I have had some requests for important things to know and what I've learned as a new mom. If you know me, you know I love to make lists. During my pregnancy, I had a list for my hospital bag, list for diaper bag, list for going to daycare, even a list forgoing to the doctors. It keeps me organized and in control of things; especially with a baby you can not control lol. So here are some of my list that I use on a daily basis:
To sooth a crying/fussing baby:
Every baby is different, so a lot of thing people told me to try Riva did not like. I finally found thing that worked for the both of us.
- Sitting on a medicine ball to rock her to sleep. the consistent bouncing was easy on my back and soothing for us both.
- whispering in her ear. Riva definitely loves hearing my voice especially since I know all she heard was my voice during pregnancy. I often hold her close and whisper "I love you", "I will be here when you wake up", "Everything is ok." Find what is important to you and say it to you little one.
- Create noise. I love my crib aquarium!! You can attach to the crib and it has ocean sounds music and little fishes and things. I think purchasing a soother or noise maker is worth the money. I sometimes run the dishwasher or washer machine and the loud noise really relaxes her.
- Lights please. In the hospital it is extremely bright, so when you bring your little one home try having a night light on or the hall light on. sometimes the complete darkness keeps Riva awake, I think it reminds her of the womb too much and how she used to be awake in the dark. Once she is asleep, I turn the lights out
There are thing I cannot live without, especially with a growing baby.
- Side snap tee-shirts. They are so easy to put on and I don't have to fuss with pulling something over her head. I just snap the undershirt on and we are good to go
- A good purse. Diaper bags are cool when you are dropping the baby off at daycare or at your in-laws. It keeps her stuff together and away from every one's things, but who wants to carry 2 bags everywhere they go. I bought an awesome purse from Ross for $16. Its has straps long enough to pull over my shoulder, 2 side pockets that can be used as bottle holders, easy clean-up liner inside, and a front pocket for easy access to my cell phone and keys. Not to mention stylish, so I can wear it everywhere with everything.
- Document folder. You will be getting a lot of paperwork, so get an accordion folder. keeps shot records, doctor visits, coupons, and receipts all in the same place. Trust me your memory is officially gone now lol. I like to bring the folder with me to her appoints because its hand when the doctor ask questions about the last visit, or handing you paperwork you don't want to loose.
- Play mat. Riva is starting to grab a lot now, so her play mat is great. I can just lay her down and let her talk to herself while I do dishes or fold clothes. The hang toys give her something to play with and practice with. It is also good for tummy time. The fabric is easy to clean so she can spit up on it and its fine.
- The 3-B's. Bibs, Burp cloths, and Blankets. Babies spit up a lot even longer after feeding, so the bib keeps their clothes dry. Burp clothes are easy to carry around the house, especially when burping over the knee; using it under the chin keeps you and the baby dry lol. Blankets. receiving blankets are a must. I use them when we go outside to cover her, in her bouncer chair, to lay her down on the floor, to keep her warm when undressing her. I mean the list goes on. I have about 12 to 15. but they go everywhere.
- My nursing pillow. I have "My Breast-Friend" nursing pillow and I love it!! It makes nursing so much easier. When I don't have it, may back hurts, I can't get Riva latched on properly, and I have to burp her more.
See you soon and happy soothing,
Sabrina
