recs for first-time parents? advice, registry musts or misses? favorite books?

Question

recs for first-time parents? advice, registry musts or misses? favorite books? <3

Erin · Answer

Remember “he’s just a baby doing baby stuff”: Learned this one from Lindsey Bosway on Instagram. This was such a mantra for me. There were so many times that I was questioning why or why not my baby was doing something and if I should or should not be doing something differently. There’s just a lot of questions, and they all stir up anxiety and make you want to search Reddit at 2am. But remember, he’s just a baby doing baby stuff. Your baby is learning how the world works. It’s all new. You’re not doing anything wrong. Do your best and trust it. The things that are a struggle (sleep!) will likely phase out on baby’s own timing, and you likely don’t need to find a fix for something that’s not really a problem. Just a baby doing baby stuff.

Danielle Wolf · Answer

Sleep in shifts: Our pediatrician gave us some life saving advice: however poor baby’s sleep is, you should both be able to get at least a 4hr stretch of sleep by taking shifts. This will help keep your sanity intact.

Ex:

8pm-1am Mom sleeps in basement, Dad does feeds & soothing

1am-6am Mom comes upstairs to take over, Dad heads to basement

Danielle Wolf · Answer

Don’t make a happy baby happier: Sounds backwards and made me feel weird the first time I heard it. But if your baby is content just laying on the floor staring at the ceiling fan, no need to do more. In toddlerhood, don’t offer the toy or snack unless they’re fussy and needing it. Boredom breeds creativity at every stage - welcome it! This is a mantra I have reminded myself of many times. Do less! And a bonus mom mantra - it’s not that serious! (I say over and over as we are running late to library story time and my heart rate is too high, but she’s having fun digging in the dirt outside)

Anne Glass · Answer

Find a good show: Find a show that is imminently watchable.  That keeps you on the edge of your seat.  You want to know what happens next.  Just watch it during middle of the night feeding sessions - so waking up throughout the night almost feels like a treat.

Kath · Answer

Copper Pearl 3 Pack Premium Burp Cloths - Clementine: I am passionate about these burp cloths. They are SO absorbent, soft, and just incredibly handy, especially in the initial weeks when all sorts of fluids are flying around. I wouldn’t have thought to buy them for myself because of the price, but they rock!

Julia · Answer

You are the expert on YOUR baby: There are people out there who spend their time studying babies, and that can be helpful. But at the end of the day, only you are the expert on your baby. Listen to your intuition and find a way to turn down the noise of other people’s opinions.