BTDT moms....

I've got 'new mommy' questions!!

1) Did anyone use a sleep postitioner? Sean likes being on his side sometimes and I've been using the old technique of rolling up a receiving blanket! I almost registered for one and thought I probably won't use it!!

2) How long did it take for your baby to get on a schedule? I know it could be 6+ weeks, just curious! Right now, Master Sean is in charge - whatever he says goes!!

3) My pediatrician said no public places for 8-10 weeks (which means Kutshers is out)... did anyone *really* wait that long?? Is 6 weeks too soon? I think I'll lose my mind if I can't go out and about with him!!

Drats! I had another ? or 2 and I can't remember!!! Is it possible to still have pg brain?!

TIA mommies!!

I also registered for a sleep positoner so I am curious about that answer.
Did you ask the doctor WHY no public places for 2 months? I have not heard that before.
Are you breast feeding? I know schedules take longer for BFing babies.

I took Paul everywhere w/me (or us) as soon as I was feeling up to getting out everyday. But, I had no choice really, living so far away. I'm a little puzzled by your ped's advice, but I definitely think you should strike some type of compromise.

About the sleep positioner...I used one, but only briefly in Paul's porta-crib. I don't think they are necessary, but it also depends on the type of crib/cradle you are using. I think a positioner helps when you are using a larger crib for such a small infant - they really appreciate the closeness and confinement. I don't think that a positioner is necessary in a small bassinet or cradle, tho...since they are already pretty small on the inside. JMO.

I cant remember the schedule time frame. Luke was formula fed so I will agree with Michele that it probably happened quicker than a BF babe. Re: the sleep positioner. I used one and liked it alot. The one I had had a little (safety) pillow. Just remember to alternate sides that Sean sleeps on to avoid the dreaded flat head syndrome. Trust me on that, with the cranial bones not fused yet, they can easily get misshapen. Just switch him to the other side every few days. Also, I think I took Luke out at a month and it was November. My doctor never said not to - I didnt have him all over in public places but he definitely went visiting often. Also, never be afraid to ask people with kids if their kids are healthy before you bring the baby in contact. I have found that it's good parent etiquette to let someone know if your child has the least sign of a sniffle or anything else but definitely ask, even if their child wont be near the baby.


HTH

1.) I had the sleep positioner and I loved it. I felt much more secure knowing Justin couldn't roll over to his belly and was stationary on his back/side

2.) Do you mean a schedule for eating or sleeping? In the hospital he was fed every 4 hours - 9,1,5,9 etc... So luckily he did kind of stick with this. Then I stretched it out to every 6 hours - 9,3,9. Byt he time he was 3 months he was sleeping through the night

3.) I think 8-10 weeks is a lo. J was born Dec. 7th and we had him out for the first outing on Christmas Eve. Which basically only consisted of a car ride to Dh's aunt's house. My dr. said this would be fine

Hi Kathi,
Hope you are enjoying motherhood!
Here are my responses:
1) Sleep positioner: I use one for Joseph b/c I am neurotic about SIDS and don't want him turning over. Makes no sense b/c the manufacturer says you shouldn't use it once baby is turning over on own but then why would you need it when the baby can't turn over by himself. Anyway, you are probably fine with just a rolled up towel.
2) Joseph fell into a 'schedule' at about 8 weeks. I am BFing so it took a little while to get him to go from eating every 2 hours to every 3 hours. At 8 weeks he slept through the night (woohoo!) and has been ever since. He still eats every 3 hours during the day.
3) My ped said as far as taking him out in public: wait 2 weeks before going to other family members homes (none with kids), 2 more weeks to go to friends homes, and 6 weeks out to publc places (esp. baby stores and supermarkets where germs are numerous). She said we can take him out for walks from day 1 as long as he is dressed properly (since their bodies can't regulate temps).

i got the sleep positioner but wound up not using it after the first 2 weeks. I used the rolled up receiving blanket. Emma slept on her side from day 1

No public places!!!???!!! I was out of the house (c-section) with Emma 9 days after she was born. It was too nice to be cooped up in the house.

Emma is on a almost clockwork predictable schedule around 6 months before that it was anyones guess what she was going to want to do. All babies are different.

positioner: we used one up until 2 weeks ago and J is 6-1/2 months old. I felt that later one it 'cuddled' her a bit in the crib..even though once she turned into an acrobat it was pretty useless.

schedule: bfeeding her and she still woke up 2-3 times a night once i went back to work in April. I think by 5 months she really slept thru the nightly on a regular basis

I was also told by dr no malls or crowded places for 60 days. again she was born 1/5 so maybe they were worried about germs. dont forget your baby has gone outside already once- the trip home from the hospital! on non snowy/icy days I would wrap her up and go for a sssslow walk around the block ( i pulled a muscle in my leg in labor and was hobbling for weeks- no fun in the snow!)

been there done that

i learned this today shamma

thanks Jen

Never got a sleep positioner, the first few weeks I used rolled up receiving blankets, which seemed to work just as well. Lyla is very active now, so no matter what she kicks everthing away from her even if she's swaddled, she manages to get out.

No real schedule yet (she's 6 weeks), I never know what to expect everyday. But, I do notice some patterns for a few days, but then they change. For example, Lyla will sleep from 10:00 until 1am or 2am, be up for an hour and go back to sleep for 2 hours. Then, she will be up for a couple of hours, and go back to sleep in the late morning, she'll be up again in the early afterroon and then sleep for 2 hours. In terms of feeding there hasn't been any schedule.

My Dr. said we could take her out for walks right away, but only said to wait a couple of weeks for public places. I can't imagine waiting 8-10, I'd go crazy! I think we took her to target and BJ's at 3 weeks! We got lucky, she slept the whole time.

I used a sleep positioner for a little while, but he hated it. He's pretty good about sleeping on his side - loves it!

I think a 'routine' is just really starting to take place (8 - 10 weeks)....in the beginning, I don't think there is any such thing! Ryan was in charge of how the day went! He still is, come to think of it, but he's become more 'regular' about things.

Our ped in the hospital (not my regular one) and at home, as you know, told us we could go out but not to big public places (mall, church, etc) for at least 8 weeks. It's just about the amount of germs. We went out for walks and drives and ran in and out of some stores, before that, but we did stick to that rule up until 7 weeks.

Thanks everyone!!!!

I think I'm going to get a postitioner. They're relatively inexpensive and might make me feel better about him being on his side. He already enjoys his 'tummy time' and moves his head from left to right. He's big 'n strong!!

Lee... Dr. O told me 8-10 weeks. Honestly, I think that's too much. I'm sure I can keep him from the malls and restaurants for 6 weeks.

He'll be at his first family party on August 9th! I'll make sure no one breathes on him!

I'm looking forward to sleeping thru the night!! He did sleep 4 hours straight the other night and naturally, I was up every hour checking him!! I need to learn how to nap!! My nephew starting sleeping thru at 8 weeks, maybe I'll be that lucky!!

Thanks again all!!

1. No, I didn't use one. But then again, Lyndsey used to sleep on her side all by herself.

2. What's a schedule? Just kidding, sort of. Lyndsey is 14 weeks old (3 months) and has just fallen into a more predictable schedule. For example, sleeps until 8am, eats, naps for 2 hours...eats, eats, eats....

3. I had Lyndsey out at 3 weeks old...we went to Target. I made sure no one came near her though. She has been to restaurants, stores, the mall...basically EVERYWHERE! And she's FINE. This is your choice though...if you do go out, just make sure no one touches Sean. You'd be surprised at the number of strangers who have the nerve to pinch your child's cheeks or play with his hands. yikes!