Must Know Mommy Tips for Babies

As a new mom it's always good to have some baby tricks up your sleeve just in case of a baby emergency. We are not talking abut a hospital trip here, we are talking about screaming, crying, won't calm down, inconsolable baby. And many of the other fun situations you will soon learn about.

Binkies: If you have a binky baby (pacifier), KEEP SPARES!! Put some in your glove box, purse, freezer, and diaper bag. You never know when baby will spit out their pacifier at an inopportune time and no amount of wiping will make it clean enough for your baby's mouth. At that point in time unless you have a spare, prepare yourself for a baby melt-down.

Cold Formula or Breast Milk: In a pinch you can put the bottle of formula or breast milk on your dashboard and crank up the heat, rotating occasionally. Do not do this while driving; it could slide off your dash and out the window. But this does work, in no time you will have a warm bottle for your baby.

Swaddling: You must master the art of the "baby burrito". It works wonders! A snug swaddling gives your baby the closeness and warmth they crave; often it's enough to send them off to sleep. It takes a bit to get the hang of it but once you have it down pat you can do it in your sleep.

Flat Head: You can avoid a flat spot on your newborns head if you rotate which way they sleep in the crib. I learned this one the hard way; no one told me that their head could get miss-shaped by letting them sleep the same way in the crib. If they are developing a flat spot, don't freak out; show your pediatrician so he/she can evaluate it. Most likely it can be fixed by just changing their sleep position every night. Until their head rounds out again, hats work wonders as a cover up.

Missing Socks: First of all always have extra socks, you will be astonished how quickly they disappear. Next, so the evil sock monster that lives in the dryer does not leave you with a colony of mismatched socks, buy a lingerie bag. If you place all of the socks in a zippered lingerie bag for washing and drying you will always have the mate for your baby's cutest socks.

Extra Clothes: Of course you packed a ton of outfits for the baby, but what about you? By now I am sure you realize that you spend a substantial amount of time with baby vomit, drool and other bodily fluids on you. So if you don't want to spend all day at a family function w/ vomit in your bra, and on your shirt, pack a spare outfit for yourself as well. You would be surprised what impeccable timing and aim a young baby can have when it comes to puking or "spit up" if you want to be cutesy about it.

Each baby is different, and they each have their own wants and needs. Being prepares and always having extra everything can save you from a scream fest. Some of it you learn by trial and error, but some of it can be avoided. Happy parenting, and welcome to a brand new world!