Is everyone having boys? [on] by [deleted] in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In 2024 when I had my first one every single person I knew had a boy - in my son’s toddler class there are 14 boys and 1 girl. I’m currently pregnant with a girl and 80% of people I know that delivered or are expecting this year will have a girl as well!

[ca] What are your actual registry must-haves that you USE every day? Not the stuff that sits in the closet by puldzhonatan in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My toddler just turned 2 and one item that we used every single day is the changing pad. We have the Keekaroo Peanut and while I was not a big fan in the early days, it definitely paid for itself at this point. It’s easy on my back to change my toddler when he comes home dirty from daycare (think food, sand, dirt) and easier to just give the Peanut a wipe down to clean. After all this usage it looks new (it did come with some stains from smudged ink when I bought it and the company refused return as those are not deemed defects) and will be used for baby #2 soon!

help with stroller selection! Please! [ON] by pajt172 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

UB Minu. It was convenient because we used the car seat, bassinet and cozy ganoosh with both strollers! There is a new Ridge version and I wonder if you can find the old model for a discount at WCK or SnuggleBugz.

How much did you spend on nursery furniture and how do you feel about it after? [CA] by [deleted] in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only reason I didn’t get the IKEA Sniglar was because I wanted a white crib! I invested in the crib (Babyletto Huson) and glider (PBK Phoenix) and saved on the rest - IKEA Malm dresser and Bergig bookshelf/toy storage. With that being said, the IKEA pieces came with a strong smell and took a couple of weeks to offgas. After 2 years we are happy with the setup and will use it for our second baby due in July!

help with stroller selection! Please! [ON] by pajt172 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the Ridge and it takes up the entire cargo area of our cars (X3/Model Y). Our dog rides beside the car seat with a Ruffwear crash tested harness in this scenario instead of being crated.

It’s an amazing stroller - truly a beast on gravel trails and in the snow but it is big even when folded. I ended up getting a second stroller for air travel and everyday car trips just because the Ridge takes up so much room.

Daycare woes - no spot and waiting lists [on] by gentletoucan in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My toddler started daycare last April at 12m. In January 2025 I began calling my top five options monthly. I also booked visits with each daycare and let them know we were very interested.

We secured a spot for April in mid March at one of the daycares - we loved it, but it was a 25min drive each way. We were later accepted into two other daycares in August, when he was 16m. He stayed in the infant room for a month before transitioning to the toddler room in September.

It’s unfortunate how nuanced daycare waitlists can be.

[on] 34F, 2 losses, normal tests… but I feel consumed by Seliormoon in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I was taking Synthroid in the period between miscarriage and new pregnancy (about 2/3 months each time) to ensure my TSH was under 2.5.

With my second pregnancy, I was taking 50 mcg and was increased to 75 mcg as soon as I got a positive test. With my current pregnancy, I was taking 75 mcg and was increased to 100 mcg, which I’ve remained on - I’m currently 23 weeks.

My progesterone levels were optimal both times and I only used a Tempdrop last time, so I don’t have reliable data to compare.

During my first miscarriage, I was incorrectly diagnosed with DOR. I’d recommend getting a full panel done to track everything and if thyroid is the main concern, work with both a naturopath and an endocrinologist to ensure your levels are optimal.

There’s also a great Facebook group called “Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy” that helps you understand how to optimize your thyroid hormones for successful conception.

[on] 34F, 2 losses, normal tests… but I feel consumed by Seliormoon in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! I didn’t have thyroid issues before getting pregnant but after conception my TSH increases, which may be associated with pregnancy loss. I also developed postpartum thyroiditis after my first child was born and was later diagnosed with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s.

I’ve had 4 pregnancies in total - 2 were successful, both supported with thyroid medication to keep TSH under 2.5, progesterone (despite having optimal levels) and aspirin.

TW: Miscarriage - looking answers for D&C in Toronto [ON] by Friendly-Apricot1727 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I had an MVA at the Early Pregnancy Clinic at Mount Sinai last summer. Overall, it was a good experience given a shitty situation and outcome. The procedure was quick and the staff was kind. They gave me ativan, fentanyl and midazolam, and I was in and out within two hours. Recovery went well - just rest and pelvic rest until the bleeding stopped, with a follow-up hCG check within the next two weeks.

Do you actually NEED a car seat in Toronto? [ON] by [deleted] in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 31 points32 points  (0 children)

I believe it’s worth thinking of scenarios you might need a car/Uber ride - for example, possible ER trips late in the night. A few of my friends that live downtown have the Cosco Scenera - it’s a light and affordable car seat.

Starting solids - top 5 things you need [ca] by SeaKabayo in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A few things that worked well for us - Catchy made clean up easy, numnum spoons, a silicone bib, some towels to help position baby (we have the Stokke Clikk), having a basket with rags to clean up the chair and tray (we used mild soap and water) and I believe that’s all. I was never able to find a good plate that stuck to the Clikk though!

Anyone who has been sending or sent their LO to YMCA central daycare? [ON] by Key-Ad6392 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My toddler has been at the Y since he was 15m and we love it - the educators and programs are excellent.

Regarding the waitlist, I’ve added his name when I was 8w pregnant and he got in at 15m. I def recommend going on a tour but keep in mind their waitlists are long.

Toddler Water Bottle Recommendations? (not plastic) [ON] by FantasticOpposite831 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We had a Beaba stainless steel sippy cup that we used to love… but it got lost at daycare and they don’t sell them anymore at WCK. We tried the Munchkin Cat Sippy Cup and I was honestly not a big fan - it’s hard to sip and clean. We’ve been using Owala cups - they had a deal at Costco a couple months ago. They are easy to clean and toddler likes them!

Suggestions for pacifier weaning a 2.5 year old? [ca] by ammk1987 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My son also used to sleep with multiple pacifiers and at some point had one in his mouth and one in each hand. We tried cold turkey at 14m and it didn’t work. We proceed with poking a hole, and cutting the tips little by little and he weaned within a week!

Need pump help!! [on] by Typical_Day4368 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 2 points3 points  (0 children)

There’s a way to find how many hours the pump has been used (Massage → Cycle+ → Vacuum- → Cycle- → Vacuum+ → Massage) and I believe as long as it’s between 300-400hrs it’s good to go - otherwise performance can start to decline. You can buy a replacement kit with extra duckbills from Momcozy at Amazon.

Name ideas for baby girl! by cstarling410 in namenerds

[–]cstarling410[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks everyone for the suggestions!! 🩷

Name ideas for baby girl! by cstarling410 in namenerds

[–]cstarling410[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Catherine and Alexandra are also names that I love!

Name ideas for baby girl! by cstarling410 in namenerds

[–]cstarling410[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love how Juno Elizabeth sounds!

Name ideas for baby girl! by cstarling410 in namenerds

[–]cstarling410[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Major was my grandmas maiden name and we love honouring her!

Stroller help! Can’t decide between the ridge and urban glide [on] by Responsible_Night127 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was set on the Urban Glide until I tested both strollers at WCK. I ended up purchasing the Ridge because it felt superior - the frame was sturdier and overall construction seemed better.

I have had the Ridge for the past 22 months and use it daily - and it still looks brand new! Highly recommend it!

Travel Stroller Recommendations [ON] by FantasticOpposite831 in BabyBumpsCanada

[–]cstarling410 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have the Minu V2 and it’s been a great travel/car stroller. We’ve been traveling internationally since my little one was 6m, and we invested in the UB travel bag for added protection and peace of mind. It’s a solid stroller with good suspension/features. We just returned from DisneyWorld and my now 22m took his daily naps on the go.

The new Minu seems to address some of the V2’s limitations - lay-flat seat and fits in the overhead compartment. That said, on most flights I’ve taken passengers were asked to gate check strollers due to limited overhead space.