Shopping Assistance
Hello everyone! I haven’t been here for a while, but that was because I was sulking while our friends in HCMC were wading through other applications before confirming receipt of my I-600. Now that I’m able to count down the days on the 60 day meter (and I hope lots of you can, too, or have actually been approved!), I’ve decided I need to get serious about some shopping.
Since it’s been many many months since my referral, I’ve actually accumulated quite a few items for Oscar – you know, all of the cute / stylish / fun ones. Unfortunately for me, I’ve kept the most difficult shopping decision for last. I truly cannot decide which formula I should use. Do I use the premium (super expensive ones) because I’m afraid that I won’t be giving the best option to my child (which, I’m sure is exactly what these formula makers want us to believe)? Or, do I use the store brands (Costco, Target, etc.)? From what I understand, the major difference is how finely the formula is ground (resulting in a smoother beverage for the more sophisticated palate). The core contents of the formulas themselves are federally regulated, but that leaves the additives, which are not. Are those in Similac / Enfamil that much better than those in the much cheaper brands?
The odd thing here is that I’m not a penny pincher. I splurge when I think a brand is superior to another. I do, however, hate to be a fool and taken advantage of and I really hate to be manipulated into believing that I’m doing someone harm (whether it’s myself, my dog, or now, my son).
After the brand decision, I’m going to have to come up with a decision on whether to use organic formula and what do I want added into the formula (ARA / DHA I take are a must). Any advice on any of these things?
Easier questions:
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how many crib sheets do I need?
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where can I find plain white diapers (all of the diapers I have purchased have some sort of cutesy design – worst case is the Winnie the Pooh design, ugh)?
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is there anything wrong with using those Avent bottles with the disposable liners long term or do people simply use them for traveling?
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how many pairs of pyjamas do I need, or should I simply use those sleep sacks?
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any recommendations on baby sunscreen?
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do I need to wash all of Oscar’s clothes in Dreft or some other baby detergent before he wears them?
Any assistance (from the BTDTs and the first timers muddling through this with me) is much appreciated.
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Etta’s Hats
Where I’ve Been
As a mother of four, I have never once used Dreft. I just use my regular detergent. In my opinion, Dreft and its counterparts are just marketing hype. Don’t get me wrong, I know some kids/adults have more sensitive skin and need specialized detergents, but for the most part I think its just a way to suck money out of over-anxious parents. I have no real advice about formula. I’ve used Good Start and Similac and Enfimil (and yes, I even switch back and forth depending on coupons and sales) and it has never made a difference. The younger your child is, the more pajamas you will need. As far as bottles, my advice is to go with glass.
Well, my daughter is only 10 weeks old, but here’s my take, for what it’s worth! My pediatrician says that there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that any of the brand-name formulas are better than the store brands. There’s really not a lot of evidence to back up the “additives” as it relates to additional proven health benefits (proven being the key word) — although the DHA and ARA are pretty standard now. Most peds will actually just recommend a iron-fortified formula. Because of all of that, we successfully switched to the Sam’s Club brand and Sophia does great on it.
As for the rest…
**how many crib sheets do I need? 3-4. I also really like the crib sheet protectors…my daughter tends to spit up a bit after a bottle, so it’s easier to change those than the whole sheet.
**where can I find plain white diapers (all of the diapers I have purchased have some sort of cutesy design – worst case is the Winnie the Pooh design, ugh)? PAMPERS SWADDLERS ARE SOLID WHITE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE FASTENING STRIP.
**is there anything wrong with using those Avent bottles with the disposable liners long term or do people simply use them for traveling? WE ENDED UP SWITCHING FROM THE AVENT BOTTLES SO I CAN’T COMMENT ON THIS ONE.
**how many pairs of pyjamas do I need, or should I simply use those sleep sacks? SHORT ANSWER IS THAT IT DEPENDS ON HOW OFTEN YOU’LL DO LAUNDRY! ON COLD NIGHTS I USE BOTH A PAIR OF PAJAMAS AND A SLEEP SACK (I’M IN MN, THOUGH!). I’D SAY SEVERAL PAIR OF PAJAMAS AND ONE OR TWO SLEEP SACKS.
**any recommendations on baby sunscreen? HAVEN’T USED IT YET.
**do I need to wash all of Oscar’s clothes in Dreft or some other baby detergent before he wears them? I DID BUY A JUG OF THE TARGET-BRAND BABY DETERGENT, ALTHOUGH NOT RIGHT AWAY. NOT A NECESSITY, BUT I DO LIKE THE BABY SMELL!
Whew…sorry for such a long comment!! Have fun with the preparations!
-Shawna
I agree with Elaine on the Dreft. If you are worried about sensitive skin, just buy perfume and dye free detergent, but DO wash all the clothes after you bring them home. Crib sheets, I would have 4 or 5. The disposible liner bottles are fine for every day use if you like ‘em use ‘em! I dont know if you are able to get plain white disposible diapers.. My daughter is almost 7 so I cant remember about pj’s etc. I guess I better start racking mybrain to recall how to care for a baby again!!
I think you’ll be fine with any formula, but if you want to be consistent with the type of forumla you feed him in VN, I would recommend Similac or Enfamil. You can find those brands pretty readily there. DIAPERS: Not sure about all white diapers (I’ve never found them) but you will be able to find Huggies and I think Pampers in VN. They tend to run bigger there for some reason. My daugher is currently in Size 2, but the diapers I bought in VN for the same weight range are still too big – more like a size 3 and we’ve been home since September. AVENT BOTTLES: I don’t see why you couldn’t continue using them after travel, but keepi n mind that you’ll probably have a difficult time finding the liners and Avent bottles for that matter in in VN, so make sure you bring ALOT. DETERGENT: Dreft or any unscented dye-free definitely. Many of the babies in our travel group had sensitive skin. My daughter is still struggling with excema. It’s fun preparing but no matter how much you prepare, you’re never really prepared. Good Luck!
Sorry. I have no advice here since you are far ahead of me in this process!! But I just wanted to leave a comment to say CONGRATS on finally being at this point!
Yay!
I love the internet. Thank you all for your help and support!