Is ErgoBaby carrier a good choice for International travel with 12 months baby?

Q. I would be all by myself with DS to travel from India to US by Feb 2013. He's is not used to sit in stroller. Am also in a dilemma about the stroller option since am worried if I have to carry him just in case, then stroller will be an added weight.
thanks!

Answer
Yes.

Honestly I love my Ergo. We have 2 so that my husband can wear one and I can wear one, back when we only had 2 kids my daughter liked riding backpack style on Daddy during hikes, while I carried my son. It goes to 40lbs, front carry, side carry, and backpack carry, so it worked very well. I just had my third, and I'm looking forward to carrying her.

I don't know how old your child is, but with my kids I had considered getting a double-stroller when my second was born because she was just a little over 2 and wouldn't walk far, she always rode in the stroller. Instead I tried the Ergo thinking it would be a bit cheaper just for 6 months or so. Instead I used the Ergo up until the week I found out I was pregnant. After about a year old my son wanted to ride in the stroller, so my daughter would walk and if she got tired I'd put her on my back and she could then ride home. It gave her the freedom to walk, but also be able to ride if she got tired, and she LOVED being able to talk right into my ear rather than me being behind her pushing the stroller which made for great nature walks.

Since the Ergo was lightweight, easy to pack, all fabric so it is compact... we took it EVERYWHERE. The stroller was alright, but the Ergo was simpler and easier to bring. If I had one child, I definitely would skip the stroller and just use an Ergo, especially on trips.

Something else to keep in mind, every time I took a stroller on an airplane it was broken. The Ergo, on the other hand, I packed in our carry-on and had right there as soon as I needed it.

I'm looking for a hiking baby carrier?

Alice

My daughter is 13 months - 22 lbs and still isn't walking. But, my husband and I love to hike. We are looking for a good/inexpensive hiking baby carrier. Preferably one for the back. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Answer
We had a Kelty Pathfinder Carrier that we got at REI eons ago. We loved that in addition to being adjustable for the child, it was really easy to switch the torso length of the backpack so my husband and i could trade off carrying. Walk around a store with your child in tow and see how it feels. A padded hipbelt and auto kickstand are must-haves, but other features we liked were the removable/easily foldable sunshade (great for wind and minor drizzle too), a padded front bar - you'd be amazed how easily your child will sleep back there, zippered pockets on the belt and shoulder straps so we could easily access items on the trail without removing the backpack (snacks, gps, phone), The zip off backpack for storage worked great so when we were hiking together we could each carry some of the load, but if either of us was hiking alone with the child (or the other one was carrying gear as we backpacked) we could have the essentials (diaper, change of clothes, food, first aid kit) with the baby. I'd search Craigslist for a good one at a discount rather than buy a new one that has less features or is cheaper.

Hints: A small hand mirror in the front hipbelt is great for checking on the baby while hiking (Is she still wearing her hat? Is she sleeping?) Sometimes you want the sunshade as a barrier to prevent hair pulling... if your little lady is anything like my second (not a problem with my first).

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Advice on picking a baby sling?

Ashley

I am a mom of a 15 month old and due with our second child in 10 weeks. I keep thinking that a baby sling would be a good idea as I need to have my hands free for my son as much as possible he is a very busy boy!. I like the types the idea of the "wrap/hammock" style slings vrs the ones that are like a little front backpack but ive never used one so what do I really know. I'm a stay at home mom and my husband works construction so cost is an issue and something that my grandmother could make on her sewing machine(that would be SAFE) would be terrific!!!
Thanks ladies(and guys) you're great as always

Answer
Seven Slings looked good, about $12 in cost. I have a similar one,a Slingling pouch and LOVE IT. Again, these are under $20. AVOID the front carriers like Baby Bjorn, these are 'crotch-danglers' and harm baby's hip and spine. Also, avoid tube slings like the Infantano that caused so many problems :( Basically, attachedtobaby website sells only quality safe slings. Front carriers like Ergo are safe, but cost more. Baby sits in a 'pouch' in these, instead of on the crotch like with the cheap Baby Bjorn carrier you find in stores. Mine is still in his pouch at age 14 months, also we use a ring-style sling. Maya Wraps are easy to make, but fabric is costly and you MUST buy special rings online from REPUTABLE dealers. I have one from the attachdtobaby, and love the adjustability. Both hubby and I can use this sling (I bought one in brown, safe for boy or girl or grandpa or grandma!)

Baby carries in hot weather...?

Grant's Mo

I want a nice baby carrier (not a backpack style...more of a wrap or mei tai style) that is not hot. I live in Central Florida and I don't want my baby to roast but I want him in a carrier.

Answer
If you like wraps, similar to the moby wrap, you can use crinkly gauze material in the hot weather. Simply buy 5 or 6 yards of the fabric and cut it in half lenghtwise so that it is about 20" wide. Ta da! Two wraps! It's much cheaper than buying.

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I have a 6 month old what do I bring on a plane for her?

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courtney s

What do I need to bring on a plane and to the airport for her? Like do I need a form of identification showing she is my baby? Do I need a docs note saying it's ok for her to fly? Also we do not have the same last name. Does her carrier get checked with the luggage?....

Answer
1. Bring a backpack and fill it with awesome stuff like coloring books, and maybe a toy plane that looks like the one you're on. The cheap toy aisle at Wal Mart is great for this kind of stuff. Make discovering what's in the backpack an activity to be saved for the plane ride.

2. No, you don't need a doctors note.

3. It doesn't even have to be your child. As long as the tickets go together you should be fine. That's how my son went with me, and home with his grandparents.

4. Carrier's only get checked if you want them too. MOst people are allowed one carry on, for a backpack, large purse, or tote that fits in an overhead.

what to buy for my baby?

natalia m

This is my first child and i have 4 months to go. and i dont know what to buy and where to start please help me.

Answer
Two absolute NECESSITIES, from my experience with my six babies:

*Start with a NEW carseat-- don't accept a used one unless you can be 100% sure of its past; that it's never been in an accident of any sort (even fender benders), never been dropped, etc. Also, carseats expire after about 5-6 years (read each seat's manual to check), after which time the harness may not be reliable, especially after years of drool/spitup/juice spills/etc. weakening the fibers. The plastics in the frame can also break down, have structural weaknesses not visible to the eye, etc. If the seat has been stored in a shed or garage, with large variations in heat and cold, dryness and dampness, it could be even more unreliable. So please, if there's any way you can afford it, buy a NEW carseat, and check the manufacture date on the box and seat itself for a recent one, so you don't waste money on a carseat that's been sitting on the shelf already for 2 years. For more info, go to http://www.car-seat.org . This a great website for car safety info and suggestions on buying the right carseat for your needs. :)

*a good, comfortable baby carrier, such as a sling-style carrier, mei-tai, or wrap-style:

http://www.carryingaway.com.au/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

(A website with lots of info on different style carriers, it can help you figure out which one fits your needs best.) Wearning your baby during the early months is a great way to meet baby's needs for closeness & frequent nursing, while enhancing bonding and allowing mom the freedom to accomplish more than just baby care. :) A good carrier, IMO, is THE essestial piece of baby equipment, because you are going to spend an unbelievable amount of time over the next two years with a baby in your arms! ;)

After that, the necessities are pretty simple:

*diapers, either cloth or disposable, or both if you want to give both a try; wipes, either commercial ones, or plain soft cloths you can wet with plain water and/or a homemade gentle cleansing solution (search online for "homemade wipes solution" if interested)

*a foam pad or mesh "bouncy chair-like" seat for tub baths (infant baths are pretty much useless IME)

*clothes appropriate for the season; snap-crotch tees (onesie style), light socks, sweater, lightweight pants outfits, shorts or dresses, sun hat, diaper/swimsuit if you plan on swimming/water play, caps for indoors in A/C, etc. You don't need nearly as much as the books say-- maybe 5-6 onesies, 6-8 daytime outfits, 4-6 pj's, etc. Do buy lots of socks though because they seem to disappear easily.... ??

*burp cloths, which can be as simple as you like (plain white diapers) or as fancy, but anything absorbent will do.

*lightweight blanket to cover the carseat and offer shade from the sun, while in the car, or walking through parking lots, etc.

*about 4-6 receiving blankets for swaddling during the newborn stage

*baby nail clippers-- they are much safer & gentler on soft baby nails than adult clippers

*bulb syringe (nose sucker)-- the hospital will probably give you the one they use on your baby in the hospital, so don't go buy one until you're sure you need it.

*a sturdy bag to use as a diaper bag, whether it's specialized for babies and diapers, or simply a great bag that will hold up to a lot of abuse and wear & tear. My all-time favorite was a cheap $10 black leather backpack I picked up at Walgreen's on sale. It had a huge main compartment for diapers, wipes, & change of clothes, and several smaller pockets & pouches for the other baby care items I always kept on-hand.

Almost everything else can wait until after baby arrives, and you settle in and see what you really need, what you'll actually use, and then cross of the list all of those extra non-essentials that the rest of the world seems to be unable to live or raise a baby without, such as a crib, bassinett, playpen, swing, bouncy/vibrating/musical seat, stroller....

Our crib became obsolete when we decided early on that the baby would sleep in bed with us. A bassinett was useful occasionally to have someplace moveable to put the baby for naps, and could move it room to room, but I can't say whether we used it enough to make it worth the $$. Same with swings, playpens, baby seats, etc. They came in handy sometimes, especially with the babies who seemed to be more fussy than others (you can't hold them 24/7 after all), but they definitely were NOT something I would worry about spending money on *before* baby arrives. Once baby is here, you can get to know him/her, see what their personality is like, how high the baby's needs are for holding & comfort, etc. Then you can decide which of these accessories you really need. Maybe even borrow one from someone else to try out first before wasting $$ on something the baby doesn't even like.

I'm pretty much a minimalist; I don't believe in a lot of the bells & whistles that are on the market for babies these days, although some of them have their place and can come in handy. I would rather give my babies human contact & interaction, to stimulate them myself rather than have mobiles and blinky-light noisemakers do it instead.

Please also consider breastfeeding; not only will it save you tons of $$ on bottle paraphernalia, not to mention the formula itself, but I'm sure you already know that it is the healthiest thing for both you & baby as well. :) If you are interested, you should know that the best way to ensure that breastfeeding goes well is to educate yourself as much as possible before the birth, and to get a support system in place ahead of time so you can feel comfortable calling someone for help/support once your baby arrives. It's a lot easier to call someone you've met & have gotten to know to ask your nursing questions, than to decide to pick up the phone and call a complete stranger once things have *really* gotten bad. La Leche League meetings offer a wonderful opportunity for both-- information/education *plus* a support system. You can locate a LLL group/leader near you by either calling 1-800-LA LECHE, or checking their website here:

http://www.llli.org/webindex.html

Congratulations and best of luck! I hope this has been helpful to you!

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what to buy for my baby?

cheap baby backpack carriers image

natalia m

This is my first child and i have 4 months to go. and i dont know what to buy and where to start please help me.

Answer
Two absolute NECESSITIES, from my experience with my six babies:

*Start with a NEW carseat-- don't accept a used one unless you can be 100% sure of its past; that it's never been in an accident of any sort (even fender benders), never been dropped, etc. Also, carseats expire after about 5-6 years (read each seat's manual to check), after which time the harness may not be reliable, especially after years of drool/spitup/juice spills/etc. weakening the fibers. The plastics in the frame can also break down, have structural weaknesses not visible to the eye, etc. If the seat has been stored in a shed or garage, with large variations in heat and cold, dryness and dampness, it could be even more unreliable. So please, if there's any way you can afford it, buy a NEW carseat, and check the manufacture date on the box and seat itself for a recent one, so you don't waste money on a carseat that's been sitting on the shelf already for 2 years. For more info, go to http://www.car-seat.org . This a great website for car safety info and suggestions on buying the right carseat for your needs. :)

*a good, comfortable baby carrier, such as a sling-style carrier, mei-tai, or wrap-style:

http://www.carryingaway.com.au/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

(A website with lots of info on different style carriers, it can help you figure out which one fits your needs best.) Wearning your baby during the early months is a great way to meet baby's needs for closeness & frequent nursing, while enhancing bonding and allowing mom the freedom to accomplish more than just baby care. :) A good carrier, IMO, is THE essestial piece of baby equipment, because you are going to spend an unbelievable amount of time over the next two years with a baby in your arms! ;)

After that, the necessities are pretty simple:

*diapers, either cloth or disposable, or both if you want to give both a try; wipes, either commercial ones, or plain soft cloths you can wet with plain water and/or a homemade gentle cleansing solution (search online for "homemade wipes solution" if interested)

*a foam pad or mesh "bouncy chair-like" seat for tub baths (infant baths are pretty much useless IME)

*clothes appropriate for the season; snap-crotch tees (onesie style), light socks, sweater, lightweight pants outfits, shorts or dresses, sun hat, diaper/swimsuit if you plan on swimming/water play, caps for indoors in A/C, etc. You don't need nearly as much as the books say-- maybe 5-6 onesies, 6-8 daytime outfits, 4-6 pj's, etc. Do buy lots of socks though because they seem to disappear easily.... ??

*burp cloths, which can be as simple as you like (plain white diapers) or as fancy, but anything absorbent will do.

*lightweight blanket to cover the carseat and offer shade from the sun, while in the car, or walking through parking lots, etc.

*about 4-6 receiving blankets for swaddling during the newborn stage

*baby nail clippers-- they are much safer & gentler on soft baby nails than adult clippers

*bulb syringe (nose sucker)-- the hospital will probably give you the one they use on your baby in the hospital, so don't go buy one until you're sure you need it.

*a sturdy bag to use as a diaper bag, whether it's specialized for babies and diapers, or simply a great bag that will hold up to a lot of abuse and wear & tear. My all-time favorite was a cheap $10 black leather backpack I picked up at Walgreen's on sale. It had a huge main compartment for diapers, wipes, & change of clothes, and several smaller pockets & pouches for the other baby care items I always kept on-hand.

Almost everything else can wait until after baby arrives, and you settle in and see what you really need, what you'll actually use, and then cross of the list all of those extra non-essentials that the rest of the world seems to be unable to live or raise a baby without, such as a crib, bassinett, playpen, swing, bouncy/vibrating/musical seat, stroller....

Our crib became obsolete when we decided early on that the baby would sleep in bed with us. A bassinett was useful occasionally to have someplace moveable to put the baby for naps, and could move it room to room, but I can't say whether we used it enough to make it worth the $$. Same with swings, playpens, baby seats, etc. They came in handy sometimes, especially with the babies who seemed to be more fussy than others (you can't hold them 24/7 after all), but they definitely were NOT something I would worry about spending money on *before* baby arrives. Once baby is here, you can get to know him/her, see what their personality is like, how high the baby's needs are for holding & comfort, etc. Then you can decide which of these accessories you really need. Maybe even borrow one from someone else to try out first before wasting $$ on something the baby doesn't even like.

I'm pretty much a minimalist; I don't believe in a lot of the bells & whistles that are on the market for babies these days, although some of them have their place and can come in handy. I would rather give my babies human contact & interaction, to stimulate them myself rather than have mobiles and blinky-light noisemakers do it instead.

Please also consider breastfeeding; not only will it save you tons of $$ on bottle paraphernalia, not to mention the formula itself, but I'm sure you already know that it is the healthiest thing for both you & baby as well. :) If you are interested, you should know that the best way to ensure that breastfeeding goes well is to educate yourself as much as possible before the birth, and to get a support system in place ahead of time so you can feel comfortable calling someone for help/support once your baby arrives. It's a lot easier to call someone you've met & have gotten to know to ask your nursing questions, than to decide to pick up the phone and call a complete stranger once things have *really* gotten bad. La Leche League meetings offer a wonderful opportunity for both-- information/education *plus* a support system. You can locate a LLL group/leader near you by either calling 1-800-LA LECHE, or checking their website here:

http://www.llli.org/webindex.html

Congratulations and best of luck! I hope this has been helpful to you!

do i need a double stroller?

keke j.

im pregant with my second and due october 26th. my 1st daughter will be 2 by time i have the baby. when i go to the mall and stuff now she gets in her little umbrella stroller. so should i invest in a double stroller for both of them. im just wondering about if i get a single and i go to the mall without my husband will i have to chase a 2yr old down while pushing a stroller

Answer
I have a 5 year old, 2 year old (he'll be 3 in June) and 5 month old, so they're each 2 1/2 years apart. This is what I found out the hard way. Double-strollers are NOT worth it. They're lunky, huge, heavy, bulky, impossible to maneuver, terrible in stores, and definitely NOT worth it.

When my 2 year old was born we decided to try the Ergo carrier for a while, with the idea that we'd get a double-stroller when he was 6 months old (since there's nearly no doubles that will lay flat and a newborn needs to lay flat, your choice is basically limited until about 4-6 months when they can sit up.) This was so convenient though that I just used the Ergo to carry him until my daughter was old enough to usually walk on her own. When she couldn't, the Ergo will carry up to 40lbs and in a backpack position, so one could be put on my back and I could still push the other in the stroller. This worked well.

Then I got pregnant with the third and I decided I HAD to have a double-stroller because I couldn't keep carrying a 35lb child on my back. I got a good one, Baby Trend since I loved our Baby Trend single stroller. What I found out is that the stroller itself is 40 something pounds. Then your kids have to be about the same weight for a side-by-side (which luckily my kids are, my daughter's very small and my son is about average for a boy, so it worked.) With both of them in the stroller, and the stroller itself, the whole thing weighs 100+lbs!!!!! The Chicco Cortina Together (which would lay flat) weighs 34lbs... the Britax B-Agile Double weighs 28lbs without adapters, but the lighter things weigh the more expensive they tend to be. The Britax B-Ready has two seats you can attach, but together it brings it up to 32lbs. And then you have to think... is your daughter really going to be riding all the time?

My recommendation would be to buy a carrier and just wear the new baby for the first year, at which point you can get a cheaper double-stroller, maybe a double-umbrella or a connector for two umbrella strollers, or a little seat behind the stroller for her to sit on, and use that. (Though even with the sit-and-stands I've never known anyone to use them past a year.)

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Is ErgoBaby carrier a good choice for International travel with 12 months baby?

cheap baby backpack carriers image

gv

I would be all by myself with DS to travel from India to US by Feb 2013. He's is not used to sit in stroller. Am also in a dilemma about the stroller option since am worried if I have to carry him just in case, then stroller will be an added weight.
thanks!

Answer
Yes.

Honestly I love my Ergo. We have 2 so that my husband can wear one and I can wear one, back when we only had 2 kids my daughter liked riding backpack style on Daddy during hikes, while I carried my son. It goes to 40lbs, front carry, side carry, and backpack carry, so it worked very well. I just had my third, and I'm looking forward to carrying her.

I don't know how old your child is, but with my kids I had considered getting a double-stroller when my second was born because she was just a little over 2 and wouldn't walk far, she always rode in the stroller. Instead I tried the Ergo thinking it would be a bit cheaper just for 6 months or so. Instead I used the Ergo up until the week I found out I was pregnant. After about a year old my son wanted to ride in the stroller, so my daughter would walk and if she got tired I'd put her on my back and she could then ride home. It gave her the freedom to walk, but also be able to ride if she got tired, and she LOVED being able to talk right into my ear rather than me being behind her pushing the stroller which made for great nature walks.

Since the Ergo was lightweight, easy to pack, all fabric so it is compact... we took it EVERYWHERE. The stroller was alright, but the Ergo was simpler and easier to bring. If I had one child, I definitely would skip the stroller and just use an Ergo, especially on trips.

Something else to keep in mind, every time I took a stroller on an airplane it was broken. The Ergo, on the other hand, I packed in our carry-on and had right there as soon as I needed it.

How to lose my baby weight...?

I Love

I want to lose about 15-20 pounds. I weigh 130 and its mostly around my stomach and thighs. I want to lose weight but alot of things are stopping me;

Im breastfeeding so I cant necesarrily drink the weight loss shakes or take any kinds of pills

My parents have totally spoiled my baby so she wants to constantly be carried so I cant prepare anything good or healthy to eat so I end up picking on things or getting fast food.


Any suggestions?

Answer
Aww lordy another victim of western culture.

First advice. Get an ergonomic baby carrier such as a Beco Butterfly or an Ergo. Will cost about as much (or less) than a gym membership.

Shakes and pills are not weight loss tools, they are lazy poisons that rob your body of the nutrients you need.
\
no time to cook is BS. Sorry. My daughter is a VERY high need baby. She is held throughout about all of the meals I cook.

THIS is where the Beco or Ergo comes in, put baby in it, go about your cookin'. Secondly, put away your car keys. get a backpack, strap on your baby and WALK. Go to the bank, the grocery store (obviously not for the big shopping trips, but need some yams for supper, heck yes), any other errands you have, do them while wearing your baby. If you use an Ergonomic carrier properly it will be comfortable for both you and baby, while getting mama in shape.

Eat good healthy, unprocessed food and walk with your little one. Very very very easy, cheap and straight forward.

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I have a 6 month old what do I bring on a plane for her?

cheap baby backpack carriers image

courtney s

What do I need to bring on a plane and to the airport for her? Like do I need a form of identification showing she is my baby? Do I need a docs note saying it's ok for her to fly? Also we do not have the same last name. Does her carrier get checked with the luggage?....

Answer
1. Bring a backpack and fill it with awesome stuff like coloring books, and maybe a toy plane that looks like the one you're on. The cheap toy aisle at Wal Mart is great for this kind of stuff. Make discovering what's in the backpack an activity to be saved for the plane ride.

2. No, you don't need a doctors note.

3. It doesn't even have to be your child. As long as the tickets go together you should be fine. That's how my son went with me, and home with his grandparents.

4. Carrier's only get checked if you want them too. MOst people are allowed one carry on, for a backpack, large purse, or tote that fits in an overhead.

what to buy for my baby?

natalia m

This is my first child and i have 4 months to go. and i dont know what to buy and where to start please help me.

Answer
Two absolute NECESSITIES, from my experience with my six babies:

*Start with a NEW carseat-- don't accept a used one unless you can be 100% sure of its past; that it's never been in an accident of any sort (even fender benders), never been dropped, etc. Also, carseats expire after about 5-6 years (read each seat's manual to check), after which time the harness may not be reliable, especially after years of drool/spitup/juice spills/etc. weakening the fibers. The plastics in the frame can also break down, have structural weaknesses not visible to the eye, etc. If the seat has been stored in a shed or garage, with large variations in heat and cold, dryness and dampness, it could be even more unreliable. So please, if there's any way you can afford it, buy a NEW carseat, and check the manufacture date on the box and seat itself for a recent one, so you don't waste money on a carseat that's been sitting on the shelf already for 2 years. For more info, go to http://www.car-seat.org . This a great website for car safety info and suggestions on buying the right carseat for your needs. :)

*a good, comfortable baby carrier, such as a sling-style carrier, mei-tai, or wrap-style:

http://www.carryingaway.com.au/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

(A website with lots of info on different style carriers, it can help you figure out which one fits your needs best.) Wearning your baby during the early months is a great way to meet baby's needs for closeness & frequent nursing, while enhancing bonding and allowing mom the freedom to accomplish more than just baby care. :) A good carrier, IMO, is THE essestial piece of baby equipment, because you are going to spend an unbelievable amount of time over the next two years with a baby in your arms! ;)

After that, the necessities are pretty simple:

*diapers, either cloth or disposable, or both if you want to give both a try; wipes, either commercial ones, or plain soft cloths you can wet with plain water and/or a homemade gentle cleansing solution (search online for "homemade wipes solution" if interested)

*a foam pad or mesh "bouncy chair-like" seat for tub baths (infant baths are pretty much useless IME)

*clothes appropriate for the season; snap-crotch tees (onesie style), light socks, sweater, lightweight pants outfits, shorts or dresses, sun hat, diaper/swimsuit if you plan on swimming/water play, caps for indoors in A/C, etc. You don't need nearly as much as the books say-- maybe 5-6 onesies, 6-8 daytime outfits, 4-6 pj's, etc. Do buy lots of socks though because they seem to disappear easily.... ??

*burp cloths, which can be as simple as you like (plain white diapers) or as fancy, but anything absorbent will do.

*lightweight blanket to cover the carseat and offer shade from the sun, while in the car, or walking through parking lots, etc.

*about 4-6 receiving blankets for swaddling during the newborn stage

*baby nail clippers-- they are much safer & gentler on soft baby nails than adult clippers

*bulb syringe (nose sucker)-- the hospital will probably give you the one they use on your baby in the hospital, so don't go buy one until you're sure you need it.

*a sturdy bag to use as a diaper bag, whether it's specialized for babies and diapers, or simply a great bag that will hold up to a lot of abuse and wear & tear. My all-time favorite was a cheap $10 black leather backpack I picked up at Walgreen's on sale. It had a huge main compartment for diapers, wipes, & change of clothes, and several smaller pockets & pouches for the other baby care items I always kept on-hand.

Almost everything else can wait until after baby arrives, and you settle in and see what you really need, what you'll actually use, and then cross of the list all of those extra non-essentials that the rest of the world seems to be unable to live or raise a baby without, such as a crib, bassinett, playpen, swing, bouncy/vibrating/musical seat, stroller....

Our crib became obsolete when we decided early on that the baby would sleep in bed with us. A bassinett was useful occasionally to have someplace moveable to put the baby for naps, and could move it room to room, but I can't say whether we used it enough to make it worth the $$. Same with swings, playpens, baby seats, etc. They came in handy sometimes, especially with the babies who seemed to be more fussy than others (you can't hold them 24/7 after all), but they definitely were NOT something I would worry about spending money on *before* baby arrives. Once baby is here, you can get to know him/her, see what their personality is like, how high the baby's needs are for holding & comfort, etc. Then you can decide which of these accessories you really need. Maybe even borrow one from someone else to try out first before wasting $$ on something the baby doesn't even like.

I'm pretty much a minimalist; I don't believe in a lot of the bells & whistles that are on the market for babies these days, although some of them have their place and can come in handy. I would rather give my babies human contact & interaction, to stimulate them myself rather than have mobiles and blinky-light noisemakers do it instead.

Please also consider breastfeeding; not only will it save you tons of $$ on bottle paraphernalia, not to mention the formula itself, but I'm sure you already know that it is the healthiest thing for both you & baby as well. :) If you are interested, you should know that the best way to ensure that breastfeeding goes well is to educate yourself as much as possible before the birth, and to get a support system in place ahead of time so you can feel comfortable calling someone for help/support once your baby arrives. It's a lot easier to call someone you've met & have gotten to know to ask your nursing questions, than to decide to pick up the phone and call a complete stranger once things have *really* gotten bad. La Leche League meetings offer a wonderful opportunity for both-- information/education *plus* a support system. You can locate a LLL group/leader near you by either calling 1-800-LA LECHE, or checking their website here:

http://www.llli.org/webindex.html

Congratulations and best of luck! I hope this has been helpful to you!

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I'm looking for a hiking baby carrier?

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Alice

My daughter is 13 months - 22 lbs and still isn't walking. But, my husband and I love to hike. We are looking for a good/inexpensive hiking baby carrier. Preferably one for the back. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Answer
We had a Kelty Pathfinder Carrier that we got at REI eons ago. We loved that in addition to being adjustable for the child, it was really easy to switch the torso length of the backpack so my husband and i could trade off carrying. Walk around a store with your child in tow and see how it feels. A padded hipbelt and auto kickstand are must-haves, but other features we liked were the removable/easily foldable sunshade (great for wind and minor drizzle too), a padded front bar - you'd be amazed how easily your child will sleep back there, zippered pockets on the belt and shoulder straps so we could easily access items on the trail without removing the backpack (snacks, gps, phone), The zip off backpack for storage worked great so when we were hiking together we could each carry some of the load, but if either of us was hiking alone with the child (or the other one was carrying gear as we backpacked) we could have the essentials (diaper, change of clothes, food, first aid kit) with the baby. I'd search Craigslist for a good one at a discount rather than buy a new one that has less features or is cheaper.

Hints: A small hand mirror in the front hipbelt is great for checking on the baby while hiking (Is she still wearing her hat? Is she sleeping?) Sometimes you want the sunshade as a barrier to prevent hair pulling... if your little lady is anything like my second (not a problem with my first).

I have a 6 month old what do I bring on a plane for her?

courtney s

What do I need to bring on a plane and to the airport for her? Like do I need a form of identification showing she is my baby? Do I need a docs note saying it's ok for her to fly? Also we do not have the same last name. Does her carrier get checked with the luggage?....

Answer
1. Bring a backpack and fill it with awesome stuff like coloring books, and maybe a toy plane that looks like the one you're on. The cheap toy aisle at Wal Mart is great for this kind of stuff. Make discovering what's in the backpack an activity to be saved for the plane ride.

2. No, you don't need a doctors note.

3. It doesn't even have to be your child. As long as the tickets go together you should be fine. That's how my son went with me, and home with his grandparents.

4. Carrier's only get checked if you want them too. MOst people are allowed one carry on, for a backpack, large purse, or tote that fits in an overhead.

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How to lose my baby weight...?

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I Love

I want to lose about 15-20 pounds. I weigh 130 and its mostly around my stomach and thighs. I want to lose weight but alot of things are stopping me;

Im breastfeeding so I cant necesarrily drink the weight loss shakes or take any kinds of pills

My parents have totally spoiled my baby so she wants to constantly be carried so I cant prepare anything good or healthy to eat so I end up picking on things or getting fast food.


Any suggestions?

Answer
Aww lordy another victim of western culture.

First advice. Get an ergonomic baby carrier such as a Beco Butterfly or an Ergo. Will cost about as much (or less) than a gym membership.

Shakes and pills are not weight loss tools, they are lazy poisons that rob your body of the nutrients you need.
\
no time to cook is BS. Sorry. My daughter is a VERY high need baby. She is held throughout about all of the meals I cook.

THIS is where the Beco or Ergo comes in, put baby in it, go about your cookin'. Secondly, put away your car keys. get a backpack, strap on your baby and WALK. Go to the bank, the grocery store (obviously not for the big shopping trips, but need some yams for supper, heck yes), any other errands you have, do them while wearing your baby. If you use an Ergonomic carrier properly it will be comfortable for both you and baby, while getting mama in shape.

Eat good healthy, unprocessed food and walk with your little one. Very very very easy, cheap and straight forward.

what games and things can i do with my 4 month old daughter?

Gabby

i have a 4 month old baby and shes always wanting to eat something or play with someting what are fun things i can do with her at this age?

Answer
I would sing songs to my little guy - especially ones that had movements in them (the whieels on the bus, or Zoom, Zoom Zoom, we're going to the moon, or Itsy Bitsy spider...etc). I think most of those you can find videos of people signing them to their kids and doing actions - so you get an idea of how the songs go and what to do. Also, I HIGHLY suggest trying to get her out to a baby group where they teach you songs and stuff. We did that from about 2 months until 9 months and my son LOVED it. Of course when they're smaller, all they do is watch the other kids but hey, they're learning and taking things in.

I also started showing picture in books at about 3 months. Now my son (15 months) goes into his room and climbs up on the story chair and 'reads' himself.

I also used to dance to the radio or ipod music with him. He now dances whenever he hears any sort of music. He'll even stop in the mall if he hears a store blaring music - and start bopping up and down and swinging his head from side to side (his way of dancing on his own). It's pretty cute.

I got a backpack carrier (something like this: http://littlefolks.stores.yahoo.net/phil---teds-metro-backpack-carrier-.html) and would go for walks with him. We both loved it because he was right there and we could interact (instead of him sitting away from me in the stroller). In fact, we still get around that way and he bladders in my ear all the time now. I would check for a used carrier - way cheaper!! That's where I got mine (at a big kid swap meet but you could also look online).

Hope that helps!

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Is ErgoBaby carrier a good choice for International travel with 12 months baby?

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gv

I would be all by myself with DS to travel from India to US by Feb 2013. He's is not used to sit in stroller. Am also in a dilemma about the stroller option since am worried if I have to carry him just in case, then stroller will be an added weight.
thanks!

Answer
Yes.

Honestly I love my Ergo. We have 2 so that my husband can wear one and I can wear one, back when we only had 2 kids my daughter liked riding backpack style on Daddy during hikes, while I carried my son. It goes to 40lbs, front carry, side carry, and backpack carry, so it worked very well. I just had my third, and I'm looking forward to carrying her.

I don't know how old your child is, but with my kids I had considered getting a double-stroller when my second was born because she was just a little over 2 and wouldn't walk far, she always rode in the stroller. Instead I tried the Ergo thinking it would be a bit cheaper just for 6 months or so. Instead I used the Ergo up until the week I found out I was pregnant. After about a year old my son wanted to ride in the stroller, so my daughter would walk and if she got tired I'd put her on my back and she could then ride home. It gave her the freedom to walk, but also be able to ride if she got tired, and she LOVED being able to talk right into my ear rather than me being behind her pushing the stroller which made for great nature walks.

Since the Ergo was lightweight, easy to pack, all fabric so it is compact... we took it EVERYWHERE. The stroller was alright, but the Ergo was simpler and easier to bring. If I had one child, I definitely would skip the stroller and just use an Ergo, especially on trips.

Something else to keep in mind, every time I took a stroller on an airplane it was broken. The Ergo, on the other hand, I packed in our carry-on and had right there as soon as I needed it.

How to lose my baby weight...?

I Love

I want to lose about 15-20 pounds. I weigh 130 and its mostly around my stomach and thighs. I want to lose weight but alot of things are stopping me;

Im breastfeeding so I cant necesarrily drink the weight loss shakes or take any kinds of pills

My parents have totally spoiled my baby so she wants to constantly be carried so I cant prepare anything good or healthy to eat so I end up picking on things or getting fast food.


Any suggestions?

Answer
Aww lordy another victim of western culture.

First advice. Get an ergonomic baby carrier such as a Beco Butterfly or an Ergo. Will cost about as much (or less) than a gym membership.

Shakes and pills are not weight loss tools, they are lazy poisons that rob your body of the nutrients you need.
\
no time to cook is BS. Sorry. My daughter is a VERY high need baby. She is held throughout about all of the meals I cook.

THIS is where the Beco or Ergo comes in, put baby in it, go about your cookin'. Secondly, put away your car keys. get a backpack, strap on your baby and WALK. Go to the bank, the grocery store (obviously not for the big shopping trips, but need some yams for supper, heck yes), any other errands you have, do them while wearing your baby. If you use an Ergonomic carrier properly it will be comfortable for both you and baby, while getting mama in shape.

Eat good healthy, unprocessed food and walk with your little one. Very very very easy, cheap and straight forward.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How to lose my baby weight...?

cheap baby backpack carriers image

I Love

I want to lose about 15-20 pounds. I weigh 130 and its mostly around my stomach and thighs. I want to lose weight but alot of things are stopping me;

Im breastfeeding so I cant necesarrily drink the weight loss shakes or take any kinds of pills

My parents have totally spoiled my baby so she wants to constantly be carried so I cant prepare anything good or healthy to eat so I end up picking on things or getting fast food.


Any suggestions?

Answer
Aww lordy another victim of western culture.

First advice. Get an ergonomic baby carrier such as a Beco Butterfly or an Ergo. Will cost about as much (or less) than a gym membership.

Shakes and pills are not weight loss tools, they are lazy poisons that rob your body of the nutrients you need.
\
no time to cook is BS. Sorry. My daughter is a VERY high need baby. She is held throughout about all of the meals I cook.

THIS is where the Beco or Ergo comes in, put baby in it, go about your cookin'. Secondly, put away your car keys. get a backpack, strap on your baby and WALK. Go to the bank, the grocery store (obviously not for the big shopping trips, but need some yams for supper, heck yes), any other errands you have, do them while wearing your baby. If you use an Ergonomic carrier properly it will be comfortable for both you and baby, while getting mama in shape.

Eat good healthy, unprocessed food and walk with your little one. Very very very easy, cheap and straight forward.

I'm looking for a hiking baby carrier?

Alice

My daughter is 13 months - 22 lbs and still isn't walking. But, my husband and I love to hike. We are looking for a good/inexpensive hiking baby carrier. Preferably one for the back. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Answer
We had a Kelty Pathfinder Carrier that we got at REI eons ago. We loved that in addition to being adjustable for the child, it was really easy to switch the torso length of the backpack so my husband and i could trade off carrying. Walk around a store with your child in tow and see how it feels. A padded hipbelt and auto kickstand are must-haves, but other features we liked were the removable/easily foldable sunshade (great for wind and minor drizzle too), a padded front bar - you'd be amazed how easily your child will sleep back there, zippered pockets on the belt and shoulder straps so we could easily access items on the trail without removing the backpack (snacks, gps, phone), The zip off backpack for storage worked great so when we were hiking together we could each carry some of the load, but if either of us was hiking alone with the child (or the other one was carrying gear as we backpacked) we could have the essentials (diaper, change of clothes, food, first aid kit) with the baby. I'd search Craigslist for a good one at a discount rather than buy a new one that has less features or is cheaper.

Hints: A small hand mirror in the front hipbelt is great for checking on the baby while hiking (Is she still wearing her hat? Is she sleeping?) Sometimes you want the sunshade as a barrier to prevent hair pulling... if your little lady is anything like my second (not a problem with my first).

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