As for the my post title, there are a few things that I've thought about here and there that leave me completely terrified of caring for a child, more specifically, Baby H! Here's the current list:
- What if Baby is sleeping and the dogs need to go out? (We don't have a fence...) Am I supposed to just walk out the door with them and leave Baby in here alone?! This seems horrible. How will I know if Baby is okay and should I just bring the monitor with me?
- When Baby is old enough to go to the grocery store with me, and I'm loading the car with groceries from my cart, do I put Baby in the car seat first then return the cart? Or should I just carry Baby with me as I walk to the cart return then put Baby in the car seat when we're both back at the car?
- If I'm supposed to put Baby to bed when he or she is still awake to allow him or her to figure out how to fall asleep, when will I know that Baby is tired? Does crying always mean "I'm tired"? What if Baby falls asleep in my arms?
- Speaking of which, what if Baby falls asleep while nursing? What are the choking hazards I should be wary of?
- How do you know when a baby needs to burp?
- I washed a bib in regular detergent. Does that mean I should rewash it in Dreft?
- How will I know if a cry during the night is just lungs exercising or a true cry for help?
- If I use one "all natural" product, does that mean everything I use should be all natural?
Hmm... the list seems to be expanding, but those are the big ones for now. Oh, dear.
Ok here goes.....
ReplyDelete1. If you are just walking them out into the lawn then just go, or if you will be out for an extended period of time (10-15mins) take the monitor. But in general if the baby is sleeping you can go get the mail without worrying :)
2. You will find as a mom that you no longer circle the lot for the closest parking spot, instead you look for the sport RIGHT next to the cart return. If the weather is nice I keep Grace in the cart but in the winter I put her in first and then lock the doors and return the cart.
3. You need to order two books, Babywise and The Happiest Baby on the Block. They both address this issue directly. Don't listen or stress about everything they say but they are a great reference.
4. There are no choking hazards you need to worry about when nursing. Babies are very proficient at nursing, asleep or awake.
5. Always burp a baby
6. Don't sweat it. A lot of detergents these days are very "baby friendly" All you need is something fragrance and dye free. I use Purex Baby *they sell it at Wegs* and it smells oh so delicious. Dreft is a rip off.
7. You will learn your baby's cry
8. Don't go crazy with products before the baby is born because you'll never know what your baby will like or not, or react to or what you'll need.
i agree with everything Amy wrote. She is in fact a professional at this mom thing. I've got two years on her in the baby realm, and I'm the one who asks HER advice. Keep her on speed dial, Meg. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe important thing to remember is Amy's answer to #7. You know Baby H. better than anyone, trust yourself and understand you will make mistakes. The best part about babies are they are better at being children then we are at being parents from the start. They are wonderful at teaching us how to be parents. Just listen and you will learn.
ReplyDeleteNow that whole holding the baby too much or making sure you put them to bed awake so they can fall asleep on their own. I held my girls until they fell asleep (and then for some time after) DAILY, despite how much I heard I was spoiling them and that they would NEVER go to bed alone. I did however, keep them on a pretty rigid schedule. As a result, I never had an issue with the girls going to bed or falling asleep on their own. They knew what to expect and what was expected of them. Anna would even tell us when it was bedtime (when Rugrats was over!)
When Baby H. is born, you will get more advice than you could ever imagine. Some of it may actually be good, but always remember, you know Baby H. better than anyone. All children are different. What works for one may not work for another. Trust yourself and learn with Steve on how to raise Baby H. and you will be just fine!
Wow....excellent advice from Amy, Rachel and Aunt Margaret! They said it all....
ReplyDeleteMeg- You are too cute with all your questions and worries. I was the same way. (Sean says you just have too much time on your hands right now):)
ReplyDeleteI agree with what Amy wrote she has great advice.
As for the detergent I never used anything othere than Dreft. Dominic had one reaction to my mom's detergent when he was a baby, but every baby is different. It didn't have the great smell though.