Sorry for dropping off the thread. DDad had a series of mini strokes 2 weeks ago, so we've been trying to get ourselves sorted. Touch wood, he's had a lucky escape with only mild residual numbness on one side. They also found a benign brain tumour, so he needs to build up his strength to have an operation on that.
Sorry to hear about your worries @MilsCookie. I have everything crossed for you and your girls 💓
Can't believe we're so close to the first thread baby!
Re recommendations:
We had the Next2Me, it was great being able to just lean over and grab baby. I've recommended co-sleepers to everyone who has had a baby since.
I breastfed DS for 10 weeks, then he went on nursing strike (essentially refused to breastfeed any more) so we moved to bottles (and found he was lactose intolerant, but that's a story for another day). Our perfect prep was invaluable! Personally, I don't think the new features are worth the extra money. Agree with what was said earlier, that you need to follow the care instructions and change the filters regularly (and DH used to put cooled, boiled water in as well). We used it for over 2 years with no mould or temperature issues, and DSis used it after us with no issues either. Another tip I would add, we used to take it upstairs with us at bedtime! Saved going downstairs and all the way through the house to the kitchen for night feeds.
We had the Dr Brown's bottles. Never had any issues with colic, but I can't say if that was why as we never used a different brand.
My friend had twins, and used the maam self sterilising ones, and I noticed that they do anti-colic ones now.