For Those Of You With Babies

[BigMama]

Wow...

We have it kind of difficult here in California. We aren't allowed to use any type of bouncer, exersaucer, walker, jump-a-roo, etc. Makes it difficult to care for babies. My Moby wrap and my bjorn are my two best friends. I couldn't do it without being able to wear the baby while getting snack ready etc.

Wait. What?! Seriously? You aren't allowed to use these ever? Now I love "wearing" the babies and am a firm believer in good old-fashioned tummy time on the floor, but there are times when babies need to be set down in a safe place for a few minutes. This rule actually seems like it could cause more harm than good...

[Oneluckymom]

Yes, those are the rules here in california. Which is why I wanted to see what others are doing, but sounds like some of you are a little more free to use other equipment.

I have been placing her on the floor which is great for development (don't really have any other options... ). But now I have this little 19mo old and was concerned about something happening. But I have just worked it out to placing the 19mo old in the high chair while I prepare snack or lunch.
I do have a pack n play, but they say we cant use that unless its for sleeping? But I personally feel safety is key and when you have a baby with other littles on the move, babies should be safe and out of harms way!

[renodeb]

I have two babies 4 mos and 10 mos. I always try and make sure that there needs are met. Feedings, diapers etc. Then when lunch rolls around I usually have the little one on the floor and the 10 m/o is usually in the high chair. If the 4 m/o is sleepign then the 10 m/o is playing on the floor. My babies are pretty easy going and I just work with the older kids imbetween the babies needs. They dont get held 24/7 but they are loved on daily. I dont hold them a whole lot so I make the most out of the feedings and stuff. It just seems to all get done. I have the typical devices to. Exersaucer, swing, floor gym, bouncy seat. Lots of floor time! It helps to have good babies to.
Debbie

[renodeb]

I dont mean to sound like Im critisizing but I couldnt imagine wearing a baby in one of those slings, how could you get anything done and it would kill my back!
Debbie

[youretooloud]

I dont mean to sound like Im critisizing but I couldnt imagine wearing a baby in one of those slings, how could you get anything done and it would kill my back!
Debbie

It's actually super easy, and so much easier than any other way I've ever tried. I've paid a lot for my carriers, and it's the one item in my daycare I couldn't do without.

[nannyde]

We have it kind of difficult here in California. We aren't allowed to use any type of bouncer, exersaucer, walker, jump-a-roo, etc. Makes it difficult to care for babies. My Moby wrap and my bjorn are my two best friends. I couldn't do it without being able to wear the baby while getting snack ready etc.

I don't think we are allowed to allow infants to sleep in carriers even if they are attached to us. Our rules are once the baby has fallen asleep they must immediately be put to bed on their backs on a firm mattress with nothing in the bed.

I know you are talking about awake time... but I'm just saying that would be the ONLY time we would be able to carry them around. Once they doze off they would have to be put to bed.

I wouldn't do carrying. I am 51 and the wear and tear on me for carrying on my left side is definitely showing. I would not encourage carrying any extra weight if you are going to do this long term. You have to think about your body twenty years from now.

Even if the weight is balanced out and it is a good workout... I would still be hesitant about doing year after year with other peoples kids. You may not pay right away but you will most likely pay dearly when you get past forty.

[littlemommy]

I wear them if they don't want to play on the floor or walker.

If I'm using the stove, I only wear them on my back though.

What kind of sling/wrap do you use? I want to get one before my 2nd is born.

[youretooloud]

What kind of sling/wrap do you use? I want to get one before my 2nd is born.

For a newborn, a ring sling is my favorite. But, I also like a gauze wrap. I've heard the Moby (you can find those at target or Babies R us) is a great wrap.

For over four months, I definately prefer the Mei tai. (mine is a babyhawk, but there are millions to choose from... just get padded shoulders)

I also have a Boba, and it's wonderful for the even bigger ones kids, but not good for a newborn.

http://thebabywearer.com/ This site has a forum. There's even a Do it yourself board if you are good with a sewing machine. I buy all my carriers off of the for sale or trade boards....but, I think they ask WAY too much for used carriers. You'd think they had collectable art. I don't get excited about the popular carriers.. I just want comfortable.

[Cat Herder]

Here each infant has their own safe play area away from toddlers.

No equipment other than many age appropriate toys, safe flooring and their own crib for sleeping. I used to love johnny jump-ups, wind up swings and excersaucers (especially after feedings)...no longer allowed.

I have full view of them from my kitchen counter. The only time I am out of view is for potty visits. During that time I seperate everyone and I rush .

[Solandia]

The bouncy seat & baby papasan was essential to my reflux babies...I cant imagine holding a baby in a reclined position(happily) for the 20-30min that they needed to have after each feeding -or- even during the feeding in one case...he couldnt have any pressure on his tummy or he would hurl.

During meal prep and meals if they could last that long, I would have the baby in a reclining high chair w/ toys to play with...they were part of our meal regardless if they were eating.

During diaper changes, they were on the play mat/play gym at my feet. The older kids and toddlers are trained not to touch baby at all, and touching the sacred playmat was a huge no-no. Pretty much the rest of the time, bitty babies are held or sleeping. Every once in a while, I would have a 'hands off' baby who does NOT like being held, and the bouncy seat & jumperoo was nice to have. Honestly, though, the baby equipment takes up too much space and I like to keep it simple...play mat/play gym combo, and me. I never used a swing, b/c of the space issue.

[Oneluckymom]

I like the mei tie but WOW $89-90 bucks!! Its on my wish list.

[Oneluckymom]

oooops...mai tai

[Oneluckymom]

ohhhh....what ever, you all know what I like now!!:: GEEZ!!

[KAWISTA9]

I have a separate room for infants. My big kids are in the living room and the dining room. I also have a pack and play in my room just in case one of the babies is crying and I need to keep them separate. I only have two babies. I rotate them in the swing and bouncer and other items but if I have to prepare lunch or snacks, I make sure that everything is done for baby first and when I know that they just want me to hold them ONLY, it place them in a pack n play and complete my task. I let them cry and I check on them...we have gotten to the point that they do not cry more than a couple of minutes but I let my parents know that I have other children and cooking to do. During those times, I do it. I include the babies in on our group activities by holding them and placing them on floor close to me. But when they get upset and none of the stations are stopping the crying, I check diapers and make sure they have been fed. I then take them to the room and i finish my work