Baby!

CarbIce · Post by **CarbIce** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 6:31 am

Samantha, congratulations to you both!

Getting them to sleep through the night will be one of the best milestones for everyone in your house. I believe the method Freetime referred to is from a book by a Dr. Furber. This method worked for some friends, but not for us. It really depends on the kid. We tried a few methods, but it was routine that eventually worked. Bath, book, bottle, bed.... Same routine at the same time and they will soon get it that this means sleep time.

Also, get yourself involved in one of those 'New Mom' groups at the local rec center or library. Im sure your prenatal class has already talked about this with you. My wife says it was one of the best things she did... it gets you some support, you make great friends and most importantly it gets you out of the house and socializing so you feel like a human being again. Our daughter is 5 now, and we still meet up witht he friends we made in that class regularly for dinner and kid outings.

Best of luck, and post pics!

Trevor · Post by **Trevor** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 6:47 am

Don't go crazy buying absolutely everything in the store. You'd be surprised how the maternal instinct turns on in women and they have to buy everything for their baby. Some genious in the marketing department knows this and marks everything as the latest "must have" item. If you don't have 'em, your baby will suffer - BS. People have been having kids since Adam and Eve and somehow we survived without the MP3 playing baby swing...

A good example for us was our diaper change pad. My wife just had to have one. But guess what, its never where you need to change a diaper and its big and bulky to move. A change sheet on the bed or floor works just as well and you'll probably have one in your travel pack.

Take an honest look at what you really need. A crib, some sheets and changes of clothes. Ask a new parent what they're using and use it as a guide. We too received a lot of stuff as hand me downs and it saved us a bundle. You can always buy more when you discover something you're missing. Get a swing, it'll give your arms a break and hopefully rock the little one off to sleep.

A get invention is the clip on string for the soother. Get a couple. They keep the soother in close reach, and when the kid's in a high-chair, it keeps it from falling on the floor. When they're old enough, they can pull the string, find the coother and stick it in their own mouth.

Speaking of soothers, get a bunch. Leave one in the crib so you're not looking for it. Have one for traveling, and a spare in your travel kit - just in case the first one gets lost.

Walmart is great for cheap baby stuff. I definately recommend you look around for a baby-clothes consignment store. We have one in town and its fantastic. Used clothes that show almost now wear for a fraction of the original cost. 50 cents for a pair of socks. Jumpers and shirts for 2 or 3 bucks. Compare that to the GAP, where a shirt starts at $20. Garage sales are a good place too.

Please don't go with the fricking SUV-sized baby stroller either. Get one that you can actually take into the shopping mall. I've seen some strollers so big that only one person can use an elevator with it. If you really need the all-terrain, bicycle tired stroller, by all means buy it, but get a smaller one too.

On a personal note -

Our daughter spent the first two months of her life in the hospital and we missed most of the really nasty stuff newborns do. Some might think that would be great - free baby sitters, 24 hours a day. She's doing fine now, but let me tell you, I wouldn't wish that experience on any person, even my worst enemy.

Take every opportunity to watch your kid, play with them, cherish every smile. Hey, ours farts like a machine gun but we laugh about it everytime. Now that she's a year old she's crawling, chatting and trying to walk. I love it when I come home and she starts telling me about her day with her high pitch, squeeky voice.

CarbIce · Post by **CarbIce** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 7:37 am

Some good points above - the soother clips are awesome! They will always be losing the soothers, so these things will save you TONS of hassles. Being able to put the soother in themselves is another one of those great milestones. We used to put a half dozen soothers in Karas crib, that way when she woke up in the middle of the night she could always find one easily and go back to sleep herself.

Used clothing stores are great. If youre near Pearson its a bit of a drive, but theres one in Oakville called Once Upon a Child that was great. Good quality, clean clothes and good prices. If you keep the clothes in good shape, you can sell them back to the store once your little one outgrows them too. They also have used cribs, dressers and strollers, but buy your car seat new. It may have unseen damage and its not worth the risk.

When we had our garage sale and advertised Baby Stuff, we had people call the house the night before the sale, and even show up 2 hours before the start time to see if they could have an advanced look at the stuff. Those kinds of things always sell fast.

stef · Post by **stef** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 9:02 pm

When buying clothes keep in mind they'll be peed/puked/pooped drooled on and you'll be changing the kid 10 times a day to keep him/her dry. Buy easy to change over the cute outfits.

Also be prepared in case god forbid you have a rough delivery. We weren't. I had done lots of reading about how to help through the birthing process, and took classes that focussed on that aspect too, but when all that was over and my wife couldn't get out of bed for three days I was kind of lost. Wish I had learned more about the little things. Stuff like how to swaddle, how much to feed, how to change a diaper. Would have saved me trying to learn it all at once on zero sleep with a little one in my arms and a sick mommy beside me.

Just re-read the above and I guess it sounds a little preachy. Sorry. Wishing you the best and just want to pass on what I thought I did wrong. Good luck.

niss · Post by **niss** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:07 am

sky's the limit · Post by **sky's the limit** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 9:02 am

Hedley and Tids,

Those are great posts..! Now if only I could get your politics sorted out...LOL.

Tids, that photo is fantastic, and it's moments like that one which seem to make it look worthwhile. We're on the fence about it... Where's an "Ooops" when you need one???

stl

Airtids · Post by **Airtids** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:17 am

Sam:
Here's another couple of books for you- "What's Going On In There?" gives some really interesting information on neural development, and explains the benefits of natural, vaginal birth on the fetus (sorry, Hedley). "The No-cry Sleep Solution For Pre-school and Toddlers" will help in the difficult transition from co-sleeping to independance.

STL:
GET OFF THE FENCE! There's never a "right" time to have a kid. If you wait for the "right" time, you'll be old and alone in the home, wondering why you don't have any family coming to visit (and wondering how to get creamed corn out of your belly-button). Talk to your partner, come to the agreement, and get busy with the fun part- making a baby. There willl be loads of time for "holy shit, what have we done" after the confirmation that you're on your way to the greatest adventure known to humanity- parenthood! Relax and try to enjoy the ride.

DD- Maya says she's happy she could help with your day.

Hedley · Post by **Hedley** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 11:40 am

STL: I didn't even know I had any politics. I was always taught to not vote, as it only encouraged them - like feeding stray animals.

Here's another 4th gen pilot for ya (warning - not for dialup!)

http://www.pittspecials.com/etc/alex.jpg

niss · Post by **niss** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:18 pm

Airtids wrote: If you wait for the "right" time, you'll be old and alone in the home, wondering why you don't have any family coming to visit (and wondering how to get creamed corn out of your belly-button

.

I'm pretty sure thats when the dog steps up to bat.

sky's the limit · Post by **sky's the limit** » Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:40 pm

Thanks guys,

But things are a bit more complicated than that. We're figuring things out, I'm a spry 64yrs old now, so what's a few more???

We'll see what happens, my wife's involved in some pretty amazing projects at the moment, and I'm never home... not a great situation to be having children in. Besides, I already have kids, my parents just left...

stl

Dash-Ate · Post by **Dash-Ate** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 7:01 pm

for the redneck baby

Sheila · Post by **Sheila** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:43 pm

Here you go Samantha!

World Breastfeeding Week is being celebrated across Canada from October 1-7, 2007. Breast milk provides essential nutrition for babies, and supporting breastfeeding mothers and babies is important to the long term health of Manitobans. Studies show that early initiation of breastfeeding is a vital step towards improving breastfeeding success., so this year's theme is "Breastfeeding First - Within an Hour After Birth."

There are a variety of clinics and breastfeeding support groups in Winnipeg, offering a variety of services that may include individual consultation and group activities with lactation consultants and breastfeeding counsellors.

I love babysitting my sister's babies and my nephew's baby but it is much better when I have helpers around. I recommend an aunt or uncle, particularly the single ones to help with babysitting because it actually bonds the family too.
Other children can he helpful to play with the baby/toddler.
And most kids will want a baby brother or sister. When the kids get older they will have a companion to play with.
Good luck!

lilfssister · Post by **lilfssister** » Thu Oct 04, 2007 8:52 pm

Good Lord!

Breastfeeding? Don't let "you know who" see this!

EastCoaster · Post by **EastCoaster** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 5:30 am

Hiya Sam and Jono...

I have not only a million words of advice, but a million baby things that I can try to figure out how to ship to you folks. I've been callin but you must be out making money or spending it! lol. Anyhow, I'm hoping that none of Cole's clothing from the first six months of his life will fit your newborn! But there is a ton of clothing and such and we'll get some of the unisex stuff gathered up.

Advise wise.... one thing right away... buy or borrow as many different kinds of bottles as you see, the difference between finding the one that your child likes and dislikes is about five minutes or more, ten times a day! I have some still in the boxes but still consider it to be a good investment! don't worry, I'll hook you up!

Anyhow... call or somethin... either of you, and we'll figure out whatcha got and what I can help with!

niss · Post by **niss** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 11:50 am

Careful, Darwin can go after children.

http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/40253/

Expat · Post by **Expat** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 12:12 pm

Breastfeeding is the only way to go. Talk to those who did, and those who did not.

dashx · Post by **dashx** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:21 pm

Have sex. for the next 3 months. After that well.....

Breast feed after the baby is born (if at all possible).

We used a midwife (a personal choice).

C section? I think it's a cop out. Oh I'm sorry it's called a delivery room not a birthing room (NEXT please).

Talk to the baby (oh yes its sounds simple but.....) hug....Oh its called bonding is it now.

Take pictures (because it will be over before you know it and your memory might not be as good as you think)

Or videos.....

Be ready to hold the baby and walk for hours at night when he/she can't sleep

Take all advice with a grain of salt.

It's your life.

ybp · Post by **ybp** » Fri Oct 05, 2007 10:59 pm

Gee Dashx, I think you said it all.

My advice....TAKE EVERYONES ADVICE WITH A GRAIN OF SALT.

Just because it worked for one person, doesn't meat it will work for you. And if someone says it wont work, try it anyway if that is what you want.

Breast feeding seems to be a hot topic on here so here's my to bits. Our first baby got milk jaundice so we had to bottle feed after about 10 days. After the fact, it was nice for Cheri because I could feed the baby at night too. Then we could take turns getting up and I had a real appretiation for what she did. She normally did during the week and I did on the weekends.

And if your really must breast feed, try this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bMdffWsCi1U about 50 seconds in.

Have fun.

dashx · Post by **dashx** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 5:43 pm

Just being honest.

mcrit · Post by **mcrit** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:34 pm

We found a swing was a real godsend. It helped calm our little ones down and get them to sleep. If you are on a budget and in the GTA there is a chain of stores called Once Upon a Child. They have used stuff. I know there is one at Trinity Common Mall at the 410 and Bovaird in Brampton. Keep lots of sleepers and flannel blankets around as the kids will tend to mess them up quickly. A good book to pick up is 'What to Expect the First Year' by Heidi Murkov. My wife and I have found it really helps lay out a road map. We also found the Baby Einstien Videos really work well. Our little ones started watching them at about 5 months. You can pick them up on e-bay cheap.
We found that our kids changed rapidly. Things that soothed them one day suddenly didn't work, while things that used to cheese them off suddenly made them happy as clams. Be flexible and experimental in your approach when the kid is upset, just keep trying things until something works.
As for the breastfeeding, most of the Drs we talked to said that it was a good idea, esp for the first few months, but not to kill yourself with it. My wife kept it up as long as she could. It really knocked down her energy level, and after about 3 months she switched to formula only. We noticed a real increase in her energy level almost right away. I should mentioned that we had triplets, so you may find breastfeeding easier with a single baby.
The only other thing I'll add is that all the missed sleep and extra work is worth it the first time they smile and giggle at you.