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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
How Many of Each Size Diaper Do I Need? What brand is best?
Before Christian was born, we debated stocking up on diapers.
We had heard that it can help to buy a case or package of diapers each week to just build up a supply so that you don't have to buy a ton all at once after baby arrives. I had also read to buy a gift card each week so you don't have to worry about exchanging pre-bought diapers for a different size later but then you have the money set aside so it isn't a big expense all at one.
We decided not to do either of these things and to just buy diapers as we needed them once baby came. We did, however, get a case of newborn diapers (96 count) at our baby shower, as well as several cases of various other sizes. We had thought that one case of newborn diapers would probably be plenty before we moved on to size one. We also bought a giant case of size one diapers (234 count).
Our baby boy was a healthy 8 pounds and 20 inches long at birth and newborn diapers fit him perfectly. We are actually just starting to transition to size 1 diapers now and he is 7 weeks old. I believe newborn diapers are made to fit up to 10 pounds. They fit Christian up to 11 pounds, though.
Pampers size 1 diapers are said to fit babies 8-14 pounds, but between needing to fold the diaper over so it wouldn't rub the cord stump the first few weeks and baby boy just not being long enough, size 1 was too big until Christian was about 7 weeks old, 11 pounds 5 ounces, 22.5 inches long.
So for us, we used 504 Newborn Size Diapers, but could have gotten by with a few less, as we were just using up the last 30 or so before starting size 1. Next time we will probably stock up a bit just to save on trips to the store when you are constantly running out!
We also started off using strictly pampers diapers. Personally, I think diaper choice is more of a mom preference than anything. I really like pampers for our baby boy. They are lined with mesh that keeps the poop from being right next to baby's bottom and I just they they are soft. However, I have heard from some mom's of baby boys that the mesh would often get stuck to the little boy parts, but we never experienced this.
While we started off using pampers, we have now been using Target Brand Diapers. I worry that they aren't as soft on his bottom, but they seem to do the job just the same. They also have the wetness indicator strip just like huggies and pampers. The strip is nice, but it probably causes you to change the diaper more often than you really need to. You can feel when the diaper is full without looking at the stip. We did use the strip a lot in the first few days when we were religiously tracking wet and dirty diapers to make sure baby boy was healthy and everything was working right.
The Target diapers also seem to be leaking lately, but I think this may be more because of them getting too small as baby boy is about a pound and half bigger than recommended for newborn size. Hoping it gets better now that we are switching to size 1. He is also having a lot more poop these days, so leaks may just be our life now :)
One big advantage to Target diapers, though, is price.
Target Diapers = 13 cents/diaper
Pampers = 26 cents/diaper...that's DOUBLE the cost of Target brand!
As far as wipes go...We started off using Huggies. Mainly chose them because this is what I used when I was a nanny. However, Target brand is slightly cheaper and after using them for awhile, I think they are so much softer!
Target Wipes = Just under 2 cents/wipe
Huggies Wipes = Just over 2 cents/wipe...so not a HUGE difference
Our baby boy was a healthy 8 pounds and 20 inches long at birth and newborn diapers fit him perfectly. We are actually just starting to transition to size 1 diapers now and he is 7 weeks old. I believe newborn diapers are made to fit up to 10 pounds. They fit Christian up to 11 pounds, though.
Pampers size 1 diapers are said to fit babies 8-14 pounds, but between needing to fold the diaper over so it wouldn't rub the cord stump the first few weeks and baby boy just not being long enough, size 1 was too big until Christian was about 7 weeks old, 11 pounds 5 ounces, 22.5 inches long.
So for us, we used 504 Newborn Size Diapers, but could have gotten by with a few less, as we were just using up the last 30 or so before starting size 1. Next time we will probably stock up a bit just to save on trips to the store when you are constantly running out!
We also started off using strictly pampers diapers. Personally, I think diaper choice is more of a mom preference than anything. I really like pampers for our baby boy. They are lined with mesh that keeps the poop from being right next to baby's bottom and I just they they are soft. However, I have heard from some mom's of baby boys that the mesh would often get stuck to the little boy parts, but we never experienced this.
While we started off using pampers, we have now been using Target Brand Diapers. I worry that they aren't as soft on his bottom, but they seem to do the job just the same. They also have the wetness indicator strip just like huggies and pampers. The strip is nice, but it probably causes you to change the diaper more often than you really need to. You can feel when the diaper is full without looking at the stip. We did use the strip a lot in the first few days when we were religiously tracking wet and dirty diapers to make sure baby boy was healthy and everything was working right.
The Target diapers also seem to be leaking lately, but I think this may be more because of them getting too small as baby boy is about a pound and half bigger than recommended for newborn size. Hoping it gets better now that we are switching to size 1. He is also having a lot more poop these days, so leaks may just be our life now :)
One big advantage to Target diapers, though, is price.
Target Diapers = 13 cents/diaper
Pampers = 26 cents/diaper...that's DOUBLE the cost of Target brand!
As far as wipes go...We started off using Huggies. Mainly chose them because this is what I used when I was a nanny. However, Target brand is slightly cheaper and after using them for awhile, I think they are so much softer!
Target Wipes = Just under 2 cents/wipe
Huggies Wipes = Just over 2 cents/wipe...so not a HUGE difference
If you use facebook and check out Target's new Cartwheel App you can also save an extra 5% off Up and Up diapers and wipes at Target!
So there you have it! Stock up on newborn diapers if you plan to buy ahead and don't be afraid to try "off brand" diapers and wipes!
Monday, July 8, 2013
New Blog
The new blog is done and 'Mommy's First Year' is now live!
Swing on by to www.mommysfirstyear.com and check things out :)
Like I mentioned in my previous post, updates on Baby Christian and life as a mommy will now be posted to my new blog, 'Mommy's First Year'. Continue to follow 'Mommy in the Making' for all my pregnancy related posts and posts on preparing for baby!
Be sure to 'Like' the new blog on facebook!
Hope to see you at 'Mommy's First Year'!
And if you haven't taken my survey yet, I would love your feedback! Check it out here...
Blog Feedback
Now is your chance! I would love to get your feedback on 'Mommy in the Making!' There are only 10 questions and I would greatly appreciate your input! Click the link below to get started.
THANK YOU!!!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Change
If you've been following along, you may have noticed that several posts have disappeared.
Well, don't worry! They aren't gone! They have just relocated. More info to come soon :)
Over the last few weeks (well, 5 1/2 to be exact), I have been thinking about what it really means to be a mommy.
When is someone fully "made" a mommy?
I think of myself always as a work in progress. My little boy is growing and changing every day. What he likes today isn't always what he likes and what will work tomorrow. Since Christian is always changing, I have to always be changing as his mommy too. So I think that I will always be a "mommy in the making".
"Mommyhood", however, is fully here! From carrying that sweet little boy in my belly for 41 weeks to caring for him here in our home, I have been "mommy" for almost a year now!
The focus of this blog has been on pregnancy and preparing for life with our sweet little bundle of joy!
That life has now arrived and so change is coming here at 'Mommy in the Making'!
I will continue to post here at 'Mommy in the Making' on topics regarding pregnancy and preparing for life with baby, but for updates on Christian, "mommy life", and various baby related topics, I will be posting at another blog! My sweet hubby is working on the final touches as we speak!
STAY TUNED!
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as a top mommy blog!
Saturday, June 22, 2013
My Hospital Bag - Re-visited!
When packing my hospital bag before Christian was born, I had a feeling that I was overpacking, but at the same time, felt more comfortable being overpacked instead of under packed.
Now that I've lived through the hospital and birth experience, here is what I would change to my original list!
I've crossed out the items I didn't need or use and included explanations.
Now that I've lived through the hospital and birth experience, here is what I would change to my original list!
I've crossed out the items I didn't need or use and included explanations.
For Me
I ended up wearing the hospital gown! Once I was there and was being induced, I just decided the hospital gown was easiest and actually pretty comfortable. The nurses actually recommended I just free boob it and not even wear my sports bra so it would be extra easy to try breastfeeding right after baby boy was born. And yes, it was nice to be able to get dirty and leave the dirty gown there at the hospital.
I did end up wearing the skirt to bed the night Christian was born, though! The nurses still were checking my bottom and this was a comfy option with a nursing tank so I would probably still pack the skirt.
2. Robe
I did wear this once while walking the halls at the hospital during labor.
I did wear this once while walking the halls at the hospital during labor.
3. Slippers
Same with these. Wore them while walking the halls during labor.
Same with these. Wore them while walking the halls during labor.
4. Bobby pins to pin my hair out of my face
Actually never used these! But my hair was pretty short.
Actually never used these! But my hair was pretty short.
5. 2 Nursing tanks
I wore both of these! To bed and to go home.
I wore both of these! To bed and to go home.
6. 2 Pairs of yoga pants
I only wore one pair and that was to go home. I would have wore both pairs but I ended up wearing the dress I wore to the hospital on the day we had visitors.
I only wore one pair and that was to go home. I would have wore both pairs but I ended up wearing the dress I wore to the hospital on the day we had visitors.
7. 2 zip up hoodies
I wore one of these as well. We could control the temp of the room but I still was a little chilly one night.
I wore one of these as well. We could control the temp of the room but I still was a little chilly one night.
I ended up wearing the dress I wore to the hospital instead. But if I hadn't this would have been a great option for visitors!
Apparently you aren't supposed to pack your own meds! The hospital has to give them to you!
10. 2 Bath Towels (1 for me and 1 for hubby)
We definitely used these, but didn't need to because the hospital had towels, but it was still nice having our own.
We definitely used these, but didn't need to because the hospital had towels, but it was still nice having our own.
11. Facewash
Used it!
Used it!
The hospital gave me this too! And it was way better than what I had brought (and heard was good).
My new recommendation: Motherlove Nipple Cream
13. Granny panties
I can't remember if I ended up wearing these or not? I think I wore one pair on the day we went home? Otherwise I wore the hospital's awesome panties! Still have a pair! They really work well with your massive pad!
I can't remember if I ended up wearing these or not? I think I wore one pair on the day we went home? Otherwise I wore the hospital's awesome panties! Still have a pair! They really work well with your massive pad!
14. 2 pairs of socks
I think I only used one pair.
I think I only used one pair.
15. Chapstick
Used it!
Used it!
16. Glasses
Used them every day!
No need for this
18. Water Bottle
The hospital kept us stocked with a pitcher of water and glasses but it was really nice having my own water bottle, especially one with a straw, that I could easily sip from while nursing.
The hospital kept us stocked with a pitcher of water and glasses but it was really nice having my own water bottle, especially one with a straw, that I could easily sip from while nursing.
19. Make up Bag
Used it of course!
Used it of course!
20. Pillow
The hospital pillows weren't really all that terrible, but it was nice having our own
The hospital pillows weren't really all that terrible, but it was nice having our own
21. Toothbrush/toothpaste
Used it!
Used it!
22. Shampoo
Used it! Once we moved to post partum they actually brought us some pretty decent shampoo, but for my shower in labor and delivery the morning after induction had started, I was glad to have my own.
Used it! Once we moved to post partum they actually brought us some pretty decent shampoo, but for my shower in labor and delivery the morning after induction had started, I was glad to have my own.
23. Earrings (I heard this is nice to feel more pulled together for pictures)
I ended up forgetting to put them on/didn't bring a pair that matched the necklace/outfit I wore in our hospital pictures but if I had planned better this would have been really nice!
I ended up forgetting to put them on/didn't bring a pair that matched the necklace/outfit I wore in our hospital pictures but if I had planned better this would have been really nice!
24. Hairdryer? Might not get used but I can be hopeful, right? :)
I definitely did not have time to use this!
I definitely did not have time to use this!
For Hubby:
Pretty sure he used everything we packed!
Pretty sure he used everything we packed!
1. Water Bottle
2. Drink mixes for his water
3. Snacks (Granola bars, jar of peanut butter)
4. Razors
5. Shaving Cream
6. Glasses/contacts
7. Pillow
8. Boxers
9. Socks
10. 2 t-shirts
11. Hoodie
12. iPad
For Baby Christian:
I put all of his stuff in a gallon size ziplock bag.
1. Car Seat
2. Hat
3. Blanket
4. Going Home Outfit size newborn AND size 0-3 months
I would add that no matter what the season, babies can't regulate their temperature and hospitals are cold! On the day we went home it was in the 70s and the nurse encouraged us to keep him in his pants and hat cover him with a blanket. He was also wearing a onesie. So plan on the warmer side for clothes I think.
I would add that no matter what the season, babies can't regulate their temperature and hospitals are cold! On the day we went home it was in the 70s and the nurse encouraged us to keep him in his pants and hat cover him with a blanket. He was also wearing a onesie. So plan on the warmer side for clothes I think.
The hospital had cloth diapers that I used instead.
6. Socks
A few pairs!
7. Nail clippers
8. Boppy
I would actually add to this list:
9. Long sleeve onesies to wear at the hospital while wrapped in a blanket (or other cute/warm outfits). While we didn't really NEED this, we wanted him to look cute when we had visitors and to be warm. The nurses also were like "go ahead and get him dressed in whatever you packed" and I was like "Shoot. We didn't pack anything!"
I would actually add to this list:
9. Long sleeve onesies to wear at the hospital while wrapped in a blanket (or other cute/warm outfits). While we didn't really NEED this, we wanted him to look cute when we had visitors and to be warm. The nurses also were like "go ahead and get him dressed in whatever you packed" and I was like "Shoot. We didn't pack anything!"
Other Items:
1. Card Games
If we wouldn't have had so many visitors, these would have been REALLY nice! We would have gotten pretty bored otherwise, I'm sure!
If we wouldn't have had so many visitors, these would have been REALLY nice! We would have gotten pretty bored otherwise, I'm sure!
2. Magazines
Same with these! However, since I went in the night before to start the induction process, we may have used these a bit waiting for things to get started.
Same with these! However, since I went in the night before to start the induction process, we may have used these a bit waiting for things to get started.
3. My purse with insurance card and driver's license
We never had to use these, but they are something that just are always with me anyway.
We never had to use these, but they are something that just are always with me anyway.
4. Baby Book
Got his little foot prints! :)
Got his little foot prints! :)
5. Hand Sanitizer
We may have forgotten to have visitors use this :( And some visitors just used it on their way through the door since the hospital had some attached to the wall! :)
We may have forgotten to have visitors use this :( And some visitors just used it on their way through the door since the hospital had some attached to the wall! :)
We honestly didn't take a single picture with our actual camera....we just used our phones!
7. Chargers (Cell/ipad)
Got lots and lots of use!
Got lots and lots of use!
Didn't use this either...
I would still add these things last minute:
1. Pillows x2
2. Make up bag
3. iPad and charger
4. Cell chargers
5. Magazines
6. Hair brush
There you have it! Now...to remember this for next time! :)
Remember to vote daily by clicking below!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Moms love Mombo!
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Comfort and Harmony. All opinions are 100% mine.
As a new mom, learning to breastfeed has been one of my biggest tasks over the past week. Sometimes I feel like I need another set of hands in order to get baby positioned to latch on properly and begin sucking.
When another set of hands aren't available, the mombo nursing pillow is a great option! This is even better and more comfortable than an extra pair of hands! However, this pillow can also be used for more than just nursing. As baby gets older it can be a cozy and safe spot for baby to sit or lay as well.
What is a Mombo Nursing Pillow?
The Mombo Nursing Pillow is a contoured pillow that wraps around your waist allowing for a space to rest baby that is higher up and closer to your breast while nursing. Definitely saves your arms as baby gets heavier!
The pillow has 2 sides - 1 firm and 1 soft. The firm side allows for added support while nursing and the soft side is cozy for little one to rest on when not nursing.
The pillow also has an added vibration feature for helping to calm and relax baby.
Washable slip covers are also available in a variety of colors/styles so you can keep a cute and clean pillow.
Check out Toys R Us and/or Babies R Us to purchase your own nursing pillow and find other mombo products such as fun slip covers for your new pillow.
I also like Comfort & Harmony on Facebook (the makers of Mombo) and follow Comfort & Harmony on Twitter. You should too!
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