I can't believe I forgot what a migraine feels like. Last week I was feeling a little off kilter but still good enough to live my life. Yesterday I started to feel awful. I would have stayed in bed or in the bath all day if I didn't have chores to do. I had to leave to come home while getting groceries because I felt a wave of something. Luckily my husband was driving. I got home and took a bath and thought I was going to be OK.
My husband picked up a movie and I could barely see anything on the screen. Then the headache hit. I started with wet cloths and then Advil. Finally I conceded to migraine and took Tylenol with the Advil and a glass of diet Coke.
I have less of a migraine now, but I just woke up to increasing pain and had to take another ibuprofen/acetaminophen/ caffeine cocktail.
There has to be a way to prevent these things! Now that my hormones are back to 'normal', so are my headaches.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Time with Husband
My husband was laid off a couple of weeks ago. He received calls from recruiters before he was even finished work. I hope he will find something that is a good fit for him. It's scary and exciting to be looking for work.
I have really enjoyed our time together during my last weeks of maternity leave. We took a week at home together until cabin fever finally hit. My husband felt he put enough into job hunting for a few days, so we took off to Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine for a couple of nights. It was just what the doctor ordered. I don't know if it was the smartest thing to do when preparing to tighten a budget, but it really helped.
Perhaps we are in financial denial, but we decided to buy a computer. We hit Walmart, Future Shop, and Staples. My computer is a loaner and my husband's job hunt is just heating up. Our Walmart is small so the selection was quite limited. Future Shop kept trying to upsell us, so they must be paid on commission, which is really annoying. I never trust anything out of the mouth of a commissioned salesman. The salesman at Staples was honest and direct. He even told us to take our time and think about what we really wanted. We decided to check out computers online. It was easier to compare laptops online than running from store to store. We ended up ordering a Dell Netbook. It seemed to be the most inexpensive solution that met our needs. I was surprised that Dell accepted PayPal. I was also surprised that the shipping time is expected to be fourteen days. Will it really take them that long to mail the computer? With ground shipping, delivery should only take four working days.
I have really enjoyed our time together during my last weeks of maternity leave. We took a week at home together until cabin fever finally hit. My husband felt he put enough into job hunting for a few days, so we took off to Bangor and Bar Harbor, Maine for a couple of nights. It was just what the doctor ordered. I don't know if it was the smartest thing to do when preparing to tighten a budget, but it really helped.
Perhaps we are in financial denial, but we decided to buy a computer. We hit Walmart, Future Shop, and Staples. My computer is a loaner and my husband's job hunt is just heating up. Our Walmart is small so the selection was quite limited. Future Shop kept trying to upsell us, so they must be paid on commission, which is really annoying. I never trust anything out of the mouth of a commissioned salesman. The salesman at Staples was honest and direct. He even told us to take our time and think about what we really wanted. We decided to check out computers online. It was easier to compare laptops online than running from store to store. We ended up ordering a Dell Netbook. It seemed to be the most inexpensive solution that met our needs. I was surprised that Dell accepted PayPal. I was also surprised that the shipping time is expected to be fourteen days. Will it really take them that long to mail the computer? With ground shipping, delivery should only take four working days.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Back to work Tuesday
I have been really excited to return to work. I was feeling guilty, almost stressed, about my excitement. After all, where is the old fashioned gal my mom thought she raised?
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Diaper Duty
I was shopping today and wondered whether store brand diapers like Shoppers' Life Brand, Superstore's Teddy's Choice, and Walmart's Parent's Choice diapers were as good as Pampers Cruisers. I immediately posted the question to Facebook and received little positive feedback about store brand diapers. Everyone seems to have their own personal favorite.
Consumer Reports rates diapers: #1 Pampers Cruisers; #2 Pampers Baby Dry; and #3 Huggies Supreme. My friends primarily like Pampers, although a few choose Huggies. Some found the store brand diapers to be good enough, while others warned against them. I confirmed at Shoppers pharmacy that Life Brand has guaranteed satisfaction, so they may be worth a try.
I noticed that no brands sell sample sizes so I may never experiment. Please comment to let me know if have a chance to compare any of the brands. Perhaps some brands are worth a try.
Consumer Reports rates diapers: #1 Pampers Cruisers; #2 Pampers Baby Dry; and #3 Huggies Supreme. My friends primarily like Pampers, although a few choose Huggies. Some found the store brand diapers to be good enough, while others warned against them. I confirmed at Shoppers pharmacy that Life Brand has guaranteed satisfaction, so they may be worth a try.
I noticed that no brands sell sample sizes so I may never experiment. Please comment to let me know if have a chance to compare any of the brands. Perhaps some brands are worth a try.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Co-sleeping and Baby
Some experts advise against it. Some suggest it. Moms are the same way. Should you sleep with your baby? I planned to put my baby in a bassinet or crib as soon as I returned home.
When I got home from the hospital after my "emergency Cesarean Section", I couldn't lift Keira in and out of her bassinet at night without help. I couldn't breastfeed without laying down. It only made sense for me to keep her in bed with us.
Originally, I sent my husband out to purchase a small bed cradle that prevents new parents from rolling onto their child. We used this until she was supporting her own head and sitting on her own.
When I confide in my friends, many admit they also sleep with their children. Most are careful not to share that information with any family or friends, unless they are already aware of their thoughts on the subject. Perhaps I am too stupid to hide co-sleeping.
Even now Keira sleeps with us most nights from about eleven until morning. I love that she sleeps late on a regular basis compared with my friends' babies. We have a happy well rested baby and she has happy well rested parents. What could be better?
When I got home from the hospital after my "emergency Cesarean Section", I couldn't lift Keira in and out of her bassinet at night without help. I couldn't breastfeed without laying down. It only made sense for me to keep her in bed with us.
Originally, I sent my husband out to purchase a small bed cradle that prevents new parents from rolling onto their child. We used this until she was supporting her own head and sitting on her own.
When I confide in my friends, many admit they also sleep with their children. Most are careful not to share that information with any family or friends, unless they are already aware of their thoughts on the subject. Perhaps I am too stupid to hide co-sleeping.
Even now Keira sleeps with us most nights from about eleven until morning. I love that she sleeps late on a regular basis compared with my friends' babies. We have a happy well rested baby and she has happy well rested parents. What could be better?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Go to sleep my little baby
Keira didn't have a great sleep last night, which was unusual. She was awake from the start and she was restless all night. Tonight she slept from 8pm and I assume the rest of the night. That's the way she usually spends her nights. Lucky parents!
My friends and I have discussed the sleep patterns of our little ones and have shared the same sleep experience. If the baby does well for the first few hours, typically the rest of the night will go well too.
I am uncertain what causes the occasional late night. If I figure it out, maybe I can figure out how to prevent it. Or maybe it is just the new moon.
My friends and I have discussed the sleep patterns of our little ones and have shared the same sleep experience. If the baby does well for the first few hours, typically the rest of the night will go well too.
I am uncertain what causes the occasional late night. If I figure it out, maybe I can figure out how to prevent it. Or maybe it is just the new moon.
Wasp's Nest - The Morning After
At first glance through our sliding glass door to our deck I can see but a few wasps lying dead on the planks. As I start to focus in on the deck I realize the dead wasps have lined the crevices between each board. There are hundreds of wasps! The baby pool is littered with the dead wasps. I can see ten or so on each baby toy. And still I wonder if all the wasps in the hive are dead.
My neighbour let me know it only costs $50 to have a professional kill the nest and they guarantee it. They make sure the queen dies so she won't rebuild a few feet away. Part of me wishes that we had hired a pro so we would have one less queen, but part of me says what's done is done so enjoy a wasp free deck.
My neighbour let me know it only costs $50 to have a professional kill the nest and they guarantee it. They make sure the queen dies so she won't rebuild a few feet away. Part of me wishes that we had hired a pro so we would have one less queen, but part of me says what's done is done so enjoy a wasp free deck.
Wasp's Nest
We have a Wasp's Nest attached to our deck. Last year we had one attached to the side of our house and we waited until winter to kill it. This year my husband got daring and decided to get rid of the nest. We really miss our deck. The weather has become quite hot and we want to use Keira's kiddie pool.
We bought the spray a couple of days ago. My husband had to spray the nest because I am allergic to bites and stings. I thought he would spray the nest and the foam would contain them and they would all die within the nest. They were all supposed to be in their nest sleeping peacefully at night, so they would die in their sleep.
I was quite unprepared for what happened. My husband sprayed the foam into the nest. All the wasps left the nest en masse and began to fly in a drunken state toward the light coming through our window. I felt like I was in a Stephen King novel as they repeatedly flew into the glass. A little more strength and they would have broken the glass and stung us all to death. Luckily, we were still in reality so it was just a freaky scene to watch.
Of course we realized after the fact that the cat snuck out earlier in the evening. Her fate has yet to be determined. But I believe she will come back the very next day. Hopefully, she will come back without a single sting.
We may have to treat the nest a couple more times before removing it, but I will be happy if we can get a few more wasp free swims in the kiddie pool this summer.
We bought the spray a couple of days ago. My husband had to spray the nest because I am allergic to bites and stings. I thought he would spray the nest and the foam would contain them and they would all die within the nest. They were all supposed to be in their nest sleeping peacefully at night, so they would die in their sleep.
I was quite unprepared for what happened. My husband sprayed the foam into the nest. All the wasps left the nest en masse and began to fly in a drunken state toward the light coming through our window. I felt like I was in a Stephen King novel as they repeatedly flew into the glass. A little more strength and they would have broken the glass and stung us all to death. Luckily, we were still in reality so it was just a freaky scene to watch.
Of course we realized after the fact that the cat snuck out earlier in the evening. Her fate has yet to be determined. But I believe she will come back the very next day. Hopefully, she will come back without a single sting.
We may have to treat the nest a couple more times before removing it, but I will be happy if we can get a few more wasp free swims in the kiddie pool this summer.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Planning trip to Maine
I am on the last two weeks of maternity leave, so my husband insisted on a trip. We originally thought of Freeport and New Hampshire. Since we are so low on funds a shopping trip would not be as fun. And it would be six or seven hours in the car with an infant. So we hummed and hawed about finding a better solution. We wanted something close, cheap, and near water.
First, we booked a dogsitter for the week. Luckily, our neighbor's daughter loves dogsitting. I am sure getting paid adds to her love, but she is a sweet girl who does a great job. I find when we leave our dog in a kennel she tends to be more stressed out than if we have a neighborhood kid watch the dog.
So finally we decided that we are going on vacation to Bar Harbor and Bangor, Maine. I trusted Trip Advisor for their recommendation on Hotels in Maine. I really want one with a pool since Keira loves the water. I love vacations and time with my husband away from routine. It is really worth all the planning.
First, we booked a dogsitter for the week. Luckily, our neighbor's daughter loves dogsitting. I am sure getting paid adds to her love, but she is a sweet girl who does a great job. I find when we leave our dog in a kennel she tends to be more stressed out than if we have a neighborhood kid watch the dog.
So finally we decided that we are going on vacation to Bar Harbor and Bangor, Maine. I trusted Trip Advisor for their recommendation on Hotels in Maine. I really want one with a pool since Keira loves the water. I love vacations and time with my husband away from routine. It is really worth all the planning.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Baby Art Kit - Review
The idea of the Baby Art Kit is to make a mold of your baby's hand or foot. What a precious keepsake! We had a gift certificate at a baby store so we decided to buy this kit and try it with our eleven month old. It seemed like a simple enough project.
Dada tried to make a mold of Keira's hand and she cried and cried. The first mold did not solidify as quickly as stated in the instructions, so we ended up with nothing but a bowl full of hardened putty. No baby hand art for us. At least we have lots and lots of pictures of her hands and feet.
Did I mention that the whole experience traumatized Keira? And yet I would like to try again...
Dada tried to make a mold of Keira's hand and she cried and cried. The first mold did not solidify as quickly as stated in the instructions, so we ended up with nothing but a bowl full of hardened putty. No baby hand art for us. At least we have lots and lots of pictures of her hands and feet.
Did I mention that the whole experience traumatized Keira? And yet I would like to try again...
Sears Wishbook
Sears doesn't have the same stuff online that it has in their Wishbook. I used to love the Christmas Wishbook, so I had to go in and pick one up. I wasn't sure we would order anything, but I love looking through it.
Have I mentioned that I love looking through it? I ordered an Elmo guitar for Keira for her birthday and the Elmo Drumset for Christmas. I really like the little Elmo piano too. Sears allowed me to use giftcards online. It is so hard not to spoil children these days when everything is so inexpensive.
Have I mentioned that I love looking through it? I ordered an Elmo guitar for Keira for her birthday and the Elmo Drumset for Christmas. I really like the little Elmo piano too. Sears allowed me to use giftcards online. It is so hard not to spoil children these days when everything is so inexpensive.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Baptism Bash
I was raised Protestant and my husband was raised Catholic. As a family, we irregularly attend the Catholic Church.
In the olden days, Catholics practically Baptized their babies on the way out of the womb. Back then if a baby died without being Baptized they were stuck in Limbo and wouldn't go to heaven. Luckily, the Catholic Church has stopped that teaching, although some old school Catholics still adhere to the notion.
Nowadays, parents can take their time and enjoy planning the event and create a celebration that rivals a wedding reception. We went a little overboard and missed the boat on some things.
Food Trays
I decided not to prepare my own food for the party and paid Superstore for sandwich, fruit and veggie trays. We only needed one sandwich tray and we bought two. Some people loved the sandwiches but I was not impressed. I found them very dry and bland. Maybe there is a lower risk of food poisoning if your sandwiches taste like sawdust wrapped in cardboard. The veggie and fruit trays were a hit as always. You can't really go wrong with buying those. We did add our own dip to appeal to everyone's tastes.
Cake
We splurged and bought a themed cake from Superstore. I was impressed with the cake except that they used the same color frosting for writing as they did for the cake. Not too swift!
Family Contributions
My inlaws brought Lobster Rolls which were a huge success. My sister came and directed the party. It was wonderful to have so much help! I couldn't believe the amount of extended family that decided to come and celebrate.
In the olden days, Catholics practically Baptized their babies on the way out of the womb. Back then if a baby died without being Baptized they were stuck in Limbo and wouldn't go to heaven. Luckily, the Catholic Church has stopped that teaching, although some old school Catholics still adhere to the notion.
Nowadays, parents can take their time and enjoy planning the event and create a celebration that rivals a wedding reception. We went a little overboard and missed the boat on some things.
Food Trays
I decided not to prepare my own food for the party and paid Superstore for sandwich, fruit and veggie trays. We only needed one sandwich tray and we bought two. Some people loved the sandwiches but I was not impressed. I found them very dry and bland. Maybe there is a lower risk of food poisoning if your sandwiches taste like sawdust wrapped in cardboard. The veggie and fruit trays were a hit as always. You can't really go wrong with buying those. We did add our own dip to appeal to everyone's tastes.
Cake
We splurged and bought a themed cake from Superstore. I was impressed with the cake except that they used the same color frosting for writing as they did for the cake. Not too swift!
Family Contributions
My inlaws brought Lobster Rolls which were a huge success. My sister came and directed the party. It was wonderful to have so much help! I couldn't believe the amount of extended family that decided to come and celebrate.
Phone Messages Auto Deleting
Phone messages can be deleted in Voicemail without the user deleting them. All this time I thought my husband might be deleting messages, but today I learned that there is a known issue with Voicemail.
Today I checked to see if I had new messages. I skipped and saved the messages for my husband. He later called to check his messages, but they were gone. I called the phone company and they told me the issue would be fixed within 10 hours.
I wonder who else has left messages for me. I may never know.
Today I checked to see if I had new messages. I skipped and saved the messages for my husband. He later called to check his messages, but they were gone. I called the phone company and they told me the issue would be fixed within 10 hours.
I wonder who else has left messages for me. I may never know.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Reel Babies - New Moms at the Movies
Tomorrow is another Empire Theatres Reel Babies. This week we will get to watch The Time Traveler's Wife in a theatre!
My favorite thing to do as a new mom has to be Reel Babies. Moms vote to select the biweekly matinee, which targets parents not children. Some movies we have seen this year include the latest James Bond, Shopaholic and Harry Potter. A local investment company provides door prizes as a sponsor to the event.
My first time, I was a little late and walked in to see the backs of dozens of mom's heads with babies peeking over moms' shoulders. It was beautiful! I always scheduled Keira's feeding around the start of the movie and she would nap for the rest of the film. The movie helped me feel like an individual instead of just Keira's mom. I applaud Empire Theatres for having an event that targets the moms instead of the babies. Reel Babies reminds me that I am still important.
My favorite thing to do as a new mom has to be Reel Babies. Moms vote to select the biweekly matinee, which targets parents not children. Some movies we have seen this year include the latest James Bond, Shopaholic and Harry Potter. A local investment company provides door prizes as a sponsor to the event.
My first time, I was a little late and walked in to see the backs of dozens of mom's heads with babies peeking over moms' shoulders. It was beautiful! I always scheduled Keira's feeding around the start of the movie and she would nap for the rest of the film. The movie helped me feel like an individual instead of just Keira's mom. I applaud Empire Theatres for having an event that targets the moms instead of the babies. Reel Babies reminds me that I am still important.
SLR Camera
Once we realized we had to rely on luck to get the great shot, I decided it was time to splurge and get an SLR camera. I considered Pentax, Nikon and Canon. I finally decided to go with Canon over Nikon due to personal preference.
I decided to purchase a Canon Rebel and headed to the Boxing Day Sale at Future Shop. Future Shop had sold out of the Rebel and was not offering Rain Checks. My sister is a professional photographer and uses a Canon 20D. My dad bought a Canon 30D last year after the 40D was released. Since the 50D is now on the market I decided to go all out and buy the 40D. It was $1000 and every photo I have taken is fantastic. You can read detailed reviews but in short it is amazing! I decided to take a course at the Fredericton Craft College, so I will know more about composition and lighting. I am so happy that we spent the cash!
The quality of our photos has changed dramatically. It used to be a dream to get one or two good photos and now all of them are amazing. No matter what SLR you buy, it is worth the purchase. Although, my favourite is still the Canon.
I decided to purchase a Canon Rebel and headed to the Boxing Day Sale at Future Shop. Future Shop had sold out of the Rebel and was not offering Rain Checks. My sister is a professional photographer and uses a Canon 20D. My dad bought a Canon 30D last year after the 40D was released. Since the 50D is now on the market I decided to go all out and buy the 40D. It was $1000 and every photo I have taken is fantastic. You can read detailed reviews but in short it is amazing! I decided to take a course at the Fredericton Craft College, so I will know more about composition and lighting. I am so happy that we spent the cash!
The quality of our photos has changed dramatically. It used to be a dream to get one or two good photos and now all of them are amazing. No matter what SLR you buy, it is worth the purchase. Although, my favourite is still the Canon.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Exercise and the Gym
I had an inexpensive membership at a gym because I had been a member for so many years. I hadn't used it since I had the baby, so I decided to cancel it. I was losing weight on my own and felt no need to continue with a gym. I signed my walking papers and they informed me I had 60 days to change my mind and get my amazing rate back. 90 days later I realized I needed the gym. The baby was ready to be left in the babysitting room and I missed the fitness classes. So I have rejoined at almost double the cost.
The moral of the story is that I should have put my gym membership on hold. It would have cost a little bit up front, but it would have given me time to know for sure whether I would want to use it.
Babysitting at the Gym
Our gym has volunteers that watch the babies in the gym. They are other mothers looking for a free babysitting membership and Bachelor of Education students. They are all police checked and the gym has video surveillance, so you feel safe. Some of them are new to baby world but learn very quickly how to make the little ones less miserable while Mom gets to exercise. I am very pleased with the program and may volunteer myself so I won't have to pay for babysitting.
The moral of the story is that I should have put my gym membership on hold. It would have cost a little bit up front, but it would have given me time to know for sure whether I would want to use it.
Babysitting at the Gym
Our gym has volunteers that watch the babies in the gym. They are other mothers looking for a free babysitting membership and Bachelor of Education students. They are all police checked and the gym has video surveillance, so you feel safe. Some of them are new to baby world but learn very quickly how to make the little ones less miserable while Mom gets to exercise. I am very pleased with the program and may volunteer myself so I won't have to pay for babysitting.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
WeightWatchers
I gave up on trying to lose pregnancy weight on my own and decided to join WeightWatchers. I have always been able to lose weight or get in shape on my own before but this time I am finding it harder. Maybe this time I don't have the support I had in the past.
My sisters don't live in the same city as I do and they were fantastic motivators. So not only do I lack their support in fitness and weight management, I lack their company. It's hard to live in a city away from all family and social supports. I like my new city and have developed some friendships but they are not yet as deep as old friendships. Some of my new friends must be trying for fitness and health too. I just feel too shy to ask. It's odd for me to be shy, but weight is such a touchy topic.
So, I am paying WeightWatchers to be my support, my motivation, and my friend. We will see how I do with them. I would like to lose about thirty pounds of fat. So I expect that will make me about twenty five pounds lighter than right now.
My sisters don't live in the same city as I do and they were fantastic motivators. So not only do I lack their support in fitness and weight management, I lack their company. It's hard to live in a city away from all family and social supports. I like my new city and have developed some friendships but they are not yet as deep as old friendships. Some of my new friends must be trying for fitness and health too. I just feel too shy to ask. It's odd for me to be shy, but weight is such a touchy topic.
So, I am paying WeightWatchers to be my support, my motivation, and my friend. We will see how I do with them. I would like to lose about thirty pounds of fat. So I expect that will make me about twenty five pounds lighter than right now.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Rear Facing Car Seats
IT'S THE LAW IN NEW BRUNSWICK! Infants must be secured in a rear-facing seat until at least one year old and 10 kg (22 lb). The weight limit on most rear facing seats is 22 pounds unless you are smart when you buy your first seat. (Child Safety Link)
Safety First - Bad Customer Service.
The first infant car seat we tried was Safety First. The buckles on Safety First dug into our newborn's legs. I called the company right away and customer service told me they could send me new buckles, but they would probably be the same. Luckily, Walmart took the seat back and we purchased the Evenflo Aura system. I noticed that all the Safety first seats were off the shelves and a month later they returned with new buckles. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but I doubt it. I was so dissatisfied with the Safety First customer service that I vowed to never purchase any item from them again. I haven't kept that promise.
Evenflo - Affordable Solution. Great Customer Service.
We finally purchased the Evenflo Aura travel system from Toys R Us. We mounted it in the center so the two front seats could give it added security by securing the sides of the seat. Without the front seats, I don't feel like the seat would handle a side impact. I believe this is a flaw with all infant car seats when your car doesn't have a special belt to mount the seat. It was a sturdy affordable solution.
I was initially concerned because my newborn's head tilted forward when the car seat was locked in the stroller. I called Evenflo to discuss this issue. Customer service confirmed my car mount step by step to confirm safe installation. They discussed the car seat and stroller situation and addressed all my concerns. I was so impressed that I decided to buy an Evenflo high chair.
I recently noticed that the latest model of the Aura System has a wider head cushion for newborns. I can't confirm but expect that the newborn's head would not tip forward when the car seat is mounted in the stroller. Perhaps someone can tell me.
I liked the handle on the Evenflo car seat more than other models. It is quite comfortable. The stroller was a good fit with the car seat and had nice cupholders and a small section for your wallet and wipes. The wipes container did not match the dimensions of wipes so I used it for additional storage. Also, I wish I had cut out the net division in the basket under the stroller because it slowly tore as I threw items into it while shopping.
The Evenflo company has amazing customer service and their products are durable and affordable. This appeals to many new moms who have to spend so much on their new baby. I wouldn't want to deal with a company who can't instill confidence in their products - especially since I was also dealing with postpartum hormonal surges.
Graco - Wait for the Sale.
I didn't even consider Graco when purchasing a stroller car seat system. At the time they were only available at Toys R Us and Sears and seemed extremely expensive. What I didn't realize was that both stores mark up their baby items and then have Baby Days Sales at least once every two months. The Graco systems looked great and on sale they are affordable. Hopefully, if you buy Graco, you won't need their customer service. I hear Graco is the same company as Safety First, as is Eddie Bauer.
Conclusion
There are lots of other car seats that are affordable and if I had to do it all over again, I would go with Evenflo or Graco. I liked being able to drop the car seat into a stroller so I don't think I would have purchased a 3 in 1 car seat. I might have purchased a system with a lighter stroller as once my baby was out of the car seat and ready to sit, I bought a lightweight convenience stroller.
Safety First - Bad Customer Service.
The first infant car seat we tried was Safety First. The buckles on Safety First dug into our newborn's legs. I called the company right away and customer service told me they could send me new buckles, but they would probably be the same. Luckily, Walmart took the seat back and we purchased the Evenflo Aura system. I noticed that all the Safety first seats were off the shelves and a month later they returned with new buckles. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but I doubt it. I was so dissatisfied with the Safety First customer service that I vowed to never purchase any item from them again. I haven't kept that promise.
Evenflo - Affordable Solution. Great Customer Service.
We finally purchased the Evenflo Aura travel system from Toys R Us. We mounted it in the center so the two front seats could give it added security by securing the sides of the seat. Without the front seats, I don't feel like the seat would handle a side impact. I believe this is a flaw with all infant car seats when your car doesn't have a special belt to mount the seat. It was a sturdy affordable solution.
I was initially concerned because my newborn's head tilted forward when the car seat was locked in the stroller. I called Evenflo to discuss this issue. Customer service confirmed my car mount step by step to confirm safe installation. They discussed the car seat and stroller situation and addressed all my concerns. I was so impressed that I decided to buy an Evenflo high chair.
I recently noticed that the latest model of the Aura System has a wider head cushion for newborns. I can't confirm but expect that the newborn's head would not tip forward when the car seat is mounted in the stroller. Perhaps someone can tell me.
I liked the handle on the Evenflo car seat more than other models. It is quite comfortable. The stroller was a good fit with the car seat and had nice cupholders and a small section for your wallet and wipes. The wipes container did not match the dimensions of wipes so I used it for additional storage. Also, I wish I had cut out the net division in the basket under the stroller because it slowly tore as I threw items into it while shopping.
The Evenflo company has amazing customer service and their products are durable and affordable. This appeals to many new moms who have to spend so much on their new baby. I wouldn't want to deal with a company who can't instill confidence in their products - especially since I was also dealing with postpartum hormonal surges.
Graco - Wait for the Sale.
I didn't even consider Graco when purchasing a stroller car seat system. At the time they were only available at Toys R Us and Sears and seemed extremely expensive. What I didn't realize was that both stores mark up their baby items and then have Baby Days Sales at least once every two months. The Graco systems looked great and on sale they are affordable. Hopefully, if you buy Graco, you won't need their customer service. I hear Graco is the same company as Safety First, as is Eddie Bauer.
Conclusion
There are lots of other car seats that are affordable and if I had to do it all over again, I would go with Evenflo or Graco. I liked being able to drop the car seat into a stroller so I don't think I would have purchased a 3 in 1 car seat. I might have purchased a system with a lighter stroller as once my baby was out of the car seat and ready to sit, I bought a lightweight convenience stroller.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Bumbolicious - Reviewing a Bumbo Seat
"You have to get a Bumbo seat!" Everyone seems to love Bumbo seats so I had to have one. They enable a young baby to sit up without being held. You can use them once baby's head is stable. I thought there would be no harm and couldn't wait to try one.
I went to Toys R Us to try my baby in it and she seemed happy enough to be able to sit up on her own without her Mom holding her in place. I loved her toothless grin and decided I would make the purchase. Ouch! They were pricey! I found a Bumbo second hand with a tray and felt a lot better about the price. It was in mint condition.
The baby liked it for about 10 minutes at a time and it was cute and fun. She used it for about two weeks until she was sitting on her own. I also used it a couple of times to give her a "shower" in our bathtub. We haven't used it since those two weeks. Some of my friends had kids that enjoyed the Bumbo seat for months, even after they could sit on their own, but not my little girl. I am glad I did not pay full price!
Would I buy the Bumbo if I had it to do all over again? It was entertaining and cute. It's a gamble as to whether your child will like it for more than a couple of weeks. It may be worth it if you plan for more than one child or if you buy it second hand. And I would only purchase a Bumbo tray if the baby loved the seat.
I went to Toys R Us to try my baby in it and she seemed happy enough to be able to sit up on her own without her Mom holding her in place. I loved her toothless grin and decided I would make the purchase. Ouch! They were pricey! I found a Bumbo second hand with a tray and felt a lot better about the price. It was in mint condition.
The baby liked it for about 10 minutes at a time and it was cute and fun. She used it for about two weeks until she was sitting on her own. I also used it a couple of times to give her a "shower" in our bathtub. We haven't used it since those two weeks. Some of my friends had kids that enjoyed the Bumbo seat for months, even after they could sit on their own, but not my little girl. I am glad I did not pay full price!
Would I buy the Bumbo if I had it to do all over again? It was entertaining and cute. It's a gamble as to whether your child will like it for more than a couple of weeks. It may be worth it if you plan for more than one child or if you buy it second hand. And I would only purchase a Bumbo tray if the baby loved the seat.
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