diaper bag

[Godknowsbest]

I am brand new to this site, and would welcome any info or advice. My baby boy (my fifth child) is due in five weeks, and was diagnosed with sb when I was around 22-23 weeks. My friend wants to have a shower for me, but I really don't know if there's anything specific I should ask for. I know to watch for latex-free products (I will be bottle-feeding). Are most disposable diapers latex-free and ok to use? I had also heard a bumbo baby seat would be helpful. I don't have a baby bathtub yet, but was wondering how the baby is bathed anyways? I also have always tried to carry a smaller, more practical diaper bag (especially with other kids and their "stuff") but am wondering if I will need to use a little bigger one to accomodate maybe more things I will need to carry? These are things I have been wondering, but the drs. can't really help with these practical things. Any info or advice on things to get, etc. from a practical standpoint would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[smoop]

Hello. I really can feel your frustration. I had many questions when I was pregnant with Analise as far as the baby items that I could use or needed. I was told that we could pretty much use the same items that you would for a typical baby, provided you are watching for latex. Check out the Spina Bifida Assoc latex list.

http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org/site/c.liKWL7PLLrF/b.2700271/k.1779/Latex_Natural_Rubber_Allergy_in_Spina_Bifida.htm

We had a Bumbo seat for Analise and found it pretty useful. As for the diaper bag, it may depend on whether your urologist starts your child on a cathing program right away. For some doctors, it's normal protocol to start cathing immediately, at least once a day or so. For us, we didn't start cathing until my daughter was 1.5 years old. We've needed a little larger bag to tote around cathing supplies.. especially a blanket to be able to cath on.

I think most of the diapers are latex-free. I know for sure that Huggies & Pampers are latex-free.. we've always used them.

[bcain]

In my diaper bag I carry a recieving blanket to lay down for cathing. I carry the full size wipes in the plastic package with a pop up top for ease. I carry a travel size lysol spray, and hand sanitizer gel. For a cathing container when I'm out I use disposable bottle liners. I can still measure and see the look of the urine that way. I also carry a blue chux, like they put under your bottom on the sheet in the hospital, if I'm cathing on someone's bed or couch it's a little safer. I like it because it's bigger, but less bulky than the pads that come with a diaper bag. I have several reicieving blankets from when she was a newborn, and they are great because they are thin and fold up well for diaper bag. I keep my cathing supplies in the front zipper compartment(hand gel, lysol, a baggie with lubricant and caths, and bottle liners). The other items all go in together in main part of the bag. I carry diaper creams d/t skin breakdown from frequent accidents.

I also scope out bathrooms where ever I go frequently to see where the changing table is located or not. I prefer the more privately located placement of them than having them right by the door. I like the private bathrooms with a sink and toilet in one stall. I can cath her and put her on the potty if she needs to finish going #2, and wash my hands, without anyone seeing her barebottom.

Bottle nipples should be clear silicone ones, watch out for pacifiers too, some are still latex. I used a bassinette that had adjustable legs. I kept it raised up d/t wound care and cathing. It was a back saver for sure, as I spent so much time over it doing wound care, and skin care in those first 6-8wks. ( My baby's wound had opened up after surgery.)

Best wishes for your new son and for your family. Congratulations!

[Makennasmom]

Hi. Welcome to this site. We tried the bumbo seat at theropy and it didn't work for us, her legs are kind of chunky, anyway her feet would turn purple pretty fast. We gave her sponge baths for over two months (she had her back closed twice) we still use the small infant tub and she is 10 months old. We have a big diaperbag, we dont cath anymore so we only carry the normal baby things (lots of diaper rash cream the antibiotics that the babies are on can really make their bottoms raw.)

[Ziggy]

I just use a small bag/largeish purse. I keep caths in a ziplock along with packets of surgilube if I've got it or a small KY if I don't. A few diapers and a cloth changing pad are all I need otherwise. I don't measure output if I'm away from home. I've gotten pretty good at judging if he needs to be cathed more often or if he's not making enough urine based on the feel of the diaper after draining it. But Sweet pea is also cathed every 3-4 hours during the day. I can generally time our outings around cath schedule, and we rarely leave the house without doing it right before we go so I've got enough time to do whatever I need to without worrying about an appropriate place to cath him. I do keep gloves and hand sanitizer in my purse as well just in case I need them though. And I never leave home without cath supplies even if it's for a "quick trip" just because you never know!

I will put in a plug for breastfeeding at least for the first few weeks, though. Babies who are at risk for complications especially need mama's milk with the immune factors and higher protein/calorie/fat concentration, and that includes babies with spina bifida. Both due to the open path into their spinal column but also because it takes a LOT of calories and such to heal after major surgery. If you want to quit after a few weeks fine, but at least give it a shot. It's worth it! (And you can carry a smaller diaper bag! No bottles to deal with LOL)

[Godknowsbest]

Thank you so much- it just helps to hear practical advice from other moms who have "been there." I agree with you about breastfeeding, but unfortunately, I have never been able to (this is my fifth baby) because of an anti-seizure medicine I take. Once again, thanks for your help. Happy New Year!