Ask a Groovy Gal (Bump Watch)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JILLIAN SWARTZ ANSWERS YOUR PREGNANCY QUESTIONS

I’m looking to register for an infant baby swing. What about the Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Glider? I have heard good things about it. —Kristen, New York City, NY

Ahh, yes, baby swings, aka the Mom-can-actually-have-a-minute-to-brush-her-teeth-and-maybe-even-return-a-phone-call facilitator. I’m a fan of the G Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Glider

raco sweetpeace Newborn Soothing Center ($179.99, www.target.com). It soothes by simulating the movements that parents do to calm their little ones via four cradling position that create four different sensations as well as playing comforting low-frequency sounds similar to what your little fuss bucket heard in your womb. Recommended for babes from 5.5 to 25 pounds, it’s a worthwhile investment thanks to three seat positions designed to grow with your child, six speeds to suit his mood and other intuitively designed features. Bonus: The removable carrier does double duty as a floor rocker.

Now, to answer your question: The Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Glider is good, too. It swings side to side and front to back. It holds babies up to 25 pounds, has a good mom-to-mom reputation, and while the features aren’t as extensive, at $79.99 (www.amazon.com), it’s super affordable compared with most of the other options, which can run anywhere from $110 to $200-plus—and that might make it the most soothing choice of all.

I wish there were such a thing as herbal bug killers. I really wonder how safe boric acid is. They recommend it for pregnant women and kids, but I am not convinced. —Marissa, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Your concern is a very common one—so many moms write in, asking for advice on safer ways to deal with bugs and other household pests. Regarding the use of pesticides and boric acid, the March of Dimes says: “Pregnant women should avoid pesticides, whenever possible. There is no proof that exposure to pest-control products at levels commonly used at home pose a risk to the fetus. However, all insecticides are to some extent poisonous and some studies have suggested that high levels of exposure to pesticides may contribute to miscarriage, preterm delivery and birth defects. Certain pesticides and other chemicals, including PCBs, have weak, estrogen-like qualities called endocrine disrupters that some scientists suspect may affect development of the fetus’s reproductive system.A pregnant woman can reduce her exposure to pesticides by controlling pest problems with less toxic products such as boric acid (use the blue form available at hardware stores).” There’s a fantastic site called Beyond Pesticides that offers extensive information on safe (and not safe) ways to deal with bugs and other pests, and they say that boric aid is safe as well. You could also try the organic pesticides from EcoSmart. Their Ant & Roach Killer, Flying Insect Killer and Wasp & Hornet Killer ($4.50 per can, www.ecosmart.com) use essential oils to squash those little buggers sans a negative impact on the environment or your body.

Do I need an electronic pump? They’re so expensive. Or is a hand pump okay? —Gina, West Valley City, UT

Yes! You need it. You totally need it. Do not even waste any money on a hand pump. They might be cheap, but they are so terribly labor-intensive that you’ll wind up never using it. I bought one and found it kind of demoralizing (as if I should moo or something). The electronic pump saved me. Just being able to have someone else feed the baby during the time that I was breast-feeding exclusively was such a mental, emotional and physical relief.

I have a Medela Pump In Style Advanced Metro Bag (regularly $329.99, www.rightstart.com). Its patented 2-Phase Expression breast-pump technology makes for quick and effective expressing, removable internal parts are easy to clean and customizable, and sleek design keeps moms on the go in style. Most quality pumps range in price from $250 to $350.

Now, listen: Pumping in general, hand or electronic, is kind of weird at first, but you’ll get used to it, and once you do, you won’t believe how much the quality of your life will improve.