It's funny how many people want to give you advice before the baby is born, but then after the baby is born you're on your own. All those people that lined up to congratulate you disappear in those first few weeks to "let you get settled." That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. After 5 weeks, I've come to realize that we'll never truly be 'settled' again.
So, for all of those people still waiting to get settled here are 10 random things you should know in those first few weeks.
5. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Poop sprays. Everyone will have you worried about your little baby boy peeing all over the place, but don't underestimate the power of poo (boy or girl). Never, and I mean never remove a diaper without having a replacement within arms reach.
4. You do not need the following items immediately: Swings of any sort, umbrella strollers, high chairs, gates, a electrical socket protectors. Sure it may help to have these things done, but until your baby is holding his/her head up or crawling on their own none of these things matter. I've spent more time pulling out the socket protectors to plug things in than I spent putting them all over the house. Don't let anyone pressure you into rushing to get things done before the baby comes.
3. Cloth diapers are a good idea in theory, but if your little bundle is having issues or is (like ours) what you doctor calls a high maintenance baby or HMB, take each battle as it comes. Maybe down the line you can convert to cloth, but right from the start in the heat of battle it's not the way to go. We're ready to try ours whenever she's ready.
2. Playtime. In the early weeks, playtime is for the parents. We want our babies to be uber-special and ahead f every curve, but in the end they are just happy to be fed cleaned and well rested. Yeah, we lay them on their mats and take cute pictures (or if you are me hundreds of cute pictures), but just keep them comfortable. That's all they really need.
1. Sleep is more important for you in the first few weeks than it is the baby. Trust me, the baby will sleep, but it is hard for parents to just lay down whenever the baby is napping. When the baby sleeps you'll want to straighten up the house, cook a real meal, catch up on your favorite DVR'd television shows, but don't. Don't be a hero....SLEEP. Everyone in the house will be happier if you're well rested.
These are my latest tips on parenting...It may not be much, but these were hard lessons for us in the first 5 weeks.
4 comments:
Good advice. I'd also add:
--If you have relatives willing to come over in those first few weeks and help with chores, TAKE THEM UP ON IT!
--If it's possible, get out of the house as much as possible with the baby. Even if it's just for a walk around the block every little bit helps to avoid feeling trapped or overwhelmed.
--You can't get into much of a routine with a newborn, but starting to develop one is a good idea. Babies thrive on routine and it makes things so much easier down the road.
Good post and you're right, it's amazing that the wise and all-knowing parents disappear along with their advice as soon as the baby arrives.
Cloth diapers are best used for blocking the poop & pee. I love your posts. Too bad you weren't a dad 7+ years ago.
I can't even remember the first few weeks. They were such a blur. I agree fully with the advice to sleep. Sleep whenever you can. My whole life still revolves around trying to get some sleep.
Your post said 10 things but I only see 5 -- maybe you were taking advantage of #1? ;-)
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