Any other expectant Dads?

[Mr Trophy]

Any recommendations for baby monitors please?

I seem to find a decent one and then someone pipes up and said it's crap!

[eatontrifles]

CharlieH89 said:

Congrats!

Any other books people recommend?

Home Game, by Michael Lewis.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B002RI946E/ref...

[Vaud]

Blown2CV said:

Number 1 son arrived into the world yesterday! Absolutely amazing day. Sunroof delivery. Knot in the cord which apparently would have presented a risk had he been delivered naturally so that’s just as well. Hopefully that has had no impact. Being a Dad again is just perfect.

Congrats!

One trick - buy the eldest a present from the baby.

[cbmotorsport]

Mr Trophy said:

Any recommendations for baby monitors please?

I seem to find a decent one and then someone pipes up and said it's crap!

We have this BT one. It's perfectly adequate. Picture is good, it's easy to adjust and position remotely, battery seems fine, range is ok in your average sized house. Don't get too caught up in the reviews, as long as you can see/hear when they're not happy, that's pretty much all you need.

https://www.johnlewis.com/bt-video-baby-monitor-60...

[Lazadude]

Mr Trophy said:

Any recommendations for baby monitors please?

I seem to find a decent one and then someone pipes up and said it's crap!

We liked the Angelcare ones with the mat. Gives a bit of extra reassurance for mummy, and then works as a normal baby monitor with it disabled.

Never bothered with a video one.

[Smitters]

Mr Trophy said:

Any recommendations for baby monitors please?

I seem to find a decent one and then someone pipes up and said it's crap!

Not and ideal response, but I would avoid Motorola - ours was getting dodgy electrical connections on the monitor unit by the end of MiniSmitters1, so we're having to get a new one for MS2. It felt like a £20 Chinese Knock-Off, but with Motorola on it and a price-tag to match.

[Shakermaker]

Smitters said:

Mr Trophy said:

Any recommendations for baby monitors please?

I seem to find a decent one and then someone pipes up and said it's crap!

Not and ideal response, but I would avoid Motorola - ours was getting dodgy electrical connections on the monitor unit by the end of MiniSmitters1, so we're having to get a new one for MS2. It felt like a £20 Chinese Knock-Off, but with Motorola on it and a price-tag to match.

I have the Motorola video one, when it was in the Black Friday sale so came in at the same price as a non-video one.

Works well, but the battery life on the monitor is crap so it stays plugged in; though that isn't an issue really. Can watch her wake up but don't have to leap off the sofa immediately as you can also watch her self-soothe which she's doing more and more these days.

Of course, I am sure that if we had only an audio one, we would be able to cope with that as well just as generations before have done

[chip*]

Lazadude said:

Anyone got any recommendations for baby ear defenders?

I bought Baby Banz for use in the Lotus (plus I drive topless most times as I have converted to a soft top). The BB ear defenders look and feel cheap, but then it was sub £20 so I didn't expect BOSE quality. Good news, I successfully took my little girl out over a dozen times in the Lotus during the glorious summer. Bad news, she refused to wear the ear defenders every single time!

I tried the ear defenders again in Nov during the fireworks weekend, but still no luck.

We tested the ear defenders and they definitely reduces noise, so we would recommend them if you can get your kid to wear them!

[chip*]

cbmotorsport said:

Mr Trophy said:

Any recommendations for baby monitors please?

I seem to find a decent one and then someone pipes up and said it's crap!

We have this BT one. It's perfectly adequate. Picture is good, it's easy to adjust and position remotely, battery seems fine, range is ok in your average sized house. Don't get too caught up in the reviews, as long as you can see/hear when they're not happy, that's pretty much all you need.

https://www.johnlewis.com/bt-video-baby-monitor-60...

We use the same BT monitor, and it serve the purpose.

Positives:
Large display screen
Room Temperature display
Internal battery last approx 4.5 hours
Recharge with any old micro usb cable

Negatives:
Music + talk function which we never use
Picture quality could be better

[Smitters]

Shakermaker said:

I have the Motorola video one, when it was in the Black Friday sale so came in at the same price as a non-video one.

Works well, but the battery life on the monitor is crap so it stays plugged in; though that isn't an issue really. Can watch her wake up but don't have to leap off the sofa immediately as you can also watch her self-soothe which she's doing more and more these days.

Of course, I am sure that if we had only an audio one, we would be able to cope with that as well just as generations before have done

Good reminder - the battery life was our issue - it would die halfway through the night and wake me up, so we plugged it in. Then the plug socket started to intermittently fail to connect, requiring wiggling and careful positioning of the lead. Total ballache. Would not recommend. When sleep deprived, you just need something to work as intended. The battery not lasting the night is unforgivable.

[Peanut Gallery]

chip* said:

Lazadude said:

Anyone got any recommendations for baby ear defenders?

I bought Baby Banz for use in the Lotus (plus I drive topless most times as I have converted to a soft top). The BB ear defenders look and feel cheap, but then it was sub £20 so I didn't expect BOSE quality. Good news, I successfully took my little girl out over a dozen times in the Lotus during the glorious summer. Bad news, she refused to wear the ear defenders every single time!

I tried the ear defenders again in Nov during the fireworks weekend, but still no luck.

We tested the ear defenders and they definitely reduces noise, so we would recommend them if you can get your kid to wear them!

I hear you.... We went to a fireworks display a while back, with ear defenders we had a crying, struggling little one, without we had a little one pointing at the fireworks and smiling. Cannot recall the make, but they seemed to work, just were not wanted!

[Blown2CV]

juggsy said:

Blown2CV said:

Number 1 son arrived into the world yesterday! Absolutely amazing day. Sunroof delivery. Knot in the cord which apparently would have presented a risk had he been delivered naturally so that’s just as well. Hopefully that has had no impact. Being a Dad again is just perfect.

Congrats 2CV! Will be asking for tips on surviving the first few weeks with no.2 in a couple of months!

currently winging it! We have been pretty careful to explain to our daughter what's happening and set expectation that the baby isn't going to be the best fun ever / playing with her etc for a while... but also all the great things that are happening and she is fascinated for now. Fortunately our daughter came down on the side of almost being quite mothering of him but without being super obsessed or thinking it is her baby (despite weird wording the grandparents seem to want to use!). Explaining to her about what Mum can and can't do whilst recovering from C-section has been harder, but it's surprising how much she does actually understand when you give her the chance (she's just turned 2). She got a bit told off this evening for not listening about being careful with Mummy's tummy etc... Had a good chat after bathtime tonight about it all and she just wanted to hug the whole time (not like her, with me at least) and was asking if Mummy was OK, and these things catch you a bit off guard sometimes... I had tears running down my face assuring her it was all fine and that we love her more than ever etc. She does get that all this is significant, just want to ensure she isn't filling in any gaps in her understanding herself, and getting scared or anxious. Not easy is it!

[Blown2CV]

Vaud said:

Blown2CV said:

Number 1 son arrived into the world yesterday! Absolutely amazing day. Sunroof delivery. Knot in the cord which apparently would have presented a risk had he been delivered naturally so that’s just as well. Hopefully that has had no impact. Being a Dad again is just perfect.

Congrats!

One trick - buy the eldest a present from the baby.

good tip, we did do that... they got each other presents! It was the thing that actually got our daughter's face to light up first of all... she had spent a few minutes being a bit freaked out and apprehensive, but i helped her open the present a bit and she immediately warmed to him!

[tomble22]

Hi all,

Thought I'd pop back for the first time in a while, time flies!!

Last time I was on the wife and I were really struggling, mainly with my wife suffering with PND.

After some really st weeks, some assistance from the perinatal mental health team, some medication and great support from her Mum, things finally started picking up in the weeks before Christmas. She's definitely not 100% yet, but certainly 100% better than she was. Now taking her out places, started a baby swimming class a couple of weeks ago, building a network of other mums etc, so I'm really chuffed!

Our daughter Ruby is absolutely awesome. She's now 15 weeks old, weighing a decent 14lbs 4ozs, eating well, sleeping well and just a joy to be with. Amazing how much your love for them grows over the first few months.

Just thought I'd say thanks for the reassurance from a number of you a few months back. I was really struggling to see the light at that point, but the light has most certainly come back!!

Gratuitous baby picture!!



Also, Aldi nappies are certainly the best for containing poo explosions. I had serious issue with a Pampers one in Marks and Spencer cafe last week, running through M&S with a baby with poo stained tights on is never going to be fun!!

And to finish, what the hell did I do before we had a child, we get so much crammed into a weekend now it's crazy!!

[CharlieH89]

Enjoying the book ‘commando dad’ atm.
It’s a lot of common sense but some things that I hadn’t really thought about.

Fully bricking it now for my life to be turned upside down when me and the wife relax when we want and jump in the car to go wherever we like at the drop of a hat.

53 days till due date. 497 days since we first started trying to conceive. There were many, many years of being sensible before that with condoms
Who knew it would take so long.
The back bedroom has been painted pink. The furniture is in. 1 of the 2 front doors needs a new cylinder lock due to never having the key for it and never needing it. The pram won’t fit through if we don’t get it sorted

Genuinely looking forward to nappy bombs like Tomble encounted

[Mr Trophy]

CharlieH89 said:

Enjoying the book ‘commando dad’ atm.
It’s a lot of common sense but some things that I hadn’t really thought about.

Fully bricking it now for my life to be turned upside down when me and the wife relax when we want and jump in the car to go wherever we like at the drop of a hat.

53 days till due date. 497 days since we first started trying to conceive. There were many, many years of being sensible before that with condoms
Who knew it would take so long.
The back bedroom has been painted pink. The furniture is in. 1 of the 2 front doors needs a new cylinder lock due to never having the key for it and never needing it. The pram won’t fit through if we don’t get it sorted

Genuinely looking forward to nappy bombs like Tomble encounted

Right or wrong, I must admit, I've not really done very much with regards to reading etc. As someone who runs project's on a daily basis, I am sitting here with a somewhat smirk to my sheer "Mañana" approach I've taken so far.

D day is 65 days and counting.

We've got Mrs T's baby shower sorted, wee mans room is pretty much up and running and bought clothes, pram, car seat etc - but I am letting everything else go with the flow.

[CharlieH89]

Mr Trophy said:

CharlieH89 said:

Enjoying the book ‘commando dad’ atm.
It’s a lot of common sense but some things that I hadn’t really thought about.

Fully bricking it now for my life to be turned upside down when me and the wife relax when we want and jump in the car to go wherever we like at the drop of a hat.

53 days till due date. 497 days since we first started trying to conceive. There were many, many years of being sensible before that with condoms
Who knew it would take so long.
The back bedroom has been painted pink. The furniture is in. 1 of the 2 front doors needs a new cylinder lock due to never having the key for it and never needing it. The pram won’t fit through if we don’t get it sorted

Genuinely looking forward to nappy bombs like Tomble encounted

Right or wrong, I must admit, I've not really done very much with regards to reading etc. As someone who runs project's on a daily basis, I am sitting here with a somewhat smirk to my sheer "Mañana" approach I've taken so far.

D day is 65 days and counting.

We've got Mrs T's baby shower sorted, wee mans room is pretty much up and running and bought clothes, pram, car seat etc - but I am letting everything else go with the flow.

Most of the lads I’ve spoke to have said they didn’t read a book, it just comes naturally.
The book has made me think about prepping the house for when the baby is here
- making edges of tables child friendly for when she grows and moves about
- get another radiator put in the kitchen as it probably does need a bit more heat in there for when the baby is in there. We bought the house not so long ago and there’s still bits that need doing. Obviously the ones that make her life more comfortable are now a priority in the coming weeks.

Mostly common sense really that I would have encountered when she was here then put in to place, but having actually looked all around the house now I can do now before she arrives.

I’ve lost count how many baby bottles we have bought but also how many other people have bought us too

[tomble22]

CharlieH89 said:

Mr Trophy said:

CharlieH89 said:

Enjoying the book ‘commando dad’ atm.
It’s a lot of common sense but some things that I hadn’t really thought about.

Fully bricking it now for my life to be turned upside down when me and the wife relax when we want and jump in the car to go wherever we like at the drop of a hat.

53 days till due date. 497 days since we first started trying to conceive. There were many, many years of being sensible before that with condoms
Who knew it would take so long.
The back bedroom has been painted pink. The furniture is in. 1 of the 2 front doors needs a new cylinder lock due to never having the key for it and never needing it. The pram won’t fit through if we don’t get it sorted

Genuinely looking forward to nappy bombs like Tomble encounted

Right or wrong, I must admit, I've not really done very much with regards to reading etc. As someone who runs project's on a daily basis, I am sitting here with a somewhat smirk to my sheer "Mañana" approach I've taken so far.

D day is 65 days and counting.

We've got Mrs T's baby shower sorted, wee mans room is pretty much up and running and bought clothes, pram, car seat etc - but I am letting everything else go with the flow.

Most of the lads I’ve spoke to have said they didn’t read a book, it just comes naturally.
The book has made me think about prepping the house for when the baby is here
- making edges of tables child friendly for when she grows and moves about
- get another radiator put in the kitchen as it probably does need a bit more heat in there for when the baby is in there. We bought the house not so long ago and there’s still bits that need doing. Obviously the ones that make her life more comfortable are now a priority in the coming weeks.

Mostly common sense really that I would have encountered when she was here then put in to place, but having actually looked all around the house now I can do now before she arrives.

I’ve lost count how many baby bottles we have bought but also how many other people have bought us too

Just some ramblings from experience over the last few months:

We bought some of the Tommee Tippee Anti Colic ones early one and, touch wood, have never had issues with her bringing up wind etc. We have got a Nuby sertiliser that also dries the bottles which is useful.

Bought one of those hygienic bin things for dirty nappies but never used it really, bit of a faff.

One of the feeding cushions is handy.

Unless the baby is really tiny, don't buy too many newborn clothes, Ruby grew out of them within a week or so. Shes now in 3-6 or 6-9 month clothes, we've got loads of 0-3 months stuff that she's never worn.

You can never have too many bibs, the plastic backed cotton faced ones are good.

One of those groegg thermometers is quite handy, to make sure the room is the right temperature.

As i've said, we've tried a few different nappy brands and Aldi are defintely the best, and cheap too.

As much as you try and prepare for every eventuality and how it will affect your life, there is nothing that can prepare you for how much your life changes. I'm still coming to terms with it now after nearly 4 months. And make sure you take loads of photos and videos of them doing things, they grow really, really quick!!

[Shakermaker]

Hey and many congratulations to all the new Dads of late. Welcome to the team, thanks for joining us.

Had a crap weekend of sleep, due to teething and a cold; so lots of snot and plenty of pain to boot. Completely unwilling to let me give her any calpol or bonjela to soothe her, or wipe her nose of all the snot so she could breathe easily. Waking up most hours after midnight is taking its toll!

Side not - even when she doesn't have a cold, has anyone noticed that their baby has the immense ability to create the most enormous bogies you've ever seen? I pulled one out last week that was bigger than a rice krispie!

[Vaud]

Shakermaker said:

Had a crap weekend of sleep, due to teething and a cold; so lots of snot and plenty of pain to boot. Completely unwilling to let me give her any calpol or bonjela to soothe her, or wipe her nose of all the snot so she could breathe easily. Waking up most hours after midnight is taking its toll!

Anbesol Liquid. Goes on finger. Rub on gums, instant relief. Even if they clamp their mouth shut you can get it on the outer gum.

Normally. Maybe.