May 2018 thread 3, 12 week scans and heading towards the 2nd trimester

[Whatamuddleduck]

As the 2nd thread is full I've started this one. Hope everyone finds it!

Just to add that I'm sure you can get a lot second hand in good condition. Advice is always to buy a new car seat and new mattresses for cots, prams and Moses baskets.
For second hand, have a look if there are any Mum2Mum markets near you and NCT sales. There are normally 2 NCT sales per year, it's March and September here and I picked up some really good things from mine with DD (bathseat, cellular blankets, bouncy chair).

Thanks for the really useful advice cautious. I think I've settled on getting a side-sleeper thing, and I've found an NCT sale in March so going to give that a go. I just can't make a decision on pushchairs - all being well, I'd like to have a 2nd when this one is around 2 -3, so I have been looking at ones that convert - I'm keen on the uppababy vista, but I will likely be going into London from time to time, so it might not be so practical for that! I think I might just get it though and see how often I actually end up travelling once little one is here - I can always pick up a lighter stroller second hand if it's useful later down the line.

Hi ladies
Bit late to the party but wondered if I could join? I'm due on 26th May - Bank Holiday Baby!! It will be my second. I have a two year old DS.
Hope everyone is doing well and 20 week scans all went ok. We decided to have a surprise so don't know what we're having.

Hi, welcome to all the newbies joining have been a bit busy trying to sort my house out. Need to get rid of a lot especially in my bedroom need to fix the baby cot hope I can remember where I have put the screws. Had 20 week scan another girl, but I'm not convinced still think it might be a boy. Anyone on here Got told wrong, don't know I know they can get it wrong sometimes . OMG H is face when we got told it was a girl. I'm happy I have enough boys trying to run the house .

Off on a week's holiday with my mum today to Lanzarote - can't wait! Have a very stressful and busy job and a long commute (1.5 hours each way) so really looking forward to relaxing - Reading, eating, sleeping and going in the spa! If we get a bit of winter sun so much the better but don't care even if we don't - I just won't be at home and have to walk the huskies or go to work or do anything around the house! Bliss!

Helloooo, I’m new to these forums but thought I’d say hi :) How’s everyone’s pregnancy going so far? I’m 24 weeks, due on the 17th May, our first baby so just trying to figure out what I need to do and get organised! When did you start buying baby things? Have you organised your nursery yet? I want to buy everything and get the room ready for baby but have no idea if it’s too early now or just to go for it!?! Any thoughts welcome, Jen x

Welcome Jen!

I'm due baby number 2 on 19th May so we're pretty close together.

For baby's room, some people prefer to get it ready later as baby won't really use it for the first few months. However I prefer to get it done while I have time/hands available rather than try and decorate with a newborn! I think we'll aim to get the baby's room ready in March this time, I already know that I want it to be sky blue with hot air balloons but I need to figure out if I'm buying a cot or not (depends on what to do with my DD).

I would recommend looking at prams so you can narrow down what you want. People panicked last time as we hadn't ordered one with 2 months to go but once we'd chosen it arrived in the same week. You should consider storage though if you order too early - add to that any superstition your family may have (this could be just my family but they were very wary of me keeping the pram at home!).

Thanks for your advice and congratulations on baby number 2, hope everything is going well :)

We actually ordered our pram at the weekend and I can select a delivery date close to my due date. I just need to get everything else organised! The plan is to get baby’s room completed between now and April, just so I know it’s ready and I have no idea how much time I’ll have when baby arrives, think I need to write some lists of what we need!!!

I’m also off to the Canaries - weather doesn’t look amazing but like a previous poster I’m just looking forward to time off work, not having to commute (looong commute) and cook and clean!

I’ve made a list of baby stuff I need (first baby) but I’m panicking about car seats, buggy etc as soooo much choice! Want a buggy we can (eventually when baby old enough) run off road with.

I’m aiming to have everything bought & ready by end of March (due date is mid-May).

Couple of questions:

• does baby need a pram or just a buggy?! Or can I just get a sling for newborn?

• do cot and Moses basket mattresses come in standard sizes? I’m getting cot and basket second hand so need new mattresses but heard it’s dangerous to have a mattress that doesn’t fit right.

• are you buying a pump/bottles in case baby doesn’t take to breastfeeding?

• can baby go in a bouncy chair from birth?

I’m realising how little I know

I'm slightly envious of those of you getting away for some winter sun. I hope you have a nice time and come back relaxed.

Bunny I think a lot depends on the baby.

• a sling is fine for a newborn and they'll probably prefer it to the pram but I think that they have to lie flat until they can hold their head up if you wouldn't be using a sling all of the time.
• You can get different Moses basket sizes as we bought a longer one for DD so wait until you've got the basket and then measure it and I'm sure you'll find the right size. Is it a cot or cotbed? I think cotbeds are standard sizes but I believe Ikea mattresses may be a different size.
• I didn't buy bottles and a pump in advance but this is completely personal choice.
• most bouncy chairs I think are suitable from birth (but not unattended). I bought ours second hand and it was all singing all dancing and DD hated it! It's in the loft for the second one hoping he/she enjoys it more. DD did enjoy a swing though.

Sorry that really doesn't sound like I'm much help at all! Don't worry about how much you know, you'll get there! Many of the "essentials" are nice to haves, baby needs somewhere to sleep, a way to get around, some clothes, nappies and wipes or cotton wool/water and a way to feed - although I would add muslins to that essentials list!

@BunnyFluffy

I would say it is useful to have a sling (babies usually love it) but you only really need either a Pram or a buggy (certainly to start with). If you get a buggy make sure it goes completely flat and is suitable for newborns. As I've got a 2 yr old I'm planning on sticking with my same Pram and have a buggy board / use a sling for baby if I think DS will need to use the Pram.

Moses baskets really differ in size so you just have to measure it. There's an online website that produces mattresses to the size you need. babymattressesonline.co.uk/custom-size-mattress-for-prams-cribs

Cotbeds tend to be standard size I think.

I am going to see if I can borrow an electric breastpump - I have a hand one which I happened to be given just before I gave birth to DS. I'm pretty certain I will be able to breastfeed again but it's useful to have the breastpump to express and freeze milk (so OH can do a feed and I can sleep!) I wouldn't do it until after 6 weeks though to enable the baby to establish feeding so plenty of time to get something after.

Bouncy chair - yes they can go in from birth but important for them to also lie flat. It's not good for babies to be in a banana shape for too long (like being in a car seat for more than 2hrs). I didn't bother with a bouncy chair I just had a play mat that I would just put on the floor for DS to have a stretch on.

In terms of getting ready it's probably a good idea to be pretty much ready a month before baby is due. One of my NCT friends has just given birth to her second at 35+6!!

Hope that helps a bit. xx

Sparkles, DD will be 2 in June. My pram doesn't convert to a double so I'm thinking the same as you with a buggy board and a sling for #2 but how do you plan to get around newborn needing the carrycot and toddler needing the seat or is your pram all the same?

Oh and what are you doing about cots Sparkles, is your DS already in a bed?

I had DD at 39+1, no idea if this one is also likely to come a little earlier. My pregnancy has been so different, I wouldn't be surprised if this one is induced at 42 weeks!! I'm only 24 weeks but have had enough already!

@cautiousoptimist1 I think I'm going to slightly wing it with the Pram. The main Pram seat does actually go completely flat so I'm thinking I could put baby in there if I'm out and about and DS is at a playgroup or something. My DS will be 2.5 when baby arrives and he already walks/rides his bike a lot of the time.

With beds I've not quite approached that one yet! We tried DS in the cot bed before Christmas and he wasn't ready so sides went back up. I figure baby will be in with us for at least 5months so we may tackle him moving to a bed during that time. We may also be moving house after baby is born so that would probably make transition easier. Otherwise the two of them will have to share so we won't have much choice!!

Hello! Haven’t we all been quiet? My excuse is I tidied up my iPhone and lost my login details. Luckily was still logged in on my iPad...

26+2 today and feeling very pregnant. I swear I’m almost as big as when DS was born at 42+1! Lots and lots of movement this time - DS was really calm and placid but I don’t think this one will be.

On the hunt for double buggies and struggling. I really like the Mountain Buggy Duet but was hoping for other choices too. I want a side by side and DS will be 2yrs 3m. I’d like a carrycot attachment as well as car seat fitting. That seems to rule out a lot of choices! DS has already outgrown the Oyster so anything like that won’t work. MB seems to be the way to go...

How’s everyone else?

Hi, handbagfan yes it's really quiet I think a lot of people have joined the Facebook group, I haven't though like it here. I feel huge too 28 weeks + 1 day . I'm dreading the Easter holidays kids will be off for two weeks. I'm in cleaning mode today even though I hate it, it clears my mind too. I just hope this baby doesn't come early too. Sorting kids clothes out what to keep what to give away sort of finished cleaning the cellar. Have already fixed the cot just needs a wipe down will do that when kids go school. Sorry if tmi , how's everyone else doing anyone else getting things ready also?

OMG - I am 30 weeks now and seriously shattered after last week - rushing around a lot at work and also quite a bit at the weekend. Feeling it now! Not sure how I am going to manage another 6 weeks of work (even with going down to 4 days in March)! Have so much left to sort out and running out of days to get everything done. Could literally turn the light off now and go back to sleep all day! Hungry too - think Pip Squeak is having a growth spurt! Well he/she is supposed to now be putting on at least half a pound a week!

Haven't even started putting the nursery together yet or sorted my hospital bags! Note to self: need to get a move on this coming weekend!

I haven’t done anything either and I’m a SAHM! It’s my sisters wedding this weekend so once that’s out of the way I can crack on and start focusing on baby. I need to decorate and organise the bedroom, start getting my DD used to being left with grandparents and pack bags etc.

We’re also having our bathroom done in April so that will be interesting! Hopefully baby doesn’t put in an early appearance! Don’t fancy bathroom fitters being here while I’m in early labour

I’m 27+3 and want to be organised ASAP in case Baby comes early and also I’m a bit of a stress head and like to be in control!

I’ve bought most stuff now but it’s just in a big pile so need to sort the nursery out.

I’m getting stressed that everything I have bought is wrong somehow......

OMG - any one else sometimes feel like baby is trying to rip its way out of your stomach? Pip Squeak sometimes moving so abruptly and hard that it takes my breath away and makes me yelp! Really strong! Ouch! Also makes me think I am going to wet myself when he/she does it down near pubic bone!!

I really wish I’d sorted some things before instead of focusing on the wedding (which was lovely). Mainly because I wanted to get the cot from toys r us! Obviously that’s nothing compared to those people waiting to find out about jobs etc but my DDs cot is from there and is lovely and so reasonably priced compared to other places.

What’s everyone doing about newborn beds/cribs? I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed by choice. I liked the look of the tutti bambino cozee when looking in mothercare but read mixed reviews and seems expensive with sheets etc, but I like the idea of something big enough to last for 6 months in our room.

Gyoza we’ve got a wooden swinging crib (40x89cm size) that will go in our room and should last until they can sit up at which point they have to go into a deeper cot as they could haul themselves out of the crib!

Also got a Moses basket that will go downstairs for naps.

We got them secondhand (crib £15 and Moses basket for free) so wouldn’t have bought both otherwise. We have bought brand new mattresses and cotton fitted sheets.

I’ve bought a few second hand gro-snugs off eBay - you can either swaddle the baby with arms in or use like a sleeping bag with arms out. They are designed for newborns ( 5-12 lbs I think).

No idea if this is “right” or not - confused first time Mum!!!

Crib similar to this

www.mothercare.com/cribs-and-moses-baskets/mothercare-swinging-crib/LU2665.html?cgid=nursery_cribsandmoses&dwvar_LU2665_color=White#cm_mmc=Google--Nursery--MC-UK-BG-Exa-Nursery-Cribs%2F%2FNursery-Cribs-Swinging-_-mothercare+swinging+crib+-+e&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_category=Google+-+Nursery&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_8zcu-LK2QIV7ZztCh2RCwKiEAAYASAAEgIWOfD_BwE&utm_content=Text+Ad&start=5