(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best baby health care products

10 months ago I was you. I'm so sorry you're feeling these feelings right now. I'm sorry you're going through this.

I want you to know you're doing an amazing job taking care of your baby. He's getting everything he needs nutritionally. You're busting your ass. He's lucky to have you as his mom.

I want you know that this will continue to be the case whether or not you continue to pump. If you move to all formula, he will be nutritionally perfect. If you resume combo feeding, he will be nutritionally perfect. In either event, he'll want for nothing. Again I say it - this is because YOU are his mom. What a lucky little boy!

At 4 weeks, I chose to stop pumping and move exclusively to formula. My son had a tongue tie that was reversed shortly after birth, horrible reflux, spit up more than 10 average newborns combined, had horrible gas, and never could latch. Not once. I nearly killed myself trying to pump every 3 hours for 2oz of milk a day - total. I failed more often than I succeeded. I remember sitting at the kitchen table one day - my back to my baby screaming in the living room, because that's how I had to sit while strapped into the pump - crying. I felt so lost. This isn't what was supposed to happen. I wanted to hold my son. I wanted to love on him and comfort him and be with him - but I couldn't. I was missing so much of these fleeting moments because I was tied to one machine while another machine rocked my baby. I decided then that I was done. I couldn't do it anymore. Giving him what meager amount of breastmilk I pumped was robbing both of us of time we couldn't get back. And I realized that I was more important to him than that breastmilk. I still struggle with my experience, but I do not at all regret my decision. Not once.

Once I stopped pumping - like, literally just decided I was done, I didn't have to do anything to dry up my milk like many women do. I simply never really made any. If you do decide to stop pumping you'll have to look into safe and effective ways to dry up your supply. For my son, we went exclusively to Similac Pro Advanced and that's what he's been on since. To help with gas we went exclusively to anti-colic bottles (Dr Browns, but I see you've gone to the playtex ones, which I've heard good things about as well). And I added in Gerber Soothe Probiotic Drops. 5 drops into his morning bottle. We did this until he was 10 months old. Within a few days of doing these things - going exclusive formula, switching to anti colic bottles, and adding the probiotics - he was a different baby. Still cried. Still had the occasional gas. Still spit up a shitload (he ended up getting reflux meds around 5 months old, which didn't stop the spit up but did help with the reflux). Still did normal baby things, of course. But a different, much happier baby.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you well. Prioritize YOUR health and happiness as well, because god knows you've already been prioritizing your son's. You deserve to enjoy this time with your baby. And you are worth more to him than your breastmilk.

Be prepared - they’re not going to stop when she’s out. Gripe water is like absolute magic and stops them instantly. My first got them constantly and they just continued when she was born. For months. Regularly hiccuping. They didn’t bother her but a hiccuping baby will not fall asleep.

This one gets them 5 times a day sometimes. It’s like this annoying flicking feeling in the same spot over and over. Drives me bonkers. I’m due next week and already have stocked up on Mommy’s Bliss gripe water. We have bottles ready!


Mommy's Bliss - Gripe Water Night Time - 4 FL OZ Bottle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R42HKGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zak3DbVQJ7DT4

ETA - moms, it’s not water. It’s called gripe water. And it’s a very small amount. Adding instructions and ingredients below for context. Water for a baby is dangerous but this isn’t actually just water.

Recommended Dose: Babies 2 weeks to 1 month of age: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) Infants 1 to 6 months of age: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Children 6 months and older: 2 teaspoons (10 ml).

Ingredients
Deionized Water, Vegetable Glycerine, Fructose, Citrus Biflavinoid Extract, Citric Acid, Natural Fennel Flavor.

I don't know who you are, but I feel like we might be mama soulmates. My baby is 7 months now, but so much of what you talked about is what I've also experienced:

• my husband just left on a business trip and will be back Thursday night (😩)
  
• I had preeclampsia and wanted unmedicated birth but ended up getting and epi because the BP meds stopped working and then I gave birth 15 minutes after it was administered
  
• my baby had reflux
  
• my milk didn't come in right away and we had to supplement
  
• my baby had jaundice the first week
  
• my baby cried and cried and was in pain a lot from tummy issues
  
• I didn't want to bed share, but my child screams every time I lay her on her back in a crib or pack and play, so I don't really have much choice.
  
  So let me start off with this: you are a good mom. I know that in the midst of all of the doubts it can be hard to hear this, but the simple fact that you keep trying and that you care enough to do so, is enough. The first few months are the hardest, I think, because our babies can't tell us how to help. What helped me get through that time was the knowledge that my baby would never remember the tummy aches, the reflux, the heel pricks for testing for bilirubin levels, or me floundering figuring out how to be a mom. What she would remember is that when she cried I came to her.
  
  Just so you know, therapeutically speaking, what builds resilience in a baby/ child (and even an adult) is not the absence of hardship, but the repair after the hardship. In other words, being a good parent is not about having to prevent every possible negative thing; as hard as we try, that would be impossible! We have no control over whether or not our baby's tummy hurts, or if we can't get the bottle fast enough, or when they fall down in the pursuit of learning to crawl. Instead, what actually builds resilience is when your baby does cry, you are there to comfort him. That teaches him resilience. You modeling this "damage and repair" scenario for him will be the foundation for him to build his own ability to self-soothe and to learn that when things aren't optimal, they won't necessarily stay that way. So what you are doing right now is very important. (Source: I'm a therapist).
  
  I can also commiserate with the feeling of making all the wrong decisions. It's frustrating loving your child so much and wanting the best for your child, but not knowing what that is. I remember the first two months when we were ssupplementing and her tummy hurt so bad and we would try every formula. But I'll be completely honest with you, I don't think it was the formula that was hurting my child's tummy.
  
  I finally figured out that she was crying every time that she was trying to poop or when she had gas. My doctor said that sometimes babies, even full-term, have an immature digestive system. He said that it sometimes takes time for them to learn how to coordinate relaxing their booty muscles while pushing. He explained that they will try to clinch and push at the same which will make them feel like they're constipated when they aren't and hurt their little tummies. My little girl finally stopped crying every time she had to poop around four months old. In my case, I'm pretty sure my doctor was right.
  
  As for reflux, we noticed a big drop off at about 5 1/2 months for our baby. We stopped giving her Zantac at around six months. With the reflux we would burp her halfway through her bottle, and then at the end of her bottle. And we would wait 30 minutes before laying her down, or an hour before putting her on her tummy. That seemed to help. Now it is no longer necessary. We burp her at the end of her bottle and I wait 15 minutes before letting her get active, but I can now put her down right away.
  
  Bedsharing, I've got nothing for you 🤷‍♀️. We put her in a cosleeper bassinet until she was 5 1/2 months old when she outgrew it. I don't think my baby's problem was reflux when it came to sleeping. I mean it was certainly a factor, but she's still struggling. She slept great in her cosleeper, but there is something about the crib and pack and play she doesn't like. I'm thinking it may be the hardness of the mattresses, but I'm still working through that theory. She will sleep on us, in the bed beside us, or in the bed without us. We've tried every sleep training model and trick that anyone could give us. The only thing that seemed to help was giving her Nightime Gripe Water . It has camomile and it seems to help her at least initially get to sleep.
  
  Sorry for the long post, but I hope at least something I've said here helps. Focus on the cuddles. You're doing great, mama!

Hi! We ran off of advice given to us and some lists online. (Lucie's list is really good.) What is unique to where you live? When are you due?

For example, I'm due Nov 7 and in Colorado. So we registered for warmer baby beanies as well as cold weather clothes like long sleeve footies and such. I also made sure to register for car window shades because the sun in Colorado is no joke. I added in a set of wetbags because I've heard they're insanely useful. There's also a rocking chair because my mom had one with me and my sister and swears by it.

We didn't register for any of the health kit things because they have a lot of stuff we've been told not to use (nail clippers) and other stuff we know we won't use (the bulb nose clearers are great I'm sure but the nurse at the infant class told us to just get the Nose Frida. We just put in a baby thermometer you can use under the baby's arm, nail files, comb and brush kit, and Boudreaux's Butt Paste because my mom was adamant we don't need to bother with anything else. I know we'll need to get baby Tylenol but I didn't bother to register for it. (Maybe I'll go ahead and add that now...) OH! Also teething stuff but you already got that. If I mentioned something you already have sorry, I got a bit carried away.

Anyway. It might help to go to Buy Buy Baby or Target or some place to register in person, just put everything cute on the list. You can shorten the list later but this will give you a broad scope if you're worried you're forgetting something.

I have been using the FeverFrida for the past several years and have been petty happy with it, but upon looking for the Amazon link I see it has pretty poor reviews. Most are related to the Bluetooth range and not the accuracy though.

The FeverFrida is a flat disc that you stick under the arm using an adhesive patch, and it measures the axillary temp constantly and sends to the app. Our pediatrician scoffed at first and said the only accurate temp in a baby was a rectal one, but we did a test right there in the office and it was spot on. I like that I can set a fever threshold to get alerted at and can mark when medication is given. The graph is fantastic and you can literally watch the medicine work.

So, good for little ones and worried mommies that want constant data, probably overkill if you just want a quick temp.

We've had a lot of luck with bath time... here's our routine:

Heat up the bathroom for about 5 minutes before prepping the bath. We have a little floating thermometer and can get the water to just about 101. We go grab the baby to get her ready, and the water drops to 100, which is perfect. We put a wet wash rag on her stomach and pour water over it throughout the bath. Once complete, we dry and take her into her room for lotion, a new diaper, and pajamas.

I'm telling you, the baby absolutely loves it. It's a little warm for us but we have a little fan pointed on us to keep us cool.

Here's the thermometer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KDJWZ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zKbTBbZ0AT0FZ

some thoughts on getting him to like tooth brushing - my adult hygienist was a former pediatric hygienist and she suggested using a kids toothpaste in a fun flavor. We had raspberry and my daughter would have happily eaten it straight from the tube. She also suggested the banana brush to get her used to a toothbrush, using a washrag to 'wipe' her teeth off if she wasn't down with a toothbrush and alternating her brushing and me brushing her teeth after letting her watch me brush mine. I usually let her brush while I brush and after add a little toothpaste and do a quick scrub. It was kind of a progression in our house...

Yeah those are a simple "security" lug style. When purchased they would have come with a socket or adapter to remove them. Scour the car top to bottom, if you're lucky its in there somewhere.

If you're unlucky you can get something like this or this, your local parts house might have something like them.

I know the science on it is mixed to none but anecdotally we have had a lot of success with gripe water. My daughter is generally easy going and since she is formula bottle fed we don't really do comfort feeding but for those times when she gets inexplicably fussy with no apparent need (i.e. has eaten, is dry, not sleepy) a little dose of gripe water calms her right down. However, I would suggest first ruling out with her pediatrician that there is nothing else going on such as silent reflux, a food allergy, etc. just in case.

You should get a bathtub thermometer. I have this one MotherMed Baby Bath Thermometer and Floating Bath Toy BathTub and Swimming Pool Thermometer , Green Fish https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4I19UX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xmN1AbA0JFXQT and I love it! It flashes a small red light if your water is hot enough to be harmful to a child/unborn baby, so I bet if you used this his sperm would be fine. I also enjoyed hot baths so hot it hurts to get in, I found those were around 106-108. Definitely not a safe temp. Now I try to stay at 102, it's not as hot but still plenty comfortable.

You can buy a nasal aspirator that does just this for about $5.00. Some do work better than others but the decent ones work really well. Baby doesn't really like it but then baby might not like an adult trying to suck its face off either.

This one was the best we had for our daughter. Thing is like a shopvac for mucous.

This is on my list even though a rectal thermometer is more accurate, getting a ballpark temp without diaper diving every time will be nice:

Kinsa Sesame Street Elmo Smart Ear Thermometer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H5QL8L6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GP.Kzb4VQN9D2

Go ahead and buy stock in this stuff:

Boudreaux's Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment - Maximum Strength - Contains 40% Zinc Oxide - Pediatrican Recommended - Paraben and Preservative-Free - 4 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00569GU18/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.Q.KzbG1R3BVA

I really want one of these to live in postpartum:

Kindred Bravely The Angelina Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Nightgown Dress (Cabernet, XL) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GDCG1DS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_lS.KzbX4XQ9V7

Tiny infant leather moccasins! Not because they're walking, but because they'll need more foot insulation than just socks in the winter months.

Yes ! It’s probably a mix of cluster feeding & having gas. We got one of these and it seemed to help her stay asleep a bit longer.

Thanks! I agree that genetics is a factor. And it's hard to give up night nursing when it's so useful.

Is this the brush? https://www.amazon.com/Brilliant-Child-Toothbrush-Baby-Buddy/dp/B07S74L58T/

This shark has been my son's favorite thing to chomp on when he's teething. He's 8 months old and has 6 teeth currently so we've been through back-to-back periods where all he wants to gnaw on is blue shark. It's easier for him to hold one-handed than it is the banana, so he's able to chew on it and still play with something else.

He also developed a habit of mashing his face and gums up against the cool windows in the morning when he's teething. It's kind of gross but I just clean it off when he's done. Figure if it helps him deal with the pain, I'm not gonna try to stop him. 😅

Dock a Tot

got our kid sleeping solid hours and in his own crib; worth every penny.

Contrary to what everyone else has said; we love our Mom a roo

Bumbo is great; little man can sit and chew on things while i'm eating breakfast etc.

Dont buy a ton of one type of bottle; LO might hate that kind then youre stuck.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010LR812/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This teether is a favorite; we have 3 in case we lose one

we have several matress pads; so when we layer his crib we do one mattress pad; then sheet; then matress pad; then sheet and so on. If one gets wet in the middle of the night youre not going to want to change the whole set; just pull the top two off and you'll be all set.

shoes are a waste of money

Seconding all of the other advice: saline drops, nose Frida, humidifier, all good options.

In the event you need something more heavy-duty, our doctors (or the hospital's, IDR) recommended this electric one.

Jordan Step 1 Baby Toothbrush, 0-2 Years, Soft Bristles, BPA Free (4 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CKKOIZU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aLFOAbWTARZJK

I bought these for my daughter, and we're happy with them. I had been using the finger cover, but I got bit a few too many times.

Fuller Mini Maid is a small corded powerhouse, it's seriously awesome.

https://www.amazon.com/Fuller-Brush-Handheld-Vacuum-Tools/dp/B00A7BXEUK

> because I hate flushing pens.

get a bulb syringe, they're super convenient :)

But I mostly don't bother flushing pens unless they're not flowing well upon first inking.

Humidifier and a soft nasal aspirator could help.
A pharmacy probably has this: Little Remedies Stuffy Nose Kit | Saline Spray/Drops & Aspirator | 0.5 FL OZ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HM95QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wLZXDb83DXFZA

Don't buy anything battery operated. You'll be mad when it doesn't work in 6 months. Take a look at this https://www.amazon.com/Fuller-Brush-Handheld-Vacuum-Tools/dp/B00A7BXEUK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469195170&sr=8-1&keywords=fuller+hand+vac. If you don't need a spinning brush than this is a great option. It's very powerful and comes with a small hose and attachments.

If you wanted a spinning brush than this should work for you https://www.amazon.com/Fuller-Brush-Power-Maid-Vacuum/dp/B00A7BXDZG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1469195239&sr=8-2&keywords=fuller+hand+vac

Gas drops: https://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Bliss-Relief-Infant-Troubles/dp/B0742DKFVQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=56115375116&gclid=Cj0KCQjwpPHoBRC3ARIsALfx-_KBN11vVSongCfgm3Oa4vN1GAbT8WaDJrRIj68JhdTQyXRCV6vXlogaAkeDEALw_wcB&hvadid=274677448983&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1014950&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t2&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4130496716048109423&hvtargid=aud-647006051489%3Akwd-368658883590&hydadcr=6724_9247470&keywords=mommy+bliss+gas+drops&qid=1562153226&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1



Or gripe water: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Remedies-Bicarbonate-Artificial-Newborns-4/dp/B001J5LDM4/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=gripe+water&qid=1562153275&s=gateway&sprefix=grip&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Banana-Bendable-Training-Toothbrush/dp/B0010LR812?crid=1OYWASUJQO17I&keywords=banana+toothbrush+toddler&qid=1537912461&sprefix=banana+toothbrush+%2Caps%2C650&sr=8-2&ref=sr_1_2

Bluetooth rectal thermometer.

Edit: Found it!

For lupus? My most used gadgets are the notes 📝 app on my phone, and a thermometer that logs results to an app on my phone.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0795ZW85G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1