Do I need to buy.....

[NoTeaForMe]

Hi,

I am planning on breastfeeding if I can, someone has suggested I buy a steriliser, some bottles and formula in case I can't breastfeed. Surely if it's not going well I can nip out (send my husband out!) for these things?! If it all goes well won't this be a complete waste of money? Someone else has said I will need a steriliser for after breastfeeding anyway, so maybe I should get one now and be ready either way?

Any advice?

Also do I need one of those play mat gym things? With all the toys dangling, they make me feel a bit claustrophobic!!! But obviously they are for baby and not me!!! What do you all think?

Thanks in advance!

Gosh! I didn't mean to offend anyone. All I was saying is that the experts advice use of a dummy, so I will be using a dummy. Equally, I won't put baby to sleep on front or wearing a hat, because they advise against that. Obviously you can't follow every single bit of guidance till children are 18, and as parents you have to make your own choices about lots of controversial areas of parenting, but there are four or five simple things the FSID advise you to do, and I personally will do them.
I can't imagine how it would feel to have a baby die of cot death - none of us can if it hasn't happened to us. I know, however, that it would be of comfort to me if I had followed all the advice that was available about avoiding it. That is not the same as suggesting that it is the "fault" of parents who make a different choice and who are unfortunate enough to lose their baby.

Several friends with babies have made the same point to me re keeping the baby in their room for the first six months. After the first few months they would have been happy to move their babies into their own nurseries, but were following the six month guidance because they felt better doing that. A number of them have made the specific point to me that if the worst happened, they would know they had done all they could to avoid it. I didn't find it insensitive or offensive when that point was made to me, indeed I agreed/identified with it. I certainly didn't repeat it here to offend anyone or be insensitive.

I would hate to spend the rest of my life thinking - what if I had used a dummy, or what if I had put her to sleep on her back etc. That is all I was trying to say.

I would get a cold water steriliser if you are thinking of using a dummy. Cold water ones are cheaper if you never end up needing bottles.

I think you are all being a bit harsh jumping down addie's throat like that - to suggest she was trying to offend parents whose children have died of SIDS is a total over-reaction. I can see where she is coming from - I find it comforting to follow the advice just because because its the advice sometimes.

addie fair enough, i see where you are coming from and i agree in part.For me it was the comment about blaming yourself if the worst happens and you haven't used a dummy which i didn't agree with ,and still dont, but respect you for coming back to make your point clear.

People are getting their knickers in a twist excessively over addy's comments - I can see exactly what she is trying to say. IMO nothing she said was "out of order", "unpleasant", or "horrible".

I am interested that some people never used their playmats - I have bought one and thought I would get loads of use out of it, but have also bought a mamas and papas swinging chair which on reflection might be more useful? I am a bit worried about someone stepping on the baby if left on the floor!

Sorry I started that ball rolling Addie. Mine was meant to be a gentle nudge over phrasing really! (as I said)