So so many diapers

So which diapers do you choose? This decision is really up to your baby - do certain brands irritate his skin? Do some hold more pee? Are some more comfortable than others?
I have a boy so I was told it would be more of a challenge to find a working diaper and it was! The hospital gave me Pampers but he kept peeing through these diapers. No matter which direction his "sword" was facing, he would end up covered in pee. Sometimes off to one side there would be a puddle, sometimes straight through...He would also shoot the bookcase, his face, or whoever was changing him. Anyways, we tried Huggies but had the same problem plus they were so expensive. We finally landed on 4 types that we love: 

Walmart Parent's Choice, Aldi diapers(only $4.99 for 36 pack! ), Target Up&Up diapers, and Luvs

All 4 brands are inexpensive, have strong Velcro, super flexible & stretchy for comfort and hold a lot of pee without leaking. The Parent's Choice diapers (sizes N-2) also have the indicator strip to let you know when the baby has soiled the diaper.

This is definitely an instance when cheap does NOT mean cheap quality.

Dr recommends Vitamin D?

After talking to various new parents I've noticed that not all pediatricians are recommending vitamin D for babies. Obviously, follow the advice of your pediatrician - this is a tip for those of you that HAVE been advised to give your baby vitamin D. My pediatrician said that new research has been done where it was discovered that breast milk doesn't have a sufficient amount of vitamin D and therefore it needs to be supplemented to the baby. I went to Walmart and bought the only vitamin D for babies that I could find: Enfamil brand. The instructions say to give baby 1 mL of the vitamin D a day. I tried this and it was a huge fail: it smells and tastes awful and my baby immediately threw up everything in his little tummy. (Projectile-Exorcist style vomit). This happened EVERY TIME I gave him the vitamin D. My husband went online and read multiple reviews on this product where people described the same experience w/their babies. So we immediately threw that away and ordered a different type, Carlson vitamin D drops(400IU). Not sure if it can be found in stores, we ordered it on amazon.com. The bottle says "for kids" but it is safe for babies. They only need one drop! So you can put a drop on your nipple during a feeding or a drop on your finger then let the baby suck it off your finger - that's what I do. And my baby doesn't mind the taste either. No more puking, what a relief!

Cradle cap tips

A lot of babies get cradle cap - it's crusty and yellow and gross to look at but it doesn't bother the baby one bit. Our pediatrician said to just leave it alone because it eventually goes away but I couldn't! It kept flaking on everything and everyone & my baby hated wearing hats. So the pediatrician suggested a few things: Rub olive oil/baby oil on the head, leave on for a minimum of one hour or overnight. Then use a comb to pick off all the crustiness then wash off. The main problem with this is the fact that the baby insisted on touching his head and I was concerned he'd ingest the oil if he were to suck on his fingers. Plus, the cradle cap just came back the next day after doing all the work to pick it off. So I went to the store and got cradle cap treatment shampoo which was worthless. (But it did come with a nice soft brush...)

Finally I found something that works - Toe Juice. Yes, that's the name of the product and you can find it at Walgreens or Walmart. It is a liquid, similar to an astringent, that you can just rub onto the scalp and within 3 days my baby's cradle cap had disappeared! You have to use it consistently though; I applied it to the scalp once or twice a day depending on the severity of the cradle cap. Make sure not to apply if there is any open wounds/scabs on the head because it will sting. This is a multipurpose product too - I use it on myself for acne, excema, and dry/cracked feet. I use it on the baby for cradle cap, dry/itchy skin, and the occasional stinky baby feet. If you can't find it in stores, you can order it online: www.toejuice.com and right now you can get your 1st bottle free!! If I ever notice any flakiness or if my baby is scratching his skin I just dab on a few drops of Toe Juice and it's allll good.

breastfeeding tips

Whether you breastfeed or formula feed, it's up to you. I'm breastfeeding so that is what I'm giving tips on. I love breastfeeding my baby but I didn't always love it. I appreciated 0 sugar coating when I was pregnant so that is the approach I'm taking with this blog. Breastfeeding hurts. A lot. Some say it takes 2 weeks to get used to, It took me about 6 weeks. I've also heard, "if the latch is correct, it won't hurt". BS. There is a hungry baby sucking on your nipple - there will be discomfort. So here are some tips:

1. If it is hurting or you think the latch is wrong, unlatch the baby. Use the "fish hook" method - slide your finger into the baby's mouth along the cheek and gently pull him off of your nipple. 
2. Use nursing pads. I recommend Lansinoh pads because they have adhesive on one side so they will stick to your bra without shifting. They are also thick, absorbent & plush therefore comfortable. An added bonus: each box comes with 2 free milk storage bags! I do NOT recommend Nuk nursing pads because they have no adhesive and they feel like cardboard. 
3. Use nipple cream. I HIGHLY recommend Smart Choices Lanolin! You might pay more but it is worth every penny. It is pure lanolin, a thinner cream than what you get in the stores so it spreads easier. It will seriously heal your red, chapped, cracked nipple overnight. You won't have to wash it off before breastfeeding and it won't stain clothes. It lasts a long time; I used it after every feeding session. I got a 2nd tube when my baby was about 4 months but since my body is use to the breastfeeding now I rarely need it - so I use it for chapped lips! 
4. Use an electric pump. It is fast and painless; usually they have a turn dial so you can control the suction power. Start with a weak, slow suction then work up to your comfort level. I use the Medela brand and love it. I have used the Medela manual breast pump as well and it is very comfortable if you are doing shorter pumping sessions. I also use a hands-free pumping bra - yes they really work! It holds the pieces in place and I'm able to surf the web, read, type, brush my teeth, etc while pumping. 
5. Remember, heat will make your milk come in. If you stand in a hot shower you could start lactating. If you try to sooth your sore nips with a heating pad or hot, wet washcloths, you will become engorged. Believe me, I know. So try to sooth your sore self with cold gel pads or ice packs. 
6. To increase your milk supply - drink more water and pump more. Cluster pumping/feeding! This is when you pump for 5-10 minutes then stop for a few minutes. Then start again. It will trick your body into thinking it needs to produce more. 

 ***Thank you again to family, friends and internet for the help during painful breastfeeding moments!!

Labor & delivery tips

Everyone's labor is different. I'm sure you've heard all the pros & cons of an epidural. Just talk to your doctor and do what is right FOR YOU. You know your body, you know your pain threshold. You want mirrors? Do it. You want a doula? Do it. You want to have your baby at home in your bathtub? Do it. One thing I remember from my labor experience is a nurse looking me straight in the eye and saying, "It's all about YOU. You tell me what you need to be comfortable and I will make it happen." So I had 6 pillows, 2 baths while being served ice chips, Zoolander playing in the background and a constant supply of popsicles and Jello. 25 hours in the hospital and I made it count. Here are some tips from my own experience + some great words of wisdom from others:

1. Have a birth plan before you get to the hospital. Epidural? Circumcision? Is family allowed in the room? Who will be the baby's pediatrician? Do you have a name? Try and have these decisions made before the bun comes out of the oven. Otherwise you're drugged up from the epidural, legs feel like rubber and nurses are shouting these questions at you. 
2. Have your hospital bag packed in advance w/everything you need to feel at home. The hospital does provide some items but if you're picky/high maintenance (like me) you'll want your own shampoo, pads & bathrobe. Google a labor checklist for help! 
3. Deep breathing. This tactic was the only way I got through contractions and getting the epidural. Tell your partner to remind you to deep breath as soon as you wince from a contraction. Even better if they are deep breathing with you and holding your hand. This is also a good thing to remember when getting the uncomfortable cervix checks. 
4. When the doc says to push, just imagine you are pooing, bare down and PUSH HARD! If you think you are pushing hard, you need to push even harder. And maybe you will poo, just remember that it is common and the doctor has seen it all so don't stress over it. 
5. Be nice to your nurses then they will be nice and gentle to you. 
6. Once you have the baby and you are resting in a recovery room, don't be afraid to let the nurses take the baby to the nursery. You need to rest and heal while you can. Stay in the hospital as long as you need, accept help from others. You are doing this for your sanity. Then you will be in better shape to care for your little one. 
7. Ask questions! The doctor, nurses, lactation specialist, etc - They are there to help you. 
8. Stay ahead of the pain - take your pain medications as directed until you feel like yourself again.   
9. Collect as many of those mesh panties & ice packs as you can from the hospital! 
10. Ask for a sitz bath. Nurse should bring you a thing to put over your toilet seat that holds warm water. Sit on it with your butt and lady parts immersed in the water and relax. Then take it home and do it consistently until you're healed. Some people use epsom salt in the water to help the healing process but I just used warm water. 
11. Hemorrhoids, sweating, crying uncontrollably...it's allll part of the experience.

Stretch mark tips

So here's the deal - majority of people get stretch marks when they are pregnant, lets just face it. The best thing to do to prevent/ reduce? Don't gain the weight too rapidly, drink water & moisturize. A healthy weight gain during pregnancy is 25-30 lbs but you must be careful to not gain it all immediately. Just follow what the doctor tells you - healthy eating, small meals throughout the day, exercising - This allows you to maintain your weight and GRADUALLY gain as you near the wretched 3rd trimester. DRINK WATER. Yes, you are already peeing like a race horse every 30 minutes but water is sooo good for you and the baby. Plus, the more you drink the less you retain (I don't get it either but it's true.) Also, it will reduce stretch marks and help them to fade quicker. And it helps keep skin clearer & more vibrant - win win! I tried to drink 40-100 ounces a day and I would try to stop by 6pm to avoid peeing all night. MOISTURIZE. EVERYWHERE. Obviously we all know that you gotta lotion up that belly to reduce stretch marks. But surprise surprise, you get stretch marks in other places besides the belly when you are prego so lotion up everywhere - you never know where those pesky marks will pop up next! For me, it was thighs, butt, belly and sides. And I know there are a million products out there claiming to erase the marks but guess what? None have been tested and proven to completely work on everyone so it's a big guessing game. I found one product that worked to fade my marks - Moderma. CON? It's expensive and has fragrance so do not use if you have sensitive skin. But it comes with a $5 off coupon since you will need to buy another bottle before you get your desired results. It's thick & creamy and smells good but you will need to apply twice a day. Also, it only works on the new stretch marks, it won't fade the old ones. I also used vitamin E and Aveeno 24 hour moisturizing lotion. I still got marks but it helped A TON with the itchiness. Bottom line, don't get depressed if you look like you've been mauled by a bear or your stomach has been butchered. They will fade to white eventually; quicker if you follow the tips mentioned. And wasn't your baby worth it?? Of course.

Tips from the beginning...

Let me start by saying, I have 1 baby. So one pregnancy under my belt - obviously I am no expert. But I had a great...(we ARE talking about pregnancy here)...GOOD pregnancy and labor experience because of some good tips I got. Plus some good products I tried out. So why keep it to myself? So I'm starting this blog from the beginning, quick pregnancy tips --

1. Sleep whenever you can, in whatever position you can. My favorite sleep tip? It's all about the pillows; 1 behind your back, 1 between your knees, 1 under your belly.
2. Take your prenatal vitamins. If you are trying to get pregnant, start taking the prenatal vitamins immediately.
3. Exercise. Even if it's just walking around the grocery store, it will help.
4. Drink water.
5. Lotion up.
6. Eat healthy, snack a lot. PLEASE do not use the 'ol "I'm eating for 2" excuse to over eat or eat crap. You're feeding a baby for goodness sakes. Think before you eat!
7. Nauseas? Try fruit. Week 7-9 I lived on fruit, water, Ritz crackers and Sprite.
8. Talk to someone, get excited! No one should be prego alone, it's too overwhelming. Share the news with a female, buy a onesie, take those progressive tummy pics that you criticize on Facebook.
9. Keep a journal. Record how you are feeling, cravings, advice, pictures, Dr visits...when it's all over you'll be glad you did.

The why & what

So I recently had a baby and, like most parents, felt like I had no clue what I was doing. I frantically began seeking out every resource for help: books, baby magazines, parents, friends, monthly newsletters from the hospital...each resource had great advice but that was the problem - too many resources all over the place! I thought, how convenient would it be to go to 1 blog and find all the baby tips I need from each resource. Presto! This blog is born. I have gathered tips, tricks, recipes and other info from various sources that I have found very helpful. Yes, everything here I have tried with my little one. I also categorized everything with the labels off to the side for easy hunting. Each time I come across something new & helpful I will post it here. Hopefully it helps! If you have any questions/suggestions please drop me a line: ncamp@outlook.com. Happy reading!