March 2016 #6, we're just breeding here!

[MyNameIsSuz]

New thread, whoop whoop. Come on over!

I meant getting, obviously, not wetting.

Thanks for the sling adice dobby , I think I misread your post saying the consultant wasn't keen on the Caboo. I'm keeping an eye on ebay for a second hand one, which sounds like it may be better than new - thanks for the tip!

hayley nowhere near me sadly! I don't normally do any exercise but that youtube yoga is pretty straightforward and the stretching helped me straight away.

Moby wraps are also pretty good, and not too expensive. I just need to get mine back from whoever I lent it to!

Beautiful, you should be fine! My boy was weeny too and we were in the small sizes for ages, but lots of my friends' babies weren't!

Definitely agree that newborn sizes are actually quite big, we bought two newborn and some 0-3 before we had ds and they were so huge on him my mum ran out for more newborn stuff on the way to the hospital.

Wow all of these lists are so helpful. Feeling very under prepared now but was going to wait until 20wk scan to start buying!

I've been trying to do yoga and pilates videos but keep forgetting! Really need to get some more exercise in, need to go for that swim I've been promising myself at the weekend!

Hola.

We haven't bought anything yet, but don't need much (other than a bedside crib).

I saw carriers on sale in John Lewis this weekend - they had the Ergo Classic (my favourite), the Ergo 360 (avoid - even Ergo's science advisor doesn't think it should have been made, and all reports I've heard is that it's uncomfortable to wear for long), the Caboo and some Baby Bjorn nonsense and probably some others.

One of the best things you can do is find your local sling/baby wearing consultant and try a few (you can do this before birth). You can usually hire/borrow a number of different carriers to find which suits you best. Use Google & Facebook to find them.

Regarding clothes - DS was 8lb 8oz and was in newborn/up to 1 month for a while.

Hmm, my caboo was second hand from eBay and I washed/rethreaded it several times but still had the slipping issue. I don't know if it didn't suit DDs body shape or my shortness or what but it just didn't work for us at all! It only cost me a tenner second hand though so didn't mind too much, just chalked it down to experience.

Baby has been kicking like mad today! Don't know if she's having a growth spurt perhaps? 22 weeks today, really feels like a long way to go. My friend is due today and she messaged me earlier very pissed off and frustrated! I'm not looking forward to that stage. I'm convinced I'm going to go overdue again...

So much to catch up on!!

Me, we had one of these http://www.kiddicare.com/p/Safety1sttFoamBabyyBatherSponge.htm?productt_id=545344&utmsource=pla&gclid=CN--_--7z8sgCFUqdGwodZQYNYg
For bathing DS as recommended by DSIL who has two kids. It was fab and DS used it until he could sit up in the bath, seemed way more comfy for him than lying on one of those hard plastic inserts or the hassle of having to fill a separate baby bath (plus took up loads less space!)

In terms of buying stuff thankfully we have most things from DS, I just want to get another sling, maybe a caboo although could borrow one from my sister as her little boy didn't get on with it. I already have a Boba wrap (same as Moby wrap) which i loved and used loads with DS. As I have quite narrow shoulders I didn't get on well with carriers like the Ergo, they just didn't feel comfy across the shoulders but the wrap was really comfy as it's spread right across your shoulders. Depending on where you live there may be sling meets you can go to where loads of sling loving mums take their slings along (and some people have huge collections!), and will show you how to put them on etc. I found it really helpful. You can find them on Facebook.

Hope the scan went well Dobby.

Don't know what happened to that link, it's basically a huge sponge with a baby shaped indent that they lie on in the bath!

Clothes wise I remember 0-3 being huge on DS who was 8lb 1oz for at least a few weeks. We just had a few newborn things then into 0-3

I'm gutted to find what I think is my first stretch mark already! I was religious with bio oiling with DS and still got some after week 37 (all under belly button though) This time I've not bothered at all thinking I'm bound to get some late on again but maybe I need to start that moisturisation quick smart.....maybe it did more than I thought last time...dammit. 22 weeks is too early!!!

That sucks missikat! I definitely haven't been moisturising as much this time, I liked the palmers tummy butter last time and it really worked. I have it again this time, but I'm mostly using it when my skin feels sore and tight rather than every day. I also only got a few stretch marks right at the end, a tiny patch under my belly button, which I don't care about at all as my stomach has never seen the light of day in public anyway! So not too worried

Thanks Missikat I'll look at the bath insert thing.

I am applying tummy butter almost every day in the hope it will ward off stretch marks! Fingers crossed

Thanks for the tips re sizes. I've somehow locked myself out of my eBay account - god knows how I managed that - but I fancy a bit of a mooch on there. I also would like to go to an NCT nearly new sale and see if there are any bargains.

I've read a couple of threads about hospital bags and I thought I'd ask you all what you took with you into hospital because the way I travel I'll need a pickford's lorry to take me!

Morning all! I'm feeling very happy today as we can finally feel little man's kicks on the outside at 21+5 .

Have been reading your reviews of slings with interest. We have a second hand Baby Bjorn but I'd really like a wrap sling and the comments about hip issues makes me want this even more. I think I'll have to try some out to get one that feels comfy and non slippy. I didn't use a carrier at all with DS though. He didn't like it and was pretty heavy to carry around!

I also second getting a few newborn outfits even if your expecting a larger baby. The size guides are confusing though as Sainsburys say 'newborn' is up to 7lbs. DS was 8.5lbs and this baby is measuring in the 90th centile already so I've been going for the 'Up to 1 month' size instead. From past experience I really wouldn't get too much at all in 0-3, 3-6, or 6-9, as this tends to be the sizes that you receive in gifts / hand me downs. You can always purchase extra at the time if you need them (or if you buy before, don't remove tags too soon so that you can take back if not needed).

I think I have most things now - cot and furniture just needs rebuilding; we have moses basket, monitor, high chair, bouncy chair and playmat. The only thing I've bought this time round is the Perfect Prep for making bottles and new bottles; and got that in the sale at Tesco. I still need to get a steriliser but I think we are pretty much ready! Cant wait to decorate the nursery. DP wants to do it in January and I think I want a grey and mint theme this time, with lots of elephants. DS's nursery was very bright with jungle animals, so will be more muted this time.

Someone asked about hospital bag - my top tip would be a mini hand held fan. Maternity units are soooo hot. I thought I was burning up! They wont let you open the windows as they don't want draughts for the babies and I had to beg for a fan and promise I wouldn't direct it towards DS. Will def get one for this time. Oh and a few snacks for after baby is born. DS was born at 12:30am, and I'd not eaten for 29 hours. I didn't get offered anything until breakfast, so my snack bag was totally needed!

My tip for hospital bag is - two bags! One for you and one for the baby, or one for stuff you'll need in labour and one for afterwards. It will be easier to find what you need, especially if it's not you looking. I took a massive bag in (as I had a dressing gown and towel in there) and although I packed very carefully, I still remember dh rummaging through it immediately after the birth, frustrated and scattering bits everywhere, because he couldn't find the babygros and nappies.

Oh, and second (fairly gross) tip - take a nice soft bath towel with you for afterwards, but make sure it's a dark colour! I bought a dark one specially and am very glad I did, it got gory down there pretty quickly.

I've been moisturising pretty regularly with Palmers this time round but expect I will get more stretch marks as my skin is just built that way (i.e. useless). Tbh I had so many stretch marks from last time, a few more won't make a blind bit of difference. I wouldn't worry too much if you get them, they fade and unless you regularly wear crop tops, it's not too much of an issue. I quite happily have worn a bikini post birth despite my horrific array of stretch marks; the first time I was very self conscious but DP told me not to worry so I relaxed and didn't care. My belly has always been my weakest/worst part of my body so the fact it looks a bit more shit wasn't a huge deal (once I'd gotten over the initial shock!). I once asked DP what he thought of my stretch marks/if they were gross and he said he didn't even notice them most of the time and even when he did, they didn't make him find me less sexy or anything, so that made me feel better.

For hospital bags, I second snacks! and having a separate bag with stuff for the baby. You don't need much, I would say a couple of newborns and 0-3 or up to one month, as you won't know which size will fit your baby, and they might wee/sick on themselves so good to have a spare! we had a newborn sleepsuit and a 0-3 and DD was too big for the newborn despite being only 7 pounds 9, because she was a long and skinny baby, so it's not just about weight! she was only in newborn for a couple of weeks despite only being on the 50th centile, because she was so long. oh and pack shampoo and conditioner and a hair brush. my hair got really sweaty and gross during labour and it was nice to be able to wash it afterwards. a dark towel is also a good suggestion - I remember after DD's birth being really surprised in the shower with how much blood there was. I remember thinking before I got up off the bed that I felt fine and really wanted to go home, but as soon as I stood up I felt dizzy and actually realised that yes, I had lost quite a bit of blood and was losing more, and perhaps staying in hospital for the night wasn't such a bad idea! which also brings me onto the next must have: lots of maternity sanitary towels and at least 3/4 pairs spare knickers. I didn't go in for the disposable knickers, just got some large black cheapo knickers from Asda which held up/washed well.

tbh you only need to pack for one night because your DP/DH will go home after the birth and can bring extra stuff the next day. also if you have a straightforward birth you will go home the next day anyway. with DD, despite having a long labour and needing an episiotomy, I was home within 24 hours. I guess it depends on how far from the hospital you are.

I hadn't really thought about packing a hospital bag because I've been focused on having a home birth but just realised I will need to pack one just in case I end up having to get transferred! I think they suggest getting it done by 34 weeks.

I live 5 minutes from our hospital but I don't trust DH to bring the right stuff! It's likely I'll be in hospital for 2 days I think so will probably take double the recommended (or have a duplicate bag packed at home for DH to pick up). In terms of clothes for the newborn in hospital, for each set do you need vest/bodysuit and babygrow? Plus hat I'm guessing!

I'm planning on taking a bag suitcase with my stuff in and then the changing bag with all baby's bits in.

I shall be adding dark towel to my list (and dark pj trousers/jogging bottoms)

Rhubarb Have you seen the wall stickers you can get? Seems like a really easy way to decorate a nursery but they look fab and lots of jungle themed ones, e.g. www.notonthehighstreet.com/parkinsinteriors/product/pastel-jungle-animals This is what we're planning to do, as we'll be keeping the room as our guest room initially so we're not making it completely baby-focused, just along one wall where the cot, changing unit etc will be.

I've read great things about this bath support too www.amazon.co.uk/Angelcare-Soft-Touch-Bath-Support/dp/B00AWMV9CY - just waiting for it to be on offer somewhere.

Seconding the snacks in the hospital bag! I also packed some powerade too. I packed my own travel sized shampoo, conditioner and shower gel, but used the hospitals towels. You will definitely want a nice shower after! I used a big back pack with two sections, and used the smaller one for baby and larger for myself. I agree with only packing for one day. Your partner can pop home and get other outfits if necessary, but definitely pack more than one pair of knickers, and a couple of outfits for baby. I also packed 4 nappies....but I think the hospital kept giving us their own to use. Oh also take breast pads!

RE: moisturising - I've been using Bio Oil, but find I'm way too impatient to wait for it to sink in before getting dressed. So I've been using the Nivea in shower moisturiser every day, and using the Bio Oil only when I have time to lounge about waiting for it to sink it. Highly recommend the in shower stuff. Noticeably softer skin and feels less tight. So easy to do as well as hard to forget as it's right there in the shower next to the shower gel!

Pug That yoga did the trick! As soon as I finished I felt better. That squat at the end though... I could not get my heels on the floor without toppling backwards!

Will anybody else be going to the hospital in a taxi? We live in London and don't have a car. There's also no parking at our hospital!

I'm 10 minutes walk from my hospital - DH will most likely drive me up and then drop the car back home.

TriJo you're in Islington aren't you? Are you having baby at UCLH by any chance?

Glad to hear it helped hayley Oh and I'm with you on the squat! I was thinking how the hell are you meant to do this later on with a massive belly in the way?!

Just thought of another shopping tip - check out your local Facebook selling places. Where I live there are two specifically for baby/children's items. I've already got one lovely bundle of clothes for £15 and just asked about another one. Also lots of toys/jumparoos etc listed and as they're local no postage costs. There is also a lot of glittery home-made tat other irrelevant things listed but you just have to filter through.

I'd say three suits and vests - my boy was refluxy right from the start and soaked through them all! We still had to bring more. I will probably pack a second bag to leave in the car in case I'm kept in. One hat will be enough, as others have said the maternity wards are boiling hot. I think I'm going to skip the dressing gown this time and either take a thin cotton one or a zip-up hoody instead.

Yes to whoever said dark jogging bottoms - I lived in black yoga pants for the first couple of weeks, the foldover top was super comfy, they were just as comfortable as pyjamas, but I felt a bit more together and dressed in them and had no problem going outside or seeing visitors in them.

Don't forget to pack a phone charger!

Last time I went to boots and got lots of those little holiday toiletries, the fancy ones, for my hospital bag as a little exciting treat. Fancypants shampoo and a bit of moisturiser worked wonders at making me feel human again!

And last time I bought nursing bras at 38 weeks, but mostly wore nursing support vests or those night time nursing bras for a couple of weeks until I felt a bit less tender. I think this time I'll just go for the sleep bras and vests and then see how my old nursing bras fit and what I need when my milk comes in.

No taxi as I'm planning a home birth. The hospital is 19 miles away anyway so would cost a bomb!

Marmite I always had a hospital bag packed even with the two home births. It was quite useful afterwards, just kept it in the bathroom so I'd have access to giant sani pads etc.

No taxi required here either, 5 minute walk to the hospital - can see it, just, from our house.

Pug I like those stickers! We had the Fisher Price ones for DS (to match the playmat, bouncy chair etc), but those are more muted.

I really like these elephant button pictures / colours.