First time parent advice, tips, tricks, etc.
- Thread starter derpyherky
- Start date
My wife and I had our first child in August and it’s been the best thing that ever happened to me. I’ve cried more these last few months than I have my entire life combined because you really don’t know what love is until you are holding your child. I know it’s sappy but my only concern was having a healthy baby and fortunately, he has been. Enjoy it all and remember to go on dates every once in awhile so you and your spouse can have some normalcy—-the in laws will love to watch them!
It's really true. All the things you can rigorously enforce with one kid go out the window when you're trying to keep them placated while getting food in the table. And food is hot dogs and Mac and cheese.
Sleeping in the same room is recommended for the first part. I think we did it for 3-4 months or so for our kids, then Mean Dad made them learn to sleep on their own. It's tough, but you still reap the rewards.
If you mean sharing a bed, only do that if you want too accidentally suffocate your kids. Seriously, do not do this.
See my previous post about the NICU. If everything goes smoothly, you're fine. Have one hitch in the giddy up, and you'll really be wishing for the hospital.
Mayo doesn't even really use a nursery. Everything is in your room and they want baby co-sleeping with mom in the bassinet.
Didn't read the whole thread so this has probably already been mentioned but you're going to get a lot of free advice. Ignore most of it. Your baby and experience are going to be different than someone else's experience. Whatever you do with your baby people are likely going to judge you and indirectly tell you that you're stupid for doing whatever it is you're doing. Do your own research and make your own decisions you can live with. **** everyone else.
First thing, congratulations! We just had our 2nd 2 weeks ago at Methodist West and our first was there who is just under 2 years old. Hectic in my house for sure. A few simple suggestions on my end is just to limit people around them for a good amount of time. My son got RSV....that was a nightmare. 2nd thing is I would as you say cut back, even if you make great money you will right away notice that even with clothes you can get from others and gifts you'll get .....daycare in itself will be something to adjust to. Ours is 1040/mo for one and now will have to adjust to 2050/mo. Also, make sure to get your breaks even just for taking your wife to dinner or just a movie or something for yourselves. Other than that you'll figure it out pretty quick! Good Luck
Except for my advice cause my advice is good
Was going to ask in rtt how you guys are doing and how holidays are going for you
CycloneErik
Well-Known Member
Except for my advice cause my advice is good
Was going to ask in rtt how you guys are doing and how holidays are going for you
You're fairly new, so we'll just assume you don't know how bad you really are yet.
It's been 15 years since we had a child, things may have changed. I just know that having that period of peace while the baby was being looked after by the nurses out of our room in the nursery without having to wake up constantly through the night was huge for us. It's exhausting. It's all on you when you leave and go home. I say take advantage of the help while you have it.
Yeah I guess that separation in the first 36 hours is going to scar the kid for life.
Don’t read parenting/baby books. They’re designed to make you anxious and feel ******.
If you’re so inclined, reusable diapers reasonable for infants. When the sh$t gets real, not worth it; go disposable.
Down the line, do whatever you can to let them learn to entertain themselves. Ie do other things and let them play on their own.
Provide them a safe, loving home. Besides that, kids will be what they will. Don’t get caught up in every little thing.
If you’re so inclined, reusable diapers reasonable for infants. When the sh$t gets real, not worth it; go disposable.
Down the line, do whatever you can to let them learn to entertain themselves. Ie do other things and let them play on their own.
Provide them a safe, loving home. Besides that, kids will be what they will. Don’t get caught up in every little thing.
oh for real for real one last thing.
The biggest, best thing you can do to raise an intelligent person is not how much money you make or whether they are breastfed or go to an in-home vs daycare center vs SAHM parent.
It's reading and talking to them. Free and easy. Talk to the baby all the time. Let them see your face. Narrate the day and what you are doing. Read to them before they have any clue what books are. This is the advice where I will say that I'm definitely right and no matter the parent or kid they should do it.
The biggest, best thing you can do to raise an intelligent person is not how much money you make or whether they are breastfed or go to an in-home vs daycare center vs SAHM parent.
It's reading and talking to them. Free and easy. Talk to the baby all the time. Let them see your face. Narrate the day and what you are doing. Read to them before they have any clue what books are. This is the advice where I will say that I'm definitely right and no matter the parent or kid they should do it.
So, no talk about whether to vac or not? Must mean go Jenny McCarthy style?
Friend, we're Iowa State folks here. Graduates of a University of Science and Technology.
We know the value of vaccination.
