A few questions (25 weeks)

[ALR123]

Evening, just a few queries....

1. When should I start antenatal classes and would you do private ones? Midwife didn't give me any info about this at 24 week appointment

1. If I plan on having my baby in a moses basket initially, is it okay to leave the stand upstairs and have the basket on the floor downstairs during the day? (No pets). Or do I need 2 stands?

1. Am more than happy to accept second hand nice quality products. My sis has just offered me her old moses basket but her partner smoked heavily in the home. I'd been complaining I was trying to save money so don't feel I can turn it down but also feel a little awkward about it? What would you do?

Thanks!

Hello! Congratulations!

Can't answer number 1 as I never attended antenatal classes.

Number 2 - Moses basket will be fine on the floor, my DS used to nap in a bouncer so don't see why a Moses basket on the floor would be any different.

Number 3 - just buy a new mattress. A mattress should not really be used secondhand anyway.

My antenatal classes started at 30 weeks so you will need to enrol I have no experience of private ones though.

Not sure on the Moses basket with stand either could u not just have one stand an carry it up and down most fold up neat so should be easy

Second hand Moses basket is your choice even if you accept it you will need to get a new mattress for it even though it was only your sisters baby. It's is recommended that a new mattress be got. And as for the smoking I would say if you get a good new mattress and wash the Moses basket down well and wash any other fabric that comes with it eg hood it should be fine

If you aren't comfortable with it being from a smokers home you can get Moses baskets quite cheap if you look around

Good luck

1. Think it varies depending on area. I would ask mw at next app. By private are you talking about nct? If so I personally hated nct and thought it was a waste of money but I have friends who loved it so perhaps I was unlucky.. Anyway you can go online to book that anytime, prob sooner rather than later.
2. Basket will be fine on the floor.
3. I would wash the loose covers and buy a new mattress.

Congratulations!

I wouldn't be happy using the Moses basket. Smoke can get very ingrained and is a risk factor for cot death, so maybe I'd consider it for other items but not where baby sleeps. I'd just say I'd already been given a nearly new one by a friend and just buy a cheap/other used one.

Re Moses basket from a smoker. I'm not sure I would be happy using it but if money is tight the just get a new mattress and make sure everything is washed down. If you want to turn it down just say that you and OH decided that the Moses cot was something you both felt should be bought new.

Good luck which ever you decide

I did nct classes and to be honest I didn't think they were worth it. The NHS ones are free, ring your midwife and ask. You might make other mummy friends which is valuable.

Moses basket on the floor is fine

I would check the basket over, if the actual basket smells of smoke, I would just say honestly that it smells of smoke. If it doesn't then wash covers and replace mattress. And air the basket outside just to make sure.

Hi op,

I used to carry the Moses basket down stairs and just have on the floor.

I personally wouldn't want a Moses basket from a house where people were smoking. I agree you can wash the covers but id be concerned it was ingrained in the bit you can't wash easily.

Is there any nhs antenatal classes you can go on?

Hi

Midwife would give info about NHS antenatal classes but at a later stage than where you are. I would find out from your hospital and sign up early for around when you are 30-34 weeks.

We also did a private hypnobirthing course which we loved.

No I wouldnt use a moses basket from a smoking home. But thats personal choice.

But then I dont have a moses basket at all - just co sleeper crib upstairs and travel cot downstairs.

I didn't do private antenatal classes and wished I had. I didn't have any friends who were pregnant/had children and really needed to build a support network I thought I'd meet people at groups etc. and put myself out there. However, everyone I met, whilst friendly, already had groups/ friends. You could tell the NCT crowd from a mile off. If you feel you need to build a strong network of friends, join NCT and guarantee be one of that group. I was lonely.

I used moses basket on the floor and/or pram carrycot for downstairs sleeping.

Personally, I would say no to anything that had been in a smokey environment - can you tell her thanks, but you have your heart set on this mothercare/kiddicare/jo jo maman bebe one that you simply must have, so as not to hurt feelings?

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Thanks so much for the advice everyone!

Spoke to NCT today and they're now fully booked in my area until after my due date :-( am gutted. They've put me on their cancellation list. Is it normal for them to be booked so early? I'm not due till mid Jan. Are there other antenatal groups that are good to meet people at or are nct pretty much the best ones?
I'm going to just get the one moses basket stand now I know that it can go on the floor downstairs.
And I'm going to say no to my sis too. I feel really mean and ungrateful but I just don't want anything smoky around a tiny newborn. I'll have to think of a way to word it.
Thanks again to all of you and congrats to you all x

I'm due end of January and booked my nct classes straight after my 12 week scan. My class sold out shortly after that.

Oh really?? Gutted :-( I never even heard of them till last week!

It's annoying, they're really popular.
There must be other antenatal groups in your area. Have you googled?

I went to the nhs antenatal group and I know some of them still meet up 1.5 years later. I didn't stay in touch with any of them but only becaus I didn't really gel with them. I made plenty of friends at other groups. I think the nct does a group for new mums which is meant to be good.

Our local hospital does antenatal classes or there are other ones such as Daisy

I wouldn't use Moses basket from smoking household and fine to put on floor!

I'd go to a couple of NHS groups if you can - I went to NHS antenatal as well as their aquanatal and some people from aquanatal went to the same antenatal classes, might be easier to strike up a conversation that way (if you're shy like me it can be difficult). A girl at the aquanatal suggested at the end of our block that we all keep in contact, which was great, we're all still in touch about 7 months later and are a great support to each other. Everyone wanted to keep in touch but it took that girl to be brave enough suggest it - we're really glad she did and after all, what do you have to lose?!

Re what to tell your sister - say you've heard babies grow out of the moses baskets quickly (true), so want to get a crib instead so you've more chance of having baby in your room for the recommended 6 months. If you're getting a travel system you can use the carrycot from that for baby to sleep in during the day - DS loved his and it was great to be able to wheel him throughout the house when he was sleeping to wherever I needed to be. Good luck!