Some queries... (i warn you LONG post)

[Suzie and Faith]

I've been thinking (and yes it hurts, lol) and I was wondering what you are all going to do with regards to the things below. I've been reading a book the health visitor bought me (the NHS birth-5 book)

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes - The midwives I spoke to said don't use wet wipes for a couple of months. My NHS book (the birth to 5 one) says they are ok. I do have a large supply of wipes but i also have cotton wool - I think i'll use cotton wool at the very beginning and at home and wet wipes for convenience when out.

2. Cooled boiled water - at the antenatel day the midwives said always use cooled boiled water for nappy changes and for topping and tailing. This seems a bit extreme to me - surely it's hassle waiting for water to cool if you have a smelly messy baby? My NHS book doesn't mention cooled boiled water for anything cleaning-wise. I am thinking maybe i would only use cooled boiled water for eyes???

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency - Again the midwives said don't bath every day whereas the book says it's ok to (but not essential) -
I was planning on a evening routine generally involving a bath as long as baby enjoys it - if baby really hates baths then i won't bathe her every day. I was planning on topping and tailing during the day when necessary.

4. Routines - I am hoping to get a routine established as soon as possible with regards to evening bath, feed and bed, is this ok? Is there a particular time of the evening it'd be a good idea for baby to be put to bed?

5. Sleeping - another contradiction - midwives reccomended co-sleeping and the book says it is dangerous and a cot/crib in the room is the best idea. I wouldn't dare co-sleep unless OH wasn't in the best as he moves and thrashes a lot and i'd be scared for baby!

6. Bottle v.s. breast - I found the book and the midwives very biased towards breast feeding - which i understand in a way as I know the benefits but i don't want to feel pressured into it - me and my older sister were talking and she asked if i was looking forward to breast-feeding and i realised that i really wasn't. In fact i don't like the idea (can't explain why) and she felt the same, she bottle fed her 2 all the way through so she understands which is good. I am determined to give it a go and if it works then i'll do it for as long as i can, is this attitude ok?

7. Baby gyms - I got bought one as a wedding present! by my friend and it's really cute http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3478196/Trail/searchtext>BABY+GYM.htm
BUT it's pale and not as exciting and bright as i would have chosen... can i justify spending money on something i'd prefer when i've already got one (i wouldn't offend my friend, i'd probably use both)


Ok, i think i'm done now! Sorry for the long post, i'm just getting a bit nervous about the choices i'm making and am interested (read; nosey) in what others are upto and what you think of my choices!

 

[Charlie:-)]

Some things on there I hadn't even considered TBH but heres what I think I will do.

1. I will use cotton wool at first then switch to wipes, not entirely sure when this will be but I will hopefully give it a good month or so, maybe longer.

2. Im not sure whether I had read this somewhere about cooled boiled water, not really sure on this one. I can understand why they recommend using cooled boiled water but surely this is going to be a lot of hassle waiting for it to cool. It might worth having a jug of boiled water thats been left to cool all day (i.e cold) then you can easily cool the boiling water down to speed up the process.

3. I plan on bathing LO only once a week, maybe more if absolutely necessary, they dont need daily baths at such a young age as it takes all the moisture out of their skin. I will be giving LO a daily wash topping and tailing.

4. Im not going to think about routines just yet and hopefully my baby will "fall" into its own natural routine. I will definitely be putting baby into a sleep suit after being washed and naturally LO will be put to bed, but not sure when, I think this will depend on feeding times, but hopefully sometime around early evening, then I will feed upstairs when LO wakes.

5. LO will be sleeping in moses basket in my room.

6. Obviously as you have said you know breast is best and I think you have a good attitude about it, sometimes its just not for everyone for whatever reason. You do whatever you feel most comfortable doing. If you try it it might not be as bad as what you though, you can only give it a go and see how you feel.

7. I think the playmat is lovely and bright.

 

[abcd1234]

Right then....

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes - Wet wipes for nappy changing, cotton wool for top and tailing etc, i have, only none fragranced ones anyway.

2. Cooled boiled water - screw that!!!

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency - I will probably try and bath her every night, if not it may be every other night, but talking ot my mum she said bathing was a lovely part of night time routine and she loved making us all smell of baby, and being clean before bed.

4. Routines - as i intend to breast fed setting a routine may be difficult. I'll probably let her dictate for the first few weeks then if hse sleeps for any length of time keep her up as long as possible in the hope she'll then sleep through as much, if not then it'll be early nights so i have some me time before shes up again lol

5. Sleeping - another contradiction - i will have her moses basket on my bed, its a double and theres only me in there making her close, but meaning i cant roll on to her

6. Bottle v.s. breast - I intend to breatfeed and will feel bad ifi cant. You seem to have a healthy attitude towards it

7. Baby gyms - if you want another one, and can afford it, get one, you wanna be happy

 

[muppetmummy]

1. cotton wool vs wipes
ive been bad and have been using wipes, cotton wool and water is too much hassle when you're sleep deprived, and the first meconium poo is so sticky I found it too difficult to get off with cotton wool alone.

2, cooled boiled water.
I just use water from the tap unless I'm specifically cleaning the eyes, the water in a baby bath isn't boiled so it cant be that bad

3. Bathing etc
we might give logan his first bath tonight. apart from his botty he isn't really dirty yet. I think if you bottle feed baby might get mucky easier as there's more chance of dribbles, sick and yukky poos

4. routine
forget routine! the first few days are about coping. its a case of sleeping and eating when you can

5. sleeping
health bods seem split on whether this is ok. im co-sleeping, my midwife said it was fine. i sleep under the duvet, logan sleeps ontop of duvet in his gro bag with no pillows on OH'S side of the bed. it makes breastfeeding easier.
oh is sleeping on the sofa as i was worried about him squashing logan. im awake most of the night with him anyway. it makes sense that because im breastfeeding oh can get some sleep to have energy to look after james during the day

6.bottle,breast
breast feeding is easier in the long run but can be tricky and sore to start with. be prepared to spend all day feeding in the early days. ive benn sat on sofa feeding logan non stop since 1130am today, hence why im on here. i much prefer breastfeeding

 

[Sherlock]

I think its good you are thinking of these things. And no harm in asking.

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes -

Defo cotton wool all the way. Wet wipes on young babies can be nasty. I much prefer cooled boiled water and cotton wool, even if a bit icky on occasion when cleaning a pooey bottom.

2. Cooled boiled water -

I use it in the early weeks for washing bottoms. I tend to boil some up and put it in a jug. That way it cools down and is fine when needing to use. And can always top it up with a little bit of fresh hot water if need be so its not cold cold.

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency -

I don't go for bathing daily when really small tbh. I don't think there is any real need for it. I have gotten a Tummy tub not a long bath as I understand its been shown to be good for babies with colic, so if my LO suffers from this I shall use it to see if it helps soothe that. Otherwise I shall probably go with every second or third day in the early weeks and after that play it by ear. I like a routine as kids get older but have never felt it needs to involve a daily bath at bedtime. I'd rather have a bath in the middle of the day and make an hour of it with playtime and so on.

4. Routines -

I think you have to find your own. The first few months it could all just be a case of playing it by ear and going with the flow, but then your LO could be one of those babies that settles well reasonably early, wakes for a late feed then goes till 4am and beyond before stirring again.

As they get older I am all for a reasonably early bedtime, say feeding at 6ish and then getting the nightclothes on and so on and having an hour wind down before settling. Of course they may still need a feed or change later on, but hopefully we will find ourselves able to have a few hours to ourselves of a night. I don't really go for LO's staying up till 10pm before going down. I am a great believer in grown up time and hope to be able to have our LO settle well in the evenings to give us that time. As to how long that takes we will have to see.

5. Sleeping -

I like the idea of co-sleeping but am not sure I could/will do it in practise. Mainly as I would like our LO to have a routine eventually and putting LO in a bed before I am in it does not work for me, neither does moving them from a crib into the bed once they are settled. I also don't want LO to become overly clingy to me and find it hard to settle on their own.

6. Bottle v.s. breast - Yup, we all know the reasons why breastfeeding is encouraged Formula is still cows milk at the end of the day and isn't so palatable for LO's especially when small. I hope to BF and to do so exclusivly for 6 months as I personally believe its the best start in life for my LO. Others of course will think and feel differently for any number of reasons. Its all personal choice and what works for one, might not work for another. Plus BF is free No need to wean after a few months if they are BF'ing well I feel.

If it is difficult for me in the first few weeks I shall persevere as I am told the first 2-3 weeks can be awful and that is when most women give up and go over to the bottle. I have told OH to encourage me and am prepared to seek help and support if need be. I also have bought no formula, bottles or teats or anything to help me epxress. I've been told its better to BF only the first 6 weeks and if needing to express to do so manually into a small cup and feed LO this way instead of with a bottle.

7. Baby gyms -

I'd say go get a bright one you like. Babies like bright colours etc and its a big hit in the early months lying on one of them Plus as you said, you can have different ones so LO doesn't get too bored of them

Hope that was of some use

 

[Tillytots]

K here goes ...

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes - I will use cotton wool in hospital ( to keep midwives happy) and then a baby flannel. Trying to remove meconium with cotton wool LOL no. A flannel and warm water never hurt my little bottom! Wet wipes for when Im out though.

2. Cooled boiled water - Erm no.

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency - I wont bath baby everyday but baby will be bathed. I'll be having bubs in the bath with me. I brought him a litle washing up bowl to stick him in until he is big enough for his own bath too I will top and tail him though on the non bath days.

4. Routines - Im going to try and get a routine going as soon as poss. I have no idea what, how or when yet but I think every baby is different and the first few months will be a learning curve and we'll work something out.

5. Co-Sleeping - I think it depends on baby and where he wants to sleep but I wouldnt rule it out!

6. Bottle v.s. breast - I think you go with whatever you are comfy with. Im giving breast feeding a go and if it works it does, if not Im not going to lose any sleep over it and as long as my baby is fed then its all good. Boobie feeding should be easier and cheaper in the long run but I understand it is hard and not for everyone. I hate my boobs being touched even by OH so God knows how it wil feel having a baby hanging off them LOL Im giving it a whirl anyway

7. Baby gyms - Id see how your bubs likes it first. If she is content with it then spend the money on something else. I was going to spend the only bit of money I have on a baby swing today but then I thought my bubs might be a content baby and then Ive just wasted that money, so Im going to wait and see.
xxx

 

[Sylvie]

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes -
I've got both but I think I'll try to use cotton wool at first.

2. Cooled boiled water -
Don't think I'm going to bother with that one,,, sounds a bit extreme to me too

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency -
It will probably depend on baby enjoying his bath or not

4. Routines -
Won't be obsessed by routines in the first weeks.

5. Sleeping -
Moses basket next to our bed.

6. Bottle v.s. breast -
Planning to breast-feed (even though I feel a bit like you, not overjoyed at the prospect of it but will give it a go as it's best for baby).

7. Baby gyms -
Well, you can have two!
My brother-in-law gave us a swinging chair, so boring I immediately hated it and bought another one

 

[fuffins1981]

1: I used sensitive cotton wipes with my son. They were easier for bigger poops and handier....Especially when out.

2: Cooled boiled water sounds like a a nightmare! baby routine can be long enough as it is!

3: Bathed my son every night. It helped to settle in for bed. As long as sensitive baby bath is used and moisturised nicely after. I plan to do this again. It is lovely bonding time.

4: Best thing to do is go by the routine your baby sets. Tyler used to go to sleep for his final sleep 9-10 and sleep until morning on the whole. Midwife told me I was to wake him up to feed him in the night. Forget that! If he stayed asleep, it meant he was comfortable and happy.

5: I put the moses basket in a swinging crib next to my bed last time. I was single though, so there were times when he was a little unwell, that I would have him next to me for a few hours so I could hear him very easily. Will be harder this time, as partner is usually in bed.

6: Breastfeeding did not work for me last time...Will give it a go again, but not optimisitc. I think many women feel funny about breasfeeding, but are made to feel too guilty to day it. Me and my siblings were bottle fed. My mom does not feel bad about it and I don't feel bad rowards her.

7: Sometimes we like what we have been bought but want to make our won choices. Especially with baby no.1....So, make your own choices and do not feel guilty.

Thats my two penneth worth (or whatever the phrase is lol)

 

[Jade&Evie]

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes - I'm taking cotton wool to the hospital with me because that's what they prefer but I plan to use wipes normally! I am using frangrance free ones for sensitive skin. Obviously if they ARE too harsh for baby I will just use cotton wool and water.

2. Cooled boiled water - hadn't heard of this one!

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency - Bathing everyday tends to dry the baby's skin out... or so I've been told!

4. Routines - I'll let the baby make her own routine at first ie. when she wants to be fed and when she wants to sleep. Just playing it by ear!

5. Sleeping - We are in a one bed flat so baby will be in our room regardless. Moses basket for the first few weeks (at least!) and then she will go into her cot

6. Bottle v.s. breast - I'm going to combine after the first 6 weeks. I'm not going to be really hung up if I can't boob feed though- I think so much research has gone into formula that it does just as well.

7. Baby gyms - We've got two because we bought one and got given one as a gift... we'll use both plus one can always live at Nanny's!

 

[Suzie and Faith]

You guys are all so lovely!!! THANKS SO MUCH!!! Not only did you manage to read all of that but you actually gave me your thoughts!!!

Thankyou thankyou thankyou! Woooo!

I sometimes feel so overwhelmed by all the different options but now i'm calmer. I think i'll try things, see how they go and then I can adjust to suit baby.

I'm glad i'm not the only one slightly wary of breastfeeding - fingers crossed it goes well and that we get on with it

 

[daftscotslass]

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes

Cotton wool, definitely. We used it in hospital and switched to wipes when we got home. Used nature baby ones which were fine and then a packet of Johnson's we got in the bounty pack. The latter gave her a rash and we've been back to cotton wool and water ever since. Won't be touching their products again!

2. Cooled boiled water

I'm not fussing with this, the only thing that we bathe on her with boiled water is her sticky eye.

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency

Becky has quite dry skin so we try to top and tail more than bath. She has a lot of hair, though, so that needs washed regularly. We probably bath her every 3 days or so. We don't use anything but water.

4. Routines

We are totally led by her at the moment. At night we try to keep things calm and quiet - talking quietly and dim lights. She sleeps when she's tired (which is now, she's only slept about 2 hours since 8am - hard day!) eats when she's hungry and is changed when she's dirty!

5. Sleeping

Think we have beds for her in every room! She sleeps in a moses basket in our room at night and we have a cot/playpen type thing in the living room for during the day. Our bed isn't huge so we wouldn't attempt co-sleeping.

6. Bottle v.s. breast

See my birth story for details on this! I would have loved to have breastfed and attempted to repeatedly but it didn't happen and she's now fully bottle fed.

7. Baby gyms

We got one as a present and she seems to enjoy it.

 

[maldives]

It seems u've got enough answers which I guess mine would be so similar.
But I have to mention something for most of you to consider.
I have been advised by my mom and read it in a book that it's best not to bath a new born before the cord falls off which could take up to 2 weeks! as getting water to that area could start nasty infections u don't want ur LO to have.
so for me no bathing until cord falls off then I guess a bath every night.

 

[daftscotslass]

We were never warned off bathing because of the cord, just that it's important to keep it clean (oh, that's another thing for the boiled water) and dry. We bathed Becky a couple of times when it was on and she's got a lovely little belly button already!

 

[Ginnymarie]

god babybee
i have not thought of half these things

cotton wool and wipes methinks as have loads of both.
Daily bathing as like the idea of the routine

sleeping - moses basket in room

routine, will feed on demand until there is some routine established

baby gym - i have a second hand one and a big bought one from mothercare and think i will use both.

breast feeding - gona give it a go but very sqeamish bout my nips, people have said it is a different feeling though than oh touching them...i don't like them being tweaked makes me feel

hope this helpsx

 

[Geordie&Bairn]

I've been thinking (and yes it hurts, lol) and I was wondering what you are all going to do with regards to the things below. I've been reading a book the health visitor bought me (the NHS birth-5 book)

1. Cotton wool v.s. wet wipes - .

2. Cooled boiled water -

3. Bathing .v.s topping and tailing and frequency - .

4. Routines -?

5. Sleeping - another contradiction -

6. Bottle v.s. breast - I
7. Baby gyms -
!

Right
1 i will be using cotton wool ive already bought a huge stock of the stuff
My Anti-natal lady said use flannels to clean up bad nappies so have also invested in a load of flannels to use exclusively for bottom cleaning that iw ill wash and reuse
i have aslo got a stash of NATURE CARE wipes to use when out and about as its more conventient .
My Anti natal lady said for the first 6 weeks to 3 months the babies PH levels do not settle and using a lot of products and wipes will imbalance this settling of the PH ACID level
and newborns exposed to to many harsh products have been researched to have a higher risk of having allergies
(just passing on what she said) she said natural is best.

2 COOLED BOLIED WATER ......... 3 BATHING TOP AND TAILING
My Anti- natal lady said the same use cooled boiled water
Found this info mirroring everything ive found out
I will be only using water boiled and cooled and wash Collier once a week and top and tail the rest of the week unless Collier had a very bad messy poo then i will washing him

Bathtime Bliss

Despite all the products available, water is all you'll need for the first six weeks. And don't worry about bathtime having to be a daily routine - once a week is fine. If your newborn is agitated by going in the bath, a daily top and tail is enough to keep her skin free of irritation. Always test bathwater with your elbow - it should feel just warm and be no more than 10cm deep in the baby bath.


Keep eyes clean

Sticky eye often affects newborns. To avoid spreading an infection, use cotton wool dipped in cool boiled water, gently wipe from the inside of the eye to the outside to avoid stickiness. Repeat with the other eye, using a fresh piece of cotton wool with each wipe.


Bottoms up

Clean the creases at the top of her legs, and around her genitals - as traces of urine can get trapped and cause irritation. Always wipe front to back when cleaning a girl's genitals to avoid a urine infection - this happens when germs from her bottom get into her bladder. For boys, clean as above, and gently wipe his penis away from his body, but never try to pull back the foreskin. Dry thoroughly, or skin will become sore and chafed.


Washing hair

Wash your baby's hair about once a week. Cradle her head in one hand, her back along your forearm and tuck her legs under your elbow. Gently pour bath water over her head with a small bowl or cupped hand. Afterwards, pat her gently dry with a soft towel.


Cradle cap

Cradle cap is completely harmless, although it can look unsightly. Don't pick or scrape at it, as the skin can become infected. The best way to treat it is to rub your baby's scalp with baby oil or olive oil and leave for 24 hours. Then gently wash the crusts off, as you wash her hair. Be patient, it will clear in time.


Cord Care

Keeping the tummy-button area clean and dry will reduce the risk of infection. Until the stump heals, clean the navel daily with cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water and dry with fresh cotton wool. Consult your midwife or health visitor if the navel looks red, swollen, inflamed, or starts to weep.


Top and tail

You don't have to use a bath at all, especially for the first six weeks or so. Make a ‘top and tail' part of your routine. If you find traces of white waxy stuff on your baby's skin, it's the vernix coating left over from birth, which will soon disappear. Wipe eyes and ears with cool boiled water - but never clean inside the ear. Uncurl her fingers and wipe hands gently. Clean her face and neck to remove all milk and dribble, which can cause irritation. Then clean the nappy area - to guard against nappy rash, leave her to kick her legs and get some air to the skin. Change nappies as soon as they are wet, and apply a barrier cream if using cloth nappies.


Baby massage

One way to care for your baby's skin and enjoy her at the same time is a baby massage. Use olive oil and gently massage over her body with your fingertips - be careful not to press too hard.


When there are problems

It's normal for a newborn's skin to be blotchy. ‘Newborn skin seems fragile, but it's actually quite tough,' says consultant dermatologist Allan Marsden, of the British Skin Foundation. ‘Unless your baby has an extreme sensitivity problem, her skin will regulate and moisturise itself. It's very rare for a young baby to have a serious problem.'


4 ROUTINE...... I will feed on demand the first 6 weeks the baby feed a hell of a lot but after 6 weeks the baby settles more into a routine and has a more of a pettern to feeding

5 SLEEPING
My Anti natla lady (yes her agian )
said she dose not reccomend AT ALL sleeping with your baby ans she refered to the COT DEATH leaflet you mentioned explaining why its was not reccomended
She did say though if you still go ahead studies have shown that a women who breast feeds in more likey to sleep towards her baby ( ie safer for baby) and a women who bottle feeds is more likely to turn away and may roll back onto the baby. So she said she strongly reccomends that bottled fed babies do not sleep in the bed with Mum. Still thinks sleeping seperate is best even if you breast feed though it's the safer of the 2

My Collier will be sleeping in a moses basket next to the bed for the first part then (HOPFULL IF IT FITS ) in the cot at the end of the bed Im breast feeding but im not taking any chances

BOTTLE VERSE BREAST
Yes this was highlighted by all 3 Anti natal ladies who took my classes as being the best
Luckly it wsnt made the be all and end all
they all said if you try it and it dosnt work do not beat yourself up about it or feel gulity or like you have failed.
Bottle feed if you have too it's prefectly fine and dose have advantages like Dads can be more involved with feeding

Im going to breast feed i really want to and for the bonding experiance

ITS SAVES SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH MONEY
Im breast feeding for at least the first year think how much money im saving
Breast gives more nutrients and vitamins its even been proven latley that breast milks dose in deed contain VITAMIN K though there is still research to be carried out as its lower amount then formula or cows milk but then nature gives what it needs so who says babies need a higher dose??????????? that is what need clearing up
sorry im going off topic

Its less hassle then having to make up bottles and clean sterilise eveything

But if you want to bottle feed you go on ahead hunny do what you our comfotable and happy with your little girl will be happy if your happy and if your not comfortable with breast feeding she may pick up on this
so its a presonal choice that suits you and baby best

GYM MAT YEAH GET ANOTHER ONE
get another one with brighter clours EBAY EBAY THE LOVE OF MY LIFE try them im sure you can find one for a good price
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Early-learning-pl ... dZViewItem
this one for example