Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

So - since I'm in the home stretch I need to buy some of the "toiletry" items and diapers. DH wanted to start stocking up on this stuff months ago - but I felt we shouldn't stock up in case certain brands weren't good for baby, etc.

We have two very large packs of Size 1 Pampers Swaddlers that people bought us. Should I buy 1 smaller box in NB size?

What do I need to get now? Should I just get 1 of everything in case, as I said, baby doesn't agree?

Like one box of wipes?

What do I need to have ready for diaper changing supplies? Bath supplies?

Thanks for any and all advice!!
I am SO clueless!!

BTW - anyone want to take a little vacay in the beautiful Florida sun and help take care of a newborn for a clueless mommy? Jan/Feb is a LOVELY time down here!!!

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

I wouldn't bother buying NB size diapers until baby is actually here. Your DH can run out and get them if you need them while you're in the hospital - my DD never wore NB diapers and was ready for size 2 as soon as we used the last size 1.

Many doctors say not to use wipes right away, and some say not to put any ointment or anything on at first either. I did use Pampers Sensitive wipes pretty early on and started using A&D when she was a few weeks old. You change diapers about 10 times a day in the beginning so one box will go quickly once you actually start using them. A tub of A&D can last a really, really long time. Little butts. ;)

You aren't supposed to give baby a bath until after the umbilical cord falls off - a little sponge bath is fine and even then you don't need to use too much of anything. DD didn't like anything with a scent when she was a newborn so we only used Aquaphor (sp?) and I didn't even figure that out until she was 6 weeks old.

I need a vacation sooooo badly, I'd definitely take you up on that offer if I could. A newborn would be cake if I didn't have my toddler in tow.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

I would get the swaddlers, but also the hospital will give you some (take all that you can get lol)

Buy a small case of sensative wipes. For diaper changes you dont need much now, the wipes and diapers are fine and maybe some alcohol and cotton balls to dab on the umblical cord. If you have a boy you might want to get some guaze pads and bacitracin for his circ (if your circum.) Also pick up some A&D ointment or Desitin, just in case the baby gets a rash.

Bathtime, I've always used the head to toe Johnsons & Johnsons, and the pink J&J lotion, a small washcloth and a hooded towel are perfect (but no tubby baths until the cord falls off)

Hope that helps

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

Thanks, ladies! Keep it coming!

Ahhh - vacation in the sun You know you want to, Rebecca!!!

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

Don't buy NB size- the hospital will give you some to take home and you can always buy later. My second never went into NB size.

The hospital I delivered at used Pampers Sensitive wipes, so I used those right from the very start.

Other necessities: q-tips, battery operated boogie sucker (Bebe Sounds makes it and I swear by that thing), Aquafor or Vaseline.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

Do you always use aquaphor or vaseline on their tushes' at each change, or just if they have a rash?

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

i wouldn't buy that many newborn size right away but know you may run out for them. I knew DD was small and she stayed in newborn for a long time! she is still small!

we used unscented creamy petroleum jelly on her from the start. i like the one from stop and shop (if you have that). i use it at each change as a barrier, but only use a diaper cream if she looks red...so far, no rashes here! and we use the sensitive, unscented wipes from BJs. i like buying them by the case, just like diapers. don't forget babycheapskate.blogspot.com tells you about great diaper and formula deals plus more.

For soap, I prefer things with less chemicals, like Love Me, Baby Me and Baby Silk brands. You can decide for yourself but safemama.com has some great info. for you to learn about. i learned a lot about sunscreen on there!

don't stress...you'll figure it out and you'll be great!

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

I used the Aquafor for her skin (very dry) but you can also use it on the tushie - I use A&D at every diaper change. It usually keeps the rashes at bay.

If she does have a rash I use something stronger like Balmex because that has an active ingredient that A&D doesn't have.

The few times her rash was really bad (due to diarrhea - usually the culprit) I used Butt Paste because that has more of the active ingredient, but I think it's too strong to use all the time. I've never used Desitin but Triple Paste also has the active ingredient that makes the rash go away. It ranks somewhere in between Balmex and Butt Paste as far as how strong it is, but you're unlikely to have a diaper rash for a while.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

THanks so much!!

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

If you feed me, I will be more than happy to make the whole 20 minute drive from Boca to Parkland. And I do have experience with babies. I highly emphasize the feed me part.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

I would say get the NB diapers just in case you need them.. my ds was 8lbs, 7 oz, and I never used the nb diapers, started with 1's right away.

dr told us absolutely use no wipes until baby is at least 1 month..we use warm, moist white paper towels.

also can't use any lotions/soaps on their skin right away either, in case of allergy, so petroleum jelly is all I have used..plus, you need alot for the circumcision, if you are having a boy...

Good Luck, and everyone is clueless in the beginning! You make mistakes, and learn from them..then you come on here to find out what the hell everyone else did..lol!!

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

Posted by munchkinfacemama

If you feed me, I will be more than happy to make the whole 20 minute drive from Boca to Parkland. And I do have experience with babies. I highly emphasize the feed me part.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

Posted by mrswask

Posted by munchkinfacemama

If you feed me, I will be more than happy to make the whole 20 minute drive from Boca to Parkland. And I do have experience with babies. I highly emphasize the feed me part.

Girl - you live like 7 minutes away from me!

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

I'd say the following, based on my experience:

- i wouldn't buy any NB sized diapers. We bought a box just in case. Maybe they would have fit DD- in utero- when i was..ummm. 7 months PG, but by the time she was born, they were like the daisy dukes of diapers on her.

- some Dr's say not to use wipes for the first month (1 dr in my practice said not to, another said it didnt matter- so, imo, its all personal preference). We tried to avoid them for the first week or so and use the soft clothes (moistened) that they give you at the hospital, but that only lasted about a week. We used Pampers sensitive and never had a problem (now we use other generic sensitive brands and have also not had a problem).

- we put butt paste on her with every change, but there are definitely cheaper alternatives- i just really like it and (knock on wood) have avoided rashes so far by using it. Whatever you decide to use (i'm sure generic vaseline or A&D is just as good), i think its best to put it on with every change. I know some people put it on only after they poop, but, imo, the point of those creams is to serve as a barrier to prevent the rash. Always better to prevent than to have to heal, if possible!

For bathtime- all you need are:
- a towel
- small basin/ large bowl (to put warm water in)
- soft washcloth
at the beginning, you only give them spongebaths, so you dont really need that much to begin with.

Do you have netflix? If i could recommend one thing on this topic, it would be to watch the DVD "Laugh & Learn: Newborn baby care". It was a GODSEND for us! It's really quick and very basic, but just shows you these exact things- what you need to know for bathing a baby, changing a diaper, etc. I wouldn't buy it b/c you only really need to see it once (i took notes while we were watching it), but you could either netflix it or see if your library has it. (If you plan on BF'g- they also have a Laugh and learn about about breastfeeding that was great too!)

I can't believe you're almost there!! I can't wait to meet the little waskinator!!!

ETA: i would also say to pick up aquaphor, but more for the baby's face/skin if they get bad dry patches, than for diaper use. Although, you may not need it for that. Abby gets really bad dry patches all over her face- i basically have to grease her up everyday with aquaphor but.. when we were in FL last week, she didnt need it all week- so maybe you florida people have that advantage over us, with your moist air and all

Message edited 12/26/2009 10:01:52 PM.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

SIZE 1 DIAPERS (PAMPERS SWADDLERS) AND BABY WIPES
VASELINE - THATS ALL WE HAVE BEEN USING FOR DD SINCE SHE WAS BORN AND HER BOTTOM IS PERFECT. NOT ONE RASH.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

Everyone seems to have a different experience. DS was 8 lbs 1 oz at birth and we went through at least a case of newborn swaddlers. He got a really horrible rash from the wipes in the hospital. I used wet paper towels for the first day or two at home, but then switched to Kirkland wipes. He never had any issue with them.

At the beginning, I used A&D ointment when he was a little red. I also tried butt paste, but didn't really like it. IMO, Triple Paste is the best to use for a diaper rash/redness. It's pricey, but really works well.

For the bath, once the cord falls off, you need a tub, towels, washcloth and some type of shampoo/body wash. I really like California Baby. It's pricey, but lasts a long time and doesn't have any harsh chemicals in it.

Don't worry. I was nervous b/c I hadn't really been around a baby in years, never bathed one and hadn't changed a diaper since I was 16. If you're unsure of stuff, ask the nurses to show you what to do.

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

I agree with the pp's. DS was never in NB diapers so I'd hold off. We didn't use wipes for the first week or so then went to pampers sensitive. I didn't use anything at all on his hiney unless he was getting a rash and that was never. I think he got diaper rash twice in his whoole life. I needed ointment and gauze for his circ but the hospital sent us home with more than enough. I also used J and J head to toe and baby lotion, but not til I started real baths on the lotion. Believe it or not there isn't all that much you NEED for a brand new baby. You will be fine!

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

bump for shanti

Re: Some "Home Stretch" Questions for the BTDT preg moms...

Posted by mrswask

BTW - anyone want to take a little vacay in the beautiful Florida sun and help take care of a newborn for a clueless mommy? Jan/Feb is a LOVELY time down here!!!

Message edited 12/28/2009 1:18:45 PM.