MS3 parents

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by theurgy A good stroller, bottle warmer, small portable co-sleeper/crib and a horseshoe type pillow.

Stroller covered(got a travel system with the car seat), have 1 pack and play on my registry already, pillow covered(wifes preggo pillow is a mutli use one).

As for bottle warmer, not going for that. Reason is we read that baby will get used to warm bottles, then when you're out and can't give baby a wam bottle they won't be "happy" lol and be fussy. Same thing for baby wipe warmer.

[theurgy]

Well we use a warmer cause my wife pumps and keeps the bottle in the fridge.
We use the warmer to get the milk to room temp or slightly warmer.
You definitely don't want your baby drinking fridge cold milk.

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by theurgy Well we use a warmer cause my wife pumps and keeps the bottle in the fridge. We use the warmer to get the milk to room temp or slightly warmer. You definitely don't want your baby drinking fridge cold milk.

Agreed, hmm might look to see if there is a fancy warmer that has a temp setting feature cause the wife plans on breast feeding so pumping will be something she will be doing.

[theurgy]

Yeah we had to get used to ours, there's always a risk of forgetting it in there and overheating it (once if gets too hot, it's useless, might as well throw it away).

[ChaunceyM]

Instead of a real warmer, we just used a really big beer mug. Takes some trial and error to get the water level just right and the microwave time dialed in, but after that it's easy.
Step 1: Figure out how much water to put in the mug so it doesn't over-flow when you sink a bottle in it.
Step 2: Microwave until water is hot (trial and error to determine optimal time)
Step 3: put cold bottle in big mug.

You never have to worry about it over-heating, since the mug only has a set amount of thermal energy.

[Mattyhawk1]

Originally Posted by 2zooms +1 for the tint, it really does make a difference for the kids, also looks good too! Congrats to those having new babies. I have 10 and 6 yo girls, no more for me! The little one loves the speed and is always telling me to go faster

I know this is late to the game, but just forund this thread. I love this is being talked about on MSF. What a way to soften our image lol

Concering tint, My kids have scratched the snot out of my tint in the back, to the point it needs replacement. Tint is great til they get to about 1.5 years old, then they use their toys as projectiles.

Two kids growing up in my 2007 MS3 has done a number on the old girl.

And my 3 yr old boy loves the car. In his own words it is his "racecar", chauffer'd by by dear old dad.

[theurgy]

Originally Posted by ChaunceyM Instead of a real warmer, we just used a really big beer mug. Takes some trial and error to get the water level just right and the microwave time dialed in, but after that it's easy. Step 1: Figure out how much water to put in the mug so it doesn't over-flow when you sink a bottle in it. Step 2: Microwave until water is hot (trial and error to determine optimal time) Step 3: put cold bottle in big mug. You never have to worry about it over-heating, since the mug only has a set amount of thermal energy.

Yeah, in a pinch and when visiting friends/at a restaurant, we'll do it this way, but at home, we use the bottle warmer.
I pretty much have it dialed in where i put just enough water, turn it on and exactly 4 minutes later (we have a timer set) and it's perfect room temperature, sometimes a bit colder but meh.

[ekora]

We just recently had twin girls and we purchased some Chicco keyfit 30 for them.



You def lose some legroom but it's not too terrible.



This is how a double stroller fit in a Genpu



Our family wagon

[theurgy]

Huge congrats! Can't say I envy the twins though.. LOL
Good luck with that.

[Easter Bunny]

Don't sweat the bottle warmer we got our daughter to drink shit cold out of the fridge after a few weeks.

[2zooms]

A nanny! Friends of our hired some service that came every night and put the kids to bed, fed them when they woke during the night, changed their diapers, etc. so the parents could sleep! I told them that was cheating though, they didn't get the full parental newborn experience.

IDK, my youngest is almost 7 now, I am sure there are a ton of new gadgets out there, I remember having all these things we "needed" yet never used. Oh the bottle drying rack was a big success. And we didn't have one but I think a video monitor would be handy.

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by 2zooms A nanny! Friends of our hired some service that came every night and put the kids to bed, fed them when they woke during the night, changed their diapers, etc. so the parents could sleep! I told them that was cheating though, they didn't get the full parental newborn experience. IDK, my youngest is almost 7 now, I am sure there are a ton of new gadgets out there, I remember having all these things we "needed" yet never used. Oh the bottle drying rack was a big success. And we didn't have one but I think a video monitor would be handy.

Video monitor is taken care of, our new security system comes with 1 internal 720p camera that will be installed in the baby room and will give us ability to view with mobile or through PC if needed.

[theurgy]

Does that camera have IR? Cause you'll mostly be using it in the night.

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by theurgy Does that camera have IR? Cause you'll mostly be using it in the night.

Yes sir, that was one of the requirements I had for having the camera in there. And since it is security based, I can set up alerts that notify me in regards to motion detection as well.

I'm also adding some external cameras(not tied in with security system cause it was too expensive).

Amazon.com : Zmodo 4CH 720P PoE NVR HD Security Camera System with 4 Indoor/ Outdoor Night Vision 720P Security Cameras 1TB HDD Smartphone Scan QR Code Quick Remote Access : Camera & Photo

Amazon.com : Zmodo 4CH 720P PoE NVR HD Security Camera System with 4 Indoor/ Outdoor Night Vision 720P Security Cameras 1TB HDD Smartphone Scan QR Code Quick Remote Access : Camera & Photo
Amazon.com : Zmodo 4CH 720P PoE NVR HD Security Camera System with 4 Indoor/ Outdoor Night Vision 720P Security Cameras 1TB HDD Smartphone Scan QR Code Quick Remote Access : Camera & Photo

[punkk77]

+1 on that video monitor.

We also have a sound spa thing in our daughters room that plays ocean sounds. That and a small fan create enough background noise that you dont have to be super quiet when the kids sleep. It helps with our thin walls and scrapper neighbor unloading his shit bed truck right next to her room.

Extra bottles are helpful for when u just dont have time to wash all the dirty ones, or the dishwasher isnt full enough to run.

Our daughter took a bit to warm up to her motorized cradle rocker/swing thing, but that was helpful to be able to cook or get shit done.

Theres lots more youll realize u need or want as time goes by, but these are the few things that I couldnt do without if we had another kid.

Enjoy it man, whole new world when a kid is involved.

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by punkk77 +1 on that video monitor. We also have a sound spa thing in our daughters room that plays ocean sounds. That and a small fan create enough background noise that you dont have to be super quiet when the kids sleep. It helps with our thin walls and scrapper neighbor unloading his shit bed truck right next to her room. Extra bottles are helpful for when u just dont have time to wash all the dirty ones, or the dishwasher isnt full enough to run. Our daughter took a bit to warm up to her motorized cradle rocker/swing thing, but that was helpful to be able to cook or get shit done. Theres lots more youll realize u need or want as time goes by, but these are the few things that I couldnt do without if we had another kid. Enjoy it man, whole new world when a kid is involved.

Definitely want enought bottles - we're looking at the Munchkin Latch bottles which have the the 1 way valve on the bottom or the Phillips Avent bottles.
As for cleaning, I was thinking of getting one of those steamers because that way it doesn't take as long as a dishwasher cycle and you can do just a few bottles at a time.

We do have one of those motorized cradle swings on our list too

As for sound, we plan on having a humidifier in the room and the tv running(TV we have in there we can set to turn off the screen and leave speakers only on). Also mounting the TV on a mount that allows for a good range of movement

Amazon.com: Cheetah Mounts ALAMLB Articulating Arm (20" Extension) TV Wall Mount Bracket for 23-55 inch LCD, LED and Plasma Flat Screen TVs up to VESA 400x400 and 66lbs, with full Ballhead Tilt, Swivel, and Rotation Motion, Including a Twisted Veins 10' Braided High Speed with Ethernet HDMI Cable and a 6" 3-Axis Magnetic Bubble Level: Electronics

Amazon.com: Cheetah Mounts ALAMLB Articulating Arm (20" Extension) TV Wall Mount Bracket for 23-55 inch LCD, LED and Plasma Flat Screen TVs up to VESA 400x400 and 66lbs, with full Ballhead Tilt, Swivel, and Rotation Motion, Including a Twisted Veins 10' Braided High Speed with Ethernet HDMI Cable and a 6" 3-Axis Magnetic Bubble Level: Electronics
Amazon.com: Cheetah Mounts ALAMLB Articulating Arm (20" Extension) TV Wall Mount Bracket for 23-55 inch LCD, LED and Plasma Flat Screen TVs up to VESA 400x400 and 66lbs, with full Ballhead Tilt, Swivel, and Rotation Motion, Including a Twisted Veins 10' Braided High Speed with Ethernet HDMI Cable and a 6" 3-Axis Magnetic Bubble Level: Electronics

[theurgy]

Yeah for bottle we have a mix of everything, but I personally like the Dr Browns and the Playtex Ventaire bottles.

[ChaunceyM]

Originally Posted by El Beaner As for sound, we plan on having a humidifier in the room and the tv running(TV we have in there we can set to turn off the screen and leave speakers only on). Also mounting the TV on a mount that allows for a good range of movement

I wouldn't drop a TV in there. No way. You're trying to create a stimulation-free environment for them to sleep. Dark + soothing white noise = good sleepers. Ours has his white noise machine and his rockabye baby CD (highly recommended for any rock fans). And a crib-side soother. You want to delay their love of TV for as long as possible because it's straight addictive for toddlers.

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by ChaunceyM I wouldn't drop a TV in there. No way. You're trying to create a stimulation-free environment for them to sleep. Dark + soothing white noise = good sleepers. Ours has his white noise machine and his rockabye baby CD (highly recommended for any rock fans). And a crib-side soother. You want to delay their love of TV for as long as possible because it's straight addictive for toddlers.

Well the TV is for future use as well. I have a WDTV player connected to it and have it conencted to my NAS so I can stream pretty much anything I can get my hands on(and I can remotely control it from phone so I can change things up without having to go in the room). Like I mentioned, the screen will be off the good majority of the time so the light output doesn't bother baby. I already have a bunch of white noise files loaded on the NAS for the wife(we have a WDTV in the bedroom as well and she streams it at night through the bedroom TV).

I figured why spend the extra money on a white noise machine when I had a spare LED TV and got a deal on the mount and I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone situation.

Definitely need to start downloading baby cd's to play.

What is a cribside soother?

[punkk77]

Originally Posted by El Beaner Definitely need to start downloading baby cd's to play.

We use two albums for our daughter. For bedtime and naptime, everyday for the last 18 months, she falls asleep to Norah Jones "Come Away With Me".

For playtime, she listens to Raffi "Singable Songs for the Very Young". Raffi is one of our daughter's favorite singers.

We also play the Toddler Tunes music channel on ATT Uverse.

[Easter Bunny]

We have never played any white noise for our daughter at night. It's great because she can now sleep anywhere without an issue.

[2zooms]

Originally Posted by ChaunceyM I wouldn't drop a TV in there. No way. You're trying to create a stimulation-free environment for them to sleep. Dark + soothing white noise = good sleepers. Ours has his white noise machine and his rockabye baby CD (highly recommended for any rock fans). And a crib-side soother. You want to delay their love of TV for as long as possible because it's straight addictive for toddlers.

Definitely try to keep them away from the TV as long as possible and limit their viewing time when they get older, don't use it as a babysitter.

And definitely get some Rockabye Baby cd's, my youngest listened to the AC/DC so much, she would request it once she could start talking, we also have U2, Metallica and Bob Marley.

Originally Posted by Easter Bunny We have never played any white noise for our daughter at night. It's great because she can now sleep anywhere without an issue.

Nice, my oldest, who is 11 now, won't go to sleep without music, she has t bring her ipod everywhere she sleeps. My 6yo, she can sleep anywhere, music or not.

[ChaunceyM]

Originally Posted by El Beaner I figured why spend the extra money on a white noise machine when I had a spare LED TV and got a deal on the mount and I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone situation. What is a cribside soother?

I wouldn't worry about the cost of the white noise machine. With the amount of juice that TV and everything else will be pulling, you'll make back that $20 in a few months. Plus, a white noise machine travels so you can use it in hotels, grandparents houses, etc. Your TV rig won't.


This is a soother:

Cribside Soother

Cribside Soother
Cribside Soother

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by ChaunceyM I wouldn't worry about the cost of the white noise machine. With the amount of juice that TV and everything else will be pulling, you'll make back that $20 in a few months. Plus, a white noise machine travels so you can use it in hotels, grandparents houses, etc. Your TV rig won't. This is a soother: Cribside Soother Our son is 2 and he still loves his. Most mornings he wakes up, turns it on, then spends 30-45 minutes rolling around with his blankets and animals.

That's the beauty of my setup. I can stream anything that is on my NAS to cell phones. So when travelling I can use my cell in place of the rig.

[El Beaner]

Picked this up on lunch today off CL for the house - better than a swing

To see a video of how it works
http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo

Oh and I want that stroller on their site

Amazon.com : 4Moms mamaRoo Plush Infant Seat - Silver : Baby

Amazon.com : 4Moms mamaRoo Plush Infant Seat - Silver : Baby
Amazon.com : 4Moms mamaRoo Plush Infant Seat - Silver : Baby

[El Beaner]

Got a couple more things, first Gameday attire and wifey made a hat

[jondes99]

I recommend the Foscam security camera for your baby monitor. Around $80 and $5 more for the iOS app.

Maclaren stroller is awesome and fits easily in the hatch.

Cicco Key Fit 30 in the middle works well as an infant seat.

The Recaro Pro Ride (that perfectly matches our interior) does not fit, but fortunately does in my wife's CX-5. Does anyone have any suggestions for a combination seat that does work well rear-facing?


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[punkk77]

Originally Posted by jondes99 I recommend the Foscam security camera for your baby monitor. Around $80 and $5 more for the iOS app. Maclaren stroller is awesome and fits easily in the hatch. Cicco Key Fit 30 in the middle works well as an infant seat. The Recaro Pro Ride (that perfectly matches our interior) does not fit, but fortunately does in my wife's CX-5. Does anyone have any suggestions for a combination seat that does work well rear-facing? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ive heard that the britax marathon fits the middle, rear facing. I have yet to buy one tho, since the wifes escape is the baby transporter.

Ive tried a safety 1st alpha omega elite rear facing...in a genpu the rear seat slopes down so much that it makes my daughter sit way too upright. Also, it wont fit between the front seats, so the top of the car seat can easily be pushed forward to the rear of the car. I dont think it would fare well if I were to be rear ended.

[my2k13speed3]

Originally Posted by El Beaner Picked this up on lunch today off CL for the house - better than a swing To see a video of how it works http://www.4moms.com/mamaroo Oh and I want that stroller on their site Amazon.com : 4Moms mamaRoo Plush Infant Seat - Silver : Baby

First off I would like to say congratulations! Our baby just turned 8 days old today, we have the 4Moms swing and she loves it! Thing is so awesome I just sit there and watch her...

[my2k13speed3]

Not sure if you already picked up a car seat but I would highly recommend the Britax B Safe car seat, I'm 5'-8" and my seat is perfect but any taller then it would suck since our cars are so Damn small...

[theurgy]

I find the problem isn't that the car is small it's that it's not shaped to have a middle rear-facing seat all that well.
If you say installed the seat on either side if you fit quite well.
It's that the middle hump, and center arm rest really make things tight.

[Easter Bunny]

Originally Posted by my2k13speed3 Not sure if you already picked up a car seat but I would highly recommend the Britax B Safe car seat, I'm 5'-8" and my seat is perfect but any taller then it would suck since our cars are so Damn small...

We had the same one. Fit behind the passenger seat fine.

Originally Posted by theurgy I find the problem isn't that the car is small it's that it's not shaped to have a middle rear-facing seat all that well. If you say installed the seat on either side if you fit quite well. It's that the middle hump, and center arm rest really make things tight.

Also these seats are huge with no attempt to put the bulk in places that would allow them to fit in normal sized cars.

Our friends that have a pilot still had trouble fitting car seats comfortably.

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by my2k13speed3 First off I would like to say congratulations! Our baby just turned 8 days old today, we have the 4Moms swing and she loves it! Thing is so awesome I just sit there and watch her...

Did you buy the infant insert? Probably gonna pick this up to make sure baby is fully supported - it's made for car seats but from reading others have used it insead of paying $30 for the 4Moms one

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045VA3SO

Originally Posted by my2k13speed3 Not sure if you already picked up a car seat but I would highly recommend the Britax B Safe car seat, I'm 5'-8" and my seat is perfect but any taller then it would suck since our cars are so Damn small...

We picked up a seat/stroller combo - waiting on all the baby showers to be over cause I want to pick up a seat protector before I install car set. Since I'm 6'1" we won't be installing in middle, it will be going behind wife

Originally Posted by theurgy I find the problem isn't that the car is small it's that it's not shaped to have a middle rear-facing seat all that well. If you say installed the seat on either side if you fit quite well. It's that the middle hump, and center arm rest really make things tight.

It would have been fine had Mazda taken a couple inches of cargo area and given it to the rear passengers.

Originally Posted by Easter Bunny We had the same one. Fit behind the passenger seat fine. Also these seats are huge with no attempt to put the bulk in places that would allow them to fit in normal sized cars. Our friends that have a pilot still had trouble fitting car seats comfortably.

Yep, but it's mainly because manufacturers build them for safety vs compatability. Personally I think car manufacturers need to approach baby seat companies when they do model redesigns so car companies can design around car seats.

[Easter Bunny]

defiantly get one of those inserts, the kid will be swimming in the car seat when you leave the hospital.

[jondes99]

For the record, the Chicco NextFit fits well rear-facing in the center of our back seats. Actually takes up less space than the KeyFit infant seat.


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[JonnyRock]

Originally Posted by jondes99 For the record, the Chicco NextFit fits well rear-facing in the center of our back seats. Actually takes up less space than the KeyFit infant seat. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is the reason I bought this car, and these are the seats I have.

I'm 6'2 and able to fit the Chicco Keyfit30 (carrier style seat, good to 30lbs) behind my seat. Once my little guy (6w old) groes out of that he's going into a Chicco NextFit. This is a convertible front/rear facing seat and it's very compact but full featured. I actually bought the NextFit because it's one of the few seats that fit rear facing in my BRZ.

I'll try to throw up some comparison pictures tomorrow.

[El Beaner]

Gonna be doing final install of the car seat in the enxt couple fo days. Finally got the seat protector I wanted off our registry

[jrotaryb]

I'm pretty sure this Recaro system is new and exclusive to Amazon (car seat and compatible stroller). We'll have one soon enough

Amazon.com: Launching the New Recaro Travel System: Baby Products

[El Beaner]

Originally Posted by jrotaryb I'm pretty sure this Recaro system is new and exclusive to Amazon (car seat and compatible stroller). We'll have one soon enough Amazon.com: Launching the New Recaro Travel System: Baby Products

WAY too much $$$ for a car seat they'll only use until 30-35lbs. I'm definitely considering the recarro convertable one for once she's out of the carry car seat

[RACER_X]

So what's your child's safety worth?

I've only run recaro and britax seats.