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Big blue

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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 09:11
I haven't ordered yet but I have corresponded with them via email and they were very helpful and fast to respond; probably best to ask them to avoid any issues with delivery.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 09:10
Don't have a slow cooker but I'm a recent convert to a pressure cooker which I initially bought so I could quickly cook meat for DD so it would be tender and wouldn't take me 2hrs on the stove. Must say I was impressed, I got a Tefal Clipso and it also comes with a recipe book that has things I never thought you could do in a pressure cooker. They tend to be more expensive than slow cookers though.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 September 2013 - 09:06
Some of these you will find at Lakeland and not tooo expensive, also Tavola (expensive), Bloomingdale's home (expensive) and Lafayette (mostly expensive) have good selections. You can find affordable wine glasses everywhere, from Bloomingdale's to Ikea to C4 etc. Some ladies on here have also mentioned Daiso and Chibo for similar items but i haven't been to either so can't speak from experience...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 16:31
Good luck ladies, I'm sure it'll all go great! I had an emergency c section and it was fine, prob much better if it's planned, no last minute panic:-)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 09:15
Also not v happy with Pampers...I liked the organic huggies but they are only for young babies (they go up to size 3 but even that is near impossible to find in supermarkets) so not a long term solution...C4 were good, I tried them. I also tried Sanita Bambi which I didn't like at all (too thick and plasticky) and one more brand I don't remember the name of now. I generally find Pampers premium to be better than Pampers Active but I don't like the fit of either very much.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 02 September 2013 - 09:10
If you want to rearface baby for longer (and it is strongly recommended--US recommendations are now to rear face at least until 2 and I've read Sweden rear faces until 4 years), I would strongly advise against Britax seats. The ones sold in the US at least have some of the lowest rear facing height limits of any manufacturer. My son outgrew his rear facing before reaching 2 years old. There are a lot of seats that will allow you to safely rear face much, much longer. Just pay close attention to the height limits on the seats for rearfacing. Most kids will outgrow a seat based on height before weight. Hi Meagle, this makes perfect sense, in fact I believe the new EU regulations are also focusing on height and age rather than kilos. Are there any specific seats you would recommend?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 09:21
We went to BabySplash but not at the Ladies Club, at Meadows Village, I imagine the class style and size is the same though. It was very nice, DD really enjoyed. We will be going to Waves Academy in Mirdiff from Sept as the Meadows is too far for us. I also found some info on Hamilton Aquatics and I think the Clud at Al Badia in Festival City but don't recall details now...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 01 September 2013 - 09:08
I did some research over the weekend at babyshop, mothercare and just kidding and I think it's fair to say you will not find a rear facing Group 1 in Dubai (except a basic Britax they have at Mothercare but I didn't think it would work well). I plan on ordering on line and ideally one with isofix (most Britax have it built in-no need to by the base although the seats themselves are not exactly cheap...) as the instalation is easier and safer. Carseat.se has good info and the britax website also has good user guides and vehicle guides so if you decide to do that you can check to make sure the seat can be installed in your vehicle etc.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 27 August 2013 - 10:21
Just to add to the discussion, I had the MMR vaccine when I was 1 back in the '70s and have been fine (as far as I can tell:-) but I did have mumps as a kid and then measles when I was 21 (which was really tough btw). The effectiveness of any vaccine is never 100% plus after a number of years it is likely that one no longer has immunity. However, having the disease as a child after being vaccinated means it will be more manageable and less likely to have serious side effects. I would NEVER choose not to vaccinate my child, not with the potential downside of all these diseases. Not too long ago thousands of people where dying or left disabled because of diseases that have been eradicated for the most part in the western world today thanks to vaccines. As a mother I find this trend to question vaccinations very dangerous as it can put children at risk unecessarily. I plan to give the MMR to DD but may wait until she's 15 months, for some reasons its effectiveness increases slightly post 12 months but of course you have to weigh the risk of the infant getting the disease in the meantime. Just my twopence, not meaning to cause offense to anybody!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 19 August 2013 - 22:33
M must mean the zapp though I'm still surprised to hear they'd let u take it on board. I took the buzz, was told at check in that they would pack it at the gate for me, arrived at gate to find we would be taking a bus to the aircraft and of course nobody knew anything about plastic bags to pack it in. After a scenic 20 min ride we parked in front of the aircraft for another 10mins and then I had to close the buzz which is not possible to do with one hand. So I had to ask a ground staff to hold dd who started crying naturally while I was trying to close the stroller as fast as I could:-) Luckily I had taken a big garbage bag with me soI covered the seat, put it on top of the frame and tied the two together with a luggage belt and handed it for loading. It arrived fine at the destination gate where of course I had to ask another crew member to hold dd so I could open it and put it together. All in all quite a hassle when traveling alone but we've been making good use of the buzz while on hols so I'd probably do it again..... <em>edited by Big blue on 19/08/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 14:04
Hello ladies, have any of you flown Emirates and had your Quinny Buzz with you? I am wondering if they allow it to the gate and how they pack the seat, if at all. I was told they usually have heavy duty plastic bags they use to pack it in but not sure how reliable this is. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 13:36
Second time this happens today...I'm copying what I posted on a related thread: Not sure why but it seems my entire post has been deleted (not by me). I was referencing a forum about baby care etc called the baby whisperer, not sure if this is an issue as I have not seen any instructions stating that we cannot reference websites...anyways, just FYI ladies in case you wish to explore the forum and btw I have no association with it whatsoever, I am not even a member, just a happy visitor at times. I was saying the point Kiwispiers made about the fork is a great one and that I also saw it mentioned there and hoped to try it with DD.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 13:33
DD is younger, 10.5 months but I have noticed that many times she doesn't enjoy being fed, she wants to feed herself, so although she finishes her meals she enjoys it much more if she is involved or if I give her something I am eating or pretending to be eating, eg some bread with cheese, pieces of fruit etc. Is your baby self feeding at all? This may also be something to try and see what reaction you get. Not sure why but it seems part of my reply has been deleted (not by me) with no indication that the post was edited which is concerning. I was referencing a forum about baby care etc called the baby whisperer, not sure if this is an issue as I have not seen any instructions stating that we cannot reference websites...anyways, just FYI ladies in case you wish to explore the forum and btw I have no association with it whatsoever, I am not even a member, just a happy visitor at times.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 09:28
DD is younger, 10.5 months but I have noticed that many times she doesn't enjoy being fed, she wants to feed herself, so although she finishes her meals she enjoys it much more if she is involved or if I give her something I am eating or pretending to be eating, eg some bread with cheese, pieces of fruit etc. Is your baby self feeding at all? This may also be something to try and see what reaction you get.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 22 July 2013 - 09:10
Also try Rugland at Mirdiff City Center, good variety and good prices, quite a bit cheaper than IKEA but can't compare to Dragon Mart as I haven't been.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 09:17
Actually the Shakespeare at Al Attar Business Tower (in front of the Ritz Carlrton DIFC) is open but only the upstairs section.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 09:07
Most places in the DIFC are open and there's loads: More Cafe, Mandaloun, Cafe Nero, Bateel, Freshii, Joga, Caribou, Gloria Jean's, Noodle House, some sushi place, 1762, Dome, Costa, Subway etc plus many of the more upscale restaurants.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 21 July 2013 - 09:00
I tend to disagree, I would never buy new in Dubai, the second hand market is very good. A 2008 Cayenne is fine, not too old and unless it has super high mileage or other serious issues you should be ok with it. Porsche allows you to buy extended warranty for peace of mind for much longer than say BMW, plus the cost of servicing a Porsche is (shockingly) lower than servicing a BMW (assuming no warranty and that you go to AGMC or Nabooda). The Cayenne is an excellent car, I drive a BMW which I like but when I'm in the Cayenne it's worlds apart, such a smooth, comfortable and quiet ride. You cannot under any circumstances compare it to the X5 and Range Rover, even simply because of its spaciousness at the back, but it's true that it's practically the same as the Touareg, in fact they are both made in the same factory, same chassis etc.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 15:04
Hi there, never been to the fish market so can't comment but in terms of types of fish hamour is very common here and is white and firm, you could also try cod or seabass if they have it. Another idea might be to do a trial run at C4 or another grocery store with a big fish selection to see what type of fish you like and then venture to the market?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 14:58
Never tried but I wouldn't because I suspect the texture might change when you defrost. You could however make enough say for two servings and keep the second half in the fridge overnight. I usually do 1/3 cup dry oats for DD as one serving (I use one of those baking cup measures to make sure I get the water right but it's not critical tbh), you'll have try and see if yours likes it how much you should estimate for a serving.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 14:58
And just to add, you need to add fruit or something to it bc otherwise it's tasteless:-)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 14:54
No Big Blue, she's just banging when she's trying to sit or get up and not intentionally. I can only imagine how hard it is to get her to stop banging if she's doing it intentionally. I will try the airwrap and maybe change to a firmer mattress. Haha, well at least your problem will prob go away once she gets stronger and can control her movements better:-) I got my air wrap from Amazon UK back in Dec but at the time none of the vendors would deliver to Dubai so I had a friend who was coming over bring it for me. There is another brand that will come up if you search on amazon uk for air wrap, I don't recall the name but both seemed good to me so you may have more options. The type for cots with solid ends is different so pay attention when ordering. Hope it works for you!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 16 July 2013 - 09:00
Hi Taurus baby, is she hitting her head on the bed by accident while trying to stand/crawl etc or intentionally? I'm only asking because mine goes and hits her head intentionally, starts gently and keeps increasing the force as if she's trying to figure out when it will hurt. She's not sleeping in a cot, she's on a mattress on the floor so she hits her head on the wall. If she's doing it intentionally, putting in bumpers etc won't help as she will do the same every chance she gets against walls and other surfaces and even above the bumper clearance in the cot. I've tried hard to prevent DD from doing it but she'll do it now and then on walls, doors, sofas etc so as long as i'm nearby and can make sure she doesn't overdo it I let her have a go. I have the air wrap bumper in her (now retired) cot but it doesn't make a difference to be honest, however if you want to try, these are the only ones that are safe to use once the baby can stand up as they are collapsible so they cannot use them as a step to climb out of the cot. Not sure about the towels idea, wouldn't this allow the baby to step on the towel and risk climbing over the bars? I haven't tried it myself but just wondering...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 13:25
About 500aed sounds right-however if it is a Dr you know, you could possibly ask them to put something in the symptoms that would justify getting a pap smear and be covered by insurance. TBH I didn't even have to ask the last time I did it a few months back, I think Drs realize how ridiculous the 'we don't cover preventative' procedures is and circle around that by stating something that would justify it, for instance they could say you had bleeding, as simple as that.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 11:12
I second the losing weight etc, also strengthening the core and back (yep, time to hit the gym) so I can manage with the pregnancy and with carrying the baby afterwards; being fit helped a lot with my first so I'm hoping I can be reasonably in shape for the second when the time comes. If you have other kids or are near kids due to your job etc I would prob have a blood test to see if any immunizations are needed, most specifically Rubella as this can be dangerous when pregnant.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 15 July 2013 - 09:01
Hi Mols! Is it a dry cough or wet? Is there wheezing? If wheezing get it checked asap, could be bronchitis but I suspect it is not since you say he only has it at night. If it's wet but sounds like it's coming from high up (closer to the top part of the chest/throat) it may be mucus from a recent cold, that's quite common I am told by Drs. I get DD checked all the time bc after she had bronchitis once I got a bit worried but they always tell me lungs are clear and that it is mucus, not much to do other than wait it out and drink loads of fluids. If dry, could be the AC or some type of allergy. Do you have a humidifier in his room? I find it helps. Also if you haven't had the AC vents cleaned/disinfected in the past year or two may be worth investing in that, am planning to do it soon, bit pricey but if it helps the LO I'm willing to try:-)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:25
Hi A 101, I don't have personal experience delivering with a Dr from there but if you search the forum you'll find several people recommend Dr Helena Taylor and Dr Hiba (don't recall last name). I have seen Dr Gaby Khayata (not for pregnacy) and I though he was fine but perhaps a bit trigger happy with prescribing stuff. If you go to the clinic's website you can serach Drs by specialty and then you can use their names to search here if there are any more specific comments.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:20
I use oatmeal and make my own porridge, if in a hurry I use Quaker quick oats, otherwise just the normal rolled oats. I throw in a couple of dried prunes and a dried apricot to add taste and help with constipation and after it's cooked I put it in the food processor to break it down a bit. If you use fine oats (already ground) and just mix fruit puree you could avoid the processor but mine didn't like the fine oats for some reason. I double the water quantity from what the box advises so that it doesn't become too thick and hard to eat. Generally speaking I try to use as few "baby" foods as possible, no rice cereal, baby breakfasts etc, and I try to use "adult" foods but obviously without salt/sugar/spices etc.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 14 July 2013 - 09:14
I assume you mean things to pack for the trip in general, not just the flight? If so, I would add nail clippers, possibly bath sponge (if you use one), if FF obviously the bottles and I also carry the bottle brush to make life easier. For the flight I would also carry a sheet and a blanket for the bassinet so DD wouldn't be touching the bassinet fabric (that's when she was younger, she doesn't fit anymore plus she will lick/put everything in her mouth now so prob wouldn't make a difference). Again, for the flight I would carry a few of these disposable flat diapers they sell at pharmacies (60x90 cm size is good) so I would lay it on the changing table in the aircraft restroom to change her, also some plastic bags so you can put in dirty clothers, bottles, pacifiers etc, and loads of baby wipes. Have a good trip!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2013 - 09:14
DD has milk and then a bit later fruit (usually 3 fruits). Sometimes instead of fruit she'll have porridge with a dried apricot and a dried prune boiled together. I plan to try egg soon, haven't so far as I find eggs at supermarkets here offputting, what with their 3 months shelf life and all, so waiting to go home and give her eggs straight from the hen;-) She also started eating a bit of bread with cream cheese though I don't encourage this too much. Debating other options myslef...
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 July 2013 - 08:59
Indeed it is not compatible with delayed cord clamping; if you do intend to instist on that (and I say insist because if you don't you may not get it even if you ask, unless you have 100% confidence in your Dr) but are still interested in collecting stem cells perhaps you could ask a qualified consultant to explain whether it would still be possible to collect cells from the placenta (not the cord) and Wharton's jelly, the third type I was referring to, as these are tissue cells, not blood cells. I have no idea if it is feasible but if you're keen on both it may be worth checking.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 July 2013 - 11:29
It's a controversial topic because there are not many proven uses of stem cells yet; having said that, progress is being made every day. Also please research carefully the types of stem cells they can harvest; the most common is from the blood in the umbilical cord, however there is another type the name of which escapes me right now that has more uses currently and I believe comes from a specific part of the cord so they need to know in advance that you intend to collect these so they can act accordingly. They can also harvest more cells from the placenta itself if you're not using it for encapsulation. This is usually done because the amount of cells they typically harvest from the umbilical cord can be enough to treat a child but not an adult (it's a matter of quantity purely). I know all these things because we did preserve stem cells and I did a bit of research; I was in two minds but DH was very keen to do it. In the end I did all three types/collection methods. I would say that if financially it is something you can easily afford go ahead and do it, you never know, perhaps in 10 or 15 years the science will be very different. Also, one key use that currently exists is for leukemia but for siblings (not for the chilld the cells came from). If you have a history of leukemia in your extended family it may be a good idea to preserve. Make sure the legal contract is solid (rights of use, backup samples, etc). Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 11:18
I have been advised by several Drs when I was asking if I should use such creams on DD that generally speaking hydrocortisone creams are not advisable under the age of 2 and should only be used in serious conditions and for no more than 3-5 days as they can thin the skin and steroids can be absorbed into the bloodstream; if you are going to use such a cream best to check with a Dr first.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 09:58
TDB, my DD had very dry skin until 5-6 months and I was using QV wash (or something that sounds like it) and stelatopia cream as instructed by the Dr and it worked fine. I also found the Neal's Yard sweet almond oil to be great on her skin and nappy area. You prob have to try a few things before you find what workd on your baby's skin, hope she gets better soon.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 08 July 2013 - 09:55
Hi Untouchable, mine started soilids at 5 months and then by about 6.5 months she was refusing almost all solid food but having a lot of milk, started eating well again at 7.5 months, they do go through phases. However if your DD's weight loss is so noticeable there could be other reasons; I was told with mine that if she went up or down by a couple of hundred grams it's no issue (she was about 9kg at the time) but if your baby has lost a lot of weight percentage-wise in relation to her weight prior to these feeding issues starting then I think a Dr visit is probably a good idea. Good luck!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 14:51
The curtains are up already at the DIFC so it looks like most of the coffee shops and restaurants will be open again this year. FYI if you're looking for options.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 10:15
Congrats! Excellent news!!!!!Enjoy the ride, it's amazing:-)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 08:52
Oops, sorry, I thought I had copied it. It's http://shop.carseat.se/
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 08:50
Hi Untouchable, is she eating solids? You haven't mentioned so I was wondering. If not, this could also be a factor, sometimes babies refuse their milk because they want something else, happened to mine around 5 months. Having said that if she is losing weight perhaps you chould take her to the Dr-how can u tell she's losing weight btw? Do you have a baby scale?
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EW GURU
Latest post on 07 July 2013 - 08:44
Cosleeping is great but as your baby is very young you have to be extra careful with the safety aspects. Another thing you could do is get a bassinet, light weight, there are even some with mesh "walls" that you can place on your bed between you and your husband, bit of a combination approach. Mine did not sleep during the day, almost not a all (baring a couple of 10 min naps now and then) until she was 3 months old. It was quite challenging. And up until she was 2 months old she was waking up a lot during the night and taking hours to go back to sleep. Every baby is different but in the end my conclusion was that she was much calmer and likely to sleep when she was close to me. From 6 months she's been sleeping on a mattress on the floor in her own room (considered a Montessori method but it's in fact common in many cultures) and usually sleeps through the night. When she is upset or sick I sleep next to her (it's a twin adult mattress). I could not manage with the crib and the endless picking up, putting down and trying to comfort her while bending over for more than 10 mins and I think she hated it to. Anyway, that's food for thought for later on. Be patient and keep trying different things, most of the times things change not because of something you did but because the baby has gone through a phase/developmental milestone:-)
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 13:07
also try Victoria's Secret, I believe they have them
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 13:01
Hi Mols, if you want email me at (removed) and we can exchange more views:-) Let me know when you've gotten my email so I can delete it. <em>edited by Big blue on 04/07/2013</em>
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 12:53
Hi duddym, I found this website quite useful; haven't purchased anything yet but it has a lot of good info as well as the new EU regulations etc. Hope it helps.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 12:51
Hi Mols, sorry to hear, poor darling...but as you say it's quite common apparently and the name makes it sound worse than it really is, I suppose it's all the animal foot and mouth connotations though the two are completely unrelated. I'm not particularly happy with the nursery but I am primarily moving her so she will be somewhere with a nice outdoors area.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 04 July 2013 - 08:24
Yes it does big blue! You know much about it? Is it common for this outbreak at nurseries? He's luckily in good spirits but the spots on his face quite angry looking! Mols our babies must be in the same class then. I don't know much about the nursery situation except that it's the second time HFM happens in the past 2 months which in my book is high. In any case, DD will stop going there soon so I'm not investigating further.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 15:41
Hi Mols, does the nursery name rhyme with "tweetybird" by any chance? The Dr told me at this age it's normal for them to get a rash along with viral infections, especially when fever is involved and that they should go away in 2-3 days. If it doesn't or if there's no blanching then yes, it's probably something else. Hope he's doing better!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 12:12
After a lot of research the widest I found were for about 1,30m from Babyshop (you have to ask for it, it wasn't on display). If you don't need it for top of stairs you could use a dog fence or gates that you can add extensions to, however do not use at top of stairs as the security is compromised. Ace has a lot of these, they are plastic and easy to set up. If you need something this big for top of stairs I'd go custom and find a carpenter who can create something sturdy for you and install it securely.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 09:07
SuperCare pharmacies have a good selection of Nuk bottles and teats but I don't think I've seen special teats for pre-term babies. Mumzworld has a good selection of Nuk teats, perhaps you could find what you need there as pharmacies typically only stock size 1 medium and 2 medium (with Nuk teats the size is about the actual size of the teat, not the hole, holes are either small, medium or large but I found pharmacies only stock medium).
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 09:02
Never tasted this brand so not sure what it's like but if by Greek yogurt you mean thick and creamy try Total (it's a Greek brand available in most supermarkets) or Rachel's Organic Greek Style yogurt. Dr Oetker's (sp) Greek yogurt is ok too.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 July 2013 - 08:51
Hi Mols, my DD is practically the same...almost 10 months, top 2 teeth coming out, fever, sore throat and she got a rash all over her body overnight. After a trip to the ER and a test for strep which came back negative I was told the rash is a side effect of the viral infection and fever (just FYI in case you experience this in the future-see if there's blanching i.e. when you press the skin is it clear or is the rash still there, if clear then nothing to worry about) and they administered a paracetamol supository bc it works much faster than the liquid. They are the Adol 125 supositories and although the box mentions you can use them from 1 year, they told me it's ok to use if there is high fever/serious discomfort and you need fast relief. I chose to have DD sleep in short sleeves and a 1 tog sleeping bag as I felt it was easier for her to regulate her body temp that way, but I suppose long sleeves could work too. Hope your little guy feels better soon!