So Many Strollers...

What I wanted? A reversible stroller, compact enough to manoeuvre through grocery stores and stash in a 2 bedroom condo. A sturdy stroller that would allow peanut to lie flat, provide a comfortable ride on bumpy sidewalks, and carry a decent sized bag of groceries.

What I bought? A Bumbleride Flyer.

Pros:

Reversible - I wouldn't enjoy a walk if I couldn't see lil peanut and she couldn't see me - she's still too lil. This was a crucial feature for me, which narrowed the availability - not many affordable strollers are reversible.

Affordable-ish - I can't believe I'm saying that, but compared to the SUV of strollers (Bugaboo Chameleon), the Flyer is affordable. The higher quality of the Flyer ($429) is worth the $100 more than the popular Peg Perego Pliko P3 ($339) which feels flimsy and cheap. Though, it must be said that even the Bugaboo ($1000) feels weak. For that kind of cash, I want a friggin tank!

Manoeuverable - Takes corners like a slinky (Car & Driver won't be hiring me anytime soon).


Cons:

Size - Not as compact as I would like, but only umbrella strollers are as compact as I would like. I'll probably survive whatever guilt I have about clogging store aisles.

Comfort - As with so many strollers, I cannot walk with my natural stride without kicking the rear wheels. I'm not terribly tall (5'6") so I imagine it would drive a taller user to distraction (my husband pushes it with one hand and walks to the side). Fortunately, this is only the case when the handle is in the baby-faces-mommy position, but it's definitely a drawback to the product.

Storage - I will follow-up on this after some investigation. Thus far, the storage basket seems useless as it drags/rubs the wheels - disappointing. Maybe it's improperly positioned?


The stroller market is inflated (as all baby items are) so consider buying secondhand; I saved $200. Also, consider delaying this purchase and using a carrier until baby can hold her head up. Strollers without the ability to accommodate a newborn tend to be less expensive and more compact.

Final thought - If you've got the cash, buy the model that will best facilitate you and baby getting out and about. It's very important that you're mobile, so if you need a Bugaboo to feel comfortable out-of-doors, buy the darn thing!

p.s. Maggie loves the print on the inside of the canopy - she giggles and coos at it constantly!

Pacino & De Niro

Boy have they got my number.

I See Differently in These Shoes

Though I don't believe the Bible is anymore than a collection of well-written fables, I will agree that important lessons can be found in many works of literature. And so I refer to "Judge not...".

I admit that I did my share of judging in pre-Maggie days. I had a lot of ideas about how to and how not to raise children "correctly." I read a lot of books by so-called experts and stocked up on the latest theories of successful child-rearing. What I should have been doing is mastering the art of compromise.

Truth is, you do what you have to do. Truth is (as the doctor said) "formula isn't poison", and sure "breast is best", but if the only way that little one is going to get the sustenance she needs is through the silicone nipple of a bottle - bottle it is!

So, I will keep my judgments to myself, because the only expert on your baby is you.

Stinky Pampers - and it ain't the poop!

While lil peanut is between size small and medium of the gDiapers (listen to me justifying myself), we are compromising our enviro ethics and using disposables for a few weeks. Now I'm not a fan of disposable diapers to begin with, but I was extra disappointed by the Pampers package we bought recently. Since Pampers does not accommodate Mac users (the submit button on their email form is dead in Firefox and Safari), I will post my letter here.

Good morning. Yesterday we purchased a package of Pampers diapers because the grocery store was out of Huggies. The obnoxious scent on the diapers is nowhere advertised on the package. My husband and daughter and I have been sneezing since we began using them. In general, I prefer scent-free products - especially for baby - so I would have appreciated some indication of the scented nature of the diapers. The odour is so unpleasant that I am choosing to discard the package and waste precious funds by purchasing a replacement package of Huggies. Very disappointed in this inferior product and the lack of disclosure on the bag. Caitlin Spencer

The List I Would Have Liked as a New Mother

The baby industry would have you believe you need a whole whack of gear to be a successful parent. Surprise surprise - you don't! However, what I have learned in the last 10 weeks with my newborn is that options are crucial. So here are my top buys for new parents (this is by no means a list of "essentials" - food, water and shelter are essentials; all else is luxury).















1. Ergo Carrier - the best carrier for outdoor activities. I walk taller when I wear it. I can also breastfeed while she's in it. Need the infant insert for a newborn (yes it's worth buying even though it doesn't look like much). Whenever you're ready to leave the house with baby (about 2-3 weeks for us), you'll benefit from this purchase. Almost impossible to find secondhand. About $125 + $30 for the insert.

Caveat: The waist strap must do up around my hips (not adjustable) so I cannot sit when wearing the Ergo (or I risk waking her). Of course, this makes her weight less stressful on my back so I'll take it.



















2. The Pea Pod Cuddly Wrap - fantastic versatile carrier for snuggling them indoors or out. Great for when Maggie's fussy or for walks or to keep her happy while I do chores around the house - hands free carrying! Simply a long piece of stretchy fabric (intimidating at first glance but very easy to use) so it's best to buy secondhand (I have no sewing skills, but that's another option here). About $60 or $30 used.

Caveat: It's somewhat of a production to put the wrap on, and because I haven't determined how to feed her while wearing it, I have to be pretty sure she isn't hungry, or I waste a good 10 minutes making her cranky while I put it on and take it off. However, that's why I can trust she is secured, so again, "I'll take it."

Note: Though they are easier to use, I don't like the sling style carriers for newborns. Maggie seemed uncomfortably squished and I didn't trust that her airway was clear.










3. gDiapers - Awesome. No stinky diapers hanging around the house - plus they're super cute! Good for your conscience, but harsh on the bank account. I'm planning to make microfleece inserts for use during the day, so I can save a bit of cash. About $30 for a starter kit and I recommend having 6 pants to alternate between (ie. 3 starter kits).

Note: Huggies were necessary in the first chaotic weeks and we are using them now as Maggie transitions into the larger size gpants.















4. Bouncy Chair - crucial for a few minutes of parental reprieve: run to the bathroom, give your arms a rest or grab yourself a snack. Secondhand is best because the least expensive version purchased new is $60 before tax. Most are in obnoxious colour schemes with ridiculous doohickeys and thingamabobs on them, but the Baby Bjorn Baby Sitter 1-2-3 is simple and non-intrusive in our small space. This is an excellent registry item because that chair is $140 new.














5. Medela Swing Breast Pump & Born Free Bottles - because we all need breaks! (even just to bathe while someone else feeds baby). Pumps help prevent mastitis and can be used to increase your milk supply as well. This pump is small, comfortable and works as well as the hospital rental I used in the first week. Don't buy secondhand because there is a chance (albeit minimal) you could pass disease on to your infant. About $220 for the pump. p.s. Born Free bottles come with great nipples!















6. My Brest Friend - a ridiculously named breastfeeding support. The other pillows don't fit as snugly around the middle and baby slips off. This keeps her in position and saves my back/neck/shoulders. Believe me, for the amount you feed your baby, this pillow is worth the $70 investment! I didn't buy it until Maggie was 9 weeks but I can imagine it would have been
useful from about 4-5 weeks on (depending on the size of your little one).



















7. Sure Comfort Newborn-to-Toddler Tub - I tried a regular rubbermaid container because I don't like buying unifunctional items like baby tubs, but she grew out of it so quickly and was never very comfortable in it. I also thought I would take her in the bath with me, but newborns are just so fragile (as are new mothers) and so slippery when wet that I've chickened out and appreciate the help this tub offers. It fits well in the kitchen sink so I don't hurt my back bending over, and baby is so secure that we're both happier at bath time. Maggie loves baths in this thing and it's only $20!




Next time: Top Purchases to Avoid Making

sliding into motherhood

simplify simplify simplify is my new creed.

what does that look like you ask? that looks like small caps and one-handed typing and two-line email replies. that looks like pizza and sushi and all things finger food. it looks like 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. it looks like carmex as makeup and deodorant as shower (no it ain't pretty). no more cuticle creams or hand lotions or body washes or face cleansers - one bar of soap and one bottle of moisturizer can do it all.

babies are complex - nothing else needs to be.

my lil peanut