April Showers for Nov. '09 Babes:wave

[Jewels06]

Alright ladies here we go, an April forum! I couldn't find the rain icon I was looking for, I thought I had seen one but I guess not. Hope you all found us okay! HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Julie

[Jewels06]

I forgot to ask in my last post about babywearing products and what you all have liked best. I've heard the ergo mentioned quite a bit but DH just found one called the Boba Baby Carrier and I didn't know if anyone knew anything about that one. The didymos wrap, moby and pouch sling were also mentioned. I really want to baby-wear but haven't found anything that I just love, any recommendations? Thanks!

[miami mommy]

Happy April! My DS turned 5 mos yesterday, I can't believe how old he is! He's starting to get interested in what I'm eating and drinking. He keeps grabbing for my water glass whenever I'm drinking water. He's never had a bottle or cup before but he seems to just know how to hold a cup. Go figure! And he stares me down while I'm eating. I'm trying to hold off for another month on solid foods, but I offered him a tiny taste of my hummus yesterday and he made a disgusted face. But when I put a little more on my finger, he grabbed my finger, shoved it in his mouth, and ate the hummus. He's such a curious baby!

Jewels06 - I wish I could give you a recommendation on a sling/carrier, but I actually don't have just one that I (and, most importantly, my DS) like best...I use 3! I have a Baby K'tan that my baby likes to nap in, but it's hard on my back to wear it for extended periods. Then I have a Two Mommas Design soft structured carrier that I like for going out on walks and is great for my back, but my DS won't nap longer than 30 mins in. I have a Baby Bjorn that I don't like, but my DH and DS both love. I don't let him use it for too long cause I don't like my DS being supported by his crotch. But my DS is in a phase where he needs ridiculous amounts of stimulation and so he just loves facing out! I bought a Maya before DS was born and figured that was all I would need, but my DS absolutely hates it! Now, after 5 mos, I totally understand how baby-wearing mamas tend to amass a collection of carriers. The cost sure does add up, but my baby NEEDS them.

[Xavismom]

Its 'April Snow' here

For babywearing, we have:

A SleepyWrap. DS loved this when he was newborn - 2 months. Then didnt want anything at all to do with it! I doubt we'll use it again, I'm trying to decide whether to hang onto it for a possible 2nd baby one day, or just give it to a friend.

A Sleeping baby productions linen ring sling. I bought this after DS decided he hates the sleepy. He hated this instantly! I tried to get him into it for about two weeks, but he would start screaming before I even got him all the way into it, so I just gave up.

A Babyhawk. I orded this with my tax refund about a month and a half ago since I cant use the Sleepy OR the ring sling DS loved this instantly. I was finally able to wear him around the house, and out shopping. Until about two weeks ago. Now he hates it and cries/fusses in it until I take him out.

-Sigh- Soooo I have resorted to using his stroller, or letting him sit in his carseat while we shop ( I put the carseat IN the basket, not perched up on the handle part!!) I always SWORE I would never do either of these things. But DS totally loves it. He is SO happy riding around like this. I'll be honest, it makes me crazy, I hate pushing him in his stroller, or having him ride around the grocery store in his seat... It almost makes me feel like I am doing something wrong, IYKWM? And if I see another Mama babywearing, it almost makes me cringe, and I feel like I am being juded a bad Mama or something... I know its totally my hang up, and I just need to get over it and keep reminding myself DS loves riding around this way, but I'm having kind of a rough time with it.

I did try out his ring sling yesterday though, since I figured he is now big enough for me to try a hip carry with it. He didnt seem to mind it. He chilled out while I fed the dog, made breakfast and coffee, and cleaned up the kitchen a bit. So I tried it again today, and he was ok again.... I think I am going to give it a try grocery shopping today... My mom is going with me, so we can take the backup carseat.

And in case anyone is wondering, I cant just carry him in my arms while shopping, because he is like a miniature BUDDHA. This kid is huge! He seriously has like 3 rolls on his ankles

Anyhow, that was kind of long!! But thats my babywearing review. FWIW, my favorite carrier for ease of use/comfort is by far the Babyhawk. Wish DS still liked it. We'll try it again in a few weeks perhaps he'll like it again.

[illumini]

Originally Posted by Jewels06

I forgot to ask in my last post about babywearing products and what you all have liked best. I've heard the ergo mentioned quite a bit but DH just found one called the Boba Baby Carrier and I didn't know if anyone knew anything about that one. The didymos wrap, moby and pouch sling were also mentioned. I really want to baby-wear but haven't found anything that I just love, any recommendations? Thanks!

I carriers! I don't have a stroller so a good carrier is essential to me. I have tried out a few and have some preferences on which ones are "good" and "bad".

For the first couple of months I used my Moby which was Ok. I had a hard time with it being stretchy and not feeling like my ds was secure. Plus I wanted to try out some back carries. Around the same time I purchased my husband a Maya ringsling, which he loves. I have used it but find the shoulder a little cumbersome. When my ds was a few months old I decided to retire the Moby and purchase a BB-Slen woven wrap. I bought a very long one (5.2 m maybe?) and chopped it so I have one longer wrap and a shorter one. The longer one is for two shoulder carries (both front and back) and the shorter one is mainly used for a one shoulder carry called a rebozo. It is a great carrier for quick trips.

I also have tried some ssc's (like the ergo) and while I liked them I had a hard time getting them to fit me as well as the wrap. Plus I just didn't think they looked as pretty. If I didn't want the learning curve of a woven wrap then I would look into an Ergo. They seem to be the best of the ssc's. I would stay away from Baby Bjorn which can be uncomfortable for both Mama and baby. Hope that helps!

[ExuberantDaffodil]

We use a k'tan for longer outings/walks and a ring sling for shorter outings/walks. We never end up getting out the stroller even though MIL got us one.

My babe will be 5 months on the 9th, and she is not even remotely interested in foods. I even tried putting some different things up to her mouth, and it was a no-go, which I'm fine with. I was more curious to see what she would do than anxious to start solids, as we hope to do baby-led this time around.

[akind1]

We started with a moby, and DS loves it, and would still. I don't think the learning curve is that big, but it is a lot of fabric to deal with. We also have an Ergo, which we love! but it is getting warm and I am thinking it might get hot to wear? I think I'd like a mei tai as well as I like the ergo. also have an adustable pouch from Kangaroo Korner that I like, am waiting for DS to get a little bigger to be comfy in it in a hip carry.

question for y'all - it is starting to get hot. do you have a preferred sunscreen, and what do you do about them putting all the body parts you've just sunscreened in their mouths? and do you thing it is worthwhile or necessary to have a bottle of water - or sippy cup - on hand for long times in the sun, between nursing sessions?

we were out in near 90 degree heat today and I thought about, if this is April, July is going to be wretched

[SunShineSally]

I have an over the shoulder baby holder I got that from another November 09' mama!!! ShwarmaQueen! I also have a Kozy I my Kozy it is over 5 years old this is the 4th child I got it off the TP here! I also got a baby Hawk off of here I love that one also I stopped at 3 carriers because I would have like 10 and I wont even look at them because they will then be bought!!

Today we took Glenn to his first visit to Niagara Falls he stayed awake the whole time! He is one tired man now!! but will not sleep

[MommyMad]

I only have one carrier - the Beco - and DS loved it. However, I haven't used it in a while. The problem that I find with carriers is that I feel constricted with my big boobs. I'm a 34G/H and if baby's tummy is full when I carry him, then he has a tendency of spitting up more often.
Any bigger mamas out there that have this issue? Which carrier have you felt more accomodating?

Right now we use his stroller mostly - the baby Jogger City Mini - and we really like it. It's really light and maneuvers well.

[Jewels06]

Wow so many suggestions! Thanks Mammas! I guess I just have to find what works for both DS and me. DH uses a baby infantino and he and DS love it. DS definitely prefers looking out but he does okay on my back or facing me as well. I just want something that DS and I love so DH can have his infantino and I can have my whatever so we don't have to keep swapping and adjusting. It's a lot of work, he's 6'2" and I'm 5' exactly so it's a big difference.

I was also wondering about the sunscreen. We have a Trader Joe's and I think I can find an all natural one there - I looked into making my own for a brief time when I was pregnant and I mostly found mayo based recipes which I wasn't really sure how that would smell after a while So I just tried to stay out of the sun instead. Now however we don't have that option, Mom NEEDS to get out of the house and stay in shape with more that just exercise videos.

And in case anyone is wondering, I cant just carry him in my arms while shopping, because he is like a miniature BUDDHA. This kid is huge! He seriously has like 3 rolls on his ankles

LOL XavisMom - this cracked me up! I actually know exactly what you mean, my DS weighs more than my niece who is 8 months, he is also very hard to hold for long periods of time. I wouldn't feel bad about the carrier, your hearts in the right place, you would if you could.

So DH and I had a fight this morning b/c it's the weekend and I need to start catching up on some sleep, I'm going into zombie/depression mode b/c I need it so bad. It's been a couple months since DH took him for a full shift to get him down. When he does help he will usually get him down the first time but when DS wakes up it's on me and that shift is usually the longest then he will finally stay down. Last night was just not a good night anyways, DS woke up every 1 1/2 to nurse so I was already frustrated then when I woke DH up to change his diaper, he was like... "Man..." And in my sleepy stupor I let him have it I usually know better than to try and talk to him about something when we're both tired but it just came flying out Well good did come out of it, we've decided to do an alternating weekend plan - every other Friday night DH will put him down and I can actually go to bed and stay there. We can't do Saturday nights b/c we get up for church the next morning which I'm still trying to figure out with his sleep schedule - church starts at 11 so we have to leave by 10:30, DS gets up at 10, nurses for 1/2 hour and then goes down for a 2 hour nap- but with the noise of church he doesn't stay down I dunno maybe he just needs to be in this schedule longer and it'll get easier for him to go down and stay down? Well I've had several rants so I think it's time for me to sign off (can you tell I'm tired?) Have lovely Easter everyone!

[Xavismom]

The ringsling was a no-go yesterday grocery shopping He was super mad about it, and then settled right down and was all coos and smiles in his carseat. Honestly dear child of mine... How can that seat be more comfy than Mama?? Oh well.

If he ever does decide he likes the ring sling... I want a Sakura Bloom so badly, they are just gorgeous. Anyone here a vetran RS user? Any good tips to make it better for him?

LOL XavisMom - this cracked me up! I actually know exactly what you mean, my DS weighs more than my niece who is 8 months, he is also very hard to hold for long periods of time.

It sounds like quite a few of us have chunkers! Here is a newish pic of my Lil' Buddha, AKA DS with all his rolls and lovely chubness

http://i823.photobucket.com/albums/z...vi/tub4mo2.jpg

I'm not sure how much he weighs right now, we missed our 4 mo WBV, but he was 14.8 at his 2 mo.

[MommyMad]

Xavismom - That pic is too cute. Mine has become increasingly chunky as well. I weighed him yesterday and he came in at 16lbs. My left wrist has been hurting badly and I'm not sure if it's from carrying him or not. My appointment isn't until the 21st to have it checked out. I'll be calling tomorrow to beg to be seen sooner.

Jewels, I'm glad you've agreed with DH with a workable schedule.

[Jewels06]

XavisMom - I looked into those Sakura Bloom ring slings and they are gorgeous, it stinks that they are $88 and way up though! That's unreal! Is it because of the fabric? I would try one as well but since I have 3 already and only like 1 of them I don't think I can invest that kind of money when I'm not sure I would like it. I'm guessing they're not returnable? Btw, Xavier is SO cute, my Luke has those same roles - I'm right there with you and the heavy lifting!

Man I really want to be wearing DS more often I just wish I had something I liked but am too scared to invest in something else - I know if I brought it up to DH he would freak just b/c we have the 3 already. I think if we had the funds I would try the ergo first, that seems like the most all purpose one and it looks comfy. It also seems to be user friendly. Anyone with an ergo want to comment on theirs?

Boy was it hot today! DS and I went for a walk and I was running most of the way b/c I didn't realize how hot the sun was until we were pretty far from home and I started worrying about DS. Anyone have any tips about keeping babies cool in the Summer? I was wondering how we would go to Busch Gardens this Summer - not a lot of AC there. Well off to do some reading about EC. Talk to you all later!

[Xavismom]

Jewels, have you maybe thought about the For Sale or Trade forums? Here or maybe on the Babywearer.com? Trade or sell the two you dont like!

I havent tried an Ergo, but it seems like everyone that has, swears by them.

I am so jealous with you talking about it being hot.... It keeps snowing and raining here. I want to get outside with DS so badly!

[SunShineSally]

Jewls I had Ds1 in April and we had one of the hottest summer here then and we did a lot of shirts with a diaper and that is it and LOTS of water for me and nursing for him. I liked to keep a shirt on him and not only a diaper! I would also sometimes put cool water on his head. One nice thing is they will beable to so in a little baby pool this summer I can't wait for nice weather we are still rainy and cold here Lucky you!!!!

[jess152]

We have an Ergo and both DH and I use it. I bought it in denim, thinking it was a colour he would wear...not too girly, as he calls my other wraps. We haven't used it with the new guy yet, but brought it with us to Seattle last Sept and carried DS1 who would have been 2 1/2, so it's versatile right up to the end of your babywearing days.

I took DS2 today and weighed him at the health unit. He's 18lb 9oz! I couldn't believe it. He's got all kind of lovely rolls, so I shouldn't have been surprised. Nursing is going great.

He's got the best giggle and chuckle and is so easygoing. I just can't get over what a happy baby he is. We are finding that we haven't taken as many photos of him as we did with DS1...must get on that and fix it!!

He's had some awful diaper rash so I've been putting them all through an extra vinegar rinse to see if that will help. Maybe it's yeast? I don't know. I should try and get them out in the sun this week too, that always helps freshen them up and kill off anything that shouldn't be there.

[Path2Felicity]

Speaking of heat... someone told me yesterday that DD can get really hot and it's okay to give her some cool water. Not a lot- just enough to quench her thirst. I know though that BM has enough water in it if I am getting enough fluids... right?

DD is 4.5 months and we haven't started solids yet.

[jess152]

I don't remember exactly when we started giving DS1 little drinks of water...but he could hold his own cup and drink from it on his own by a year. (not a sippy, a real cup) It was so cute! I never gave him much, just a taste really, a few sips. Certainly not several ounces or what a meal equivalent would be. You probably don't want them filling up on water when BM is better, but a taste here and there, especially when it's hot and they are sweating is not a bad idea.

[akind1]

We have the chocolate Ergo, and FWIW, I am a 42G, and I find that it is fine for the most part, DS and I don't feel too smushed together. I am thinking that it may get hot though, come full summer.

We also have a stroller, which he loves most of the time. He is not loving the carseat though.

I think I'll put the water in a sippy cup; I don't want to use a bottle, as he does use a bottle for meal times while I'm at work, and I don't want him guzzling water, just sips to keep his mouth moist.

is anyone else teething? dS has one front and center on the bottom and one in the top corner, like an incisor maybe? trying to come through. The only time he is cranky is after dark in the car. Then he screams bloody murder. don't know if it is the teething or something else, but it hurts me to hear him. once we are home, he is fine. Literally, as soon as we pull in the drive, he gets quiet again. nothing soothes him in the car, music, sucking on our fingers or his own, his paci, none of it.

I feel like I have such a lightweight! DS is 13 lbs 12 oz! officially double his birthweight. he is not chunky at all in his tummy, but he has strong chubby legs and arms.

I think I like the neutrogena sunscreen, but it is pricier than the other ones. we've not tried it yet, but it isn't greasy, and is supposedly made from natural things and is hypoallergenic.

[miami mommy]

Originally Posted by Path2Felicity

Speaking of heat... someone told me yesterday that DD can get really hot and it's okay to give her some cool water. Not a lot- just enough to quench her thirst. I know though that BM has enough water in it if I am getting enough fluids... right?

DD is 4.5 months and we haven't started solids yet.

My DS started "asking" for water a couple weeks ago. By "asking" I mean that he would see me drinking water out of a glass and get really excited and reach for the glass. Last night when I took a sip of water he got a big grin on his face and reached out with both arms. So I've been holding the glass up to his lips and he puts his hands around the glass and starts slurping. It's so cute and I'm amazed that he seems to understand what water is and he loves it. Most of it drips down his chin onto his shirt and/or bib, but it does seem to cool him off. I asked my ped about giving my DS water and he said it's fine. I weigh him pretty regularly and if I notice that he's not gaining well, I'll cut back on the water.