• Filter the conversation
 

Dear UrbanBaby community,

Thank you so much for being a valued member of the UrbanBaby community. We wanted to inform you that we are shutting down the site on July 6th. We are grateful for your participation and support that has helped make UrbanBaby such an important resource to parents for many years.

If you have any questions or concerns, you can email us at urbanbaby-support@cbsinteractive.com.

Thanks so much,

UrbanBaby Support

[ - ] trying to decide on buying a toddler bed or just a full size - or even just taking the drop rail off crib. torn! 2.8 - anyone? if you bought a bed, any place you recommend in nyc? TIA 7 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:27 AM Flag
»
i was thinking of asking the same question. ds is 18 months and is looking pretty cramped in crib. will replacing drop rail on crib with toddler rail really help? just take the plunge and buy regular bed? heard toddler beds were really an unnecessary step. advice anyone? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:37 AM Flag
»
We went straight to a twin w/ both kids--oldest at 3.5, youngest at 2. Never a problem. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:41 AM Flag
»
low to ground or just regular - [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:19 AM Flag
»
I'm back--just regular. I bought two old walnut bed frames off of Ebay. Stripped & painted the one for DD's room, left the one for DS as is. We did use a rail w/ ds (our oldest) but never used one w/ dd. Hasn't been a problem--she has a little footstool to climb up, though she could hoist herself up at the end otherwise. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:56 AM Flag
»
Go straight to twin. Bought toddler bed for ds and only used it for a few months. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:53 AM Flag
»
If you can fit a twin bed, get at bed. We use a toddler bed because ds's room is very small. He's used it for 3 years, so it was worth the very small investment ($90). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:58 AM Flag
»
we went straight to regular full-sized beds (both dc at 2 yo). put bed rails on, and it's been great. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:27 AM Flag
[ - ] dh made dd really upset last night. He was being critical and made her cry, and I butted in and said "She's not your contemporary, she's a 15yo kid." She begged me to drop it because "you're just going to make him angry." And the next time I came through the room, he was saying "I'm just trying to toughen you up," and she had composed herself and seemed to be agreeing with him. I just remember to this day some of the hurtful things my father said to me so maybe I'm projecting, but should I talk to him again or just butt out. I just feel like he talks to her like he would a work colleague, without regard to hurting her feelings, etc. 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:27 AM Flag
»
I think you handled it well. Take it case by case. They seemed to work this one out. And maybe you can address your parental history with dh later to explain why you are sensitive to it. Even the most loved and respected fathers have said hurtful things that their children will never forget. So it's not entirely preventable. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:30 AM Flag
»
I disagree with above. I think mom and dad should disagree about parenting when d/c is not there. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:38 AM Flag
»
Really, even when the child is crying? It's not like her dd was 3yo and cries at the drop of the hat. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:40 AM Flag
»
I really sealed my fate on that instance when I made the choice a contemporary and a 15 yo kid. As we all know, a 15yo is always going to opt for adult treatment. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:44 AM Flag
»
I wouldn't call what he was doing parenting, closer to shaming [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:46 AM Flag
[ - ] Taking two kids, 3 and 6yo, to the Outer Banks of North Carolina (Duck), next week. Any advice for a newbie about what to do there (other than the obvious beach stuff.) Thanks. 14 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:23 AM Flag
»
avoid the rednecks who will also be there [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:26 AM Flag
»
why? I made some great friends in college who were "rednecks." [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:29 AM Flag
»
That was college. You have children now. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.25.08, 12:26 PM Flag
»
The rednecks are fun! They make the Food Lion so much more entertaining. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.25.08, 12:33 PM Flag
»
Are you in a house by the beach? Mostly we do beach things. You can drive to Kitty Hawk or Nag's Head for shopping and should definitely fly kites there. There may be a Wright Brothers Museum. We mostly just relax on the beach and cook for ourselves when we go, and perhaps see a movie or 2. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:29 AM Flag
»
I was thinking it might be nice to incorporate one or two "big" adventures into the week. Movie could be fun... (Yes, we are on the beach.) [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:31 AM Flag
»
^^^Oh and thanks [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:32 AM Flag
»
Not much to do but beach, shop, kite flying, movies, mini-golf, bowling. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:34 AM Flag
»
We were further out in Corolla last year but I would say go see the wild horses. It was a highlight of our trip. Also, bring flashlights and go down to the beach at night to watch the crabs. It was a hoot for our 3yo! The sun is very strong down there. We typically hit the beach in the morning and then stayed by our pool in the afternoon. Just make sure you use lot's of sun protection. Also, there is a strong undertow so swim with caution. Have fun! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:34 AM Flag
»
OP: Hey Carolla poster- (no reply button) the beach is alive with crabs at night? At water's edge, I assume. Does tide matter? Sounds really cool. Thanks. Oh, are these like fiddler crabs or full on big old Chesapeake Bay Seasoning type crabs? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:50 AM Flag
»
bump [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.25.08, 12:01 PM Flag
»
There is an aquarium in Manteo. It's on the small side, so not a full day thing, but good for a few hours on a so-so day. There is a big sand dune at Jockey's Ridge that you can climb. Other than that we mostly just do beach, pool and shops. Duck and Corolla both have small playgrounds for DC near some of the shops. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.25.08, 12:11 PM Flag
»
Go to the Duck Deli for the best BBQ! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.25.08, 12:35 PM Flag
»
Now this is information I can really use! Thanks. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.25.08, 12:45 PM Flag
[ - ] has anyone seen walking with the dinosaurs? is it scary? my kids are 3 and 6 but 6 yr old is a bit of a chicken (but loves dinosaurs. 1 Reply [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:20 AM Flag
»
I'll let you know...we're going next week with 5 yr old dc [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:22 AM Flag
[ - ] Sebastian, William or Ian? 5 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:12 AM Flag
»
I like Sebastian best, but he may be called Se-Bastard. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:15 AM Flag
»
i love Ian. its my DH's name! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:22 AM Flag
»
William or Ian [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:43 AM Flag
»
ditto [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:49 AM Flag
»
Love ian [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:11 AM Flag
[ - ] Where can I find this sample OLSAT test i keep reading about here, please? Thank you in advance. 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
New York City 07.24.08, 08:05 AM Flag
»
you get it from the DOE after you schedule the actual [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:09 AM Flag
»
thx [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:02 AM Flag
[ - ] have an 11mo ds, pg again about 8wks, I'm exhausted, all I want to do when I get home is go to bed and feel terrible not to be interested in spending quality time with db. How do people who btdt went throuht it?? 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:59 AM Flag
»
I posted below, pg with #2 and now thinking if it was too soon. Dh keeps telling me it will get better, but right now I just want to lay down, it's really hard at least for me when you have run chasing such a small baby [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:01 AM Flag
»
you'll get another burst of energy in a few weeks after you pass that first trimester. don't worry, it will get better. hang in there. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:04 AM Flag
»
2 pregnancies and I never got that burst of energy. If you can hire a neighbors kid to come play with your baby while veg on the sofa. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:13 AM Flag
[ - ] If I name my daughter Naomi, what will her knickname/baby name be? 10 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:58 AM Flag
»
Naomi. And it is a beautiful name. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:59 AM Flag
»
NAM [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:59 AM Flag
»
Princess? Shmoopy? Kitten? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:59 AM Flag
»
OP: funny, good point [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:00 AM Flag
»
I thought I knew for sure what my son's nickname would be. But everyone goes with his full three syllable name. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:03 AM Flag
»
the one I know is nomes [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:00 AM Flag
»
Mimi? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:06 AM Flag
»
That's my name. Family members call me Nomi. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:06 AM Flag
»
I don't know . Kid with an ugly name? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:18 AM Flag
»
Nice. Very nice. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:23 AM Flag
[ - ] My friend doesn't let her dc get their faces painted. She is a germ-phobe. Do you think that is the reason? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:57 AM Flag
»
I don't either, just don't like it on the face at all, and it is pain to get it off. I let them do it on their hands, good enough. Nothing to do with germs. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:02 AM Flag
»
OP: right....I don't like a face full of make-up either and I encourage my dc to get just small things done but sometimes she gets elaborate. I think the arm or hand would be a good alternative. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:05 AM Flag
[ - ] DC just turned 1. Am I crazy to start trying for #2? We know we would like to have 1 more child and I sort of want to get it over with. 3 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
Newborn 07.24.08, 07:57 AM Flag
»
If you get pg fast you will have 2 babies for a while. But then they will be good friends. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:57 AM Flag
»
I did that, ds's are 2 years to the week apart, it's great and will hopefully get better as 2 yo gets older and better able to play and keep up w/ 4yo [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:59 AM Flag
»
It will be tough going for the next 3 years, but if you can get through that, should be great. Think ahead about vacations; if DCs are similar age, you need not worry about scheduling activities. Ever tried to ski with a 4 yr old and a 9 year old? Crazy! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:28 AM Flag
[ - ] packing up to take kids to my mom's in CA for rest of summer - kind of sad even though we are excited...when we get back dc will start K! i feel like we are having our last carefree days here in the city :> 6 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
New York City 07.24.08, 07:54 AM Flag
»
Are you doing anything special before you go? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:55 AM Flag
»
not a lot of time left...walks in the evening after work with dcs; maybe we'll hit a fav. restaurant or two before we leave...i mean, it's not like we are moving - i just feel like life is going to be different when we get back [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:59 AM Flag
»
It will. My dc started K last year. Big change for both of us. But in a good way. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:00 AM Flag
»
even though he has always been in daycare and preschool i feel like everything will be so much more scheduled now... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:02 AM Flag
»
It will. But you will still have the weekends and holidays. ANd it will be exciting to meet new people. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:03 AM Flag
»
once real school starts, it is differnt - but great. enjoy the carefree days of summer.... [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:57 AM Flag
[ - ] just got bids from contractor and they are $100,000 over our budget ($150,000). we're so screwed. anyone have a great reasonable contractor in manhattan? they are estimating $15,000 for painting and the apt is only 900 sq ft. is that right? also $25,000 for cabinets in a kitchen that only has 2 walls. help! 32 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:46 AM Flag
»
You need to get on Angie's List. www.angieslist.com. It's the only way I've saved myself several times being screwed with our house (we're in Boston, but they have it for all major cities, I believe). [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:48 AM Flag
»
how is that remotely possible? we painted a 3 bed house for $5K [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:49 AM Flag
»
We did a 4 BR for 6K. That estimate is crazy. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:44 AM Flag
»
900sq ft and they want $250K to remodel? What are you having done? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:50 AM Flag
»
don't use a general contractor and bid out each component yourself. Assuming that every wall is not getting skim-coated and there's not a ton of priming, painting shouldn't run more than $7-8K. Are you getting very fancy cabinetry that's completely custom? You can take your measurements and go to home depot for an estimate. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:50 AM Flag
»
contracts will all try to screw you - but you may want way too much for what you want to pay - 100k over budget is a lot imo; can you do somehtings yourself - like paint, buy cabinets at ikea on your own, only have them do the major stuff and do cosmetic stuff yourself [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:51 AM Flag
»
Contractors are not all trying to screw you. Many of them are hard working people trying to make a living in a very competitive industry. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:01 AM Flag
»
np: I agree with you, but, in my experience, any job ends up costing more than the original estimate. There are always little costs nobody thinks of, or job takes longer than originally thought. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:05 AM Flag
»
You can price things one of two ways. A cost basis where if there are no problems it costs the original amount and if there are problems or changes, the amount goes up. Or a fixed price. But on the fixed price one, since the contractor is taking additional risk, the price is going to be higher. In this scenario, any change is much more expensive. Guess which option 99.9999% of clients ask for? [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:08 AM Flag
»
the best way to avoid this is to have a complete set of drawings. architects shy away from doing this, but it really helps the contractors for bidding and helps back them in a corner so that they can't claim surprises when they really knew the condition was there. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:36 AM Flag
»
We just got an estimate to paint our 1100sqft 2 bedroom 2 bath apt for $2000. The kitchen renovation could run 25K, depending on cabinets you choose. If you go with semi custom you can save some $$. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:52 AM Flag
»
I'm not giving you mine but I will tell you this much: the architect had the bidders fill out a worksheet specifying how much each part cost. DH went through each of the bids and raised questions. For instance, they had $700 for each line item in one section re plumbing. Now that's just being lazy. And if something seems off-kilter, like the painting, call them out on it. Ask them why it cost so much. Force them to do realistic bidding b/c lots of times they will lick the finger and see which way the wind blows rather than giving realistic bids. It's laziness. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:34 AM Flag
»
^^also, why not bid out your kitchen and the painting to other people, and let the contractor know that he needs to bring the price down or that you well let others do that part. but honestly, i don't think $25k is a lot for a kitchen. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:35 AM Flag
»
^^^also, i will tell you this much, almost all contractors are charging more right now (at least in nyc) because the materials are so much more expensive now. people have reported 10-20% increase in the cost of materials. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:37 AM Flag
»
np: and one way many contractors figure out cost for a job is price times some percentage. So as price goes up your cost goes up for the labor as well. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:45 AM Flag
»
Partially it is laziness, partially it is the fact that people will call three (or more) contractors for bids on a $200,000 job when their budget is $100k and they are looking for top of the line equipment. People treat the estimating process as if it had no cost just because it is free. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:42 AM Flag
»
this is true. we are on round 2 of bidding after doing major cut backs in the scope and materials. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:45 AM Flag
»
15,000 to paint your apartment is INSANE. I had my 1300 sq ft apartment painted for less than 2K and they did an excellent job! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:40 AM Flag
»
both of those line items seem high. i agree that you should try to contract out the pieces yourself, though that will increase your labor and time spent on the project. we got the same $15K estimate for very good (not the best, but very good) painters for an entire townhouse, including the paint. $15K for beautiful semi-custom "green" cabinets. but we also went 100% over budget, half of which was due to actual bids coming in much higher than what our contractor put in the budget. sounds like in addition to needing to kick the tires on some items, you may need to cut out some items. try to figure out what you could do or contract out yourselves at the end of the project - that way you at least save the GC upcharge. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 08:58 AM Flag
»
There are a lot of added costs in recent years to doing work in manhattan - materials, insurance, gas, higher min wage and parking tickets. You can definitely get your apartment painted for less money depending on how high end a job you want. My friend had 900 sq ft painted about 7-8 years ago for $5K, but it wasn't done by a business - it was a guy who did this on the side. The paint job was decent but not phenomental and she didn't have molding. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:03 AM Flag
»
FWIW- a lot of times, molding makes it easier. Cutting in that 90 deg corner so the line is crisp and straight is not as easy as the pros make it look. The molding often hides that very top edge so you have wiggle room. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:12 AM Flag
»
Even so, crown molding, etc. needs to be painted by hand and that is very time consuming. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:14 AM Flag
»
The top 2+ inches needs to be painted by hand either way. (Well, unless you are masking off the entire space and spraying the walls.) I've never painted professionally but I have worked with guys how did. Unless the crown molding is getting a different color than the wall and ceiling, I don't think it adds much time. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:21 AM Flag
»
It's unanimous here that the estimate is nuts. Def do Angie's list. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:14 AM Flag
»
I've gone thru 2 break-thru renovations and both went over budget b/c of unexpected items. That said, your painting bid seems high if it's just painting. But if they need to strip paint (which in older apartments could be ??? layers), to skim coat, to prime, and then to paint -- the price doesn't seem that outrageous. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 09:19 AM Flag
»
Yes: Call United Homesteads, 866.438.5979. VERY reasonable...young guy, just startingn out, but he does good work. Good luck! [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 01:18 PM Flag
»
www.unitedhomesteads.com [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 01:25 PM Flag
»
$15,000 for painting sounds outrageous. We had our 2000 sf apt painted for $5K and that was the high end [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 01:24 PM Flag
»
One other place you can try is thefranklinreport.com. I had a great experience with my renovation and it was on budget. I picked the painters, plumber, electrician and floor guys separately and designed the kitchen with a Home Depot person. It ended up being 70k for combing two 550 sq ft apartments. The electrical was the most expensive piece. We didn [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 11.03.08, 06:21 AM Flag
»
thefranklinreport.com worked great for me. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 11.03.08, 06:22 AM Flag
»
wtf: this post is more than 3 months old. This is why cnet site sucks [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 11.03.08, 06:24 AM Flag
»
we had a similar situation . we had a contractor look at a house we are thinking of buying and he estimated $85k to $125k, basically to do painting, put new electrical fixtures, and put in a new kitchen. assuming the kitchen cost 25k, he was essentially charging about 60k for painting and some electrical work. i think he would do a great job but it's not worth it for me. i can hire someone for a few thousand dollars. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 11.03.08, 06:48 AM Flag
[ - ] Good friend put her dog to sleep this week. Want to send something (she is very close) Thinking a donation to some animal organization. Any ideas? 2 Replies [ Reply | Watch | More
 ]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:45 AM Flag
»
Eh, I'd send her some flowers to cheer her up. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:48 AM Flag
»
That's very thoughtful of you. Maybe donate to ASPCA, and an invite to see a movie or museum for distraction. [ Reply | More
]
General Topics 07.24.08, 07:53 AM Flag
Refresh » New Post »
Select Category
close [X]

close [X]

Select a Category (only 1)

category
Stages
Regions