Though I'm far from baby stages with three big teenage boys, (Dear Stork: Please don't deliver any surprises. I don't want to be a granny before my time!) I've been among some friends and family who have precious new little ones. I'm also currently waiting to cover a teacher friend's paternity leave. AND in my next Pop Travel book (CONDUCTION) there are two babies on board!So I thought I'd share some baby advice and settle a few of the Great Baby Debates...
- To Paci or Not To Paci?
- Let them Cry? or Comfort them back to sleep?
- Crib or Parents' bed?
These topics are big decisions for new parents. After surviving three babies, reading loads of baby books, and having many discussions with relatives and friends, I can sum up the answer in one simple sentence:
It's your choice!
You should raise your child as you see fit. You have to deal with what will work for you and your family. Take all advice with gratitude and a grain of salt--savor it and try what sounds good. Like the advice I'm about to give--When deciding, you have to live with the consequences sooner or later. Crying comes with babies, so it's all how much you and the little ones can take.
- If you want to use a pacifier, go ahead. I did. They're awesome! But get rid of it as soon as possible--the longer you wait, the harder it is. And some say it affects their teeth? Only if you use it too often for too long. Only one of my kids needed braces and it wasn't from the pacifier since he used it the least.
- If you let them cry, have a system, like: increments of time to let them cry before going in to reassure them you're there, longer and longer until they're asleep. This is one of the hardest things I've ever done. But after only a few nights, it helps everyone sleep better in the long run. Be strong! If you give in and rock them to sleep, it will take longer to ween them from it. They have to sleep on their own at some point, it's up to you how and when.
- Cribs are scary for baby and parents. But only at first. The separation gives you both some peace. Again, it is up to you when and how you feel comfortable having baby sleep in their own crib. But if you wait too long, as they get older, they know more and it will be harder to make the transition. This is true for the transition to big kid beds too.
You will know when it's time to do or undo things, you'll sense it. Instinct is real and intuition isn't a joke. Moms have been around forever and raised billions of kids. It's not easy, in fact it's torture at times. We all make mistakes, but we fix them too. In the end, it's all worth it.
Best Advice: Get Off the Phones! They grow up so fast, enjoy every moment!
Best Advice: Get Off the Phones! They grow up so fast, enjoy every moment!
Got any little ones in your vicinity? What's your baby advice?
Happy "Labor" Day! (ha ha)
The best advice you gave there, get off the phones. The number of parents I have seen who are continuously on their mobiles whilst their kids are running wild. I want to go snatch the phones from them.
ReplyDeleteGet off the phones is #1...but that's a theme for itself. While I tried to follow some 'rules' with my 1st two, by the time the 2nd two came along, I through all of those to the wind and did whatever worked for me. Everything went a lot smoother that way. And the kids survived ;)
ReplyDeletethrough = threw (stupid typing mistakes)
DeleteI never did the crying thing. I can't stand to hear babies cry. Part of it is that mine were all breast fed and the crying stimulates let down and if the boobs get too full, it's it's a literal pain. I was told by everyone that my kids would grow get spoiled, but they were fine. It only stands to prove you're absolutely right-- do what works best for you. Read the rules, but do what fits your family.
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