Hi Busy moms,

I'm from Nov board, getting ready for my big day Nov 27. I have lot of doubts on baby shopping, and would be very grateful to take some expert advise from you all. Please answer my following doubts abt baby shopping:

1. What is rubbing alcohol? Where do I get it? Is it isopropyl alcohol available in dollar store? How many times I need to apply it per day?
2. Waterproof crib mattress pad is a must? I hv got plastic liners from India. Is it enough?
3. Can I put additional soft layers of cotton saree, etc under the fitted sheet for added comfort for the baby?
4. From When feeding bottles can be used with newborns? Will it give problem to breastfeeding?
5. When would I hv to buy breast pump? Return policy is available for such pumps? Somewhere I read it is not returnable.
6. I plan to go to work after 3 months. Which breastpump would be ideal for my case?
7. What oil do u use for baby massage(available in US)?
8. How many dress change would a newborn need per day? Since there is just diaper change and no 'Wetting' I hv this big doubt.
9. What is the difference between booties and socks? I know what socks is, but what is booties? Should I buy them too if I hv bought socks?
10. When can I start giving infant formula along with breastfeeding(since I hv to return to work after 3 months)?
11. Do I hv to buy a passifier-which one? I hate passifiers. I pray my baby shouldn't need it.
12. Which type baby thermometer is good?
13. Which humidifier is good for baby? Cool or warm mist? I read in a baby book warm mist is good since it doesn't add bacteria on air. Otherplaces they recommend cool mist. I'm confused.
14. Which brand baby monitor is good? Fisher-price lights n sound or Safety 1st?
15. Please suggest a good baby lotion. When do I use it on the baby?
16. Should I buy winter jacket for the baby or I won't need it? Will it suffocate or be uncomfortable for the baby?
17. Which diaper rash cream is good?

Oops..., that is lot of questions. I'd really appreciate if I get answers for all my questions.

Thanks in advance,
CK
Nov 27 latha replied. Here are my answers to your questions.

1. Isopropyl alcohol can be used to clean the cord. But 70% alcohol content is suggested. I used to very little as my pediatrician said unless there is drainage we dont need to use much.My baby's cord fell on 14th day.

2. I have also bought a water proof mattress pad bcos the mattress i got is a little firm one. But you definitely need something which is waterproof that you can put on the sheet.You will eb surprised to see how many leaks you end up cleaning in a day.

3. if you want you can use cotton saree to make mattress little soft. Pad is same purpose but if it is water proof it s even more useful to protest mattress form leaks.

4. I was forced to use bottles form day 1 as my breast milk wasnt sufficient.With every feed I nurse my baby 15 minutes each side and if she is still hungry I give her bottle. SO she is used to both now.

5. I bought the Pump in style just the week of my delivery.Its useful to have it ready but I ended up renting the pump form hospital for first 2 weeks to improve my milk production.

6. I suggest Pump in Style advanced if you plan to go to work.Its really good and fast. It only takes 10 minutes to express milk form both sides.

7. I havent used any oil or lotion on baby yet.I juust give light bath with johnsons head-to-toe lotion.

8. I like to change my baby twice a day.But I am always forced to change more ften than that due to spit ups or leaks.

9.Both are for same purpose.Booties are like cloth shoes u can say which are more fancy. u can just have one of the two initially.

10. If u dont have enough breast milk want you can give formula anytime.

11. I hate passifiers too.Didnt need one till now.

12. I am uisng digital thermometer which can be placed under arm.

13. I am using cool humidifier.It also helps in reducing the too much heat that comes from heaters.I woudnt use warm one.It makes room even hot.

14. I am using safety 1st.Have been happy.

15. u can try johnsons or aveeno..whichever suits your baby.

16. I didnt need one till now.May be sweater would be good.

17. Desitin Creamy is good.

Hope this helps.

latha