I am going to be a Grandma.. and have some questions....

[A Mickeyfan]

Boy have things changed since I had my kids I have been looking at baby things to purchase for my DD as her due date gets closer....


1. What is a 2 stage mattress? When my kids were born, it was just a plain old crib mattress. Now you have a choice of one that will be sturdy enough to handle a toddler.. what happened to them, years ago they were sturdy enough to handle a toddler!? Did they cut out half the coils in them or something?

2. Stationary side crib? Yes, I know the drop sides are not safe. Some cribs state they have a stationary side, but some do not. Aren't they all supposed to have stationary sides now? or no? Do I have to make sure it states that it is if that is what I want, or will they all be?

3. Breathable crib bumpers? Yes, I know they tried to eliminate bumpers from cribs but what are "breathable" ones?

4. Car seats now have expiration dates on them, all I can say is WOW! My first child was born in 1986, the last was born in 1992. The last one stayed in the car seat till she was 5 (I eventually had 2 of the same as I had 1986 & 1988 babies). One of my car seats were used from 1986 (infant to toddler convertible seat all in one) all the way till 1997! It never wore out. Straps never tore, buckles never broke. I had my youngest using my oldest car seat. Back them you were able to. Seems today they claim after 6 years they "may" not hold up as they will wear out?????

Yes times have changed... and I have a lot to learn to do my shopping.. and diaper bags.. OMG do I get her a Vera Bradley BackPack or Baby Bag? or LeSportsac or Coach (my other daughter wants to buy her a Coach)? Or do I just get a $20 cheapie in Walmart, will it hold up? I am soooo out of the loop here.... times sure have changed, tooooo many decisions. HELP

 

[sookie]

Boy have things changed since I had my kids I have been looking at baby things to purchase for my DD as her due date gets closer....


1. What is a 2 stage mattress? When my kids were born, it was just a plain old crib mattress. Now you have a choice of one that will be sturdy enough to handle a toddler.. what happened to them, years ago they were sturdy enough to handle a toddler!? Did they cut out half the coils in them or something?


2. Stationary side crib? Yes, I know the drop sides are not safe. Some cribs state they have a stationary side, but some do not. Aren't they all supposed to have stationary sides now? or no? Do I have to make sure it states that it is if that is what I want, or will they all be?

3. Breathable crib bumpers? Yes, I know they tried to eliminate bumpers from cribs but what are "breathable" ones?

4. Car seats now have expiration dates on them, all I can say is WOW! My first child was born in 1986, the last was born in 1992. The last one stayed in the car seat till she was 5 (I eventually had 2 of the same as I had 1986 & 1988 babies). One of my car seats were used from 1986 (infant to toddler convertible seat all in one) all the way till 1997! It never wore out. Straps never tore, buckles never broke. I had my youngest using my oldest car seat. Back them you were able to. Seems today they claim after 6 years they "may" not hold up as they will wear out?????

Yes times have changed... and I have a lot to learn to do my shopping.. and diaper bags.. OMG do I get her a Vera Bradley BackPack or Baby Bag? or LeSportsac or Coach (my other daughter wants to buy her a Coach)? Or do I just get a $20 cheapie in Walmart, will it hold up? I am soooo out of the loop here.... times sure have changed, tooooo many decisions. HELP

1) This is just a marketing ploy. If you have a crib that is convertible to a toddler bed, the original firm mattress that fits it for the newborn should be fine.

2) All should be stationary now. Crib companies can't sell cribs in the US anymore with a drop rail. If you have a drop rail you should contact the company for a kit to convert it to a non-drop rail.

3) Don't use a bumper - ever. Even if it is breathable. It is a suffocation and SIDS risk.

4) The plastics in the carseat start to degrade after so many years. If it is in an impact crash, it may not be strong enough to protect the baby. Think about it - the car seat is often kept in the cold in hot weather, cold weather - causing expansion or contraction of the plastics (that we can't see). Extended prolonged exposure to these temps, plus just age degradation leads to poor material quality after 5-6 years. You want the car seat to be able to protect the baby.

Often, the technology and style of the car seat can change frequently. The impact technology may be better or the style may change. For instance - between my two children (5 years apart) the buckles changed from a 3 point to a 5 point buckle. The 5 point is much safer for the baby. Also the fit of the car seat in newer model vehicles can change over the years as well. So that is another reason to upgrade car seats every 5-6 years.

Diaper bags go through a lot. I am a fan of cheaper bags myself because I put mine through a lot. I "splurged" on a personalized one from Pottery Barn Kids and it was about 60 bucks (on sale) and I wore that thing out. I would hate to do that to a coach diaper bag or purse - remember, there will be food and soiled clothing going in there. You don't want to pay luxury brand prices for something that may end up having to hold a dirty diaper baggie every once in a while.

 

[GAGirlInVA]

We only bought one mattress. Baby retailers have realized that new parents/grandparents are very easy to exploit.

All cribs should be stationary now, if you are buying new.

Breathable crib bumpers are like a mesh material. Still not advised but see point #1.

Carseat plastics may degrade in extreme temperatures, etc etc... The inside of a vehicle in the summer is considered extreme.

I'd ask what the mother (daughter? daughter in law? I can't remember) would like for a diaper bag. In general, diaper bags take some serious abuse. I spend enough to get a good amount of wear, but not enough to make me upset if something happens.

And congratulations!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

1) This is just a marketing ploy. If you have a crib that is convertible to a toddler bed, the original firm mattress that fits it for the newborn should be fine.

2) All should be stationary now. Crib companies can't sell cribs in the US anymore with a drop rail. If you have a drop rail you should contact the company for a kit to convert it to a non-drop rail.

3) Don't use a bumper - ever. Even if it is breathable. It is a suffocation and SIDS risk.

4) The plastics in the carseat start to degrade after so many years. If it is in an impact crash, it may not be strong enough to protect the baby. Think about it - the car seat is often kept in the cold in hot weather, cold weather - causing expansion or contraction of the plastics (that we can't see). Extended prolonged exposure to these temps, plus just age degradation leads to poor material quality after 5-6 years. You want the car seat to be able to protect the baby.

Often, the technology and style of the car seat can change frequently. The impact technology may be better or the style may change. For instance - between my two children (5 years apart) the buckles changed from a 3 point to a 5 point buckle. The 5 point is much safer for the baby. Also the fit of the car seat in newer model vehicles can change over the years as well. So that is another reason to upgrade car seats every 5-6 years.

Diaper bags go through a lot. I am a fan of cheaper bags myself because I put mine through a lot. I "splurged" on a personalized one from Pottery Barn Kids and it was about 60 bucks (on sale) and I wore that thing out. I would hate to do that to a coach diaper bag or purse - remember, there will be food and soiled clothing going in there. You don't want to pay luxury brand prices for something that may end up having to hold a dirty diaper baggie every once in a while.

For 1, 2 & 3.. thanks that is what I kind of thought, you have just confirmed it for me. I figured the mattress would still have to be sturdy and they were only trying to get more money out of people. As far as the Stationary side, I didn't think they were allowed to have them anymore, but wanted to be sure. When seeing "Breathable" bumpers, I just figured it was a ploy to get you to spend your money. I heard that bumpers were not recommended anymore due to SIDS (just as the drop sides with the entrapments). The car seat really did blow my mind on how technology had changed. Years ago we went from just sitting in a car (my generation) to being buckled in, to car seats (my kids) to car seats with expiration dates on them ( my grandchildren). I can somewhat understand why.
I agree with you on the diaper bag and I have to say, you are the first that has said that All my friends are telling me to get her a "good one" that will last her. I was thinking if I can get her a Vera Bradley (and that is what she wants) on sale for under $40, I will. So that limits it to the bag, not the backpack version of it. You are so correct in that crumbs and dirty clothes with spit up on them will be going into a $200 Coach diaper bag but I don't think my other daughter is thinking that way since she isn't pregnant and has never had kids.. she uses Coach for herself and her laptop, big difference! thanks for your help you have answered in the way I was thinking ... I am at least thinking in the right direction here

 

[Mom21]

Wow. I'm old. I only had 1 kid, and she is 16 now, so I don't even know about most of the stuff. Never had to reuse anything so age didn't matter. One thing I didn't know was the drop down crib part. Why is that considered unsafe? Did some fail and drop when they were up? By 14 months mine was crawling out of her crib, so the drop was a life saver for us. I didn't have to worry she would roll out of bed at night since it provided a high railing, but she was able to get out when she wanted.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

We only bought one mattress. Baby retailers have realized that new parents/grandparents are very easy to exploit.

All cribs should be stationary now, if you are buying new.

Breathable crib bumpers are like a mesh material. Still not advised but see point #1.

Carseat plastics may degrade in extreme temperatures, etc etc... The inside of a vehicle in the summer is considered extreme.

I'd ask what the mother (daughter? daughter in law? I can't remember) would like for a diaper bag. In general, diaper bags take some serious abuse. I spend enough to get a good amount of wear, but not enough to make me upset if something happens.

And congratulations!

thanks on all your answers. You basically have the same as other poster too and thanks for the congrats also! She is just less than 10 weeks along and here I am thinking of all the things I want to buy her (she is my daughter). She has said she wanted a Vera Bradley..but didn't specify bag or backpack. As I just posted, I think I will try to stay under $40, which that limits it to the bag. I know there is 1 on sale now in Purple Punch for $38.80 and sale ends tomorrow. I am going to run to the outlet to see what they have as well I know I have time, but if I get a little at a time, I won't feel the amount I am spending

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Wow. I'm old. I only had 1 kid, and she is 16 now, so I don't even know about most of the stuff. Never had to reuse anything so age didn't matter. One thing I didn't know was the drop down crib part. Why is that considered unsafe? Did some fail and drop when they were up? By 14 months mine was crawling out of her crib, so the drop was a life saver for us. I didn't have to worry she would roll out of bed at night since it provided a high railing, but she was able to get out when she wanted.

Drop could get the baby's head caught if it accidently dropped. At least that is what I have heard why they stopped making them. It would entrap the baby.
Oh, yours is only 16, just wait! Things will change even more by the time you are looking for your grandchildren

here, I just found this link for you on drop cribs..... http://thechart.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/28/dangerous-drop-side-cribs-no-longer-for-sale/

 

[kaylasmom07]

I just wanted to say congratulations on becoming a grandma! Very exciting! It seems as though you have already gotten some great responses on the things like the bumpers, and car seats.

I wanted to way in on the diaper bag thing. Im about your kids age (born in 1985). I would get her the bag she wants. If she likes coach I would splurge on the coach! Its her first baby and you want some thing thats sturdy and not cheap looking. Besides now a days diaper bags are alot more stylish than just the $20 walmart ones. Sometimes when I go out I just use the diaper bag and dont carry a purse at all, so you want something that you love.
I say get her something she will like, and that will last!

 

[Mama Who]

Our crib mattress has two different sides. One was for infancy and was quite firm, then when they switch to a toddler bed and are past the SIDS danger, the other side has memory foam. Necessary? No. Comfy for the toddler? Yes, and everyone else in the family has high end mattresses, so we wanted to give her that too.

As for car seats expiring, they're made of plastic. They sit in hot cars. Plastic degrades in heat.

A diaper bag is more a reflection of mom that baby. If the expectant mother is the type to carry Coach bags, a Coach diaper bag (which I did not even know they made) might be a good gift. My most expensive diaper bag was a Lands End back pack style. I'm more a sturdy, practical kind of girl.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

Congratulations!

The baby bag is a hard thing to buy, I have friends that were total Coach girls and their favorite baby bag ended up being from Lands End. I thought I wanted a Kate Spade bag at first, ended up with a Petunia Pickle Bottom... WORST BAG EVER! Not washable, velcro louder than a rock concert, terrible organization. My favorites ended up being backpack style bags from Vera Bradley and my other favorite bag ended up being a from a brand called Ju Ju Be. They used to make a small backpack and I still use it to this day. Cute, practical and machine washable!

http://shop.ju-ju-be.com/Diaper-Bags-Gear-CID288.aspx

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

My most expensive diaper bag was a Lands End back pack style. I'm more a sturdy, practical kind of girl.

A little tangent... That Lands End backpack baby bag was the BEST BAG EVER and they got rid of it. DH had one in red and still uses it to this day as his Disney bag (minus the changing pad )

 

[mjkacmom]

A little tangent... That Lands End backpack baby bag was the BEST BAG EVER and they got rid of it. DH had one in red and still uses it to this day as his Disney bag (minus the changing pad )

I have one - 16 years old and in great shape! I still use it (it was our park bag at wdw).

 

[pyrxtc]

Everything has been covered so far but I do want to say that you should not buy the car seat without having the car that it will fit it into because some car seats do not fit in cars so well.

 

[Mad4Mickey]

I just wanted to say CONGRATS ! Welcome to the club , the best club out there in the whole entire world

I will give you a tip buy all your own stuff like a car seat and stroller and such . I say this because we got tired of hauling half my DD house over to ours . So we even made a nursery and everything ( I know that is over board LOL)

We spend a lot of time with our grand kids.

 

[cseca]

First of ... CONGRATS!

Now I just want to say something about #3... It might be a marketing ploy but I fell for it hook line and sinker.

http://www.amazon.com/BreathableBaby-Breathable-Mesh-Liner-White/dp/B0013FGWD0

My 2 kids used the same one and I swear by it.
Because it prevented my kids legs and arms from being stuck between those crib slats.
And I looked at it up and down and I honestly have a hard time figuring out how a baby could suffocate with using these bumpers.
Then again it's a personal decision.

Enjoy the little one!

 

[teacherlisa1978]

Mom to a 3 year old adopted from Korea at 17 months. So our "stuff" is all less than 2 years old. Love our skip hop duo deluxe diaper bag. We will continue to use as a Disney bag even after we really need it. Love the stroller clips it has on it. Also my husband doesn't feel embarrassed to carry it as it is just plain red. So that's something to consider.

My mom has her own car seat in her car which has been very convenient.

 

[ajasmom]

My "Baby" is 17 now. But I must say while I understand the issue with drop side cribs. Being only 5' tall it would be impossible for me to reach into a crib with and infant with out the drop down sides. I would have to get a stool to climb on to reach over to safely place baby inside. lol that doesn't seem safe either

 

[cseca]

My "Baby" is 17 now. But I must say while I understand the issue with drop side cribs. Being only 5' tall it would be impossible for me to reach into a crib with and infant with out the drop down sides. I would have to get a stool to climb on to reach over to safely place baby inside. lol that doesn't seem safe either

I totally understand this.
I think my ribs are bruised from the 2 babies...
But we still used the stationary crib tho... I'm too scared of those drop sided ones.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Everything has been covered so far but I do want to say that you should not buy the car seat without having the car that it will fit it into because some car seats do not fit in cars so well.

I do remember that.. in fact, after I had the kid and ended up trading my car in I had to get a car that fit the car seats so yes, you are so correct on that!!!!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Our crib mattress has two different sides. One was for infancy and was quite firm, then when they switch to a toddler bed and are past the SIDS danger, the other side has memory foam. Necessary? No. Comfy for the toddler? Yes, and everyone else in the family has high end mattresses, so we wanted to give her that too.

As for car seats expiring, they're made of plastic. They sit in hot cars. Plastic degrades in heat.

A diaper bag is more a reflection of mom that baby. If the expectant mother is the type to carry Coach bags, a Coach diaper bag (which I did not even know they made) might be a good gift. My most expensive diaper bag was a Lands End back pack style. I'm more a sturdy, practical kind of girl.

OK so that is a 2 stage mattress. One side is made differently, more like an adult mattress. Thanks for that explanation. I really thought it was a way to get extra money out of people. I guess if I can find one "on sale" then I may consider getting this type for her. She really doesn't care. thank you