Tiny tips for soon to be mommies

[cay8099]

I thought it would be a good idea for those of us who already have kids to put helpfull tips here for first time mommies. Here's mine:

When changing poopie take off baby's socks. Trust me the first time that socked foot lands in poo you will wish you had listened.

I'm seeing lots of new first time mommies here, and I thought I'd renew this thread for them.

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When the nurses at the hospital, and your pediatrician, and your OB tell you to sleep when baby sleeps....take their advice. I didn't for the first 4 weeks or so, and I was exhausted. Trust me, the laundry and whatever else you have to do will wait.

[craftyashley]

Make sure you have something like a changing pad wherever you change baby. Those first poopies are bright neon yellow- and can be projectile. It doesn't come out of carpet well.

[brandie1127]

Thank you for starting this thread - I think it'll be real helpful!

[jenn_0629]

After you have your baby, the nurses will ask you if you want them to take the baby for the night...and of course you want to stay with your newest addition, but you need to sleep after that experience. I was stubborn and made sure that my boy was in my room the whole time, and then I was running on nothing when I got home.

Take advantage of all free things you get at the hospital! Put extra diapers in your bag, just so they have to give you more.. It sounds bad, but hey...if you aren't loaded, it helps.

Do not be shy with anyone. People will want to touch your newborn, just tell them not to. You may think you will now, but you can get cold feet when the time comes. It is your job to protect baby from everything, even if it means getting rude.

[Mommymara]

Your child is YOUR CHILD do not be afraid to let ANYONE know what you do not find acceptable. If you dont like it, let it be known to nip problems in the butt ahead of time... YOUR CHILD, YOUR RULES! Dont let mothers and MIL's influence any decision if you are not comfortable with it.
Let your family watch the child. You would be suprised how much better you feel to give baby up for a few hours and relax or even just clean!!!! adult time is definately needed every now and again!!
Steal anyhting you can from the hospital that you may need at home!!! By the time I left I had taken home 10 blankets,5 hats,4 big diaper pads (just in case) a few of the netted underware(just in case) and a TON of the formula and diapers. lol. I CLEANED the place out.
Most of all... do not be afraid to snuggle with your child when they are little. I didnt as much as I would have liked too because I was scared of "spoiling" my son and now he wont snuggle with me at all, he is sucha big independent little man.
Take lots of pictures
For the moment you hear them poop... wait 5 minutes.. there is always more to come!!!!

[cay8099]

I have another one. You should buy one preemie outfit if you want to purchase that first picture they do at the hospital. The preemie outfit will reduce the amount of extra fabric and make for a better picture.

[cajuncat743]

Don't be afraid to tell well-wishers to leave you alone the first week or two! The baby will still be there in a couple of weeks! Everyone wanted to come visit the second we got home, day after day. I thought it was so inconsiderate of them to expect me to entertain when my body hurt so much and I was so tired. Oh, and make or have someone make a whole bunch of mini meals, like plates with some fruit, cheese and crackers, or other snacks all together so all you have to do is take it out of the fridge. I was too tired to even take the time to cut up cheese and put it on a plate, and then wash the fruit, and then take out some crackers and then put the box up, etc. so I didn't eat as well as I wish I had. I'm going to do that for my sister in law who is pregnant.

[lena241]

Do keep your newborns infant seat covered with a light blanket while shopping in the store and when in public. You will find that people will seldom lift the blanket up to see what is underneath. This will keep you from having to tell strangers at the local Walmart to keep their hands to themselves. Unless of course, you want your newborn baby to be the center of attention and exposed to germs from all people!

Remember to raise the handle of the carseat up, to hold the blanket off the babies face.

[charliesmommy]

When your new baby cries, don't let ANYONE tell you that you should let him cry. Pick up your baby and let him know that Mommy is there. Spoiling a newborn is impossible. They need to be held. They were for the most part hugged for their first 9 months of existence. The world is a big and scary and your baby is going to need you to let him know that he's OK.