3rd Trimester Q & A

Q: Best baby bouncers?

Nest Kaitlin — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:19:00 GMT

Q: What kind of bouncer should I get baby?

A: Okay, a bouncer is a bouncer...right? Think again. There are sleek ones, cushy ones, cool vibrations, soft toys, hard toys, sounds of the Amazon -- even iPod connections! But bouncers and rockers do tend to serve one of two common purposes. They are either: 1) a compact, portable seat where baby can stay occupied in style, or 2) a mechanical play place for baby's outright entertainment.

Some of these can get a bit pricey, but they do make a serious statement in baby luxury and decor. Others are cute, functional, and super-fun and they offer good values and lots of cool activities for baby (you might even get a chance to shower after all!).

Check out our top ten faves and decide for yourself which bouncer best suits your style.

	Oeuf Baby Lounger A bouncer seat that's...classy? Yep, the Oeuf has done it. The Brooklyn company's fresh style lends an air of clean, simple cuteness to the classic baby haven. Far from being an eyesore (which, yes, baby gear can be at times), you'll actually want to keep this one out for company to see. Specifically made for baby's pre-sitting-up-alone days, the three-point safety belt keeps her secure on the padded (and machine-washable!) cotton seat. $98, Oeuf
	Maclaren Rocker The Maclaren rocker scores extra points for its compact fold and easy-carry handles, and its soft vibrations will soothe even the smallest couch potatoes. The seat comes in three sweet color combos and has a convenient faux suede head hugger insert for extra support. When baby's tired of rocking, the unit quickly converts into a stationary chair. $85, CSN baby
	BABY BJORN Babysitter Baby Bjorn's award-winning bouncer design is simple but oh-so-smart. The fabric seat is machine-washable and reversible; nonskid pads keep the seat in place; there's a cute toy bar attachment; and it folds up flat as a pancake. Even better, the restraints are removable -- making for a cute toddler seat once baby's big enough to get around on his own. $99, Target
	Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker Trying to maximize the life of your baby buys? This cute rocker lasts straight through to toddlerhood! There's a kickstand to still the chair for infant feeding and naps; a two-position recline that can be raised as baby gains muscle control; detachable, interactive toys (great for teething); and a toy bar that pops right off to transition into a comfy toddler seat. Gotta love gear that lasts. $35, Albee Baby
	Combi Pod Bounce With its four bouncing, spider-like legs and wooden accents, the Combi Pod bouncer gives off a markedly different vibe than most, and it has the coolest feature seen so far -- an MP3 player connection. Baby can rock out to whatever tunes you choose! There are three built-in songs as well as a vibration feature, a lockable bounce feature, a toy bar, anda removable canopy. Throw in three spicy color combos (mandarin, chili,and wasabi), and baby will be kicking it in style. $90, Baby Earth
	Boppy Cradle in Comfort Bouncer This bouncer is the plushest of the bunch, designed to surround baby in soft, squishy comfort. The bouncing and vibrating actions keep baby occupied and stimulated, along with New Age tunes and nature sounds(plus volume control!). The toy bar is easily removable and features and a couple of soft, dangly playthings. $50, Target
	Svan Bouncer Not your average bouncer. Svan as managed to create a baby seat that blends with modern decor and incorporates a ton of special features for baby. Good for babies 6 to 30 pounds, the wooden frame and support are both sturdy and ergonomic. The padding is just squishy enough, and the seat easily adjusts from upright to a nice, sleepy recline (or anywhere in between). Its canopy boasts three toy loops where you can hang whatever baby's into these days. The bounce-action is totally manual -- the flexibility of the wood is great for creating nice jiggle with just a little press from your toe. $100, 2modern
	Fisher-Price Rainforest Bouncer This colorful, ever-popular bouncer has all the bells and whistles that babies love. It has music, flashing lights, animals playing peekaboo, and a moving waterfall -- all activated by baby smacking around the hanging toys (or by you flipping a switch if you'd like the music to keep playing on its own). After all that stimulation, you can remove the toy bar and flip on the vibration function to help your little one wind down. $55, Toys R' Us
	Bloom Coco Baby Lounger This ultra-urban version of the baby seat from Bloom doesn't come cheap --but the architect in you is sure to covet its simple yet contemporary construction, cool, clean lines, and leatherette seat. The curve of either style wood or plexi style creates a pleasant rocking motion to lull your little one, while your choice of a whopping 30 color combinations will look stunning in your loft. The "bloom snug." sold separately, can be inserted to add extra cushion and neck support $200, BabyGeared
	Inglesina Loft Rocking Chair It's been said that the Inglesina Loft rocking chair is "as relaxing as the most indulgent chaise lounge." And, in fact, the smooth, adjustable construction and textile padding are reminiscent of a tiny,plush poolside lounger. The flip of a switch sets off a gentle rocking motion (why didn't the Caribbean resorts think of that?), and its modern lines and rich colors -- red, orange, aqua, or graphite -- are a cool addition to the style-conscious nursery. $119, AllModernBaby

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Q: Fun gifts?

Paula K — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:00:00 GMT

Q: I've registered for all the baby essentials, and now I want some fun stuff. What are some cute items to add to my registry?

A: You're definitely allowed to include some non-essentials on the list. Come on, people love to give cute, fun (and yes, frivolous) gifts. Avoid having to deal with other people's interpretation of "cute, fun" by including the stuff you like on your registry. (Use our online registry service to add the items, of course.) These are also all great options if you've been given permission to go off-registry for an expecting friend.

BEST OF THE BEST
Here are the top fun, stylish, and original gifts, all of them just as delightful for you as for baby. After all, pregnancy is tough. So go on, give yourself a treat.

	Dante Beatrix Baby Tote There’s no way around it -- every mom winds up lugging around wads of wipes, a variety of bright rubber chew-things, and baggies of goldfish crackers. But that doesn’t mean your can’t sling it all over your shoulder in style! This tote is hip enough to swing from play date to business lunch without wasting a second. Extendable handles, a variety of pockets, and a matching changing pad make it both practical and luxurious. Even if you've already picked out an everyday diaper contraption, the Baby Beatrix still makes great addition to your gear... especially for those occasions when you don’t want to be seen fishing for your wallet in a diaper bag.. $175, Dante Beatrix
	Suzanne Myers Sterling Name Charm Necklace Nashville teacher-turned-designer Suzanne Myers’ pretty charms dangle from the necks of celebrities like Sharon Stone and Faith Hill. The sterling coin-like charms etched with baby’s name and colorful stones make for a chic alternative to the average “mom necklace.” If you already know baby’s name, this is the ultimate personalized shower gift. (If not, you can always personalize after baby comes -- the necklaces are just that cute.) From $120, Suzanne Myers
	Lucky Jade Cotton Cashmere Blanket Known for luxurious cashmere baby gear, Lucky Jade's new cotton/cashmere blend blankets are just as soft as the originals, with the added bonus of machine washability. Key. And yes, you'll get tons of blankets, but these ones are different... snuggly and breathable, with totally adorable and unique designs. $68, Design Public
	Tea Collection Organic Hoshi Jacket Set This two-piece set is a perfect starter kit for baby’s first days as a fashion icon. We love the understated, delicate pattern, and the organic cotton is incredibly soft an warm. The vintage Japanese-inspired patterns offer a cute spin on the traditional newborn gift set... you'll definitely have the most sophisticated newborn around. $45, Tea Collection
	Blabla Veggie Rattles Made by expert Peruvian artisans, Blabla’s super-cute fruit rattles are unique playthings and great for development of motor skills and color-recognition. Since the rattles are knit from natural fibers, there’s no need to be concerned about possible lead paint content. And, they support a good cause - all Blabla products are fair trade. (That, and they just make you smile.) $35, Blabla

BEST OF THE REST
Once you get beyond the usual gift destinations, you’ll find a goldmine of products that give a chic, refreshing spin to traditional baby goods.

	Dwell Studio Bib and Burp Set A fresh, modern bib makes for a fun baby-cessory and a great conversation piece. Dwell’s bib and burp set has an extra-soft lining with incredibly cute prints on the organic cotton front. We love the gio print, which features huge animals in two color combinations. No matter what pattern you pick, though, you'll be sure to feel like a stylish mom right from the start. $37, Dwell Studio
	Binth Baby Book Going green? The whimsical illustrations in the Binth Baby Book are printed on recycled stock and offer a stylish way to keep up with baby’s memories and milestones. There’s a keepsake box to protect the cloth cover from dust (and spit up), and for a few extra bucks, you can have baby’s name embossed on the journal. And, the evergreen color is perfect for a boy or a girl. $110, Binth
	Aden + Anais Muslin Wrap The lightweight muslin wraps from Aden + Anais are not only breathable (keeping baby warm, not sweaty), but the fabric also grips against itself nicely to help swaddle the little one in nice and snug. Muslin wraps have been the rage in Australia for decades and are just starting to make an appearance here in the US. There are a ton of adorable patterns and colors to choose from, and you'll love them even more after you find yourself catching a few more zzz’s than expected. $44 for 4, Aden + Anais
	Noodle & Boo Honey Child Gift Set Why not give ask for something that’s a treat for both you and baby? The Noodle and Boo Honey Child set comes with Sugar Mama Honey Scrub, an uber-moisturizing and yummy-smelling exfoliant for mom, and the sweet and gentle Sugar Mama Honey Bar for you and baby to share. Noodle & Boo also donates 20 percent of profits to charity and wraps products in 100 percent recyclable packaging. $35, Noodle & Boo
	Minimink Bootees Now, you wouldn’t want baby slip-sliding around in these once she finds her feet, but for the early days of lying around, there’s nothing more plush and lush than (fake) fur booties. You probably wouldn't buy these for yourself, but the unexpected poofs of softness on baby’s tootsies are sure to inspire some oohs and ahhs from your early visitors. $30, Cute-ture

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Q: Best strollers?

Paula K — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:37:00 GMT

Q: What kind of stroller should I get for my baby?

A: Shopping for baby's ride can be almost as complicated as shopping for your own. There's a lot to consider: brake systems, cup holders, safety harnesses, comfort, weight, ease of folding, durability... not to mention the cuteness factor.

BEST OF THE BEST
Here are our top stroller picks, based on all of the above criteria and more.

	Bugaboo Cameleon The queen bee of all high-end, urban strollers. This modern marvel is Bugaboo's step up from their immensely popular Frog. The Cameleon maintains the trendy design and all the cool features (like all wheels perfect for your city dwellers) and adds in a new suspension system, an adjustable handlebar, a bigger sunshield, and a variety of color combinations to choose from (hence the buggy’s name). The catch: They don’t come cheap, but the fact that it serves so many different functions -- a newborn carriage, car seat stroller, toddler stroller, beach walker, and carrycot -- might just make it worth the splurge. $899.99, RightStart
	Phil & Teds Vibe This New Zealand company’s Sport stroller has been a fave for awhile, but now they’ve come out with this chic, urban alternative. The coolest Phil & Teds feature is the add-on doubles kit that can attach to either the front or back of the stroller for use as a single, a newborn/toddler stroller, or a toddler/toddler stroller. It’s a bit more stylish than the Sport and is a step up in terms of cushiness, braking, and folding. (Big bonus: It can fold with the double attachment in either position!) $599.99, USA Baby
	Quinny Buzz This mod European ride took American urbanites by storm when it hit the US market. It’s modern, it offers a smooth ride for baby, and it turns like a dream. At 26.4 lbs., this isn’t your best bet for traveling, but the great maneuverability and compact fold make it a big winner in crowded spaces. (It’ll be a hit on the playground too, where masses of moms will stare at your bright, trendy neoprene seat in awe.) $549, Albee Baby
	Mountain Buggy Urban Single Come rain, snow, or rocky path, the Mountain Buggy’s got you covered. When you hit a change of surfaces, the air-filled tires just keep on moving -- without too much baby jostling. It’s a soft, easy ride indoors or outdoors, and the axle retracts for an easy (and surprisingly compact) fold. $549.99, Mountain Buggy Strollers
	Peg Perego Skate Okay, so we dubbed Bugaboo the queen bee, but she definitely has a new contender for that throne. The Skate stroller from Peg Perego is fully adjustable. Not only does it easily convert from carriage to stroller and have three reclining positions, but the back and legs of the seat can also be seamlessly adjusted into pretty much any position. Also, the height is adjustable so baby can be raised to whatever level works best for you. $899.99, Lullaby Lane

BEST OF THE REST
Looking for a stroller that will make outings a breeze without breaking the bank? Though spanning a broad range (from around $149 to $529), all of these strollers are tough, stylish and offer lots of bang for your buck.

	Bumbleride Flyer The Bumbleride Flyer is a less expensive option that still provides the durability and many of the cool features you'll find in much more price models. There are five cute colors to choose from; the seating is plush (and machine-washable!); and the stroller switches from rear- to forward-facings with a simple shift of the handle. $329.99, BabyBecause
	Graco MetroLite This easy-to-maneuver (and easy on the wallet) option definitely lives up to its name. The Graco Metrolite's aluminum frame is sturdy but light, making it great option for on-the-go moms. It's easy to collapse, will fit in the trunk without a problem, and has a huge lower basket. Graco also makes tons of other baby products (diaper bags, bouncers, high chairs, etc.) in the same fabric options as the stroller -- a huge plus for moms who love to match. $149.99, EliteCarSeats
	Maclaren Triumph A must for families who will be popping their stroller into lots of trunks and coat closets, the Maclaren Triumph is durable, lightweight, and folds up small and simple (with one hand!). The Triumph is effortless and practical without sacrificing style. $175, BabyEarth
	BOB Revolution Duallie Finally -- a double stroller that fits through doorframes, pushes evenly with just one passenger, and works smoothly both in the mall and on the jogging trail! You’ll have to purchase accessories (like the weather shield and car seat adapter) separately, but all in all, the Revolution is an ideal pick for active families. $529, Strollerideas
	Chicco Cortina Another practical option, the Chicco Cortina is durable, sturdy and easy to use. The adjustable handles make it great for tall parents (particularly those with short partners!), and the turning radius is pretty amazing. We also love the way it folds up instead of down -- this seems minor only until you've bent down to collapse a stroller a thousand times. $149.99, Target

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QA Index

Q: How long in hospital?

Paula K — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:24:00 GMT

Q: If there are no complications, for how long should I expect to stay in the hospital after giving birth?

A: If you have a totally smooth vaginal birth, you're likely to head home within 24 to 48 hours of delivery. You'll have to rest a bit after pushing out baby and wait for any anesthesia to wear off, and your doc may want to monitor you and baby for the first day or so to make sure no problems develop. Then, if all is well, you're likely to be back in your pad in no time.

Keep in mind that you may need to stick around for awhile if you have a cesarean or any complications. Use your extra time in the hospital to take advantage of the available support, like breastfeeding and baby care classes.

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Your pregnancy and birth. 4th ed. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2005.

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Q: Other kids during delivery?

Paula K — Thu, 08 May 2008 22:18:00 GMT

Q: What should I do with my other child(ren) when I go into labor?

A: It's definitely best to have a plan in place for who'll be looking after your kids when you head in to deliver. Try to make arrangements for a grandparent or trusted friend to be on call for your impending labor. If you don't have family nearby or friends that are available, consider looking into a sitter with a flexible schedule. (It's a good idea to have the sitter come in a few weeks before delivery to meet the kids -- everyone needs time to get used to each other.)

When the contractions start coming, plan to give your designated caregiver a ring. They can take over until your back in action. Don't forget to check your hospital's policy to see whether young siblings are allowed to visit after the birth. It's also smart to have a backup plan for who (family member? Neighbor? Sitter?) will be in charge of caring for your older kids in case you end up staying in the hospital longer than expected.

If you must bring the kids along, some hospitals do allow siblings in the delivery room. However, you'll still need to have a caregiver present who is solely responsible for tending to your older children. You also should do some serious prep to ensure your little one is ready to see Mommy in such pain (sorry).

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Q: Fetus in third trimester?

Paula K — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:43:00 GMT

Q: What basic changes does my baby go through in the third trimester?

A: In the third trimester (weeks 29 through delivery), most major development has already happened. This is the time for baby to hang around gaining weight -- about half a pound each week, at least until week 37. She's still kicking and stretching, though her movement might slow down as she gets more cramped in the tight space of your belly. The coating of fine hair on her body (called lanugo) sheds away and the bones get nice and hard (except the skull, which stays soft and flexible for the big squeeze through your birth canal).

-- Erin Walters

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Your pregnancy and birth. 4th ed. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2005.

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Q: Mucus plug?

Paula K — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 02:31:00 GMT

Q: What exactly is the mucus plug, and what does it mean if I see it?

A: The mucus plug is just what it sounds like -- a thick plug of mucus that builds up at your cervix over the course of pregnancy and covers the opening of your uterus. It's there to prevent bacteria from entering your uterus. When your cervix starts to efface or dilate in preparation for labor, the "plug" is pushed out into your vagina, meaning you may see it plop on out into the toilet. Heard of the "show" or "bloody show" that comes as you move towards labor? This is part of it, along with some lovely mucusy discharge and maybe a little blood. Don't worry if you don't see your mucus plug, though -- not everyone notices it.

American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists. Your pregnancy and birth. 4th ed. Washington, DC: ACOG; 2005.

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Q: Hospital bag don't pack?

Paula K — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 03:49:00 GMT

Q: What don't I need to pack in my hospital bag?

A: Good question. We put this one to the new moms on our message boards, and here's what they had to say:

"I didn't use any of the PJs I packed! Hospital gowns were just fine for breastfeeding." -- MLE21707

"I didn't use my sexy hot pink towels -- I decided to let the blood get on the hospital's gross towels. I didn't use my own underwear either -- I used their mesh ones." -- Kimba1185

"I did not need all the baby clothes I packed. In the hospital they kept him swaddled and in a t-shirt (they supplied) and diaper. We only needed I coming home outfit. I also took my own pads, and didn't need them. The hospital ones were 'heavy duty' and worked much better than any I had." -- HappyTXChick

"I didn't use my socks -- I had so many hot flashes I didn't need them!" -- gisellems

"Definitely didn't need my own nightgown, underwear or toiletries (shampoo, etc.)." -- nielio

"I didn't use my big pink fluffy robe to wear over my hospital gown, but I never did walk around during labor either." -- RednekPrincess

"I brought the maternity jeans that fit me when I was seven months pregnant, but did not fit when I was nine months pregnant. They still did not fit two days after I gave birth." -- dimake

"Leave the 'entertainment items' (movies, magazines, CDs) at home. I was dumb enough to put in a movie while I was in labor, and the nurse and DH were more interested in watching it than paying attention to me!" -- mrsrsh

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