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Post by scrapperal on Jun 30, 2014 23:16:25 GMT
I've been invited to a baby shower and am supposed to include some "best new Mom advice." I'm not a mom and I'm the practical sort so my advice would probably be, "start her college fund now" or "yes, you can have too many stuffed animals."  Hopefully, you experienced parents have some better advice than that. |
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Post by epeanymous on Jun 30, 2014 23:17:55 GMT
Take care of yourself and let other people help. There is no award for doing it all on your own, and you need sleep and a shower more than you may think  . |
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Post by dulcemama on Jun 30, 2014 23:19:11 GMT
Listen to your baby and follow her/his lead. And don't let anyone make you feel guilty for the choices that are best for yourself and your baby. You needs matter too.
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Post by utmr on Jun 30, 2014 23:21:35 GMT
Never say never. There will be days that a bouncy seat and teletubbies will save your sanity.
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Post by Goldynn on Jun 30, 2014 23:25:01 GMT
Mylicon drops for colic can be very helpful sometimes. Also, stock up on wine, lol
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Post by rumplesnat on Jun 30, 2014 23:27:17 GMT
Write down cute stuff they do or say. I just found a journal that I unfortunately only kept up for about 24 months from my son and there are some awesome memories written there!
"Mommy, I have elbows on my feet!" (he discovered his ankles)
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,840
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jun 30, 2014 23:28:58 GMT
When you find out what your child's "lovey" is, buy a second one and swap with the original to create the same amount of "love shown". Having a back-up will save you a lot of tears and frustration.
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Laura
Full Member
Ruby Slippered Pea
Posts: 139
Jun 25, 2014 19:55:02 GMT
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Post by Laura on Jun 30, 2014 23:31:59 GMT
My best advice would be to put your chores away and your cleaning products down and play with your children. Consider hiring someone to clean your house for a couple of years while the kids are young. You will only have this time once to enjoy being with them when they are little, so don't waste the time always cleaning and cooking.
The one thing that my now 15 year old daughter still talks about is how it made her feel that I never played with her because I was too busy cleaning. This kills me. But I am a good support to her now and we love to hang out together so I figure I've redeemed myself a bit there.
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luvnlifelady
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,428 
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Post by luvnlifelady on Jun 30, 2014 23:34:17 GMT
You do not need every new fangled gadget out there for your little one. Borrow some if you can since they will use it for such a little time, even second hand is ok if it's clean and in good shape (but not cribs or car seats). Be sure to check recalls.
As far as other advice, just try to enjoy your time. Not everything has to be perfect. Try to socialize with new moms so you don't feel so alone.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jun 30, 2014 23:48:38 GMT
Keep diapers and wipes both upstairs and downstairs. You never know when/where there will be an accident. Also, restock your diaper bag each time you get home. It's easy to forget that you used up supplies.
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quiltz
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,840
Location: CANADA
Jun 29, 2014 16:13:28 GMT
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Post by quiltz on Jun 30, 2014 23:53:05 GMT
Pack a second set of clothing for yourself and the baby. Accidents happen and sometimes the mom or dad will require a quick change of clothes moreso than the baby.
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Post by anxiousmom on Jun 30, 2014 23:53:09 GMT
Try not to buy into what all the "old" moms tell you is THE. BEST. THING. THEY. EVER. DID. Do what you think is right, listen to your "mommy instinct." Take in all the advise (because we love to give advise to new moms) and then do what you think is best for your baby, your child, your teen.
And never, ever let them go to sleep without saying "I love you" as the last thing they hear before they close their eyes.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,862
Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Jul 1, 2014 0:02:28 GMT
"Choose your battles."
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Post by mama2three on Jul 1, 2014 0:04:56 GMT
This too shall pass
Everything is "a phase"
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Post by Miss Lerins Momma on Jul 1, 2014 0:06:50 GMT
You will survive the first few sleepless months, I promise.
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Post by scrapperal on Jul 1, 2014 0:06:52 GMT
Wow, you all are awesome! So much good advice!
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Post by Miss Lerins Momma on Jul 1, 2014 0:07:36 GMT
Oh and another I loved... the days are long but the years are short.
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Post by Really Red on Jul 1, 2014 0:11:56 GMT
Love these. I thought I'd scream if someone said "Sleep when your baby sleeps." I had someone tell me that when I had twins and I felt so hostile towards that person as my kids did not sleep together.
I like "trust your instincts." A mom really does know stuff innately.
Also, every age is a good age. There is something to love about every single age. I was so worried about my kids getting older, but there are good (and bad!) things about every single age.
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Post by mama2three on Jul 1, 2014 0:18:21 GMT
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 19, 2024 21:55:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2014 0:20:07 GMT
I think technology may have taken care of this with meta-data or whatever it is, but date every picture. You think you're going to remember how old your child was in each one, but um, NO.
Growing up, we were merciless about making fun of our mom for writing down the exact date on the back of every picture she had developed, but now that info is priceless. Wish previous generations had done that as well as noting every person who was in the picture.
Take the time to do that stuff as you go!
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styxgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,923
Jun 27, 2014 4:51:44 GMT
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Post by styxgirl on Jul 1, 2014 0:21:05 GMT
Listen to your baby and follow her/his lead. And don't let anyone make you feel guilty for the choices that are best for yourself and your baby. You needs matter too. This exactly!! |
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Jul 1, 2014 0:23:42 GMT
Have a journal where you jot down special things: special firsts, funny things said, etc.
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Post by anxiousmom on Jul 1, 2014 0:35:07 GMT
I think technology may have taken care of this with meta-data or whatever it is, but date every picture. You think you're going to remember how old your child was in each one, but um, NO.
Growing up, we were merciless about making fun of our mom for writing down the exact date on the back of every picture she had developed, but now that info is priceless. Wish previous generations had done that as well as noting every person who was in the picture.
Take the time to do that stuff as you go!
It is even more important when there are subsequent babies. There are days that I look at infant pictures and it takes me a few minutes to figure out which kid it is. Add in the nephews that also have a family resemblance and I really have to take time to puzzle it out. |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Jul 1, 2014 0:44:51 GMT
Teach children/teens about money, budgeting, saving, credit, time management, etc...
Teach children/teens how to take care of themselves (laundry, cooking, cleaning), so they can be self sufficient adults .
Teach manners and good citizenship.
Start a bank account for them now, save half their gift money.
Have fun.
Do the unexpected. (cereal for dinner. pajama/movie day, splurge on a treat....say yes to the expensive cookies, hot chocolate at midnight while looking at the stars in the sky, etc...)
Don't always hover around and correct them. Let children learn from their mistakes.
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ladygodiva
Shy Member
Posts: 37
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Post by ladygodiva on Jul 1, 2014 0:55:13 GMT
Trust your gut and your instinct. No one knows your baby better than you.
This is practical advice that will sound really strange but trust me : trim their fingernails and toenails when they are sleeping , helps to prevent any accidental cuts or nicks if they move .
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Post by angie3dpea on Jul 1, 2014 0:55:38 GMT
Double make the crib!
Waterproof cover, sheet, waterproof cover, sheet.
This way, if there is a middle of the night leak, you just pull the top sheet and top waterproof cover off and put baby right back to bed!! I did this even on the toddler beds until my kids were fully potty trained. So nice to not fight with remaking a bed in the middle of the night!
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Sept 19, 2024 21:55:32 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 1, 2014 1:01:34 GMT
Enjoy each stage of their development. Don't wish away the days, but don't mourn the passing of time, either. Just enjoy it all.
And another quote, I think it's attributed to the columnist Ann Landers, - "It's not what you do for your children but what you teach them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings." As my kids have become more independent, I've seen the wisdom of this.
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modiemay
Full Member
Posts: 134
Jun 30, 2014 4:24:15 GMT
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Post by modiemay on Jul 1, 2014 2:51:11 GMT
Throw out the parenting books and trust your gut. It's rarely wrong and be prepared to fight your case with doctors.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Post by rune2484 on Jul 1, 2014 2:59:56 GMT
When you find out what your child's "lovey" is, buy a second one and swap with the original to create the same amount of "love shown". Having a back-up will save you a lot of tears and frustration. Actually, buy two extras - you never know when a store at the mall will put it through a trash compactor and then your kid will leave the replacement in the airport a week later. Trying to track down extras on ebay is no fun. |
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Post by rune2484 on Jul 1, 2014 3:06:23 GMT
From a non-parent I think the best advice is: Don't lose your 'Much-ness'. You are as important as the life you are bringing into the world so don't let the societal pressures of parenthood change who you are at your core.
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Hopefully, you experienced parents have some better advice than that.
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