We get it. When you are having a new baby, it seems like everyone has advice. Some of it is helpful and other parts of it are not. You’re probably over getting told how to do everything, but you also might still be wanting a little help. So, we put together a guide of ideas that we think will be truly helpful when your baby comes. Don’t worry, it’s just a few hacks that are practical and not “how to parent” or anything like that! We know you’ve probably been getting an earful about proper parenting. So, here are our best practice tips and tricks from moms who have been there.
Find the Comfiest Rocking Chair
This might sound like an obvious tip, but hear us out. You’ll be spending a lot of time in that rocking chair. Whether it’s feeding your baby, reading to them or just needing a break yourself, you’re going to need the comfiest place to sit. You don’t want to be sitting in a chair that’s rough, doesn’t have a smooth rocking mechanism or isn’t stuffed correctly.
So, go to the store and actually sit in the model chairs. If you don’t find one you love, go elsewhere. There’s nothing worse than needing to constantly sit in a chair that rubs you the wrong way. Ordering online can be tempting too, but resist the urge if you can. You’ll thank us later when you’re falling asleep in your comfy rocking chair.
How to Set Up a Crib for When Blowouts Happen
Babies get blowouts, and it can be even more awful when it happens in the middle of the night. Making things easier for your sleep-deprived self can be helpful. So, first, make sure the baby’s crib mattress has a mattress protector. Then, grab a Goodnite pad and stick it to the top of the mattress protector These pads absorb messes and can also be great to use during the potty training years. Don’t put them over the sheet without a sheet over the pad, though; that can be dangerous for the baby. You’ll want to layer the fitted crib sheet on top of that.
Some parents even go so far as to add another accident pad on top of the sheet and put another fitted crib sheet over the top of that. So, then you can just change the baby’s clothes, strip off the top layer of sheets and throw away the absorbent pad. The second set of sheets will already be on the crib mattress and ready to go!
The key to this method is the absorbent pads. Not having to worry about laundering the mattress protector can really help when it comes to cleaning up and changing the sheets. Make sure you check with your pediatrician, though, that this method is okay for your baby since the baby’s bedding can cause safety concerns if not done properly.
Wearable Blankets Are a Must
As a parent, you’re always worrying about your baby’s comfort. One thing that can be a challenge to that comfort is if your baby is getting cold while sleeping. Babies can not sleep with blankets until much later in life. So, you might be wondering, how do I keep my baby warm while they sleep?
There are a wide variety of answers, but the first thing to consider is always dressing your baby in footie pajamas with long sleeves. You can buy these pajamas in a variety of fabrics including fleece, which is very warm. If that isn’t an option for you, or if your baby gets particularly cold, you can also get them a wearable blanket. A wearable blanket can be such a lifesaver, literally. It’s a blanket that has armholes. It zips up in the front and allows the baby to wear a blanket safely to sleep. There are varying sizes and degrees of thickness when it comes to the fabric, so keep that in mind. Hopefully, this helps you and your little one both sleep better!
Take a Swaddle Blanket Everywhere
You might not realize this but swaddle blankets are a must-have for any mom’s diaper bag. They are almost like the Swiss Army knife of your diaper bag. You can use a good quality swaddle blanket for so many things that people don’t realize. For example, it can be a makeshift nursing cover if you need to feed your baby in public. It could also be a clean, makeshift changing station if your baby needs an unexpected change. It can also be used for a burp rag, swaddle, stroller blanket, sunshade and even playtime.
Swaddle blankets are also great to swaddle babies in when they want to sleep at home. So, by carrying a swaddle blanket around, you’re able to replace a bunch of items that you would’ve had to pack in your diaper bag, or maybe you wouldn’t even have brought them. When disaster strikes, having a clean swaddle blanket can be such a game-changer.
Keep Supplies on Hand for When Baby Gets Sick
Babies get sick. It’s just a normal part of life. It can be really distressing for new parents, though. Illness always seems to creep up on you in the evening after the pediatrician’s office is closed. Even if you do talk to a doctor, there’s often not a whole lot the doctor can do to help your baby. So, make sure you have a few things on hand at all times
You’ll want to make sure you have a baby humidifier. It’s one of the few things you can use to help a baby with a cold or cough. You’ll also want to check with your doctor and see what medications your baby can have. It’s always good to have age-appropriate Tylenol or Ibuprofen on hand when cleared by their doctor.
Also, for a stuffy baby that has a lot of mucus in their nose, having a Nose Frieda on hand can make a huge difference. It’s essentially a device you put in a baby’s nose that has a long tube attached to it. It might look gross at first glance, but it utilizes a filter so that you’re protected while using it. You put the tube on the other end of your mouth and can gently remove all of the gunk in the baby’s nose by sucking. Again, sounds gross, but it’s really helpful!
Consider adding your pediatrician’s office number to your phone so you always have it on hand. It’s also really handy to know where the 24-hour pharmacies are located close to you. You never know when you might desperately need a prescription for your baby late at night. This will help you panic less and know where to tell the doctor to send medication without doing much research.
Hopefully, these tips will help you in a pinch and make things just a little bit easier!