(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best baby & toddler feeding supplies

I'm almost four months out and here's how our experience has been with the baby stuff:
-The Boppy newborn lounger is probably our most used baby item. It's been great.
-If you'll be breastfeeding, definitely have some sort of pillow for LO. It'll save your back and just make the whole thing easier while you're both figuring it out. We used my brest friend pillow and it was great, but lots of people really like their Boppy.
-Some veteran moms told me to stock up on breast milk freezer bags, but I've only used 2 because I decided by week 3 to start supplementing with formula. I intended on EBFing the whole time, but that just wasn't for us. It's still a good idea to buy a box of them, in case you do end up EBFing the whole time, but just one box and then buy more as needed.
-I was like insane paranoid about SIDS at first, so I couldn't handle the thought of him sleeping in a separate space. So, for our baby's first 3 months he slept in a snuggle nest and we loved it. He outgrew it around 3 months, but by then I was comfortable letting him sleep in the pack n play. The downside is always having to make sure that you and your partner's pillows aren't crossing over and covering LO's face. This wasn't ever an actual issue with us, but I always worried about it. I think a bedside bassinet would also be a great way to go to keep LO nearby.
-Pack n play! He sleeps in this in our room and I love that later we can take the insert out and it'll become his little play pen. However, we bought the Ingenuity brand because of Amazon prime deals, and I regret it. They don't make sheets for it so we have to buy other brand sheets and they don't fit quite right. The little mattress starts to fold up when I put sheets on. I'm not sure if it's because of the off-brand sheets, or if that's also a problem with other brands of pack n play.
-Pacifiers! Of course, like everything else, that's something that will vary by baby. Some babies won't take one (I was one of those), but mine almost always calms down when he has one in and it also helps him drift off when he's sleepy. But he won't take just any paci; he has definite preferences. So maybe ask for a few different brands/shapes on your registry.
-And that idea goes for diapers, too. We're using disposables. I've tried Huggies, Pampers, and Luvs, and so far I've been happiest with Huggies because they don't feel as plasticy and they have a little strip down the middle that changes color when the diaper is wet. That's pretty helpful.
I think there must be a lot I'm leaving out, but those are the things that first come to mind. I hope it was helpful. Best of luck figuring it all out with your LO!

We did the same thing for the first 18 months of our son's life - we were in a small 1 bedroom apartment. We didn't have a ton of space either but I agree with another commenter here that it really helped to have more than one place for baby to sleep. Our kid HATED the bassinet we got him. Hated. Would not sleep in it. We ended up getting a pack n play and a boppy lounger. For the first few weeks he would only sleep in the boppy lounger, which was fine because it was tiny. Once he switched to the pack n play that was fine too, because we could move it to whichever room we didn't want to be in at the time. So, if we wanted to go to bed early we'd put kid in the living room to go to sleep. Or, if we wanted to stay up and cook a late dinner or watch a movie, we'd put kiddo down in the bedroom. The pack n play fit through our doorway so we could just move him into the bedroom with us when we went to sleep. And, if we had people over and needed the space we could move it to the bedroom or fold it up.

He didn't really do much for the first 6 weeks, I don't think we used a play mat or anything during that time. I think we got the play mat out at right around 6 weeks, but it was pretty easy to roll up and stick in a corner when we weren't using it. I liked having it because he was starting to be so interested in things around him and it felt like the right kind of stimulation. I'd get one and just find one you can roll up easily enough and stick in a closet until baby is ready. We did have a changing pad on top of our dresser. I preferred having something like that vs just a towel in part because it had straps that we could use to secure it to the dresser, it was water proof (easier to clean) and it allowed us to stand up while changing and not be hunched over somewhere (your back WILL start hurting if you change on the floor all the time).

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We ended up getting a swing at around 6 weeks which I swear took up like a quarter of our entire apartment but it was worth it. I didn't realize what we were missing until we had it. Naps became so much easier. It was worth the real estate. But, you could probably wait for the 2 bedroom to get it.

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Because we didn't move for 18 months, the main room of our apartment became the kids room. We eventually got this https://www.amazon.com/Sauder-Bookcase-Footboard-White-Finish/dp/B00B2QU5YW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539832293&sr=8-3&keywords=bookshelf+toy+storage&dpID=41cpmiMr5CL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch which we stuck our tv on top of in the living room (with tv straps to secure it). It worked really really well for storing toys + books in a way that little one could access them himself. We also eventually got a dresser/changing table combo. When he got old enough we just took the changing table part off and now it's his dresser.

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Apartment living with a little one is totally doable :) Good luck!

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Edit to add this: we got this chair instead of a high chair https://www.amazon.com/phil-teds-Lobster-Highchair-Black/dp/B004854WM0 - also a great call. took up 0 space and we could take it to restaurants with us too

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I've seen and appreciated my fair share of vaginas, and probably your fair share as well. And my appreciation has been appreciated. That's why I can be so adamant about the utter stupidity of making silly predilections out of vaginal characteristics.

One of the great things about being a man is that we have created the freedom for ourselves not to objectify women and create long lists of specifications that they must have for us to be attracted to them or to be able to love them. One of the greatest things about being a man is that we have the capacity to appreciate and love women for who they are. Both unfortunately and currently there are few better ways to appreciate their diversity and individuality than by appreciation of their vaginas.

When we start objectifying women and coming up with various and sundry detailed specifications for "our perfect woman," we are literally emasculating ourselves. We literally turn ourselves into women - objectifiers who carry around detailed mental checklists that we compare against the women for whom we are shopping. And there can be no greater symbol of that emasculation and feminization than the line on your spec sheet marked vaginal characteristic preference.

I mean c'mon, vaginal characteristic predilection has gotta be the most bitch-ass thing since Mr. Milker.

If you're going for a breastfeeding pillow go for the My Brest Friend pillow. It has a ridiculous name, I know, but it was so much easier to breastfeed with versus the boppy. The pocket really came in handy for keeping my cell phone, lanolin, and snacks. I got mine from amazon's 'open box' deal. http://www.amazon.com/baby/dp/B000HZI1R2

See if your local hospital offers free parenting classes. I took a breastfeeding basics class; it was pretty informative. The postpartum nurses were also incredibly helpful after my baby was born.

I would recommend getting a pump. I had trouble breastfeeding in the beginning and pumping helped me establish and maintain my supply, as well as gave me some peace of mind. I bought the Ameda Purely Yours based mostly on reviews and the price. It worked pretty well. I bought it from amazon too...if you join their amazon mom program you get a few free months of prime (free 2 day shipping). We did our registry through them and still get our diapers through their subscribe and save deal.

I hope this was helpful. Good luck!

:( That does sound hectic. My registry is kinda all over the place because I've already bought a ton of stuff, but just some suggestions of some things (FTM so no idea really if these are good or not, some were recommendations from friends, some were recommendations from various online resources).

• car seat, extra base if you have more than one car, and stroller
  
• baby carrier - I got the ergobaby 360 with infant insert but the Lillebaby 360 is also super popular.
  
• swaddles - aden & anais seem to be hugely popular.
  
• bathing supplies - washcloths, bathtub
  
• first aid kit supplies - NoseFrida, nail clipper, thermometer
  
• feeding - bottles, sterilizer (some people told me I had to have it, some said it was totally unnecessary), bottle cleaner brush, drying rack (seems like everyone else loves the Boon grass, but I don't have the counter space!) You can get a pump through your insurance if you plan to breastfeed, I ordered mine through Aeroflow. I ultimately chose the Spectra S2 over the Medela PISA because it's a closed system, which apparently means less chances of bacteria getting into the system and thus easier cleaning.
  
• burp clothes - I was told to just get a ton of cloth diapers to use as burp clothes, and to have them everywhere.
  
• diaper pail - I have two friends who say this is good enough, so I went with it. They also said to use doggie poop bags to contain the smelly diapers.
  
• humidifier
  
• Boppy for nursing
  
• Backpack style diaper bag
  
• baby may need a more convenient place to be set down other than the crib, something you can have near you in the kitchen, shower, whatever. Popular options are the rock n play, Boppy lounger, or a pack 'n play. I plan on getting the Chicco FastAsleep pack 'n play because the crib/dresser/changing station is on our 2nd floor, so I figured this could double as a changing station/napper on the first floor.
  
  Lucie's List is probably the best resource I found online.

I don’t have any advice for things for this specific pump, although I️ have the spectra and really like it, but I did get a few general items that have made pumping and storing milk easier:

Freemie cups (especially if hands free pumping is important to you. Just be aware the flanges only come in two sizes).

Medela breastmilk cooler . The bottles won’t work with the spectra flanges, but the cooler is a nice size and you can use the included bottles as extra storage.

Silicone food storage tray. I use this instead of bags because it lets me freeze milk in 1 oz amounts so that I can defrost exactly as much as my daughter needs. The tray has a lid that actually stays on and the cubes are really easy to pop out. Then I just put the cubes in a freezer bag.

Boon lawn and twig for drying all your breast pump parts.

Other stuff you might want to consider: a hands free pumping bra, an extra set of flanges in your size (especially if you pump a lot), a bag if you are going to carry the pump frequently, and a car adapter.

Edited to add: Enjoy the pump! It is great!!

No, don't squeeze it out. Not that you'd do any harm if you did but you also wouldn't relieve anything by doing so. If you're leaking and it's getting your bra and shirt wet, then just stick a nursing pad into your bra. Here are some good disposable (which are nice when your milk is still getting regulated because I feel like they absorb more) and here are nice cloth resuable ones for later when there's not so much leaking. The cloth ones would be good for you now as you're likely not leaking a lot during pregnancy (if you're leaking or not).

(You'll likely want to wash those reusable ones in fragrance free detergent with the rest of the baby clothes. We just use fragrance free detergent for everything. Also, fragrance free =/= unscented. "Unscented" is apparently just another scent.)

And just in case you're worried, leaking during pregnancy is not an indicator of later breastfeeding success. If you don't leak, it doesn't mean that you aren't producing milk or anything. And if you do leak, you're not going to use up your supply before baby gets here.

Anything you leak now is just colostrum, a sort of pre-milk substance. It's very healthy for baby and is all they need until your real milk comes in a few days after giving birth. You won't use it all up if you leak now nor do you need to pump and save it in routine situations.

I remember how much of a total pain it was to find ANY nursing bra that fit (36k pre pregnancy here). I only ever found 1 that was semi comfortable, but it had very little support(keep in mind it's in European sizing, so my K becomes H):

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0045KJ6RE/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_-kZNDb0HAJYW6

That aside, what I would recommend is getting sized properly (the ladies over at r/abrathatfits have a great calculator for figuring this out on your own without having to find a store)

https://www.abrathatfits.org/calculator.php

and buying just 1 ahead of time, but wait until you're a bit closer. Then again, my kid came at 33 weeks, so who knows if it's too early. 🙄 About a month after birth I was fitting into a 38LL/M if I waited a while between nursing or pumping. From there, you can either find one that works for you (Cake, hot milk, and Freya make some decent ones in larger sizes, wasn't a fan of Royce) OR find a bra you like that fits and converting it to a nursing bra. You can either do this yourself (they sell the necessary pieces at Joann's) or places like Nordstrom can do it for a fee.

https://www.babycenter.com/609_diy-turn-your-favorite-bra-into-a-nursing-bra_20001258.bc

For pumping, I got a couple of these (so I could cycle them through the wash) and a bra extender to make it work. I never found a pumping bra that fit on its own:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ232Y7/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_pnZNDbHQMST58

Check out here for some good options, just remember to check what sizing they're using:
https://us.brastop.com/

Hope this helps! Sorry for any formatting issues, I'm on mobile. Good luck with your search!

Sunday Funday.

Okay, some of you may think I'm lying, and this is not my fun item, but it is. I really like doing dishes. It's my favorite chore. It is silly, but I get joy out of stacking them in the dish washer, stacking them to dry on the counter, etc. So this bottle drying rack would bring me great joy to hang my (future) son's bottles on when they're dry! (I'm due this winter!) THAT'S FUN, OKAY?! Don't argue with a pregnant lady!

Bottle Drying Rack!

A lot of good info in this thread so far!

I use the Medela cooler bag mentioned below and carry everything in a backpack to and from work. I pump into the Medela bottles and then transfer to Dr. Brown's bottles for daycare. I do not like to send frozen milk for daycare so I only transfer milk to bags to freeze if I have an overflow at the end of a week.

I use this nursing bra accessory. Its easier than using the Medela bustier and I really like the Bravado body silk nursing bras. Win win.

I actually have seen an increase in production since I started pumping at work. Pumping has a definite learning curve, so that is part of it. But pumping/breastfeeding is also about supply and demand and the Spectra has been great for maintaining/increasing supply. I pump for a full 30 minutes three times a day - always at the same times - 9:30, 12:30, and 2:30. When I started I typically brought home 10 ounces - now I bring home anywhere from 12-15 ounces. My baby takes 15 ounces at daycare (sometimes more) so I also added a pump session after she goes to bed at night.

Drink a ton of water and make sure to eat enough. Pumping thirst/hunger is real.

ETA: Cycle the pump to get more than one letdown. Also, if you need to pump more milk, let the pump run for at least five minutes after the milk stops flowing. Overtime, your body will know to produce more milk at that time. Good luck!

I was/am in the exact same boat - first kid, limited funds, starting from scratch, going through reviews and prices drove me insane. It took me probably three months to get my registry together, and, even then, I am still switching things up, lol.

lucieslist.com was invaluable while picking everything out. I highly recommend you check it out.

What we have bought ourselves that fit our tight budget:

Graco Comfy Cruiser Travel System. We had already decided to go with that car seat, given that it seems to be the top-rated budget option, and the stroller ended up being a much-needed bonus. We go on walks a lot, so it works for us. If you don't need the stroller, the seat itself is, I think, only ~$100.

The Pack N Play, which I've heard from literally everyone and their mother is almost a necessity.

Because we don't have an IKEA near us to get our hands on a swanky $99 crib, we bought this DaVinci crib. We still only ended up paying $100 for it, as we found it on sale, however, we would have paid the $200 for it, given that the reviews are good, and, when compared to some other cribs that cost $400 and up, the price isn't bad at all.

As for the rest of the registry, we have on there a Moby wrap (affordable baby wearing, yay!), nail clippers, outlet plugs, nursing pads, a wipes case, a baby tub, baby wash, assorted crib sheets, waterproof crib sheets, Pack N Play mattress, and sheets to go with, crib mattress (we actually bought this one when we found it on sale for $20, and it's just fine), receiving blankets, dirty diaper bags (because we aren't getting a diaper pail, just a small can with a seal-able lid), changing pad, and a cover to go with, pacifiers, Dr. Brown's Gia Nursing Pillow, a bottle brush, bottle warmer, thermometer, booger sucker, camera to monitor the baby, and a few other assorted things that I couldn't really find a definitive "best in class" for, so pick at your own discretion: diaper bag, swaddles (although I've read good things about the Summer Infant brand), bottles (we're going with Phillips Avent), a bouncer (we got this one), and a swing.

I agonized over this stuff for what felt like forever, lol, so I hope it helps you and saves you some hair-pulling. It's all so overwhelming!

I would actually get the onsie in a 3-6 month size. Most people get new moms clothes in 0-3 months so I go up at least one size when I buy a gift. Also check out the comments on the onsie if they have it as some infant clothes sizes are crazy wrong.

I have a lot of friends who are pregnant or just a baby in the last couple of years and was a Nanny for over 10 years and I buy one traditional gift for the baby and the rest are gifts that are not the 'norm. Depending on how much money you want to spend here are some ideas: mani/pedi or massage for mom (Groupon is great!), restaurant gift cards that deliver, house cleaning services, baby massage class, box of healthy snacks especially for breastfeeding moms,

Here are some more traditional but still very useful gifts parents might not know about that I posted somewhere else.

Hands free bottle holder
http://www.amazon.com/Bottle-Feeding-Bebe-Sling-LLC/dp/B003Z66X5W/ref=pd_cp_ba_3

Plush pacifier: I get this for almost everyone because you loose so many pacifiers and it keeps it in the baby's mouth.
http://www.amazon.com/WubbaNub-22352-Giraffe/dp/B003CK3LDI/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1398892663&sr=8-5&keywords=pacifier

Non-electric travel bottle warmer
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004I110D8/?tag=buzz0f-20

Swaddle Pod
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-SwaddlePod-Caterpillar-Newborn/dp/B006K6DF9Q/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1398893796&sr=8-8&keywords=swaddle

Cuddle-U Nursing Pillow- looks like a boppy but it does so much more. I really like to give this to parents because you're not supposed to lay infants straight on there backs after feeding so you prop them up with this. It helps with spit ups, gas, and colic.

http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Cuddle-U-Nursing-Pillow-More/dp/B000RHYPS4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398894056&sr=8-3&keywords=baby+lounger

Baby Shusher - actually works and just saw they have a app but only for iphones for now
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Shusher-Soothing-Miracle-Babies/dp/B00D2JN87I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398894587&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+shusher

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/baby-shusher/id419606496?mt=8

Hope this helps!

My first recommendation is to check to see if she has a baby registry. New parents need/want LOTS of stuff, and while all gifts are appreciated, having someone help cover the essentials always made us really happy! Some of my favorite gifts were for things we needed like extra bottles, bassinet sheets, and giftcards to Amazon.

Now, to your question - here are some top items we've used with our new baby:

• If she's breastfeeding then nipple balm, nursing pads (I like the Lansinoh disposable ones), cooling pads for your bra for when you're engorged, a Haaka breastmilk pump/saver, and nursing tank tops.
  
• An activity mat
  
• High contrast books and toys to look at
  
• Extra changing pad liners
  
• Dreft stain remover (GREAT for poop stains!)
  
• Burp cloths (you can literally never have too many. We love these from aden + anais.)
  
  
  With the exception of the activity mat, you can really never have too many of the above items!

What weight limit does your swing go up to? Our older son took naps in the swing for a long time, and he would usually sleep in the swing all night. We transitioned him to the crib full-time around 6 months. That was also around the time he started on solids and didn't spit up as much (he did have reflux).

You might think this is unsafe, but we put one of these pillows in the crib as well as pack and play to transition him:

http://www.amazon.com/Leachco-Cuddle-U-Nursing-Pillow-More/dp/B000RHYPS4

It kept his head elevated and gave the snuggle feeling, and he couldn't slide down because of the insert, and we also had his feet against the edge of the crib or pack and play. If it makes you feel more comfortable, do it supervised for nap time first. There's a customer image here:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51hgkiK9QNL.jpg

You want to create sleep associations with the crib or pack and play, and eventually you can take away the incline. After our son got proficient at rolling over, he happily slept on his tummy in the crib.

We have a bottle rejector, too. Mine will take it from me best, not my husband. We tried everything (bottles, temp, me in house, out of house, and more!)

It turned out to be a trust issue. She is not used to being comforted in this way by other people, so she screams. Someone told me it can be a biological instinct - don’t consume food from new/untrustworthy source. Bonding helped us - skin to skin time and baby wearing with dad. Also having one of my shirts (dirty) over his shoulder so she can smell me has been successful.

For several weeks she just didn’t eat while I was gone. I am only away 5 hours, so our pediatrician was not concerned. She said some babies just wait for mom and nurse more later. It’s ok if she takes a little or none at all. This made me feel better. She pointed out baby goes 6+ hours at night.

One more thing - ours did ok with como tomo and I thought it was as good as we would get, until we tried Lansinoh mOmma bottles. She actually latches to those!

I really like these Rubbermaid containers. I don't use the tiny size, but for the others, having only 2 lid sizes and then different depths is a fantastic solution to this problem. I use the small/shallow for leftover ingredients, the small/med and small/deep for my small lunches, and then the large/shallow, large/med and large/deep for leftover meals of varying sizes. Since they're available on Amazon, you should be able to get them no matter where you are, and it seems like Rubbermaid will be around for a while. Plus, everything fits into two neat stacks in my cupboard, because all the lids snap together and the containers fit into one another.

edit: correct sizes

you can also get them in smaller sets of only large containers

or only small containers

or even glass!

It's more expensive than you asked for but I highly recommend this Bumbo seat: Bought one of these for my first nephew and it lasted all three boys through infancy. Perfect for providing sturdy, hard-wearing seating whenever your family goes camping.

Nowdays you can also get a version with a tray, like this Mamas & Papas Baby Snug and Tray - Raspberry

Under $10: The Peepee Teepee for the Sprinkling WeeWee: 5 Camping in Cellophane Bag - Perfectly themed for changing junior's diapers out in the wilds.

If you purchase one bib, you've spent $12, $1.20 of which will supposedly go to charity. (I see nothing on there about charitable status or 501c, no mention of accounting or accountability, nothing. or anything. Plenty about what credit cards they take, though.

If you really like the bibs, by all means, buy a bib. I hope you get it.

If you really need bibs, you can get 10 for $14 on Amazon, and if you use Amazon Smile, a small portion of what you pay is donated to the charity if your choice.

But if you really want to feed children, send Feeding America a donation. Send them the $1.20 and feed someone for most of a week. Send them the entire $12 and feed a family of four for a week and a half. That'll do a lot more good than a bib.

BRAVADO! DESIGNS Women's... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MZ232Y7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Best thing for big boobs!! Love love love this!

https://balancedbreastfeeding.com/the-breastfed-baby-that-wont-take-a-bottle/

Basically you just have to keep trying. At this age it probably doesn't matter if you are there or not. You could probably try yourself. I got my daughter to take a bottle first. She didn't seem to care if I was around or not. You want to offer her a bottle as often as possible. Try different milk temperatures. My daughter will only take it if it's really warm. Offer it before she gets too hungry when she is calm and happy. Sometimes it helps to breastfeed a little, then slip the bottle in her mouth. Don't force it if she's unhappy. Just keep trying and eventually she'll get it. Sometimes babies prefer a certain type of bottle. The Lansinoh mOmma Breastmilk Feeding Bottle

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00H0DH2OM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Mq-Ozb8V1D5B5

is recommended here a lot. We tried 6 different bottles and that was the one she likes the most. Try not to stress too much! It takes time to learn how to do something new. She'll get it! Good luck!

I was just gifted this key holder I love it, its perfect size and pretty, my SO and I hang our keys and sunglasses on it! :)

This retro toaster oven/coffee maker is cute and it comes in different colors!

A nice shower head I HATE the low pressure spray everywhere shower head that came with my apartment. Lol

Tupperware is essential I didn't realize how important it was when we first moved in until my SO had to take macaroni salad in a ziplock for lunch xD

Cutting boards are also really helpful! I have a marble one for meat but the flexible ones make cutting up veggies and adding them to your dish way easier!

I second the take and toss! They're the closest to the ones I used as a kid. They're just not leak/spill "proof".

I've also had pretty good luck with these ( Gerber Graduates Fun Grips Hard Spout Sippy Cup in Assorted Colors, 10-Ounce, 2 cups https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00278WA4W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oxewxbF8PFMWM ) and another one that I can't remember the brand but it was like the cheapest one at Walmart. Good luck!

We were talking about breastfeeding, and how I'd like to wait at least a month with just the boob, before I pump and use a bottle to help trade off feedings.

DH goes.. but, how am I going to help during that month? My friend was in the room and mentions the strap on boobs for men that he can wear. His face as he yelped.."I have to wear boobs?!" was amazing.

Mr Milker, Now Men Can Breastfeed https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BJLSD3U/ref=cm_sw_r_fm_apa_HyCKzbK59QW9A

I use one of these

Blender Bottle makes good shakers, which is how I prefer to mix my powder most days. The real secret though is those pro stak containers. I picked up the extra 2 pack of larger (250cc) containers as well. The larger ones are the perfect size for a meal of Soylent and the smaller ones are good for snacks.

I generally weigh it all on the scale the night before, snap the containers to the bottle (I usually put a smaller one inside the shaker too) and all I have to grab in the morning is my shaker bottle. I love it!

I highly recommend containers. These are awesome because it comes with so many, all the lids match, etc. I am always misplacing these things lol.

Good luck with the moving!!

If your friend is nursing as well (and doesn't already have a pillow), the breast friend nursing pillow was a huge help with protecting my incision site and core. It was way more supportive than the boppy!

A friend also got me a little storage caddy to keep daily supplies (such as diapers, cream, wipes, onesies, snacks, boob pads, etc) in next to me on the couch. It was great having things in arms reach during those early days when it hurt to move.

The washing is insane! If I had to do it over again, I’d prioritize replacing our dishwasher and kitchen sink faucet before baby arrived. I hate them both.

Really like this basket OXO Tot Dishwasher Basket for the dishwasher, we also have the Munchkin one and it falls over when you open it, we pretty much have to take it out of our dishwasher to load it., and we spend more time lining up the nipples to get them all to fit.

If you end up bottle feeding you’ll want 2 baskets and at least 10 bottles if you wash every day. They use 7ish in a day and some will be in use while the washing is done. (My son had lip tie, tongue tie, and wouldn’t open his mouth to latch... success breastfeeding isn’t necessarily about how hard you try.)

If you end up using the breast pump a lot (I’m an exclusive pumper) just immediately pull the trigger on buying more sets of pump parts so you wash less often. Some bits wear out over time and you have to eventually replace them anyways. Buy more immediately and it will be longer until they all need replaced.

Finally, bottles that come in 5oz size are better because you can use them longer. So if it’s a toss up that’s a clear winner. Don’t buy many 8oz bottles, they won’t need those until they’re down to drinking 4 or less bottles a day (eventually bottle fed babies have larger meals farther apart.)

No experience with that, but it doesn't seem necessary :)

Our experience was:

First 6 months: tandem nursed them so used a nursing pillow for this purpose "My Brest Friend" for twins.

Then when we started solids at 6, we got seats like these http://smile.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Spacesaver-High-Chair-Luminosity/dp/B00J36ZXOU/ref=pd_bxgy_75_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=05GEP24D92XNQCVGPZHD


When I went back to work and had to give them bottles at 7 months old, we had pillows on the floor where they would get comfortable to drink.


Also, they are 3 years old now, and we're still using these seats (it's been a while since we removed the trays tho :) ).

What are you doing to take care of your nipples, if you don’t mind such a personal question 😂 ?


If you don’t have them, I HIGHLY recommend Soothies Gel Pads , and refrigerating them. They’re reusable for a couple of days. I also loved this Nursing Balm.


I distinctly remember the desperate loneliness of being literally attached to another human while stuck in one place for hours on end, often crying at the latch. Promise it gets better and for me, it was worth it, still BF’ing at 8 months old and it’s awesome.

This. We have one similar to this one and I love it. The baby sits at the same height as the rest of our dinning room chairs and it’s portable enough for family visits. The only downside is there’s no footrest so our daughter’s legs just hang down which I hear isn’t great for their posture. But it works great right now and it’s super affordable.

• The Brest Friend pillow I adored last time was useless to me after my c-section this time. Instead I use a Gia which is also great because it puts them at an angle which helps with reflux.
  
  
• The bassinet for the stroller... we live in the hills so half the time she'd be tipped down toward her head and wasn't happy about it. Plus it's black and gets very warm. If I'd been able to start going for walks right away (as opposed to waiting six weeks) I probably would have gotten more use out of it. Now she just rides in the regular stroller seat and is happy as a clam.
  
  
• The Hakaa pump... I just don't seem to be able to get it to do anything.

As I see you are breastfeeding, you will definitely want some nipple cream.

You may also want to get some leak protection. I like these because they are reusable!

A boppy or something similar (breastfeeding pillow) won’t hurt either!

These crossover tops are actually really cute, and are perfect to double as breastfeeding-friendly tops.

When I first opened the package of the bottles I ran everything through the dish washer. For the smaller parts I used [this](oxo tot dishwasher basket for bottle parts & accessories, teal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0771FFJ21/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dh.KDbK004XYF) so that all the nipples and plastic pieces wouldn't fly all over.

Once the dishwasher finished I let everything air dry on the counter using a bottle rack.

After that I found it much easier to handwash bottles in hot water with dawn soap using a bottle brush also from oxo. Same with the little plastic parts and nipples. I know some people prefer to sterilize each time but I never bothered - hand washing and letting them dry on the counter was perfectly fine for me. My kiddo is almost 2 and healthy, and I'm expecting #2 early next year and plan on doing the same thing.

We have had the hardest time getting my LO to take a bottle as well. She drank from them successfully until she was 6 weeks, and then she just flat out refused. Tried several different brands, I would leave the house, we'd get the grandparents to do it, all would involve either hysterical crying or her just tonguing it around like she didn't know what to do with it. We tried every day for three weeks and the most she would ever take was a couple of ounces. I was freaking out about going back to work, not to mention having to bring her everywhere I went in case she got hungry - I literally had my IUD placed while she was nursing.

I heard Lansinoh bottles were good for babies that had a hard time with the transition, so we tried that, and she latched on immediately the first time and drank the entire bottle. Such a huge relief. This is the one that worked for us. Hope it helps!

Good fit for all is the Kiinde Kozii Warmer ! Super easy to use and will accommodate bottles, frozen milk pouches, and food jars so you never have to microwave. It heats with water vs steam which prevents hot spots.

On the downside, it’s really expensive and can take a while to learn how long to warm things to the perfect temp (I had a lot of too hot and too cold things in the beginning).

Overall, worth it for us, but warming in a coffee cup full of hot-ish water will also do the trick.

I have no advice for the manual vs electric pump, but I didn't see anyone mention nursing pads. I like the Lansinoh ones, personally (they stick better than the Medela, IMO). This would help with the leaky boob issue!

The Spectra is great! I had both the Medela PISA and the Spectra at first, but I was never able to get a letdown with the PISA. So I broke down and bought a second Spectra S2 (same as S1, but without the battery) so I wouldn’t have to carry it to and from work every day.

My pumping day is: Pump before work around 6am, then at work at 11 and 3. I bring flanges and other pump parts, 4 bottles, a pumping bra, and this cooler with ice pack. The cooler fits the Spectra bottles perfectly. In between pumping sessions at work I store the flanges in a clean ziplock bag in the fridge and wash them when I get home.

ETA: In the beginning I was pumping every three hours at work, but I was in the lucky position of pumping more than I needed and was able to drop a pump.

As a 4x parent, I am no expert, but more of a skilled advisor.

A "nose frida" is helpful for when a child gets congested and wont let you use "the bulb" on their nose. https://www.amazon.com/NoseFrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII?th=1

Bumbos are nice for when they are a few months old - plop them in that bad boy and it helps them if they are tired of laying on their back: https://www.amazon.com/Bumbo-B10056-Floor-Seat-Blue/dp/B0092NNQ98/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1484947425&sr=1-1&keywords=bumbo

Blankets & burp cloths galore - you can never have enough!

If you are a worrier, a SIDS monitor is helpful, but they are spendy: (and currently out of stock, but its a starting point!) https://www.amazon.com/Owlet-Baby-Monitor-Current-Version/dp/B013PY7FJQ

Maybe add some "days off work" to your list?

Also don't forget things for YOU - make sure you have food, clothes, nursing bras, nursing pads (to stop leakage), lanolin (to stop cracking) tissues, and netflix/hulus to last you a couple weeks (it will fly by and you wont' feel like dragging the kids to the store for just one or two things).

Otherwise--I say don't worry too much about it. As long as the kids have food to eat and diapers to poop in, you don't NEED a whole lot else (want is different!). Good luck!

Our 10 month old baby girl sits in this guy every morning when we get ready for work, at dinner time, when we're prepping dinner. It's great - and will travel with us to restaurants and friends' houses.

Phil & Ted's Lobster

Probably just irritated from feeding a lot. I love this nipple balm ! I’m allergic to wool and can’t use the lanolin stuff, but IMO the balm is a miracle worker. It works in a matter of hours when I apply it at the first sign of pain. Maybe a little greasy, but feels good and you don’t have to clean it off before feeding baby. I also use it on my hands when they get dry and cracked from washing all the time.

I have these Baby Zeli pads that I like. I wish they had contouring--you have to be careful when positioning them so they don't bunch up and show through your shirt--but they are very comfortable and absorbent.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B017U98HYY/ref=sr_ph_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1491058057&sr=sr-1&keywords=bamboo+breastfeeding+pads

I recommend that you get terrycloth diapers like this. You will need them for when your baby is in the constantly spitting up/drooling phase.


Also, I would get about one billion cloth diapers to use as burp cloths. These are good.


Another thing that saved our lives was a mobile for the crib. It occupied my LO for 5-10 minutes when I really needed to put him down for a minute to take a quick shower. This one is awesome.


Not sure what your philosophy is on pacifiers, but we used lots of them, and they disappear into the ether kind of like socks, so it's good to have lots.


Also, I highly recommend registering for some good nursing bras/tanks. I didn't get these until a couple months post-partum, and I wished I had gotten them sooner. I like this one.


Edit: Assumed you were nursing, but disregard the last one if you're not. :)

I would get one for a "just in case" situation. Is there a chance you could get stuck working late one night? Or can't get back home on your lunch break? I also work about 15 mins away from home, and there have been times where I've forgotten to get the milk in the fridge asap (thanks, Baby) and was thankful I had my cooler. I got a Medela cooler set and love it.

I get mine on amazon for what seems like ok pricing.

$25 for 240 pads:
Lansinoh 20265 Disposable Nursing Pads, 60-Count Boxes (Pack of 4)
http://amzn.com/B002TLU5JO

$17 for 100 bags:
Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, 100 Count
http://amzn.com/B006XISCNA

I buy so much at amazon I admit I haven't looked too much but these seemed good enough to me.

I just have two cats. Your animals may be different, but our cats were VERY suspicious of the baby when we brought him home. One cat was kinda curious, and the other was pretty terrified of him. Generally, they didn't come near him. They're only just started to show interest at 6 months.

Nursing chair: We didn't use one, just used the couch or a wooden rocker with a cushion in the chair and a blanket over it for comfort. The cats don't care for it, but they do sleep all over the couch and shed. I laid blankets where the cats normally lay, and just washed them frequently.

Crib: I found cats in it before the baby came, and I would immediately spray them with a water bottle or shout at them to get out, and they quickly learned it was off-limits. To be safe though, I shut the door at night. If baby is rooming with you, get the animals used to not sleeping in the room ahead of time. The Pack-N-Play is where our baby spent most of his early nights, while we took shifts with him on the couch. There was no way to keep the cats away, but whenever we were awake, we enforced that they were not allowed in it, again with the spray bottle or shouting at them. They never jumped in while baby was in there, so I felt safe enough to sleep for a few hours at a time.

Diapers/Laundry: We prefer an open laundry basket for our dirty cloth diapers, as the smells air out better in the summertime. But in the winter, we started out using a pail liner instead of a step-to-open trash can. We use disposable wipes, and keep a tiny step-on trash can for those. I don't have dogs, so I don't have much experience there. The cats, of course, aren't interested in anything dirty.

We did have a problem with one of our cats stealing pacifiers and bottle nipples and chewing them. He's a weirdo and likes to chew silicione. So we got 2 dishwasher baskets. One to run in the dishwasher. The other, we leave on the counter and lay a dishtowel in. We put all our clean bottle nipples, pacifiers, anti-colic valves..anything my cat would be tempted to chew, we put in there and closed it. We have this OXO Tot one and this Munchkin one. The cat can't open them up to steal anything. The plastic parts he's less interested in, we place in the Boon drying lawn, and it works out just fine. He is also obsessed with formula and would knock the container onto the floor. We had to start storing it in a kitchen cabinet. My cat is just an asshole though. My other one is an angel and doesn't get on the counter.

​

One thing I do love for disinfecting baby toys and areas the cats may have been: PURELL Multi-Surface Disinfectant. It's safe for babies, pets, and food-preparation areas. The scent is very light and pleasant, and it's come in handy a lot.

I have friends who use room temperature water to mix with formula and they don't heat it. I don't know anyone that uses cold formula/breast milk BUT that doesn't mean it isn't OK, I just haven't looked it up.

You could keep a bottle warmer in the nursery as well. Pull a bottle out of the fridge and warm it up right there.

We got this one at our shower:

http://www.amazon.com/Kiinde-Kozii-Breastmilk-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B005G3QSF2/ref=sr_1_13/177-4806909-7112715?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1411055897&sr=1-13

I'm late to the party... I use the BlenderBottle ProStak. It's just the right size for mixing up one meal, and doesn't require additional measuring equipment for the milk. Bonus, the little cup on the bottom is just large enough to fit a single scoop of Schmilk if you want to stow a meal for later.

I've thrown everything on there that I know we will need/want. This way, whatever is left, we can still get a discount on. I have both pricey and not so pricey items. And I too am registered with Amazon. Here are a few of the cheaper items I have on my list if you want to check them out:
Skip Hop Spout Cover- Whale
http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Spout-Cover-Whale/dp/B001WAJVZM/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=IEFRQ3CRIV55S

Baby Banana training toothbrush
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Banana-Bendable-Training-Toothbrush/dp/B002QYW8LW/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I1ZE4J4J0X6H4

Munchkin Backseat Organizer
http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-23205-Backseat-Organizer-Black/dp/B003XMWFBE/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I15ELS3VA7EZ3I

Sasy Baby Disposable Diaper Baggies
http://www.amazon.com/Sassy-Disposable-Counts-Diaper-Sacks/dp/B0007V644S/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=IDCAXJI26J3PE

Nosefrida
http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=IT3PQ5INDNNZ6

Lamaze Freddie the Firefly
http://www.amazon.com/Lamaze-Play-Freddie-Firefly-Along/dp/B000I2Q0F4/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I3NP50TP9VSYY6

Green sprouts 10 Pack Waterproof Absorbent Terry Bibs (someone on here told me these rocked so added them lol)
http://www.amazon.com/green-sprouts-Waterproof-Absorbent-Terry/dp/B000CP2X9O/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JH4ZHMSVHZWK&coliid=I4VY0VDI592SI


Hope this helps! :)

Instead of getting two high chairs we went with this. Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair, Luminosity [Amazon Exclusive] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J36ZXOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q5ORDbRCAFK6A

We take it almost everywhere with us. Restaurants, when visiting family, on vacation . It’s easy to clean too.

This is absolutely correct. We use this one from Kiinde: http://www.amazon.com/Kiinde-KK-R1-NA-Kozii-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B005G3QSF2. Takes about 3.5 minutes plus there is a huge added benefit - the rhythmic ticking of the timer actually soothes our daughter while we wait.

These worked pretty well for our reflux-y drooler.

http://www.amazon.com/green-sprouts-Waterproof-Absorbent-Terry/dp/B000CP2X9O/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1373220467&sr=8-3-fkmr0&keywords=eco+gro+bibs

Just hope she doesn't find the mr milker bras...


Edit: I only know of this because my FBIL#2 intercepted this package my FMIL bought and promptly returned it and told her she bought a fake item when it never showed up


Thank you FBIL#2. That guy deserves his own holiday for all the shit he has stopped

My mom got this chair for our youngest daughter when she was 2. She's 4 now and we just gave it away. It served its purpose well. ☺

Dr. Brown's Gia pillow is superb. It's big and angled. http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Gia-Nursing-Pillow/dp/B0048BP5RU

Have you tried a bumbo seat? As long as she can hold her head up she can use it. It fully supports her back to allow her to sit up and see what's going on. You can get a tray that attaches so she can bang teethers and rattles and such on it.

Edit: https://smile.amazon.com/Bumbo-B10056-Floor-Seat-Blue/dp/B0092NNQ98/ref=sr_1_1_m?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1480706101&sr=1-1&keywords=Bumbo

I bought this skip hop diaper bag and the medela bottle cooler bag . I found diaper bag at my local Home Goods for $20 and it fits the cooler and my Spectra S2 pump perfectly. I usually just leave the bag/pump at work and only bring home the washable parts and cooler daily.

The one mentioned below from target on sale for $84.99 is like what we had. I don't recall the brand but it rocked side to side and it strapped them in like a car seat kind of.

Bumbo is a brand. Sold at target too. https://www.amazon.com/Bumbo-B10056-Floor-Seat-Blue/dp/B0092NNQ98

Not the OP but as someone who's gone through just about every sippy cup, my favorite are these.

http://www.amazon.com/Kiinde-Kozii-Breastmilk-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B005G3QSF2/ref=sr_1_6?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1414291120&sr=1-6&keywords=bottle+warmer

We have this and it is amazing.

Buy shaker bottles that have the screw in bottoms for the powder. I do this sometimes during busy days. you can have the powder ready and water cold and in the bottle like this - https://www.amazon.com/BlenderBottle-ProStak-22-Ounce-Bottle-Storage/dp/B00IOO2YSK

Bumbos are cool little devices that keep baby in a sitting position as well.

Also 24 weeks (hey due date buds!) and I am fairly sure leaking is coming up for me in the next week or so. Boobs are acting like they're about to do something weird.

Are you asking about something like this?

Edit: formatting

I live about 30 mins from Dublin airport, in the north west of the city, you are welcome to borrow this Phil and Ted’s portable high chair for your trip. It might be extra hassle to collect it from us though so no prob if not!

current post-workout protein is this: [ISO Pure] (https://www.amazon.com/Isopure-Protein-Powder-Isolate-Flavor/dp/B012T9EYQA/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1523940240&sr=8-4&keywords=isopure)

And buy these: [blender bottles and storage cups] (https://www.amazon.com/BlenderBottle-ProStak-22-Ounce-Bottle-Storage/dp/B00IOO2YSK/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1523940457&sr=8-5&keywords=blender+bottle)

easy way to add protein to your diet

I have so much experience with sippy cups lol. My son has sensory issues and straw cups do not work well, and he cannot drink out ofa normal cup.

The ones that we started with were these. They are great for just starting out. Nice handle, easy to clean, etc.

Ones that I love are Gerber. They have a very large insert that does not get lost and they do not leak.

Ones that I think are okay are Playtex and The First Years. Playtex are nice because the spout doesn't get gross (my son bites the spout of his cups), but they do leak a little bit if your child is like mine and shakes the cup upside down. The insert is easily lost but they sell replacements. The First Years are nice the first two months you use them, but they get gross. The spout has a little rubber part that cannot be removed, and it eventually grows mold. They also eventually will leak pretty badly because the spout gets stretched out.

I do not like the take and toss cups. Some people swear by them but they leak like crazy, and my son would just bite the lid off and dump whatever was in them everywhere.

I used this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004854WM0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1518991649&sr=8-1&keywords=lobster+seat+baby&dpPl=1&dpID=41x04LnLbLL&ref=plSrch

I really liked it. Its collapsible and comes with a bag to put it in.

Can you put something tasty in them, like diluted apple juice or even cold water? My girl has been on sippy cups since we started solids (with water) so we've tried several different kinds. These are our faves this and this

1. Check, I just had a shower with my B&BW spearmint eucalyptus body wash. I finished it off with lotion. Smells so good!
   
   
2. I floss every night
   
   
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4. Will a video work?. If not Here is a pic too
   
   
5. Snorting is cool, too

Just because you're working 2 jobs I hope you don't expect her to do the household chores (and later baby care) by herself. Remember there's nothing more manly than cooking for your woman. And why should women breastfeed?

Something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blender-Bottle-ProStak-Protein-storage/dp/B00IOO2YSK

So your pour the whole bottle in, with cotton wool at the botttom?

We used our changing pad (Keekaroo) and the dresser topper it fits into literally every day, many times a day up until my first was potty trained a couple of months ago. She’ll be 3 next month and we’ll continue using both for #2. We’ll either paint the topper to match the new dresser or maybe won’t bother. I would consider both invaluable while many think it’s a total waste. 🤷‍♀️

Also, for the record, the bottle drying rack has also lived on our counter even beyond bottles. It’s been handy for drying pump parts, sippy cup pieces, straws, the small cups we use now, etc. I like something like this one better than the grass one everyone talks about though - more vertical space for the same footprint and more practical in my experience.

This product may help you out.

It seems that your comment contains 1 or more links that are hard to tap for mobile users.
I will extend those so they're easier for our sausage fingers to click!


Here is link number 1 - Previous text "Gia"



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^Please ^PM ^/u/eganwall ^with ^issues ^or ^feedback! ^| ^Delete

I like these... Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads (10 Pack) With Laundry Bag by Baby Zeli - Ultra Soft, Reusable, Hypoallergenic, Washable Breastfeeding Pads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017U98HYY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_6wA-wbMF8MCE2

I got these washable ones off Amazon and I like them.

I haven't tried the My Brest Friend yet. I did borrow a LeachCo Cuddle-U pillow from a friend and hated it.

They have larger Lansinoh bottles on amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-Breastmilk-NaturalWave-Resistant-Anti-Colic/dp/B00H0DH2OM/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_75_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=J7AR94KGT33GNQVW1FXK

Better yet invest in one of these. A drop kick across the room will not break it open.

We put the bottles on the top rack and have this dishwasher basket for the nipples and rings of the bottle.

Looks like a bumbo seat to me. I never used one, but I’ve seen them a lot.

ETA: link

BlenderBottle ProStak System with 22-Ounce Bottle and Twist n' Lock Storage, Black/Black

Military brat on both sides of the family :3 plus my grandfather was part of the troop that went in to libertize Auschwitz so that's cool.

We just had a baby and of all things we didn't think to get this is the biggest hassle to not have. I keep drying the bottles on the window sill.

We keep a spinning dish rack on the kitchen table. She only takes three bottles a day, so we don't have many.

I'm getting this one from Medela https://www.amazon.com/Medela-67068-Breastmilk-Cooler-Set/dp/B00H5OI9XO

You could try a blender bottle, pour hot Starbucks in and add the coconut oil and butter from the bottom little cup.

With the separate little cup you can have 2 portions of oil and butter in it and use half each time to get 2 meal replacements.

Ya, that. The early stuff is mostly about you.

That said, you could get him this.
http://www.amazon.com/Milker-Now-Men-Can-Breastfeed/dp/B00BJLSD3U

Search for breastfeeding simulator or breastfeeding dad or similar.

I know nothing about this particular item other than it came up on a Google search.

https://www.amazon.com/Milker-Now-Men-Can-Breastfeed/dp/B00BJLSD3U

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Graduates-Grips-spill-Colors/dp/B00278WA4W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1374509775&sr=8-2&keywords=sippy+cups

plug in an external keyboard (or wireless one)

This term is apparently already taken. It belongs to this nursing pillow.

Try these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00278WA4W/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1488315049&sr=8-3&keywords=sippy+cup

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H5OI9XO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520704181&sr=8-2&keywords=medela+cold+pack&dpPl=1&dpID=41060u4AsFL&ref=plSrch

I have this and it keeps it cold for 12 hours

We've used these and these for years.

We have the Phil&Teds Lobster Chair version too but only use it when we go out to eat. It's so nice having my son sit next to us in the booth rather than out in the isle where customers and servers walk. I do NOT want a heavy tray of food being whisked around above my kids head.

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Graduates-Grips-spill-Colors/dp/B00278WA4W/ref=sr_1_7?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1410498808&sr=1-7
Gerber graduates! They have a little valve inside. Rarely the valve part falls off and it's a mess then, but it doesn't happen often. Definitely immune to shaking.

We have five kids, so things here have lasted at least that long:

Baby Bjourn Babysitter which goes by a new name now.
NoseFrida Snotsucker is the grossest name, but very handy and BIFL
Bumbo floor seat is a plastic seat kids sit on, on the floor
Boppy is a big U-shaped pillow for floor sitting or nursing
Wood stacking toys - either Ikea or Melissa & Doug
Saddleback leather/Love41 bucket bag for a diaper bag

Express milk can stay at room temp for 6-8 hours before going bad. For night time I set up two bottles of 2/2.5oz. One goes with me to the bedroom (we co sleep) and the other goes in the fridge. Some times she will eat half the room bottle as we transition her from sleeping in her swing to the room, so when she wakes up for her middle of the night feeding I feed her what's left of that bottle then bring her out to the husband (he sleeps on our couch cause he was really bad insomnia) to sleep in her rocker/ eat her second bottle while I pump. I then fill up two more bottles when I'm done pumping. Same thing one goes with me and the other ones in the fridge for her morning feeding.

For outings I have the Medela cooler ( http://www.amazon.com/Medela-67068-Breastmilk-Cooler-Set/dp/B00H5OI9XO ) I have a pre set bottle of 2/2.5 and then I take a couple bottles with me. My lo isn't picky about the temp of the milk, so she will drink it straight out of the cooler. If yours are picky then I recommend filling up a bottle after the finish the one they are on so it has time to get to room temp.

Yep pretty much. My son hated it also and would almost immediately cry, but after after a few weeks, he got more used to it. Tummy time also strengthens their neck and core muscles so they can hold their head up better. Its very beneficial. If she hates it so much, just do it in short bursts often. We would commonly do 3 or 4 minutes before he hated it too much and would cry hard enough that I couldnt handle it and had to pick him up. To get rid of the flat spot, just gotta keep them off of laying on it during the day as best you can except for during naps. Carry them, put them in bouncy chairs, tummy time, anything you can think of that stops them from laying on their back during awake hours will work.


We had one of these which worked really well also once they are old enough: https://www.amazon.com/Bumbo-B10056-Floor-Seat-Blue/dp/B0092NNQ98

Edit: lol at the downvotes. I dont mean leave your kid crying on their tummy for hours. Just that they are probably going to cry for a couple of minutes which is perfectly fine because nearly all kids hate tummy time at first. Pick them up after a few minutes if they really hate it!