped bottle or two ready to go in the fridge. I always have one with me when I go out just in case I can't nurse C f or if he is fighting nursing or whatever reason. There have been a few times that I was super thankful to have done this and then of course I immediately pump when i get home.
there you go