(Part 3) Best products from r/beyondthebump

My baby is almost 5 months.

Toys: she loves all mobiles/activity gym hanging toys. She actually is starting to enjoy some other toys that she manipulates with her hands but only when she is sitting up, which she can't do alone yet. So in her carseat/stroller, sitting between my legs, propped up in back with a pile of blanket, or most of all in her high chair. Her high chair makes her so much more interested in using her hands to explore things (I do see that it's a better position, the tray holds it up and she can't always do that herself so she can move ti around).

We have the ANTILOP high chair from Ikea which was only $20 and is awesome! Another $6 for the PYTTIG high chair support pillow which is comfy, easy to clean, and helps her be in the right position to use the tray. Her favorite baby toy to hold is the Skwish Classic Rattle and Teether Grasping Activity Toy. She got a bunch of different baby toys at Christmas and loves this. It is one of the few wooden toys she can mange to hold and manipulate yet. She likes to chew it too. She can also manage to grab Oball products and hold the lighter Oballs. She likes the rattle ball. She also just really likes to chew on cloth, this includes cloth and crinkle cloth books.

I read books to her. Yes, some board books but those are super short and pretty boring. I learned you can get up to 50 books at a time from our local library! So just a pile of kids of books and I read her a few. I like to do this facing a mirror so I can watch her face and read to her with her in my lap.

She loves walks int he stroller and being baby worn in her Boba baby carrier when she gets fussy in the stroller. I can also use the Boba to carry her while doing something else or to get her to fall asleep during the day not on my lap. (Yeah, I need to figure this out.) Outside is always a treat to her and going even boring places like the grocery store makes her alert and somewhat excited.

Curious to see what other people post.

I'm glad I didn't read that newborns can go through 4-5 outfits a day or I would've been freaking out about clothes! I think every baby is different on that and burp rags. My lo never spit up, so we never needed burp rags. She also never dirtied any outfits so we were pretty lucky. She was small, and we were woefully unprepared for newborn sizes! But like you said, easy fix if you need more. We sent my mom and dad while we were in the hospital. I would definitely recommend getting a ton of zip up sleep and play jammies. Lo lived in those for the first few months! So convenient, easy to change her diapers in and kept her comfy. I found them to be WAY easier than onesies. In fact, I had probably 30 onesies in newborn and 0-3 and I think she wore maybe 3 of them. They were just so much less convenient than having her in the sleep and plays. Diapers...oh boy did she go through a TON of diapers! I had stockpiled a couple large boxes from Amazon of newborn and size 1. She was in newborn for quite a while, but again every baby is different. I found that the huggies newborn were bigger than the pampers newborn. So we started with pampers, then transitioned to huggies newborn because size 1s were too big still. Then every size after I've found Huggies to be smaller than the same sized pampers. So when we went up to size 1 we started with Huggies then moved to pampers. Until size 3 that is..now she's fully in Huggies little movers. I just like how they fit her. Wipes, you're right - can never have too many!
We definitely got baby towels, the ones with an animal on the hood. They're softer, and they get washed in Dreft, so not with our stuff. But I'm sure you could use regular towels too! Do you have a baby comb/brush? Thermometer? Nose Frieda, I can't recommend that enough! Baby nail clippers? Aquaphor or whichever diaper cream you choose to use?
I saw you mentioned a breast pump, if you're planning to EBF I would say get plenty of lansinoh!! Or any other nipple cream you want to try that's ok for baby. Also these ice packs are amazing in the early days of nursing. My boobs were not happy! They can also work as warm compresses. Also these soothies were great. Bonus points - pop them in the fridge first for extra cooling relief! Loved those! We got the giant pack of small boxes of Kleenex from Sam's also, we found that we went through a TON of them. I liked to have a box on hand everywhere I was. Definitely get some boob pads too to wear in your bra! Leaking happens, and in the beginning it can happen A LOT! I don't need them anymore, but man did I go through a ton of them in the first few months.
You sound pretty prepared! I was like you, stockpiled and still worried I wasn't prepared! Best of luck, you've got it under control!!!

I have a subaru outback wagon (2003 - so car sized not suv sized vehicle) - its not got a lot of seat space but a good amount of trunk space: I have twins and needed to find seats I could both fit in car and still get babies into and out of.

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>We got two evenflo everystage all in one for boys.

https://www.amazon.com/Evenflo-EveryStage-All-One-Seat/dp/B07CL1HW3Y

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here's a comparison to the baby carriers, and tested in the car to make sure it fit:

https://imgur.com/xnsYqYJ

https://imgur.com/qQrkVVE

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we went with this make/model as it has a higher seat back than a lot of other car seats for being able to accommodate a taller kid up to two years old before switching over to front facing, and its super easy to adjust through the positions and adjust the straps and stuff for fitting kids in snugly. It was the top recommendation from my other friends with kids along with the evenflo symphony.

My kid might have had a tooth starting to poke out when we gave him meat around 7 months but that's all. He does fine. We did a lot of shredded chicken and bits of steak from the get go and he loves it all. I'd definitely suggest checking out the book on Babyled Weaning. It really helped reassure me that my kid wasn't just going to choke right out of the gate. My son is 15 months old now and eats pretty much anything you put in front of him and does it surprisingly neatly as well, which is awesome.

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!

God yes, the rock and play saved us because we could just plop him in there. He napped there for a few months because it was super easy to sneak him in there (as it was on an incline, warm, cozy) v the crib because I think he thought he was still being held.

If it's winter where you are get this carseat cover: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This chair thing is awesome because baby can sleep here or play here and it's convenient and a safe place: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A4B34IA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_Fv5ELGH4J1eDq

Don't know that I'll be adding anything new, but here's what helps with our son (almost 6 months):

Swaddling

This sound machine, specifically the ocean waves sound. The projection also helps sometimes.

Singing his lullaby Goodnight, Demon Slayer

These pacifiers

Holding him up in a burping position and walking around.

Rubbing his belly in a clockwise or downward motion.

Hope it helps and good luck!

Baby Center has descriptions of baby games by week of development, and you can sign up to have them emailed to you each week. Wonder Weeks also has a variety of ways to interact and engage with your baby during each of the growth spurts. I rented the ebook for free through my local library using the Overdrive app. You can also take her to a mommy & me yoga class or any other mom & baby meetup to talk with other moms, give baby a chance to see other babies, and get more ideas of things to do together.

Music also helps. When I'm bored with baby games and just staring at her, I'll turn on Spotify. It usually inspires me to sing and dance with/at her.

That being said, everything is brand-new and amazing to your baby. She's only been on the planet for 3 months, so she's never seen a washing machine, a spoon, a tree, a dog, or a tax form before. I would just strap baby into an Ergo carrier and take her with me as I checked the mail, grocery shopped, walked around the neighborhood, tidied the house, etc. Or I'd plop her in a bouncer while I did laundry, washed dishes, did my hair, etc. If she got fussy or needed something I'd attend to her, but otherwise she was happy to watch me go about my business. Bonus points if you narrate to her.

Your local kid resale store or pop-up consignment sale (ours are called Kid 2 Kid and Rhea Lana) will have several jumparoos, and I bet several of them will be multi-colored. It's something that's only been used for a couple of months and my baby will only use for a couple of months, so why buy not buy used? It's better for the wallet and the planet.

We got a seat cover that I really like. I usually tuck a blanket in there too because of drool and extra warmth. But I love not having to mess with making sure everything is tucked in.

JJ Cole Car Seat Cover, Black Tri Stitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C2GL53/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M9PYDbYNH14Q4

For quick transition between places: Fleece onesie, hat

For walks outside: Long sleeve onesie, pants, fleece hoodie, hat, hood over hat

Zando Baby Winter Hats (fits my 4 month old great, lots of room to grow) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HGW9GY5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_5.PYDbP5SY6VH

Still looking for good gloves.

Well, I would stop giving her mush and start giving her solids. Maybe not toast right away, but a banana stick maybe. (Banana cut length ways twice.) because you have already started giving baby mush, just transition baby to solids, starting with softer ones.

It's really important you understand the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging is ok. It's your baby just working out how to move the food around in their mouth. Choking is when they are turning blue, no noise, food is lodged. Gagging will probably happen. Choking will probably not. But know the difference.

A really really great Blw book to help you on your journey is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/161519021X?pc_redir=1409137923&robot_redir=1

It gives lots of tips and a lot of really great information on baby led weaning. Good luck!

When we’re both home we just shower with her. Usually FH showers her now because she’s over 25 lbs and I couldn’t do it anymore without my arm cramping up by the end. I’ve gotten muscle spasms before and I’m worried I’d get one while holding her and drop her.

If I’m alone I also shower with her, but I put her in her bath seat on the floor on the far end from the shower head. I spray her with water every so often cuz she loves it. And every couple minutes hand her a different bath toy from the collection to keep her interested in staying still.

One thing that helps her from sliding off the seat (this one by angelcare), is that I added one of (these big flat sponges) to give her some more “grippiness” it works really well. It’s kinda annoying to have to set it up somewhere to dry thoroughly but it’s well worth the annoyance.

Born to Eat: Whole, Healthy Foods from Baby’s First Bite https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1510719997/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qzR-zbD6MKQ7Z

Got this book ^ love it, great resource

Want some background and research behind blw? Try anything by Gill Rapley, she basically made BLW what it is today.

Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods―and Helping Your Baby to Grow Up a Happy and Confident Eater https://www.amazon.ca/dp/161519021X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3AR-zbARDF8JY

Wonder Weeks - it's a book and it has a nice smartphone app to go along with it. It's amazing how accurate it is when it comes to anticipating developmental "leaps", explaining why babies are acting like they do at certain ages, and clearly explains how to do appropriate play/games/interaction with them to help them through the "leaps".

Edit: Also, a lot of people only use the app, but I highly recommend getting the book. It gets into much more detail and is incredibly useful!

Yes!! My LO has to supplement with multi + iron, and we LOVE Novaferrum’s multivitamin! She happily takes her dose every night. So much better than the Zarbees that we tried first.

We took our LO to his first concert at 2 months old. It was at a huge music venue that holds 30,000 (and it was sold out). I wore him in a wrap and he had infant headphones on to cancel the noise.


As for tips, Be prepared to leave early. You may or may not have to, but it's nice to be mentally prepared to miss some of the show. Also, choose your seats accordingly so you aren't disturbing others when you do need to move around.


People are probably going to stare and/or make rude comments. I had one guy look right at me and tell me I was a horrible mother and that I was making a huge mistake. But, a few minutes later some lady pointed right at me and screamed "a baby at a concert! Yes!!! Break the mundane!!!"


Please, please, please protect your LOs ears! Get a good pair of headphones:

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Banz-Baby-Boys-Newborn-Protection/dp/B007BEHSDU

https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Treetop-Friends-Activity/dp/B0042RU2SW

We got that one and she loved it. It has like 9 or more places to hang toys so you can rotate them as you want and there are no parts to break or need batteries. Comes with a handy pillow for propping baby up while they scream about tummy time and a unbreakable soft mirror thing to look into on the mat as well. Some crinkly leaf bits to grab onto and a squeaker sewn into a flower. A whole bunch of patterns and fun things for them to stare at along with different textures of fabrics. Also, we love owls in this house and it was full of them :)

i used this one about an hour a day from weeks 4-12: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=asc_df_B00T2WBJJ85388490/

i liked it well enough. i had a REALLY strong core prior to baby, and it has returned pretty evenly. can't say if its genes, nutrition, or the girdle, but everything went back pretty nicely.

I have the skip hop forest friends play mat at it's great. Nice colors without being wayyyy too bright

Edit: It's absurdly expensive now, but there are definitely other color options out there that still are skip hop (and the quality is definitely nice)

I used a white noise machine with my first kid starting when she was a baby, and she still uses & loves it today. She's 10. I use one too! It's scientifically proven to help you sleep better, plus it just blocks out some noise. To be most effective, get a white noise machine that uses actual air to create the noise, rather than a digital recording. It really fills the room without sounding harsh or grating. I love this one. It's $50 but it completely gives us our money's worth.

You have my absolute sympathy, we lived in an apartment for our first baby and now we're in a house for our second, and it really is a whole different ball game.

If you want to save the milk a Hakaa pump is well worth the $20 investment. It's how I built up a pretty decent freezer stash with almost zero effort.

Edit to add that I also have a manual pump I occasionally use, but all the parts are annoying to clean so the Hakaa is something I'm still using almost daily three months out.

Also, my LO did the same thing and my midwife assured me not to worry, and it is getting better as she gets older. I definitely notice if I have more engorgement than normal and I don't pre-drain a bit, she becomes the exorcist with all the puking she does everywhere.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01F8W7CF0/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521749696&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=hakaa+breast+pump&dpPl=1&dpID=41G9iDjQW6L&ref=plSrch

So we had an expensive over-the-shoulder/crossbody whatever you want to call it diaper bag. It was like $100+ - a gift from my mom as I'd have never spent that much on a diaper bag just because I dunno I'm cheap.

Had and used that bag for about 6 months. I loved all the compartments etc. And then the strap broke. The company eventually offered to send a replacement but said it would take 2-6 weeks. Started using a regular backpack in the interim and while I hated the lack of compartments I realized how much easier the backpack style was. Ended up buying a backpack one off Amazon for $50ish and haven't looked back since!

This is the one we bought - I remember it being $50 not 65 though. Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack with Stroller Straps, Changing Pad and Sundry Bag - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0127OZX7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Dwm5Bb5HNGK41

TL;DR - highly recommend the backpack kind, and strongly suggest buying one actually designed to be a diaper bag - especially if you ever need to take bottles anywhere with you! The insulated bottle holders are great.

My MIL introduced us to this wonder.

http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Comfy-Bath-Sponge/dp/B000H953Y2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381514697&sr=8-3&keywords=bath+sponge

The baby can lie down, be warm because they're laying on a warm wet sponge (drape a cloth over the top of them...) and I felt safe and secure using it because our little guy wasn't slipping and sliding all over the place. I loved this thing.

I got this from the library and it was fine

Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods—and Helping Your Baby to Grow Up a Happy and Confident Eater https://www.amazon.ca/dp/161519021X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.2q7CbB6PMEBJ

The most important takeaway is things big enough to be held in their fists and soft enough that you can pinch between your forefinger and thumb. Our first food was over boiled carrot sticks.

The Facebook groups can be pretty militant but can have good ideas.

Something that might be helpful to you: I just got myself a new book that was highly recommended to me by other parents. It covers the growth spurts all kids fo through in their lives that can make their parent's life hell for some weeks.

So, apparently, there's a big developmental jump happening between week 23 and 27 of baby's life. With your LO turning 6 months, that would put her right there, right?

So baseline is, baby suddenly can do new stuff - see more, process more, understand more, which is vool, but she needs time to adjust to all of this new information.
Meaning: less sleep, more fuzzyness, needs lots of cuddling but is really hard to calm down. Apparently, from 27/28 weeks on, it should be better again. Maxbe knowing it will pass, soon will help?

Maybe you want to look into it. I believe this is the english version. https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/9491882007/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1464988755&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=van+de+rijt&dpPl=1&dpID=51xJRFfI3eL&ref=plSrch#productDescription_secondary_view_div_1464988877986

My husband and I both love this diaper bag! It fits so much into it, so many pockets, we got black so it wasn't too girly for husband to carry around, and it has stroller straps which makes carrying it around when out and about much easier! Highly recommend!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0127OZX7Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_sc_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1510239958&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=bagnation%2Bdiaper%2Bbag%2Bbackpack&th=1&psc=1

If you haven't already, come on over to r/breastfeeding it's full of humor, tips, and great stories. They might have some ideas for you... Or at least some relatable memes.

Also, the haaka silicone pump helped solve my engorgement issues. A friend recommended it, and I couldn't be more grateful!
https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Silicone-Breastfeeding-Manual-Phthalate/dp/B01F8W7CF0

I have no advice lol. Only my recent experience. Keep in mind this is for a kid who already sleeps through the night (i.e. 8pm-6am... sorry).

So: our LO is 4.5 mo and we just traveled to San Francisco for five days (3hrs behind us here on the East Coast). We didn't prep anything...we just kinda went with it.

His bedtime is usually at around 8pm. In general while on the trip, he got cranky/tired right on time at around 5pm. We basically treated it as moving naptime and got him to fall asleep in the stroller or carrier. We either had a bottle with us or I found a quiet place to pop him on the boob to help soothe him. Then, we kept him out with us asleep in the stroller and just got him in his pack and play whenever we got back to our hotel at night. We were there for a wedding so we really had no choice and had to keep him w/ us for rehearsal dinner, ceremony, etc.

Because he was out with us I don't think he necessarily slept as hard as he would in his crib at home, but he was tired so he was still sleeping harder than just a regular nap. Pro tip: bring some noise canceling headphones in case you're at a loud venue like a wedding and want him to sleep longer.

Because he wasn't sleeping as hard, he'd usually wake up naturally as we were getting back to the hotel (no later than 9 or 10pm). We'd change him into his pj's, play for about 20min, breastfeed, read a book, and then try to get him back to sleep in the pack n play. In my mind we were trying to get him into the mindset of "bedtime" so he'd sleep longer.

Whatever the cause, it worked and he got usually a full nights sleep and was up at about 6am every morning.

For whatever reason, he definitely got tired/cranky 3 hours earlier (i.e. right on time w his east coast bedtime), but did not affect his wake-up time in the morning. He still woke up at about 6am. I think it's because we weren't truly putting him in "bed" at 5pm, we kept him out in the stroller.

edit:formatting

This one from Fisher Price was a favorite in the early days and this one from Tiny Love Meadow Days was our favorite when he got a little older and didn't spend all his time on his back.

Also agree about the baby wearing! If you're wearing baby, they'll ask you to go through the metal detector instead of the X-ray. They tested my hands on both flights too after the metal detector. I didn't have to take baby off or anything. Just my shoes. I wasn't wearing a jacket, so I'm not sure if you'd have to take that off or not.

We checked in our car seat with the luggage. Southwest let's you check in a stroller and car seat for no charge, and it doesn't count against your baggage limits. I think most of the other major airlines do too. We bought the JL Childress padded car seat bag here and that thing is dang awesome. It's padded, so your expensive car seat doesn't get banged up. It has straps so my husband could wear the car seat while I wore baby and we each had hands to roll one suitcase. It's also huuuuge. It fit our infant car seat and the base, and we had room to shove some diaper and wipes packages into the empty car seat. It's nice bc we'll be able to still use it when we switch to a convertible car seat.

Nursing during takeoff and landing helps. Our baby ended up sleeping during the landing. If your flight isn't full, you could lay baby on a travel neck pillow or nursing pillow to give your arms a break. Or wear baby.

Most planes nowadays have a foldout changing table in one of the lavatories. They're not always marked though, so I'd ask the flight attendant which one it's in when you get on so you're not trying to carry baby up and down the aisle during turbulence.

FYI - If noise is a concern, you can always pick up a set of headphones before you go. We have these ones and they work great. We've used them at outdoor festivals, loud restaurants, etc. and they seem to work out well.

If you want to try pumping more, I would highly recommend this silicone pump thingy. You can put it on your other boob while baby is nursing and get a couple ounces. I had the same problem with trying to pump while taking care of a clingy baby. It's impossible!

My husband and I had a similar problem where he always felt like he wasn't doing enough and it was honestly exhausting feeling like I had constantly reassure him

https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Silicone-Breastfeeding-Manual-Phthalate/dp/B01F8W7CF0

Mine just turned one. He has one of these that he loves. It's actually broken because he's loved it to death.

Pretty much anything with music and flashing lights is guaranteed to be a hit, but get a gift receipt because kids can be picky. My MIL got my son a Chinese-knockoff car that flashes and plays music, but it makes my son cry and we can't figure out why and we got him a floor mirror because he loves my MIL's full length mirror. Both were duds.

We have this and my toddler loves it. It's like $19 on Amazon. Has songs, White noise etc and its a projector. He LOVES The projector and choosing which one to watch before bed (fish, jungle or sheep). You can have both the noise/music and projector on or just one or the other. And it plugs in. Can set it to turn off after 15,30, or 60 mins. And there's a setting for if baby cries loudly it turns back on by itself. Munchkin Nursery Projector and Sound System, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006SFUEF2/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_tUCMub0XCFC54

We got this Vtech walker at Christmas and LO loves it. The toy panel comes off and we have it laying on the floor for now. It sings songs, lights up, has tons of different moving parts... definitely a good buy!

You could try a doubler. These work great for extra absorbency overnight:

Sposie Booster Pads Diaper Doublers, 30 Pads https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00839749A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_a3mPzb0YRVYDE

You just stick them right in the diaper and they add to the absorbency of your diaper. Toss it in the morning along with the diaper. They're great for heavy wetters!

This is the white noise, lullaby, projector system we use. If it wasn't on, any loud car that drives by (her room faces the road), then she wakes up instantly. The projector part seems to get her back to sleep if she wakes up during her nap too. Seems to calm her. It has rain, ocean, white noise, lullabies, it is wonderful and CHEAP! $22, has been well worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Nursery-Projector-Sound-System/dp/B006SFUEF2

My baby loves ours! He’s 3.5 months but has loved it for a while already! We have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Treetop-Friends-Activity/dp/B0042RU2SW/ref=asc_df_B0042RU2SW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198058909844&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8774663139021550983&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9007386&hvtargid=pla-365069349533&psc=1

We don't bring our base, but we use this bag and check the car seat. If you want to bring your base, it can fit the base in it! Plus I always put diapers or coats on top of the car seat (since it flies for free...might as well use up that space!).

https://www.amazon.com/J-L-Childress-Ultimate-Backpack-Padded/dp/B0009RNXNA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1543333462&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=jl+childress+car+seat+bag&psc=1

This sounds very very familiar--these sleep patterns come in waves. How are baby's naps? With my boy (13 months now) it's always been correlated. If he misses a nap, or one is cut short, he sleeps poorly at night.

Maybe he's getting to an age where 6 is too early a bedtime? Around that age we started pushing bedtime later, ensuring Felix was dead tired before bed.

Is he still breastfed/bottlefed or has he started on food? Is he a particularly big boy? It may be time to start experimenting with purées to fill up his belly.

And a big one--teeth. Does he have any? Are his cheeks red? Does he bat at his face/ears? He could be waking up with tooth pain, which is a nasty nasty thing. Especially the wailing on the soother makes me think something is going on in his mouth. Try a cool/frozen teething toy and see if that helps any, or medicine in small doses for pain relief.

All in all it sounds normal-ish, but there are a dozen things it could be. My wife and I find The Wonder Weeks super helpful with suggestions and advice on how to make baby's growing world a little kinder.

A few suggestions.

1. Cold gel pads like these inside a sports bra to limit movement/stimulation.
   
   
2. Ibuprofen for pain.
   
   
3. Peppermint! Really. Strong real peppermint. My doctor recommended buying a few tins of Altoid curiously strong peppermints and just keep sucking on one throughout the day. Peppermint is known to dry up milk, tea isn’t really strong enough.
   
   ETA:
   
   
4. Vitamin B6 at 200mg for 5 days only then back to daily recommended dose of 100mg if needed.
   
   I’ve heard Sudafed and Benadryl help but I didn’t use them myself.

My son was very picky when starting solids and especially didn't like things with iron, so I found some iron drops he actually tolerates most of the time: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S7K1432/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

He has spat them out a couple of times when he's in a bad mood but mostly he swallows it happily. When I tried it out it tasted not that bad at all, although clearly you do taste the iron.

My pediatrician only tested our son's iron at 12 months and I didn't want to find out there was a problem then which was why I started him at around 7 months on the iron drops, when it was clear he wasn't into baby oatmeal, chicken, egg yolks, beans, etc...

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0127OZX7Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HX1OzbAP67KKQ

We use this one and I LOVE it. I can stuff so much shit in it and it clips onto the stroller and grocery carts. It's a little bulky but the only time that mattered was on the plane but I still was able to shove it under the seat in front of me. I'm really glad we went with this bag instead of the tote I was looking at before though.

If you are looking for a multivitamin, I highly recommend NovaFerrum. It has D & C and you can get it with or without iron. Bedt of all, no sugar! All three of my kids love it and come running when I bust it out. (If you do the iron version make sure you wipe the dropper and hold paper towel under their chin).

NovaFerrum Multivitamin with Iron Supplement for Infants and Toddlers 50 mL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S7K1432/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zjDlDb0HQ83G7

This one is pretty great.

My baby loved (and still loves at 5mo.) the Skwish. He can hold it super easily. He liked the Oball too but he would get frustrated with it a lot because he can't get it into his mouth, where the Skwish is easy to jam on in there.

We had to deal with this, and tried everything. What worked best in the end was an overnight diaper (the right size; not sized up) plus a diaper pad (e.g. Sposie - it's an insert to soak up more pee! Almost like adding a maxi pad to the diaper - LOL) plus a cloth diaper cover (the plastic ones.)

This exact question was asked the other day, lol.

This is the one we use. Ours is great. It was actually my MILs, it's lasted a long time.

Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_PeY0Bb5RF6RTT

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0127OZX7Q?colid=17QHSI6IX4F5V&coliid=IKRM9258Z6DV7&ref=br_ADD_TO_CART_title_link&th=1

Have this one and love it, so many pockets it helps me stay organized.

Where is he in terms of walking? Ours isn't standing unassisted or walking yet, and his aunt got him this little walker toy with lots of activities on the front. It's lots of toys in one – a piano, shape puzzles, something to hold onto and push, or something to push and roll around while sitting. I could see it going for at least a few more months. On the other hand, he's also been obsessed with the cooler we take his milk to daycare in. Open, close, push around. Open, close, push around. So a new household object that's safe for him to play with, but he hasn't gotten to play with yet, could also be good.

We have a Dohm white noise machine; it's the sound of air rather than digital sound and I love it. We got it for our twins but I sleep with it on for me at this point. Perhaps white noise would help you.

Here's what we have:

https://www.amazon.com/Marpac-Dohm-DS-Natural-Sound-Machine/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1494710656&sr=8-1&keywords=dohm%2Bbaby&th=1

I’m getting this one because I’d like to get my hips back together too ;)

3 in 1 Postpartum Support - Recovery Belly/waist/pelvis Belt Shapewear (Nude) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T2WBJJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hHI-AbS8T35GC

I bought the white noise machine off Amazon. Love it. Just plugs in. Marpac Dohm Classic White Noise Sound Machine, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HD0ELFK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aVERBb1N8WK2J

https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Comfy-Bath-Sponge/dp/B000H953Y2

My mom suggested this bath sponge and it has worked great so far!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZQ010/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_GiuTzbSAJ8C8G

This worked great for us!

I'm going through a similar problem with my 8 month old. Just started sleeping through the night but now he wakes up pissed off because he's all wet.

I found these diaper pads that go in the diaper and ordered a pack. The reviews look good so I'm hopeful the will help, but I don't have any first hand experience with them yet.

http://www.amazon.com/Select-Kids-Booster-Diaper-Doubler/dp/B00839749A/ref=sr_1_7?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1426792420&sr=1-7&keywords=diaper+pad

Just wanted to give you another suggestion in case the bigger diaper doesn't work! For boys they suggest folding the pad in half with the two ends facing down, and placing it in the front of the diaper. For girls, you would place it unfolded in the diaper.

Uppababy sells travel bags specifically for their car seats and strollers, so that’s what we have. But something like this should also be helpful:

https://www.amazon.com/J-L-Childress-Ultimate-Backpack-Padded/dp/B0009RNXNA

Our pediatrician recommended a multivitamin with iron. I went with this one and little dude loves it: https://www.amazon.com/NovaFerrum-Multivitamin-Supplement-Infants-Toddlers/dp/B00S7K1432/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1479522481&sr=8-2&keywords=baby+iron+supplement

Check out the munchkin projector and sound machine. I love it. It can be turned up much louder than the sleep sheep and I find the noises to be much more realistic sounding than the sleep sheep.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006SFUEF2?pc_redir=1410432469&robot_redir=1

They make diaper doublers for this purpose - they are basically sanitary pads without the waterproof backing. They work beautifully for our heavy wetter/deep sleeper, although depending on what size diapers your LO is in it might be cheaper to double up on diapers and just fold down the front and back of the inner one.

this one tastes better, like bad wine instead of microwaved garbage. I mix it with applesauce to help with the taste, and make it less drippy/messy. NovaFerrum Multivitamin with Iron... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S7K1432?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Sposie Booster Pads Diaper Doublers, 30 Pads - for Overnight Diaper Leaks (No Adhesive for Easy repositioning)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00839749A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_vgHKDbB56376X

5 days without indecent! Sat him down by my feet on a towel in the bathroom while I brushed my teeth not realizing he could reach his plastic baby bathtub; brought it down on his head.

His papa put a mesh guard rail on the side of the bed for when we hang out there. He grabs it and tries to climb over. Slows him down though!

Then his grandparents got him this Vtech baby walker (http://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-077000-Sit-to-Stand-Learning-Walker/dp/B000NZQ010/ref=pd_sim_sbs_75_2?ie=UTF8&dpID=51IDXlTonTL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL320_SR282%2C320_&refRID=0Y7RGXKXWD4C6JEZ8VZX); great, one more thing to worry about him face planting on or pulling down on his head!

I don’t! It was in this book beginning on page 11

https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Led-Weaning-Essential-Introducing-Foods/dp/161519021X

It basically explains how infant purees came to be and how they were heavily marketed, and why. But when you read it, it has a big “ah ha” as to why the older generations did what they did and feel so strongly about how things were done back then. The goals of parenting were a bit different and the trust in large corporations and marketing were a lot stronger.

I haven’t had a whole lot of these types of recommendations, but I also fall on the crunchier side of things, so I think the people that know anything about me think it’s not even worth the recommendation.

We have this one though I don't think it's any better or worse than anything else. Just pick something you think looks cute because it's going to be out a LOT.

This one is rugged and padded, we have used it for two years - https://www.amazon.com/Childress-Ultimate-Backpack-Padded-Travel/dp/B0009RNXNA. I use it whether we gate check or normal check the seat. It also is just big enough to fit the small convertible car seat we bought for travel for my now almost 2 year old.

I used [Sposie Booster Pads Diaper Doublers] (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00839749A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). You might also consider [waterproof pads] (https://smile.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-Training-Puppy-Pads-Regular/dp/B00MW8G62E/ref=sr_1_1) under a blanket that can be easily swapped in the middle of the night.

I got the Bag Nation backpack on a 40% off sale and I love it so far - doubles as my diaper bag/pump bag, my milk cooler fits on top of my S1 pump, no complaints so far!

I have used this one and it worked well. J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack Padded Car Seat Travel Bag, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009RNXNA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uJcWDbANR28VF

I had one of those (put it away when she ripped it off the side of the crib one day during naptime) and it worked great for quite awhile. Also, after we stopped using it, she'd wake up from naptime and push the button and watch it for awhile. Sometimes she'd even fall back to sleep watching it.

Alternately, we have this white noise machine which also has a projector. We didn't get it until we were past the stage of needing the light show, but my toddler will still watch it occasionally if I turn it on.

We got these for my LO when she was a month old and we wanted to go see fireworks on the 4th of July. They seemed to work fine, but haven't had a reason to use them since.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00S7K1432/

My kid is almost two and his dose is only one mL so I'm assuming a six month old's should be smaller. I mix it with his milk and he drinks it without complaint.

ETA: in general you should not mix iron with milk, see comments below.

We have a small space and I found this one is great for us. It's not cushioned, just soft. I personally prefer not to have foam mats anyway, I dislike that they have a smell and are probably made with chemicals that are questionable regarding whether it is a health hazard. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071RD3PPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_AEUxDbBZJ5M5N

https://www.amazon.com/J-L-Childress-Ultimate-Backpack-Padded/dp/B0009RNXNA

Or one of these?

My 9 month Lil girl looooves this. VTech - Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NZQ010/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_tLW0tb0BBR0779EE. She can even walk with it, although it still takes supervision since we have hardwood floors..

https://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Brilliant-Basics-Babys-Blocks/dp/B000LSZVKA/ref=pd_sim_21_32?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=06D8GE09MRS67W4Z3W2X

Stacking/nesting cups

https://www.amazon.com/VTech-80-077000-Sit-to-Stand-Learning-Walker/dp/B000NZQ010

We used booster pads to get us some more absorbency overnight for our first: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00839749A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1GLQDbK55YC1R

https://www.amazon.com/Haakaa-Silicone-Breastfeeding-Manual-Phthalate/dp/B01F8W7CF0

We got one of those sponge things that seems to help. I get in with him and nurse him when he gets crabby. I think my baby just hates being naked. He hates getting diaper changes and changing clothes. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000H953Y2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?qid=1458024281&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+bath+sponge&pi=SY200_QL40

I’ve just been feeding him off my plate, so I don’t know about cereal puffs, sorry. Are they the size of grapes? Then personally I’d avoid them as a choke hazard for now.

I guess most people start with softened carrots, fingers of toast, that sort of thing. Anything that he can grab and stick part of it into his mouth. Then, he has to sort of bite off a piece if he actually wants to eat it, and it turns to mush in his mouth. I got Baby Led Weaning from my library and it helped me a lot.