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Graduated elderberries - 30+ and looking forward to DC1! (Thread 6)

999 replies

HazleNutt · 20/07/2013 16:52

Oh, looks like I wrote the last post! So new thread here where we will see more berry babies and hopefully loads more graduates as well.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Quodlibet · 03/08/2013 12:28

Bad news Merkin - I did a sudden morning vom this morning in the breakfast buffet of our hotel (away with a show today) and narrowly avoided hurling in front of my whole team. Thought I was past all that at 21 weeks!

Cavort, I maybe wrong but I remember reading somewhere about the length of time it takes for alcohol to get in your breast milk, and it not being immediate, meaning you can BF with a glass of wine in your hand quite safely... Can't remember the details!

janey1234 · 03/08/2013 12:46

That's pretty much what I do quod! Start drinking towards the end of a feed - so it's out of my system by the next feed.

Poor you vomming - I was so lucky and didn't have any ms at all, let alone that late on. That sucks Hmm

BelissimaLol · 03/08/2013 12:58

Girls do your babies get hiccups? Lara seems to have them everyday!
I'm with the in laws and MIL doing my head in. Keeps taking her from me and interfering. This morning she said - I don't like her in this dress. U said - good job it's not your choice then. I like itGrin
Generally I get on really well with her but she's being really annoying!!!!
Rant over. Sorry Confused

BraveLilBear · 03/08/2013 13:11

Morning all... oh Quod I feel your pain but a breakfast buffet is rather spectacular. Poor you! I had a few out of the blue voms after 16 weeks but these were mainly made worse as they took me by surprise!

We now have a name. We've gone for Horatio with two grandfathers names in the middle.

My family have been diplomatic so far but we think it suits him so we're sticking to our guns.

BraveLilBear · 03/08/2013 13:13

Oh and Lol, Horatio gets hiccups loads - just like when he was on the inside!

Anyone got an in utero hiccuper at the moment?

Cavort · 03/08/2013 13:36

Boo to annoying PIL Lol. My Mum is the only annoying one but luckily we don't see much of her. And I am impressed at you putting her in a dress - Elodie lives in vests and babygrows so far.

Quod my understanding from reading The Food of Love is that alcohol only goes into breast milk at the same level as your bloodstream, which is only a few micrograms per 100ml unless you go on a massive bender and certainly not enough to be classed as alcoholic or get the baby drunk, but the alcohol affects milk let down/supply which is why drinking too much while BF isn't recommended.

Quodlibet · 03/08/2013 15:00

Horatio = awesome name!
Aha Cavort yes - that's it.

Just to clarify, I didn't actually vom in the buffet; the 30 second warning was enough to make it to the disabled loo Blush but yes it was a surprise ambush puke. At least it's quickly over too!

I haven't got a hiccuper yet but baby went mental the other day when I got really hot and, retrospectively, dehydrated - actually really massive lurchy kicks that were quite uncomfortable even though its only little. I've also had some braxton hicks I think, which was a very odd sensation.

HazleNutt · 03/08/2013 16:05

Horatio is a fabulous name!

And yes, Victor gets hiccups a lot as well.

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Alexandra6 · 03/08/2013 16:10

Horatio! Ah lovely - I've got a soft spot for that name as one of my fave films as a child was Mr Horatio Knibbles! (about a man dressed up as a well spoken giant rabbit Confused - apparently my poor parents had to sit through it a million times as I was a bit repetitive with films I liked!!)

Very jealous of the wine, beer and veuve! I hope I can get expressing nailed down quickly as it will be Christmas a couple of weeks after mine's born! I've had a couple of 'special beers' DH has made for me recently - really weak shandies!

So pram shopping went well - we found two prams that fold up really small woop! Can't decide between them, it's the city mini stroller and the bugaboo bee. Let me know if anyone has any experience of either or knows anyone with them!

janey1234 · 03/08/2013 16:17

I loved the bugaboo bee too Alex. Chose the icandy in the end because I'm and impractical imbecile I couldn't quite master collapsing the bugaboo. Having said that DSIL had one and could collapse it really easily.

Miles has hiccups ALL THE TIME and sneezes several times a day too. He used to have hiccups several times a day when I was preggers so no shock there really.

Horatio is indeed a fabulous name, I love it Smile

Once more for you knocked up folk... Get some lanisoh. After the traumas earlier in the week it has saved my nipples, which were on the pint if cracking and bleeding. It might be a tenner but i would pay £50 a tube if that's what it cost!!

Alexandra6 · 03/08/2013 16:41

Already got my lanisoh! Smile Was a teensy bit cheaper on amazon.

Bugaboo bee is great isn't it! City mini stroller is fab too though and folds up really compactly and sooo easily even a wally like me can do it I'm just a bit worried with the city mini about the bag situation and the carry cot, would love to hear a review from anyone with one. City mini is cheaper too, which DH tells me not to factor in and to go for whichever is best because we'll get good use out of it, but I can't help taking the price into consideration!

janey1234 · 03/08/2013 17:03

You should look at resale prices on eBay - search for sold prices. DP and I fully intend to sell ours on, and icandy prams seem to sell for quite a lot. Don't know the other pram but would imagine bugaboo will be the same. Might make up for the higher initial cost?

Alexandra6 · 03/08/2013 17:32

I'd love to make some decent money back on either but that won't be for a good few years. Just checked both on here and the city mini seems to better reviews compared to the bee, was surprised as seems to score quite a bit higher. What I'm trying to work out is that you need a big baby bag don't you, to hang on the back of the buggy if you walk round to someone's house? And the city mini doesn't seem to have a space to hang the bag. Do you all need big baby bags when you walk places? There is a space underneath for some stuff.

BelissimaLol · 03/08/2013 17:34

We were given a bugaboo by friends and so far I love it. Haven't quite managed to learn how to fold it yet but it seems quite easy when DH does it Grin
Cav I put her in a dress as a special treat cause we had friends over. It's a really cute dress and she had no business saying she doesn't like it lol

HazleNutt · 03/08/2013 17:48

I don't need an especially large baby bag, in fact just using a large handbag. Maybe later when you need toys and food, but at the moment I just have nappies, wipes, muslin and a change of clothes - does not take that much space.

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janey1234 · 03/08/2013 17:54

It might be sooner than you think Alex - if you end up having another you may well end up needing a double buggy. We considered for a moment getting the icandy that could be converted to a double, but decided that we'd see how we got on with one baby first!

Don't know about whether a big bag is essential, but we always seem to have one - spare nappies, wipes, changing mat, spare clothes, blanket, muslin etc. Already I've found the space underneath v handy when shopping! Can you use a handbag clip on the other pram? They're brilliant and I would def want to be able to use one.

You need the lovely cavort to give you the which review for both!

Alexandra6 · 03/08/2013 18:38

Thanks hazle and actually, by the time I need toys/food, the baby/toddler would probably be using it in a more upright position which might give more space for hanging a bigger bag on the back. There is some space at the bottom, just not masses of space.

Yes please to Which review lovely cavort!!

janey I did think about having two and the practicalities. I also remember when getting frustrated with ttc saying if I was ever lucky enough to actually fall pregnant, I would become a "baby machine" and pop out as many as I could Blush However I'm now wondering if a slightly bigger gap might be more practical (obviously lots of time to decide on this and will be lucky enough to have just one!) When do toddlers stop needing a buggy?

MotherOfCleo · 03/08/2013 19:52

My MIL is actually being ok, its my own mother who's being a pain!! She seems to think I shouldnt be doing anything, as if I can just sit and wait for the imaginary fairies to come and do the cooking and cleaning.

She also kicked up a huge fuss about us buying the kitchen as I should have other priorities and should just enjoy being pregnant. It didnt matter how many times I said we wouldnt be doing any work straight away and that we mearly took advantage of a good deal while we could get it. She even said we were being daft as we could get a cheap new kitchen anyway, shes mad, there is no way we could buy a complete kitchen and 4 appliances for £300!!

I told her we would store it until we'd saved the cash to have the work done which would.probably be in around 9 months. She's just so negative the whole time about anything and everything I do. I even found her and my brother moaning to my OH about me.....charming huh! Blush Sad

Would be ok if my OH stuck up for me but he never does Sad It wasnt even my idea to get the kitchen, it was his. Families huh, who'd have em! Sad

Cavort · 03/08/2013 22:40

Sorry Brave seemed to miss your name unveiling earlier on. I love that you've gone for something slightly different and it's made even better as I quite fancied Ioan Gruffudd as Horatio Hornblower. Grin Will you call him Horatio or an abbreviation/nickname? How cute!

I have got a medium-sized changing bag full of the usual kitchen sink baby paraphernalia which I prefer to keep in the storage basket underneath rather than hanging on the back of the pram (although it does easily fit on the back), but if we're only popping somewhere local or taking her out in the sling I just stick wipes, nappy, a nappy bag and a disposable change mat in my handbag.

Alex ....

Bugaboo Bee

The Bugaboo Bee is the pushchair of choice for the city yummy-mummy. It's available in an eye-catching range of constantly-updated fashionable colours. We put the Bugaboo Bee pushchair through its paces in our expert tests to see if it deserves its place as one of the best-selling urban buggies.

The Bugaboo Bee, sometimes listed as Bee+ is a good enough pushchair to be a Best Buy. It is easy to use, compact when folded and lovely to push.

Bugaboo responds to Bee wheel problems:
"Unfortunately the Bugaboo Bee was been troubled by faults developing with its front wheels. Problems with shimmying wheels emerged in 2010 and the manufacturer's solution to that problem created another problem with non-swivelling wheels on some 2011 models. After sending the most recent version to our test lab for an extended wheel durability and swivelling test we believe that Bugaboo has taken effective steps to remedy its earlier wheel problems. But if you experience any problem with the front wheels of your Bee, contact your retailer immediately."

Introducing the Bee
Not only does it look great, but the Bugaboo Bee drives smoothly even when the going gets rough, and is nifty enough round tight corners.

Versatile and adjustable
This versatile pushchair can be used from birth to 17kg (which we'd expect to be a little longer than 36 months), and you can turn it into a fully fledged travel system by adding a Maxi Cosi Cabriofix car seat . If you want your newborn baby to lie flat, which we would recommend, you can buy the Bugaboo Baby Cocoon carrycot (for about £70).

Reversible seat
The seat is reversible so your child can face front or back, and the backrest can be reclined easily with one hand. The seat's height and depth can be altered as your child grows, but this one lacks a leg rest to provide support for children whose feet can't reach the footrest.

At 9.6kg the Bee feels light enough when pushing and steering. It folds to a compact 33x89x45cm so it will fit in most car boot with room to spare.

Lots of colour choices
The covers are removable and machine washable, and the fabric comes in a choice of in-vogue colours, which change each year. A hood and rain cover are included in the price, and if your budget allows you'll find plenty of matching accessories to choose from, such as a footmuff, parasol, cup holder and changing bag.

There's plenty of room in the storage basket, and it's easy to reach the items inside even when the seat is reclined.

Do you already own this pushchair? If you do, click the customer views tab - above the picture - and tell us what you think of it.

Pros: Fashionable, reversible seat, manoeuvrable, easy to recline, machine washable covers, excellent on public transport

Cons: No leg rest, harness isn't adjustable at the back for bigger children, problems with front wheels on models made between January and September 2011

City Mini

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT is a fairly compact all-terrain pushchair that you can use with an optional car seat or carrycot. It features the one-handed folding mechanism that has made Baby Jogger pushchairs a playground favourite. But is it the best a mum can get? To find out, we sent it to our pushchair lab for parents and usability experts to test.

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT is one of the best pushchairs we've ever tested. It takes the elements that have made the City Mini such a popular pushchair - roomy seat, great manoeuvrability and a a brilliantly easy and compact fold - and has added an adjustable handlebar, handbrake and air-tyres. These features create a suberb ride and make it a Which? Best Buy.

What is it?
A compact all-terrain buggy with chunky air-filled tyres that's suitable to use from birth. You can use it as a travel system with a car seat, which you add via adaptors.

Baby Jogger claims this pushchair will last until your child is 36 months but, although the seat is very deep, the backrest and leg rest are best suited to children up to two.

What's it great for?
Equally at home in the town or country, the City Mini GT offers a fantastic smooth ride for baby and an easy push for you.

It has a large shopping basket which is easy to access, and a handlebar brake that is easy to use and which feels extremely effective.

It's easy to get your child into the forward-facing seat and parents like the buckle, which is particularly easy to use.

Is the seat comfortable?
The seat is roomy and looks cushioned, but our parent panel felt that it could be improved with a bit more padding. They also noticed that the crotch strap is set quite far back in the seat, so might be a bit uncomfortable for bigger children.

The hood is large and easy to operate, and you can easily see through the mesh panel to check what your child is up to. It could do with being a bit higher up to prevent your child hitting the edge with their head.

What's it like to push?
A dream. It feels light and smooth to push, and is agile and easy to tip up for kerbs. You might think the wheels are too small for an all-terrain model, but they do a great job of ironing out bumps and help the pushchair to turn on a pin.

Is it easy to fold and store?
The one-handed fold action is a cinch to use, you just unpop the red straps under the seat, then pull up a handle on the seat and the whole thing folds up scissor style. The pushchair stays shut when you lift it.

It is compact when folded (28x61x78cm; 135 litres) and fits in the boot of a VW Golf with lots of space to spare.

It only weighs 10.1kg and the convenient carry handle makes it very easy to lift and move when it's folded.

Is there anything I should watch out for?
The two red straps under the seat (attached with poppers to the frame) are a safety measure - it is impossible to fold the seat when they are engaged. These straps make sure you can't accidentally fold the seat (otherwise it only requires a lifting action to fold). Remember to reattach the red straps every time you unfold the pushchair for optimum safety.

It's time consuming to attach a car seat to the pushchair because you need to line the seat and adaptors up carefully.

Is there anything else I should know?
This pushchair is very easy to use on the bus and also on escalators, making it a great choice for public transport users.

It is supplied with a hood, but a rain cover must be purchased separately.

Should I buy it?
Yes. It's a great smaller all-terrain pushchair and equally suitable for town and country living.

Do you already own this pushchair? If you do, click the customer views tab - above the picture - and tell us what you think of it.

Pros: Compact and lightweight, easy to use and adjust the restraint system, copes equally well on pavements and rough ground, good in tight spaces, extremely easy to fold, good for public transport, large shopping basket and effective handbrake

Cons: Hood is a bit low, time consuming to attach car seat, raincover is an optional accessory and costs an extra £21!

MotherOfCleo · 03/08/2013 23:30

snap brave. I missed it too, love the name, so original Smile Hope you are getting a good response in RL too!

BraveLilBear · 04/08/2013 04:46

Thanks for the name love team :) my family are being typically squeamish about it; and the Facebook announcement will break tomorrow. Am fairly confidenttho tthat our friends will totally get it as we're not the most conventional IRL!

I got a fab changing bag off eBay. Skip Hop, matches pram and in amazing condition for 15 quid including postage.

We use it during the day as well to cart changing gear round the house. Would definitely recommend a gander on eBay. ..

Cavort · 04/08/2013 09:00

Do you think your family will come round to it Brave? My Sis called my Nephew a traditional Irish name which I have to admit I wasn't too keen on (I never let on though and said it was lovely), but it grew on me really fast and I genuinely love it now and it really suits him. I'm sure your family will be the same with Horatio, especially when there's a lovely little boy attached to it. Smile

Alexandra6 · 04/08/2013 09:12

I've had that situation too, where a name isn't a choice I'd make (it's so personal anyway) but then you come to associate it with that lovely baby and end up loving the name anyway! Like you cavort I'd never let on in a million years! Bet your family come round brave!

Thanks for the Which? info cavort I am still Confused but the bright side is I don't think I can go wrong with either, they're good choices. Might go back soon for a second look.

Although last night I was shattered and really feeling the bump for the first time. We walked around the shops for around 4 hours and I was so achey. My long shopping spree days are over!

Quodlibet · 04/08/2013 09:59

I think the City Mini might be what we go for if/when we actually shell out for one. The only thing putting me off one is that they can't face you when they are tiny unless you put the car seat on, which looks a bit clunky and faffy. So I reckon we could use one of the pushchairs we've been donated until they are a bit bigger, and then get a City Mini to whizz about in later.

I am also researching slings as I have a couple of friends who mainly boycotted the pushchair and used a sling instead. If you are travelling on public transport a lot it makes sense to me.

Another question (at the risk of you all thinking I am a total lentil-weaver): is anyone doing/thinking of doing reusable nappies? Again, a friend swears by them, we are thinking of giving it a go.

Alexandra6 · 04/08/2013 10:07

They can face you as newborn with the city mini carrycot as well which you do have to pay for (about 80 I think), we would def go for that too if we go city mini. Or like you say, the car seat. If does look clunky with the car seat/carrycot attached, I wondered if the seat could be removed to help with that but not sure it can. It's still amazingly light and I honestly can't believe how compact it is folded and how easy. I'm totally torn!

A friend said she's lend me her sling which would be great, they can't stay in it too long I don't think. I really like those body carrier things so def want one of those, heard ergo is good.

It does horrify me when I think of all the nappy waste being produced each day...but not sure it horrifies me enough to actually do anything that requires extra time/hassle! How do they even work?!

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