what hints/help made the first 6 months easier for you being a new mum pls?

[sylvia1111]

I am wondering what hints or help have made the first 6 months easier for you

eg using bibs to catch vomit
stocking up on groceries an non perishables
sleeping when the baby sleeps
a particular way to calm your baby when they are distressed
or something that saved time or housework
or solved a problem and made caring for your baby or housework much easier
or something that kept you sane and less sleep deprived
a book that helps baby sleep better or feed more easily

thanks.

[sydney1980]

Subscribing as I am due soon

[summastarlet]

-wrap me up swaddle suits (so much easier than swaddling with wraps)

-dribble doesn't soak through bibs with fleece backing

-freeze some meals before bub arrives..handy in first few weeks

-terry towelling nappies make great spew rags

-play white noise to help bub sleep

-if you have a boy...invest in some peepee teepees!

[MrJones&Me]

Bouncing on a fit ball whilst holding bub has never failed to get her off to sleep!

[brownsugar]

Holding my bub while we both slept at night. I still woke up for 2 hourly feeds but we both went right back to sleep after a feed. He was never insecure, afraid... Always warm and content.
You need to do so safely of course. :)

[FluffyDucks]

Alcohol!

No just kidding (or am I?) :)

For me it was more about it being ok that the house was a mess or I don't have a shower til the evening.

That is was ok to lose it and cry and tell DP that I wasn't coping.

That it was okay wear trackies day in day out and that I CBF putting on a face/do my hair.

Basically I just did what I could when I could. When bubs slept that's when u ran around the house doing stuff. Yes I should have been sleeping but I hate napping as it makes me feel worse when I wake. I would just go to bed early like 7 or 8 to catch up in sleep.

And know that it WILL get better. They aren't newbies forever and they will settle into a routine.

Good luck! You have done exciting times ahead!

[diesal444]

Agree with cooking and freezing meals before bubs arrives. Saves you time and money and healthier than eating take away.
Yes Terry cloth nappies are great spew catchers.
Buy singletsuits instead of singlets they are great and don't ride up like singlets do!
Trust your instincts.....very important.
Go easy on yourself with housework etc...

[squishie]

Get hold of a video showing tired signs. That would have made my life much easier in the first few weeks! I wouldn't have sat on the couch feeding and feeding for hours every evening when he was actually tired!!

I was convinced that he was hungry when he sucked on his fists, but that was his tired sign at the time d'oh!

[insanity]

Get hold of a video showing tired signs. That would have made my life much easier in the first few weeks! I wouldn't have sat on the couch feeding and feeding for hours every evening when he was actually tired!!

I was convinced that he was hungry when he sucked on his fists, but that was his tired sign at the time d'oh!

Totally agree! Had I of recognised the tired signs the first 12 weeks would never of been so stressful

[mishh]

Yes tired signs!! And the dunstan method for different cries (I think that's it).

I second the house work stuff. I think I was a bit depressed the first few months and I just did anything possible to keep me going. I wish I had of taken up offers of help and just sat down and rested more often!

[mum2one99]

Operate on the "if bub woke up in two mins what is the most important thing I need to have done" principle when bub goes to sleep. This way u don't run around doing the wwashing and cleaning only for bubba to wake before u get to eat, pee or sleep. The whole ignore yhe hhousework thing doesn't work for me, a messy house and piles of washing stress me, a clean house makes me happy. But food and toilet gets prioritised this way.

[Sarelou]

Subscribing. Great question thanks :)

[itspinkrock]

subbing!

[bitterpure]

The 'Wonder Weeks' book. I happened to discover it when DS was 3 months old but I really wish I'd come across it a lot earlier. It explains the reasons as to why your baby has certain fussy periods and what you can do to help them. I found it very reassuring just to know that what's normal when it comes to newborn behavior.

Also, learning to trust my instincts and just go with the flow. I think it's very easy to get overwhelmed by everyone's opinion on what you should and shouldn't be doing, especially when it comes to feeding and sleeping. In the end I just followed my DS' lead and went with it. If that meant having him on my boob for 2.5 hours before rocking him to sleep in the swing at night for the first 3 or 4 months of his life, then so be it. I got warned by some that I was creating 'bad habits' and spent a lot of time stressing over this for nothing. DS is now a happy, healthy toddler who sleeps really well!

[Brummiemummy]

Subscribing!

Sent from my HTC One X using BubHub

[Kimberleygal1]

Sleep when bub sleeps instead of trying to get housework etc done.
go on lots of long walks, good for you and bubs to get out of the house.
do lots of cooking and freeze individual meals prior to bubs arrival.
buy a pack of 12 nappies and use them as sick rugs and always carry one with you.
read the sleep sense book before bubs arrival (so wish I had read it earlier)

[CDNinOZ]

Also, learning to trust my instincts and just go with the flow. I think it's very easy to get overwhelmed by everyone's opinion on what you should and shouldn't be doing, especially when it comes to feeding and sleeping. In the end I just followed my DS' lead and went with it. If that meant having him on my boob for 2.5 hours before rocking him to sleep in the swing at night for the first 3 or 4 months of his life, then so be it. I got warned by some that I was creating 'bad habits' and spent a lot of time stressing over this for nothing. DS is now a happy, healthy toddler who sleeps really well!

Same. Also it's okay to sleep with your baby. It saved my sanity at night. I could just whip out the boob, have DS feed and go back to sleep. Ignore those who tell you you are spoiling or creating bad habits. Make sure you co-sleep safely of course but it's not that hard and certainly not as dangerous (when done properly) as it is made out to be in the media.

When friends and family offer to help accept the offer but let them know what they can help you with. Coming over to have you make them tea and sit on the lounge while they "help" by holding the baby is not helpful. Just find a tactful way of asking for things (i.e. food, washing etc)

Throw away the baby books. First of all your new LO hasn't read them so chances are they aren't going to follow what the books say. Secondly they tend to work on generalizations and so they might have a couple good ideas so why are you giving the authors more money for a couple ideas? Third they prey on new parents insecurities. Chances are your baby is fine and completely normal but the books will tell you they need to conform.

[rayroo]

Subscribing! Great question :)

[Lucy in the Sky]

Dvd of The Happiest Baby on the Block. I swear by it and give a copy to all my friends expecting their first.

[kw123]

Subscribing!

[jumski]

If someone offers to help (housework or otherwise) just accept and say thanks.

Don't be afraid to feed to sleep. It's natural, don't knock natures way.

[Pen14]

Subbing!

Sent from my HTC Desire HD A9191 using BubHub

[Jorja]

As a pp said Lots of long walks, or a bath..... Sometimes we would bath together just to chill and skip that grumpy time in the afternoon :)
Don't put any other unnecessary responsibility on yourself! Just acknowledge that having a newborn is big and take it easy.
Tired signs! Definatly something to get familiar with.... Also look into over stimulation- something else that can make baby very unhappy.
Do the exercises the physio suggests and stretch often! Not only has your body been through a lot but you are now adjusting to holding and feeding your lo a lot of the day and it is easy for the muscles to get tight and achey.
Be prepared to baby wear! Its so much easier when u need to get things done.

[EternalOptimist]

This is a great thread. Subscribing :-)

[BBJunior]

Also subscribing.

[Girl X]

Try to adopt a "How much will this be important when baby is 2?" philosophy.

It's so easy to get tunnel vision with a newborn, and every tiny thing is crucial, and you can sometimes feel as if that period of time will never end.

As a general rule, babies/ children get better at sleeping, they learn to eat solids, and they don't cry all the time once they're older. If you're unable to BF then try not to let it be the overriding thing in yours and baby's life at that time. That baby will grow into a child (on formula or breastmilk), and how they were fed may seem less important to you the older they get.

(I say that because I regret letting feelings of guilt/ failure over not being able to BF colour my time with DD in the early days. She's now a happy, healthy 2yr old, and it doesn't matter at all).

If you have people you trust, then let them help and let them babysit.

Get baby used to the shower from an early age, and they can shower with you in the morning/ evening.

[VicPark]

Don't give bubba the goodnight feed (7pmish) while you are watching the tv! This turned out to be the cause of many 'witching' hours in my house...

[Ricebubblez]

Throw the books out the window and learn to read your babies signs!

Cuddle them as much as you can! They are tiny for 5 seconds!

Breastfeeding is hard work and if you can't get it to work for you don't beat yourself up about it! Formula is not the devil despite what some midwives try to make you believe!

Sleep when you can, take baby to bed and safely co-sleep if that works for you.

If you feel a bit hormonal for a while don't stress as motherhood is a big adjustment however if your concerned don't be afraid to ask for help. It doesn't make you weak or a bad mother!! (this is advice I really wish I had listened to!!!!)

Enjoy your little person :)

[BluePixie]

subbing :-)

[Wickedly Happy]

Subbing

[lemonpancakes]

Dvd of The Happiest Baby on the Block. I swear by it and give a copy to all my friends expecting their first.

YES! It's the best and really helped DH learn how to settle bubs too.

Also loved the Wrap Me Up swaddle - DD stopped trying to wriggle out of her old swaddles and started sleeping through the night!

Best book is an American one I got off Amazon called 12 Hours Sleep by 12 Weeks old. It worked and doesn't require controlled crying.

My mum taught me that in the early days it can often take up to half an hour or more of burping to settle bub. Be patient!

And don't try to entertain visitors. They can look after themselves.

[sweetpeamummy]

I read somewhere before I had my first about making your bed when you first got up in the morning so you can always say you did something for the day!!!
It really works, 3 kids later and I still always achieve 1 thing for the day.

Another wrap me up fan.

When feeling overwhelmed at home with the baby, leaving the house for a walk or a trip to the shops for a coffee was a blessing.

[ricepudding]

Great question! Some of my thougths relate to pre-baby planning/purchases, not sure if they'll be helpful...

- get onesies/all in ones, rompers. No tshirts or other items that ride up. Get ones with press studs down the middle and built in feet. The over the head ones, or the press stud down one leg ones may be cute but they are ANNOYING when you are changing 10 nappies a day and you'll avoid them. Also, in my experience, socks quite simply do not stay on.

- seriously considert a steriliser. I expressed and gave DS the milk in a bottle at around 7pm as my boobs just seemed to have run out at that time of day. He also used dummies from day 5 (he just loved to suck and cracked it if he couldn't). We spent the first 3 weeks almost constantly boiling water on the stove to sterlise/burning ourselves.

- Take small necked bibs to hospital. Much easier to whip a bib off than change a whole outfit.

- Take more tops than you think you'll need to hospital. Nothing worse than having leaky boobs, visitors, and a grotty top!

- Do what you feel you need to with the housework. Cut yourself some slack though. Life as you know it is wonderfully/challengingly turned on its head early on. Personally, the mess bugged me, but I had bigger things to focus on/worry about.

- Sleep when your baby sleeps if you feel like a day sleep. Even 20 mins will make a difference (if power naps work physiologically on the road, they work elsewhere too).

- Consider a capsule rather than a rear-facing carseat (you can get ones that last for 12 months). This may not be financially feasible for everyone, but I went in search of one when DS was 4 months old, not sleeping, and impossible to leave the house with. He'd sleep in the car but wake if I tried to remove him (eg for a dr's appointment). This was so unbelievably stressful. I spent so many hours sitting in my car silently, parked one street away from my own lest my dog should bark and wake my son. The capsule made a real difference to being able to move in and out of my home.

- Read books if it helps you, but don't take them as gospel. There are many books on the same subjects, many of which offer different and often contradictory advice. Just because your child doesn't do what the book says doesn't mean there is something wrong/there isn't something wrong. Trust your gut and ignore people when they knowingly, smuggly ask "is s/he your first?"

- take advice from others with a grain of salt. This is often particularly the case with advice from the older generation. Yes, they've done it all before. But some time ago, and things change, ideas and research and medicine and lots of other things have moved forward.

- If people come over to visit you and expect to be waited on, flip it around. When BIL and SIL cam over when DS was 1 week old they asked for a cup of tea. DH said, "Sure, we'll have one too thanks (ie get it yourself, and bring us one)." I could have kissed him!

- Freeze as many meals as you can for when you're first home.

- Stock up on things like nappies, wipes, baby wash etc. I took me some months to feel confident about going on an outing for these sorts of supplies. I don't know why I didn't get them beforehand, I guess I just didn't know what to buy and how much. Things like wipes and baby wash will continue to be used for months, so you're unlikely to get too much.

- Get a couple of different bum creams (Bepanthen and Sudocrem are the one's we've found the best). You'll eventually use them all and its nice to be able to try another if the first one isn't working, without having to go out to the chemist.

- If you're having a winter baby, get a couple of pairs of pyjamas with button down tops for you. I had only over the head-type tops and found I was freezing in the middle of the night after a 1 hour feed.

- Consider Sustagen to have when you're feeding. I really struggled with making myself food in the early days - and at least a cold glass of this (no hot drinks around babies!!) meant I had something to 'eat'.

- If you're considering a breast pump, have a look at the battery operated ones rather than the hand operated ones. I did a lot of expressing in the early days, and a hand operated one seriously would have given me RSI! If you're able to afford one (we weren't) consider a double pump (ie expresses both boobs at ocne) - it'll halve the time spent pumping.

That's probably enough from me. Hope I've helped someone!

[Koberose]

Great question! Some of my thougths relate to pre-baby planning/purchases, not sure if they'll be helpful...

- get onesies/all in ones, rompers. No tshirts or other items that ride up. Get ones with press studs down the middle and built in feet. The over the head ones, or the press stud down one leg ones may be cute but they are ANNOYING when you are changing 10 nappies a day and you'll avoid them. Also, in my experience, socks quite simply do not stay on.

- seriously considert a steriliser. I expressed and gave DS the milk in a bottle at around 7pm as my boobs just seemed to have run out at that time of day. He also used dummies from day 5 (he just loved to suck and cracked it if he couldn't). We spent the first 3 weeks almost constantly boiling water on the stove to sterlise/burning ourselves.

- Take small necked bibs to hospital. Much easier to whip a bib off than change a whole outfit.

- Take more tops than you think you'll need to hospital. Nothing worse than having leaky boobs, visitors, and a grotty top!

- Do what you feel you need to with the housework. Cut yourself some slack though. Life as you know it is wonderfully/challengingly turned on its head early on. Personally, the mess bugged me, but I had bigger things to focus on/worry about.

- Sleep when your baby sleeps if you feel like a day sleep. Even 20 mins will make a difference (if power naps work physiologically on the road, they work elsewhere too).

- Consider a capsule rather than a rear-facing carseat (you can get ones that last for 12 months). This may not be financially feasible for everyone, but I went in search of one when DS was 4 months old, not sleeping, and impossible to leave the house with. He'd sleep in the car but wake if I tried to remove him (eg for a dr's appointment). This was so unbelievably stressful. I spent so many hours sitting in my car silently, parked one street away from my own lest my dog should bark and wake my son. The capsule made a real difference to being able to move in and out of my home.

- Read books if it helps you, but don't take them as gospel. There are many books on the same subjects, many of which offer different and often contradictory advice. Just because your child doesn't do what the book says doesn't mean there is something wrong/there isn't something wrong. Trust your gut and ignore people when they knowingly, smuggly ask "is s/he your first?"

- take advice from others with a grain of salt. This is often particularly the case with advice from the older generation. Yes, they've done it all before. But some time ago, and things change, ideas and research and medicine and lots of other things have moved forward.

- If people come over to visit you and expect to be waited on, flip it around. When BIL and SIL cam over when DS was 1 week old they asked for a cup of tea. DH said, "Sure, we'll have one too thanks (ie get it yourself, and bring us one)." I could have kissed him!

- Freeze as many meals as you can for when you're first home.

- Stock up on things like nappies, wipes, baby wash etc. I took me some months to feel confident about going on an outing for these sorts of supplies. I don't know why I didn't get them beforehand, I guess I just didn't know what to buy and how much. Things like wipes and baby wash will continue to be used for months, so you're unlikely to get too much.

- Get a couple of different bum creams (Bepanthen and Sudocrem are the one's we've found the best). You'll eventually use them all and its nice to be able to try another if the first one isn't working, without having to go out to the chemist.

- If you're having a winter baby, get a couple of pairs of pyjamas with button down tops for you. I had only over the head-type tops and found I was freezing in the middle of the night after a 1 hour feed.

- Consider Sustagen to have when you're feeding. I really struggled with making myself food in the early days - and at least a cold glass of this (no hot drinks around babies!!) meant I had something to 'eat'.

- If you're considering a breast pump, have a look at the battery operated ones rather than the hand operated ones. I did a lot of expressing in the early days, and a hand operated one seriously would have given me RSI! If you're able to afford one (we weren't) consider a double pump (ie expresses both boobs at ocne) - it'll halve the time spent pumping.

That's probably enough from me. Hope I've helped someone!

Wow! My first is due in 4 weeks... Can I bring you home with the baby? You would help so much to have around lol

[Artful]

Subbing

[Nagari]

DD is 12 weeks old and this is what I've learnt:

Just aim for the 6 week mark. You will get there, it will be hard and beautiful and fabulous and terrible, but you will get there.

Get a dressing gown. It's easy to throw on at 3am when baby needs a change.

Have a friend or two "on call" for when you've got questions. Ideally they will have young children and have a similar philosophy on life as you. Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions. Also, the ABA and presumably Karitane and Tresillian are just as good. They're there to help and are so good to talk to!

Always, always, always trust your instincts. Always. Don't second guess yourself.

Ignore advice that goes against your instinct, even if you asked for it.

Enjoy your snuggles! Look into baby wearing. It's so awesome :)

Allow your DP time and space to get to know his/her role. Don't hover, don't correct (other than for safety). Absolutely expect shared care of your baby. They'll only learn how to change nappies/cook dinner/clean kitchen/do laundry and settle/massage/bath baby through experience, just like you. Besides, it's good for baby to experience the love they have, too!

[ricepudding]

Wow! My first is due in 4 weeks... Can I bring you home with the baby? You would help so much to have around lol

Ha ha! So pleased to maybe help. Would be more than happy to offer any other experience once bubs is here - please feel free to PM me. You'll be an expert in no time!

[Cue]

Lots of frozen meals

Learn the tired signs and hunger signs

Wrap Me Ups are awesome!!

Be aware of the support services available to you - clinics, helplines, PND resources just in case

Accept help with house work so you can rest

Be firm and stand your ground with pushy relatives who want to hold the baby all the time - they get overstimulated so easily (the baby, not the relo's!)

Make the bassinet up with layers - mattress protector, sheet, mattress protector, sheet etc. If bub vomits or leaks in bed at 2am you can just remove a set of bedding and have a clean one underneath - no making up beds at ridiculous o'clock when you should be sleeping!

If you're in a two storey house, set up a change station upstairs and downstairs with nappies, wipes, a change of clothes. So much easier that trudging up and down the stairs all the time!

And finally, try to relax and enjoy your newborn!!!

[rainbow road]

Yes, I don't have newborns but having some nappies/wipes handy in all the areas you're most likely to be is awesome - your bedroom, the lounge room, bubs nursery...

[Nala9000]

awesome thread, subbing

[tadpoles]

Set a goal for breastfeeding. It's not easy to start but it DOES get easier!
My first goal was 6 weeks, it took us both that long how to learn to do it together. After that it was 6 months, with my ultimate goal being 2 years.

Ask for help if you need it. You're not a failure if you don't know something.

If you co sleep it is great for getting rest but I had to move DS out for a few months to another room and then back in to mine. I wasn't sleeping in the beginning because I would wake up at the first noise he made even if he was asleep.

Don't compare yourself to other parents. They aren't you and they don't have your baby.

Get a carrier. DS had reflux and I could not put him down without him crying in pain. Him being in a carrier was the only way I got things done!

Change of weather/environment would help stop crying. Sometimes (not always) it was as simple as walking outside.

[SassyMummy]

Winter, breast feeding and co sleeping are a perfect match!

Ignore most housework.

Try to avoid making appointments... It sucks when u have to wake a sleeping baby to make it on time.

Learn what your baby likes rather than worrying about what everyone else does. Mine didn't like swaddling so we just never did it.

Put a folded towel under your baby of a night... So if it spews or wets through u only have to change that one towel. Easy for night spews too cos no stuffing around with changing sheets.

Breast feed... When your baby is sick, it can be so much better. There were so many times it would have been better or me and dd if I was breast feeding.

If you do use bottles, take way more than you need when you go out. You never know when you might be held up.

[Kimberleygal1]

Oh and don't waste your money on crappy bibs, spend the $ and buy silly Billy's bibs. They don't soak through and don't stain. I still had ds's, they were still in great condition and ds2 is still using them.

[Rose&Aurelia]

"If in doubt boob it out" is my mantra. Quickest way to shush them up.

Babies are happiest next to mums skin so get an ergo and let them live there for the first six months. You can bf whilst wearing one of them and life continues.

My newbie (2wks) old only comes out at bath time then cot to sleep overnight. Otherwise she is in the ergo or capsule in the car.

Throw out any book that reckons little babies should sleep thru the night very young. It's not good for them or your milk supply. It will also make your life easier than trying to force an unnatural schedule on a baby.

[bubbalove83]

Subcribing..
Great Thread.
Thanks Everyone..

[ricepudding]

I thought of another pre-birth one...

When buying feeding bras, make sure that when you release the clasp (as if you would before you feed) your whole nipple and breast are exposed. Don't rely on sales assistants to sell you an appropriate bra - no matter where you buy it from.

Sounds obvious, but I went somewhere very reputed to get 3 feeding bras in the last few weeks of my pregnancy, dropped $150 and, once in hospital with only those bras, realised that only half of my nipple was exposed when I undid the clasp.

Nightmare - I ended up having to take by bra off every feed for 3 weeks until I made it to the shops to spend more money on more bras. After about a year of feeding I managed to use the dud lot of bras - but they were just too hard to manage when breastfeeding was a new concept that both DS and I were learning.

[SL1009]

12 weeks with my first - subscribing - looks like a very helpful thread

[hopingtosoonbeamummy]

A few things that helped me in the first few months:

- do a big bulk shop at Costco or somewhere similar for non perishable supplies like nappies, wipes, tinned food, pasta, cleaning stuff etc and have your milk, dairy, bread, fruit/veg and meat delivered by somewhere like Aussie Farmers - this SAVED my life because it meant I didn't have to brave the supermarket with two kids. It also saved us a stack of money buying in bulk.
- I second the freezing of meals beforehand, this made life so much easier for us, both when I was in hospital and afterwards.
- It might not work for everyone, but when I had people wanting to visit I would arrange it for the morning and then make appointments ie. GP, MCHN afterwards. That way there was only a set time they could visit before I would say, ok we'd better be going soon! I felt bad telling people to leave but some visitors seriously like to overstay!
- On the appointments, I would try to make my appointments on separate days so that we had a bit of structure to our weeks.
-Try to get out and go for a walk with the pram as often as you can, even if you just end up going around the block, I promise you will feel 100% better once you get out in the fresh air.
- As we were on a budget I tried to avoid shopping centres as I found I would end up overspending on clothes etc. Instead I visited the library a lot - it's free and I could sit and read a mag if bub was asleep in the pram and my eldest could browse through the books.

I hope that helps :).

[Waggers70]

Subbing:)

[cookiedough]

Have a bag at the door ready to go with nappies, a change of clothes, snacks etc so when you have to go out you just grab the bag, baby and go.

[squishie]

Get onto Coles click and collect...bloody awesome!!

[SL1009]

I'm thinking of buying a couple of books - Baby Love & Save Our Sleep...I've already got What to Expect When you're Expecting at home...

Any opinions, or anything else you think is a great and informative read for pregnancy or newborns??

Thank you!

[Rbottom]

Do some research into how your hormone levels change after birth! knowledge is power and when you find yourself crying because of something silly like the cat is outside on day 3 you will understand why and wont be freaking out that you have pnd!

[duckduckgoose]

I'm thinking of buying a couple of books - Baby Love & Save Our Sleep...I've already got What to Expect When you're Expecting at home...

Any opinions, or anything else you think is a great and informative read for pregnancy or newborns??

Thank you!

Save our Sleep is a bit controversial on here lol! I've read it, but I like Babybliss MUCH better. Also Pinky McKay is good. A friend loves The Baby Whisperer books but it's very much routine based, etc. It just made me feel inadequate.

[SL1009]

thanks for your help ladies -

good advice rbottom - will keep this in mind
I'll have a look into babybliss and picky mckay - I don't think I want anything routine based - just the advice to be able to make up my own routines I guess??

mum2one99 i think it certainly must be a controversial book as lots of ladies are saying this so I think I'll leave it on the shelf...Baby Love I think I'll buy for sure. There is also a What to Expect In the First Year - has anyone read this?

[Amira]

I'm thinking of buying a couple of books - Baby Love & Save Our Sleep...I've already got What to Expect When you're Expecting at home...

Any opinions, or anything else you think is a great and informative read for pregnancy or newborns??

Thank you!

I enjoyed "Up the duff" by Kaz Cooke. It may not be to everyones taste but i found it helpful and entertaining.

Other tips are simple ones like

-sleep when baby is sleeping.
-dont be afraid to ask for help.
-I used lots of baby blankets. Lighter ones sometimes ended up being used for catching vomit.
-take care of yourself! You cant look after a newborn if you arent looking after yourself.

[Munchkin004]

Sl1009 my dh bought me the what to expect first years book and I think it's great! My little monkey is 8 weeks now and it's good to be able to go through the book just like the pregnancy one does month by month!

[sylvia1111]

re books on baby sleep routine,
on a thread someone said that from all the sleep/ routine books, there is one thats the easiest to read that summarises them all called

the baby sleep solution
a proven program to teach your baby to sleep twelve hours a night
b suzy giordana the baby coach.

i never had my babies in routines, but many people have and its really helped them. I have read most of the book and found it easy to read, informative interesting, so you may want to go with that.

[VicPark]

Save our sleep is not for many people. Ok as a reference for ideal sleep times but waking sleeping babies at 7am and forcing awake babies to sleep ain't my style. Nevermnd the screams of indignation if my Bubs were ever made to wait for a scheduled hour to feed lol! Not a chance :-)

The book doesn't really promote waking sleeping babies and forcing awake ones to sleep. Or not feeding hungry babies. The routines are worked out so that average awake/sleep times and feeding needs are adhered to ... Routines are listed by age groups but in reality (and this is in the book) babies sleep/feed needs are more impacted by their weight so parents should use their common sense when moving through routines.

I follow SOS and only had to wake bub a couple of times until his body clock re-set. Most of the time (after the initial couple of days) bub IS sleepy at bedtime. If bub starts to protest going to sleep the book suggests its time to move to the next routine (with longer awake times).... Even if bub isnt yet old enough.

And as for feeding once i started on the routines my bub never cried for a feed as the routine had me feeding him before he became starving. I remember pre routine bub crying for feeds as I'd obviously misjudged.

So since starting SOS My bub has never cried for a feed, rarely whinged throughout the day and slept for 8-9 hours at night from about 8 weeks and 12 hours from 3 months.

Hope that clarifies things.

[Rose&Aurelia]

I'm thinking of buying a couple of books - Baby Love & Save Our Sleep...I've already got What to Expect When you're Expecting at home...

Any opinions, or anything else you think is a great and informative read for pregnancy or newborns??

Thank you!

I would not recommend SOS at all as I find the settling methods advocated by the author too cold for my liking. Plus the bedding recommendations are against SIDS guidelines.

I find dr sears, Elizabeth pantley and pinky McKay much more supportive and their suggestions in line with my parental philosophies.

[duckduckgoose]

One great book I'm reading right now is Happiest Baby on the Block Guide to Great Sleep

[Geomic]

Make sure you find out about all of the community child health services in your area and then make the most of them. I found the free lactation consultant drop-in centre and the all day infant feeding clinic (also a free service) here in Brisbane incredibly valuable. The nurse and LCs were amazingly supportive and helped me get through a tough time establishing feeding.

There are mothers groups, fathers groups and support groups for mums who are struggling, all accessed through this amazing govt funded service. You should be able to find the info for your area on your state govt health web site. If there aren't physical services in your area there is the 24 hour health help line you can call if you are worried about anything, and the Australian Breastfeeding Association also has a 24 hr help line.

i didn't realize just how much support there was available out there until I really needed it and started looking for help. Never feel like you are bothering anyone or over reacting if you need to ask for help.

Also, I am finding Wonder Weeks to be a worthwhile read, helps to explain when you might be able to expect your LO to change their behavior in line with developmental leaps.

Encourage your partner to be as hands on as possible. I have had to really hold back from offering DH "advice" on how to do things, much better to let him work out how to do things himself so he is confident to have a go and not rely on you to be the guru on everything. As long as he knows what is safe and unsafe, he might do things differently to you, but that is better than you having to do everything yourself. Also great to help him bond with bub if he is really involved with the practical stuff like changing nappies and bath time.

Lastly, get comfortable bras! I spent a fortune on pretty BF bras that have stayed in the drawer since bub was born. I changed size a lot (cup and band) after my milk came in and I needed to buy bra extenders from a fabric store just to fit into them. I now live in the stretchy cotton cross over bras that you just pull aside, no messing about with clips or anything. Also they are soft and comfy enough to sleep in, I think they are actually called sleep bras on some web sites, I bought a size up so the band wasn't too tight so they are extra comfy. They won't suit everyone, but have been great for me.

Good luck everyone, remember that there is no one "right" way, just what is right for you :)

[debsi]

Fantastic post! 😄

[jagamoe]

Find what works for you and bub and don't let people tell you what you should be doing
A swing for when bub is unsettled motion calms them fisher n price have a great a frame swing it goes both side to aids and back and forth my DD was in it until 9 months was a god send to get the housework done
Sleep when bub does you're no use tired n cranky bub will pick up on it
Wraps swaddling is helpful as are sleeping bag suits
A security item sleep with and give sleep times as a cue it's time to sleep if it smells like u it's comforting
so long as your bub is fed boob or formula don't stress
And get out and go for a walk with bub in the pram saves cabin fever
Microwave sterilizers are ingenious just remember to put water in it lol
If you don't have anyone to watch bub while you shower put them in the bouncer in the bathroom with u
That's what I did and it helped me with my DD now 21 months and DS now 6 hope I've been help

[Ellymoe]

I'm at week 10 now :), things that have helped me:

- A decent wrap (I'm using the Miracle Blanket, $23 on ebay and I so wish I had got it earlier!)
- A CD of white noise (I put a CD with the sound of rain for 30min on repeat all night)
- Keep the room fairly dark at night when you get up, and the house really bright during the day
- From about 8 weeks my baby watched a cartoon for 20min in the morning while I showered and got dressed. Sounds wrong, but I feel human for the day and much more ready to leave the house with her!

[ScrubSister]

I am loving all these posts . So helpful , I'm thinking of trying the Coles shopping online thingy , the only job I had to do today was get groceries and it ended up being such a drama, I didn't enjoy leaving my girl with family while I sped around and bought groceries on my own.

Routine is a nasty word also , I'm realizing just going with the flow is a lot less stressful than thinking constantly ... What's next & what time is it?

And yes it's true everything is fine as long as bubs is fed and happy every thing else can wait.

Also the use of the bouncer near the shower so as I can get ready for my day and feel fresh and happy really works well , when I feel happy I can see my girl is happier :) love the advice girls.
My advice - gassy bub? Use Infacol it's fantastic, my girls been terribly uncomfortable and almost colicky crying all the time and not resting properly, as I speak this is her fifth hour between feeds- hopefully a newer happy baby too.

Oh and green poo is normal don't have a panic attack, and have Paracetamol at the ready for immunisations , im so greatful my girlfriend gave me that as a baby shower gift. :)

[CakeyLoaf]

I'm naughty and haven't read all the posts but I will add my 2cents anyway.

Online shopping, cleaner and being open to anyone who offers to help plus a slow cooker :)

[CakeyLoaf]

Also, routines are for books!

[Lewbaby]

Baby carriers!! They were and still are my best friend. Make sure you get one that distributes weight evenly. Otherwise you will have a sore back. I personally love the Ergo. We still use it for my 19 month old. Cooked, cleaned, walked through Kakadu and breastfed with it.

Also, you can't spoil a newborn! Their minds aren't developed enough to manipulate you. They have needs, simple as that. You can't cuddle them to much. :-) cuddle them as much as you can because pretty soon they will start saying. "no mummy!" :'-(.

At the time, it seems as if you will never sleep again, but you will. Take your time. Don't push yourself. New babies are gorgeous, but also unpredictable, feeding and pooping machines. Breathe and look after yourself.

Enjoy it. Simple but true. Keep records. Time flies...

[FingersxCrossed]

Bonds onesies were my godsend for the first month! Built in mittens and feet, and so practical for a learning first time Mum ;)

[justthe3ofus]

- A decent wrap (I'm using the Miracle Blanket, $23 on ebay and I so wish I had got it earlier!)

Yes yes yes to the miracle blanket! I only discovered it at 15 weeks and it has made life SO much easier!

[FirstTimeMummy2012]

Subbing .. great thread!

[Missy 84]

subbing

[nat84u]

Subbing!

[CazHazKidz]

My tips

Newborn babies are EASY! Believe it, because it's true. All they do is eat and sleep and want their mummies. Just go with it, feed them when they're hungry (this is often constantly, don't let anyone try to convince you that babies eat every 3-4 hours coz it's simply not true), comfort them when them when they want comforting, and help them sleep when they're tired.

Sleep when your baby sleeps. DO IT! Because when you have baby 2 or 3 you cant do this anymore! Lol. So do it while you can. Forget the housework, do it when you can but it's not important, you and your baby bonding is important.

As for product recommendations, Wrap me up swaddles are great, I was a terrible swaddler so definitely needed the ready made ones. A fisher price cradle swing (priceless!) a good quality bouncy bouncer, and bonds/target wondersuits :)

[SL1009]

Loving this thread

[cookiedough]

My tips

Newborn babies are EASY! Believe it, because it's true. All they do is eat and sleep and want their mummies. Just go with it, feed them when they're hungry (this is often constantly, don't let anyone try to convince you that babies eat every 3-4 hours coz it's simply not true), comfort them when them when they want comforting, and help them sleep when they're tired.

Sleep when your baby sleeps. DO IT! Because when you have baby 2 or 3 you cant do this anymore! Lol. So do it while you can. Forget the housework, do it when you can but it's not important, you and your baby bonding is important.

As for product recommendations, Wrap me up swaddles are great, I was a terrible swaddler so definitely needed the ready made ones. A fisher price cradle swing (priceless!) a good quality bouncy bouncer, and bonds/target wondersuits :)

My newborn wasn't easy! She screamed about 4 hours every night, sometimes well into the early morning as well.

Me + DH
DS 2
DD
:-)

[kw123]

I didn't find a newborn easy either!

[Girl X]

Looking back, DD was an easy baby, but I didn't find it easy at the time. I found life got easier month by month, but that was more to do with me adjusting than her - if that makes sense! I found the first 4 weeks the hardest, even if they were technically the easiest.

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[Baby Girl]

My Nana gave me the greatest advice that I still remind myself of to this day. The more time you give to your bub the more time you will have for yourself. I would be rushing about trying to get bub to sleep or feed or whatever it might be, because I thought I had a million things that MUST be done, and of course bub was unsettled for the longest time and I got nothing at all done except to create a grumpy duo! But Nana came along and spent the time playing with her, taking time bathing her, took her out in the sun and fed her quietly and calmly and then wrapped her up and off she went to sleep for hours longer than I had achieved in 6 weeks! It took her a whole hour.... not 4 or 5 as it had sometimes taken me to get her to sleep for 1!!

And...

Ask for help or accept help when it is offered.
The cloth nappies for puke rags thing.
Start a bedtime routine from day 1 (I did this with DD2 and she would be almost asleep by halfway through it! And she slept 8 hours a night from 6 weeks!).
Have a routine that suits you, bub will fall into it easier than you will cope with the one bub sets most of the time (loose is ok but have one).

Can't think of anymore.... yet!

[Shinning]

Subscribing. Thanks to all who have written advice

[btmac]

Subbing - so much incredible advice. Feel like I need to back and read again with a notepad this time :)

[Cookie1]

Subbing - thank you to all the posters!

[angelini]

This is fantastic - subbing for closer to my DD! :D

[stephiew]

Subbing :-). Thanks ladies for all the advice so far

[SL1009]

i thought this would be a suitable place to post my dilemma...

changing tables - I am tossing up getting one that matches my furtniture for example and then a separate bath OR one of those all in one change table / bath units. My problem is though - do all of those 2 in 1 units have the change table lift up? I would prefer one that lifts off - what if I knock it down on to the baby by accident!!!!

help please.....

[redlipsandpearls]

i thought this would be a suitable place to post my dilemma...

changing tables - I am tossing up getting one that matches my furtniture for example and then a separate bath OR one of those all in one change table / bath units. My problem is though - do all of those 2 in 1 units have the change table lift up? I would prefer one that lifts off - what if I knock it down on to the baby by accident!!!!

help please.....

I had a change table to match my furniture, it seemed sturdier than a bath/change combination. Now that dd is too big for it, I'm using it as a storage shelf until we need it again.

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[ck2b]

The two things I tried to do everyday, if nothing else, was have a shower and make my bed. Even when everythibg else Wss a mess I felt so much better if I did those things.

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[Albert01]

i thought this would be a suitable place to post my dilemma...

changing tables - I am tossing up getting one that matches my furtniture for example and then a separate bath OR one of those all in one change table / bath units. My problem is though - do all of those 2 in 1 units have the change table lift up? I would prefer one that lifts off - what if I knock it down on to the baby by accident!!!!

help please.....

I have never used a baby bath...it is easier and lots more fun to put the baby in the bath with you or your partner...easier to hold onto them...

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[kw123]

I have never used a baby bath...it is easier and lots more fun to put the baby in the bath with you or your partner...easier to hold onto them...

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I agree but it's not practical for a lot of people (me included)...

[ck2b]

I had a lift up one and hated it. Ended up buying a wooden one to match the cot.

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[ck2b]

I had a lift up one and hated it. Ended up buying a wooden one to match the cot.

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[Disbride]

Make the bassinet up with layers - mattress protector, sheet, mattress protector, sheet etc. If bub vomits or leaks in bed at 2am you can just remove a set of bedding and have a clean one underneath - no making up beds at ridiculous o'clock when you should be sleeping!


I love this idea! Thanks!

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[Laydeebug]

Keep em coming!!

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[Happy2be3]

Best tip?

Learn to let go, be stress free, worry less & just get on with the job at hand.

Life is now, this very moment. If you have a choice between rocking/cuddling/spending time with you child or cleaning? Do the first one.

Cleaning will always be there... Children grow up and leave home.

[ABigDeepBreath]

Subbing!

[Bond Girl]

Best tip?

Learn to let go, be stress free, worry less & just get on with the job at hand.

Life is now, this very moment. If you have a choice between rocking/cuddling/spending time with you child or cleaning? Do the first one.

Cleaning will always be there... Children grow up and leave home.

Totally agree, the more quality time spent together the better.

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[us3]

Subbing. What great advice everyone has!

[tiggerfields]

I was coming in to say make up the cot with double sets of sheets and mattress protectors but I see someone else has already given that tip. Best one I ever got by miles.

[mummabear27]

Subbing!

[mrsoptomistic]

Subbing :-)

[LauraH80]

Also subbing! Bubs due in 6 weeks, and some of these tips sound like they'll be a godsend!

[Cheffry]

Subbing! This is a great thread! Thanks ladies!

[Noty]

I had a changetable with a baby bath thats slides out from underneath. Much better than lift up and somewhere to put the baby before and after bathing. I'd also highly recommend a bath support so you don't have to hold the baby. Great for use in baby or adult bath.

My other must haves were my brest friend feeding pillow. This was a lifesaver when I got tendonitis in my wrists.

A video baby monitor that plays music. For when they're in their own room and wake in the night. Often playing the music was enough to get DS back to sleep without getting out of bed!

A double electric breastpump is a must. Don't be afraid to buy secondhand as they are expensive. You sterilise it before every use anyway.

Not sure if it was just my son's nature but he loved to play for ages on his own in his activity centre. I could hear him pressing the buttons but be in a different room.

I personally found baby led weaning much easier than preparing purees.

Get foxtel or something to watch on tv to keep you occupied for those night feeds. You could easily be sitting for 1.5hrs at a time so go to the loo first and make sure tv remote and water/snacks are nearby and that you have a comfy chair.

Get some night time bras/tank tops. Your boobs will be like bowling balls when your milk comes in. If they leak alot you might need to sleep on a towel.

If possible have someone (such as your mum) stay for a couple of weeks after the birth to do as much cooking and cleaning as possible. Get your partner to do nappy changes so all you have to do initially is eat, sleep and feed the baby.

Join a mother's group and/or postnatal exercise or yoga class. Take your baby for a walk everyday if possible. A lightweight pram and baby bjorn were great. I personally couldn't get a sling to work for me.

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[Sarelou]

Baby wearing is a god send!

Video and respiratory monitor was well worth the money.

Forget all the expensive stuff - at first all my bub needed was me, my bed, my boobs, nappies and clothes!

Play mat - by about 2.5 months my DD was happy to stay on there by herself long enough for me to have a shower, eat etc.

Night light for night feeds.

Bed sharing has saved my sleep - I realize this isn't for everyone though.

[Cookie1]

A double electric breastpump is a must. Don't be afraid to buy secondhand as they are expensive. You sterilise it before every time anyway.
:iagree: At hospital they had two machines in the ward for everyone to share and gave us each the bit that goes on the boob and collects milk (the bit you sterilize daily anyway) so really there is nothing wrong with using second hand breastpump! Wish I'd known this it would've saved me a lot of money. Same goes for bottles you sterilize those before each use so second hand is fine. Just buy new teats if it makes you feel more comfortable. Beware not all teats fit all brand bottles and some babies have a preference for some teats! You may need to experiment once the baby arrives rather than stock up on one brand only to find your baby doesn't like that one.

In fact just about everything can be bought second hand especially think about expensive items like baby carrier, cot, change table. Hit baby&kids markets or Internet for clothes they aren't in little sizes for long so often the clothes are very lightly worn.

[babynomad]

To not try and fit baby into your life but realise your life has changed and not to expect too much of yourself , let baby lead you , leg them sleep when they want and feed when they want . Take time to get to know your baby and her/ his needs . Let life stop for a while and just enjoy it. Don't rush around trying to do it all.

My third is by far my easiest and I'm sure it's because I have relaxed and just gone with her flow .

Good luck xxx

[Nomie]

Such great advice in here!

[monnie24]

subbing

[EternalOptimist]

I originally subbed to this group as I was pregnant, I know have 12 week old & can say the one thing I wish I had done/listened to everyone about is: throw out all the baby books about what your baby SHOULD be doing. It drove me crazy comparing DS to all the books & made me worry so much unnecessarily.

[Eko]

- Sleep for at least one of bubs naps a day if you can. Early on they will nap often and even if it's just a cat nap, 20 minutes is often enough to recharge your batteries. That way you can still get things done and have 'me time' as I used to call it where you can just drink a cuppa, or even just get dressed if you haven't already.

- Babies often have a nasally, back of the throat cry when they're hungry. It's caused by the sucking reflex (apparently). So if it sounds like your bub is crying from the back of their nose rather than just a general hearty cry try feeding first even if you've only just fed them. Cluster feeding is evil and confusing!

- If your baby is crying and crying and crying and they aren't hungry or tired CHANGE THEIR CLOTHING!!! I can't stress that one enough.
When DS was about 8 weeks old he cried for hours because there was something about his growsuit that was bugging him. After I gave him a bath to calm him I put the same growsuit back on and he started crying again straight away.
Changed his growsuit, and he stopped instantly. The smallest thing can irritate and just because you can't see it, even a hair caught in the cloth can cause hours of tears.

- Don't feel pressured to join a parenting group straight away (or at all). Just because they're a great source of assistance and reassurance doesn't mean they work for everyone. I didn't like any of my local groups so I didn't go. Didn't make me a bad mummy!

And finally, do what works for you. Don't worry about what you or your baby should be doing, because no one does what you should be doing after the first week of realising that there's no cut and dried method of doing anything at all when it comes to infants.

[CottonCandy]

I'm another who subbed to this thread when I was preggers and now have a 5 week old baby girl.

Agree with the sleeping at least one of bubs naps if you can- but also go to bed as soon as you can at night, even if they are 'due' to wake up soon. So many times I have waited up and she has slept longer than expected. Plus even 20minutes of sleep helps!

Everyone says it but a packet of cloth nappies is invaluable. I have them lying all around the house so we always have a spew rag handy.

Large swaddle wraps are amazing here- especially the Aden and Anais bamboo ones. Big enough to swaddle well, cover me when feeding and throw over the pram.

[mrsreed]

I realise this may not be for everyone bit consider having your placenta encapsulated and ingesting the tablets. I did this and didn't have any baby blues and recovered from my birth very quickly. Your placenta contains so many vitamins and minerals that are essential for your well being and are normally just thrown in the medical waste bin. Placenta ingestion is so common in many cultures as well as in the animal world and if you have it encapsulated its really not at all gross. They dehydrate it, crush it up and then put it inside capsules, it looks just like vitamin tablets and doesn't taste like anything. I realise this will be a bit out there for some people but its definitely worth considering

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[DueInAugust]

I have never heard of placenta capsules until a few weeks ago. Who would you take it to to get that done? I'm in a small town so would have no idea if it's even possible here.

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[monnie24]

I realise this may not be for everyone bit consider having your placenta encapsulated and ingesting the tablets. I did this and didn't have any baby blues and recovered from my birth very quickly. Your placenta contains so many vitamins and minerals that are essential for your well being and are normally just thrown in the medical waste bin. Placenta ingestion is so common in many cultures as well as in the animal world and if you have it encapsulated its really not at all gross. They dehydrate it, crush it up and then put it inside capsules, it looks just like vitamin tablets and doesn't taste like anything. I realise this will be a bit out there for some people but its definitely worth considering

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I was going to eat it, then read this in a magazine one of the pregnancy ones. I was wondering if you could tell me what service you used? Don't you just send it off & then they send it back? How much did it cost?? Thanks :)

[jenrose]

Feeding on demand, babywearing, co-sleeping and taking it EASY.

[mingpage]

Get hold of a video showing tired signs. That would have made my life much easier in the first few weeks! I wouldn't have sat on the couch feeding and feeding for hours every evening when he was actually tired!!

I was convinced that he was hungry when he sucked on his fists, but that was his tired sign at the time d'oh!

^^^ This! I always thought my baby was hungry when sucking on his fists and it wasn't until 6 weeks in that I read that fist sucking was also a tired sign!

I also downloaded a white noise app which never failed to get my son to sleep within a few minutes.

Good Luck! The first 6 weeks were the hardest I thought. I felt like my normal self again after 6 weeks - I guess hormones etc subsided and I no longer had any pain from c section.

[mrsreed]

I have never heard of placenta capsules until a few weeks ago. Who would you take it to to get that done? I'm in a small town so would have no idea if it's even possible here.

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Hi dueinaugust,
We had a doula who did placenta encapsulation but she also does it for anyone who would like it done, whether they are using her as their doula or not.
Apparently the placenta can be kept in the right conditions in the fridge for up to a week so even if you can't find someone close by who does the service perhaps you could find someone who's willing to travel to pick it up?

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[Taiyed]

I realise this may not be for everyone bit consider having your placenta encapsulated and ingesting the tablets. I did this and didn't have any baby blues and recovered from my birth very quickly. Your placenta contains so many vitamins and minerals that are essential for your well being and are normally just thrown in the medical waste bin. Placenta ingestion is so common in many cultures as well as in the animal world and if you have it encapsulated its really not at all gross. They dehydrate it, crush it up and then put it inside capsules, it looks just like vitamin tablets and doesn't taste like anything. I realise this will be a bit out there for some people but its definitely worth considering

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I did this too and I agree with your post. It was $200 well spent IMO and the lady who did mine had the capsules to me within 24 hrs of the birth. If anyone is in Adelaide - I used Elemental Beginnings. I highly recommend them.

I still have some capsules leftover in the freezer (DS is nearly 6 months old) and I take one capsule if I'm feeling particularly tired or worn out.

I also have some awesome photos of the placenta before encapsulation. Some might find it gross but I thought the pics were really interesting!

[Taiyed]

Things that made the first 6 months easier:

Feed bub as much as they want and try not to compare their feeding habits with other babies, it will drive you mad!

I wish I had known that my baby was hungry and wanted to cluster feed at witching hour. It took weeks of screaming for us to work it out.

You don't have to change the babies nappy every time they cry. I went through a lot of nappies for no reason! As a first time mum I had no idea how often to change a nappy.

Invest in a snuza or breathing sensor mat, I wouldn't have slept a wink without one.

Get a good breastfeeding pillow, if you can't afford one then just get a V shaped bed pillow. It makes it much easier to feed.

Get out of the house, even if you look terrible and can't be bothered doing your hair/makeup/changing clothes. Taking bub for a walk in his stroller was a godsend for me. Just being out in the sun and feeling the breeze was AMAZING.

Baby sleeping bags are great if you have a wiggly baby. I wish I had put DS in them from birth... It would have saved a lot of wrapping and re-wrapping at night.

Take help from anyone that offers it.

Do what you feel is right. I think that is most important :)

[Mrs Maker]

One big thing for me was when I started to trust my instincts more. It could've saved me a lot of upset had I trusted them from the start! Also, having a book such as what to expect in the first year to hand can be useful for looking up development stages, problems, etc :)

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[parcelandpeony]

1) Online grocery shopping – truly a lifesaver in the first few weeks when going to the shops can feel like an insurmountable task!
2) Lamp with a dimmer so I can do night-time feeds and nappy changes without fully waking the baby.