Motherhood has reinforced my opinionated nature. There's been a lot of trial and error during these first couple months of parenthood (or is that just part of the definition of parenthood?). I've even been told to retry certain things that don't work with Lena/that she doesn't like later, as babies are constantly switching preferences and may eventually like it. So for those of you with infants, expecting a baby, thinking about having kids, or are buying for friends who are expecting, here are my tips on what worked for Lena these first two months. Maybe they'll work for you baby, too?
1. Perfect the almighty swaddle. Using the instructions from our baby care class, Lena's arms woukd wiggle out of the swaddle as soon as I put her down. Then we watched The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD. Dr. Karp has the best method for swaddling babies. No more arms wiggling free! For Lena, swaddling never got her to stop crying in and of itself, but when combined with rocking/bouncing, and shushing, it was a lifesaver. Even now, she sleeps much longer (by 1-2 hours) when she's swaddled, even if it's loose.
2. Find your bounce or swing.
Lena's a sucker for bouncing up and down or swinging in Figure 8s. Two to three minutes of bouncing on an exercise ball will absolutely quiet her, if not put her to sleep. Swaddle her, bounce on the exercise ball, and...
3. Put a sleeping baby down on a warm bed. I can't tell you how many times I'd get Lena to fall asleep and then put her in her Rock and Play cradle and she's wake up 60 seconds later. Blerg! (By the way, getting a Rock N Play cradle is Tip 3b. If your baby's born in the summer, I suggest one like ours without padding that breathes. For winter babies, I'd spend a little extra and get the lined ones with the soft pads). Put a heating pad down for a few minutes before putting the baby in the bassinet/crib (testing to make sure it's not too hot first). Problem solved. Bonus is putting that heating pad on my lap afterwards. Cozy.
4. Purchase a few sleeping gowns. You know those long outfits that look like cute potato sacks with elastic at the bottom? When you wake up blurry-eyed in the middle of the night to change his/her diaper, you'll love not having to undo snaps or even a zipper. Which brings me to #5...
5. Make sure you have a few Sleep and Play onesies. I love these because they give her the coverage of a shirt, pants, and socks in one piece - important for the winter. Without elastic waistbands or socks that cut into their skin and leave red marks of fall off (socks). If you have the chance, go for ones with zippers over snaps. As my cousin told me, snaps are the invention of a childless man. At 3 am, they will not line up. Ever. Speaking of 3 am feedings....
6. Put a mini hair dryer by the changing station.. That white noise stops crying on a dime. The sound of a whirring hair dryer is much preferable to a crying infant.
7. Sign up for Amazon Prime. That $80 a year pays for itself in time, ease, and money fast. Diapers are super cheap on Amazon. Two day shipping is free and often results in overnight delivery. Going places is hard with an infant. I never know when she'll wake up crying. I've sat in the Target check out line many times giving apologetic looks to fellow shoppers. It's just easier sometimes to "order in."
8. If you'd like to breastfeed, ask to see a lactation consultant in the hospital. even if you think you're doing it correctly and a few well-meaning nurses tell you her latch looks good. I never pressed to see a lactation consultant (when I asked if I'd see one they said "we only request it if there's a problem") and I sooo wished I had. Her latch was not good and since I missed a window of establishing my supply level when my milk came in, my supply has suffered ever since. I've tried everything to increase it to no avail. So we have to supplement.
9. Wean off and onto new brands and formulations of formula. If you do supplement or exclusively bottle feed with formula, you'll want to wean off and on the brands/formulations. Just like you do with your cat or dog. Our pediatrician didn't tell us to do this when she gave us the sensitive formula and Lena was constipated for a week! Poor thing, it was awful! Do 75% old 25% new brand for two days, 50/50 for two days, and then 25/75 for two days before completely transitioning.
10. Pick at least one sanity saver a day and make it happen. This will undoubtedly require you to recruit help. For me, it was showering daily. I need it to feel human. Maybe yours is sitting with a cup of coffee and quiet for 10 minutes, going for a walk, etc.
So there are my 10 tips. Thanks to those who led me to these (you didn't think I came to these all on my own, did you?)!
Please leave a comment with yours! I may be opinionated but I'm always open to suggestions!
3 comments:
Great post! I hope readers pass this along to their prego and new mama friends :)
Great tips! I paid to see a LC when Henry was 1 week old, and it was the best $40 I ever spent. Amazon is my BFF...$42 for 248 diapers, which is cheaper than Costco! Having a little time for yourself each day is so important. My gym time has been essential for my sanity and recovery after a C-section. I got out of the house with Henry when he was a couple of weeks old. I was admonished by a few people because they believed babies should stay home until they're 6 weeks old, which I never bought. Plus, Henry slept *great* in the car, so even better for me! I take well-meaning people's advice with a grain of salt, because each baby is unique, and what works for one baby may not work for another. Thank you for sharing!
Where were you 33 years ago? Oh yeah, I forgot, not even born yet. I sure wish we had some of these tips when we were newbies. It all turned out great, but the first few years was like a marathon, when we look back we are amazed any of us got through it.
PS I love this blog!
Jim
Post a Comment