When you have a baby, seems like every woman who has ever given birth (and some who have not) want to bombard you with advice about everything. What diapers are best, what bottles reduce colic, what formula helps with spit up. The list is endless. When I was pregnant with my first baby, I was not jaded. I welcomed the advice with open ears. I knew nothing about parenting, or babies. I needed the advice!! Now that I consider myself semi well seasoned in the art of caring for children, I too can become one of those annoying, know it all-mothers that offer up advice at the drop of a hat. But honestly, I only do it because I enjoyed the tips. It made my life easier. Don't get me wrong, the shell shock of having children never completely goes away, but being prepared can lighten the load. Here are the 10 best pieces of advice I got with my first baby, Greyson. Now that I have had River, I know them to be completely true!
1: If you want to breast feed, then breast feed. If you don't, then don't. I tried with both of mine, but it just was not a good fit for us. It doesn't mean I am any less of a mother. I applaud breast feeding, I think it is fantastic, but it isn't for some people....and that is okay! Some moms really love it and enjoy it, and that is okay too! To each their own. I formula fed both of mine, and they are completely fine!
2: Invest in a "Diaper Genie". Just do it. They air lock those stinky diapers and keep them contained so your little one doesn't stink up that beautiful nursery that took you months to decorate. I mean honestly, nobody is going to care how lovely that paint job and chandelier is if all they can smell is baby poo.
3: Look into baby wearing. I honestly said I would never in a million years do it, but come on. Be realistic. You can't pack that little thing around all day. In a perfect world, the dishes would do themselves and so would the laundry, but that's all on you, mama. A friend sold me her moby wrap and can I tell you that I strap my big man in there and clean away. God send.
4: Read the damn baby books. Come on. It doesn't hurt. They have all kinds at the library. I was partial to What to Expect when you're Expecting, and also, What to Expect: The Toddler Years. In all seriousness, nobody knows before hand what a "mucous plug and bloody show" is before reading these books. Scary, but useful.
5: Do not, repeat, do not buy anything nice for a while. When Kyle and I first got married, we wanted to decorate our new house and go all out. One problem. Our (then) 18 month old was a newly walking terrorist, who would throw sippy cups and sling spaghetti everywhere. That white couch you love?......try getting banana baby food out of it. That antique candy dish that grandma left you.....your child eventually will try to use that as a frisbee. Put all valuble items up and just pray that they won't destroy what you have.
6: Lavender baby wash for bed time. I swear by this stuff. You can buy it in different brands. Aveeno is good, and so is Johnson and Johnson. I give mine baths with this and put the lotion on before bedtime every night and it helps them fall right to sleep. Plus it smells heavenly.
7: Use Dreft detergent for your babe's clothes. It is gentle, hypoallergenic and fragrance free. It will not irritate them. I learned this the hard way. Gain can cause a bad rash on a newborn.
8: The old wive's tale "take the bottle when the sign is in the knees" is legit. My mother in law shared this one with me. We were weaning Greyson from his beloved (and I do mean beloved) bottle and she kept telling me to wait until the moon sign was in the knees. I can't remember full logistics, but it has something to do with lunar tides and all kinds of crazy stuff. A farmers almanac can tell you when it will be. Do it. It works. No lie. Google it.
9: Teething tablets will become your friends. Teething babies are no joke. It is miserable. For you. For them. Everyone. I use herbal tablets for my boys, they dissolve under the tongue and help calm your baby down and allow them to rest while those teeth are cutting through. They have saved me many times. Many times.
10: Slow down and Enjoy every second with your little ones. This one is age old. Of all the advice I received this one was the most used. "They grow up so quick". Yep. They do. Take time to love on them, memorize their little baby faces and take lots of pictures so you can have them, always. Let the dishes go unwashed to watch Mickey mouse, forget the laundry so you can cuddle. These days won't last long and there is no getting them back. This is the time when you are most love, most treasured and most needed. When they are grown, they won't want you to do those things anymore. Treasure it.
To all you moms out there, cheers to you! Share your advice, be proud of your experiences and never stop helping other mamas who need a well seasoned voice.
.Labels: Babies, Baby Wearing, Parenting, Tip and Tricks
