Parenting Tips, Childrearing Tips for New Parents

Having three babies in a five-year span gives me the privilege of being a self-proclaimed expert on babies! As a first time parent (who am I kidding every time you have a new baby), you will find there are people who will want to offer their opinions on the "right way" to do things or the latest trend in parenting. My best advice regarding this issues, listen and smile and nod and then take what you want from their advice. If it was way off base, ignore it. If it is something you'd consider doing or you consider helpful, go for it. The most important thing you can do is to follow your heart (while using your head to guide you along the way)! Here are some tips regarding child rearing that I found helpful in my years with a baby.

1. Read different views on parenting (if reading is for you). There are many ways of thinking and all have great philosophies. Use what works for you, your family and your baby. Be willing to adapt your child-rearing views.

2. Consider baby wearing. Dr. William Sears started this philosophy. Find a sling or holder that is good for you. The Internet is a huge resource for this. Be willing to spend a little money to make it work for you. If you and baby aren't comfortable then you don't have the right sling/holder for you. Your baby is will be grown up before you know it (believe me I know, my baby is 18 months old now)!

3. Take baby out and about with you. Baby's immune systems are great. Enjoy them and don't feel like you have to stay sheltered in the house for weeks on end. Be smart about bundling them up according to the weather and go out! Go for walks. Go to the store. Do what you'd normally do, just enjoy it with baby too. Just keep strangers at a distance. Great time for baby wearing because strangers aren't as apt to get in close to your chest where baby will be nestled. It's an old wife's tale to keep baby sheltered for weeks on end. Do what you want to do.

4. There is NO such thing as a spoiled baby. If it feels right… do it!

5. Baby Einstein DVDs are great! Invest in some. They are appropriate for babies from 1 month on up. Classical music, real world objects with appropriate movements engage baby and give parents that much needed time to relax, take a shower, or throw a load of laundry in the wash. We have the whole collection and all 3 of my boys love them! I am not advocating hours of television for your little one, a short time each day for mom to take 15 minutes won't hurt your precious baby.

6. If you want baby to co-sleep, go for it. If you want baby in a crib, go for it. There is no one way that is right or better. Do what feels best for you.

7. Don't feel tied to a schedule. Be flexible. Schedules are good though you need to take each day as it comes. If baby wants to sleep, lay him down. Don't stress if baby needs a schedule change. If baby seems hungry, feed him. You'll find a routine that works best for you and baby; routines are good but remember you're not punching the clock. Be aware of your little one and how they are reacting.

8. Take lots of pictures. Find a digital camera that you feel comfortable using and go for it! When you save your photos, be sure to also save them to a disk (just in case).

9. Don't expect your baby to fit perfectly into the developmental charts. Some skills they'll get early, some late. All babies are different. Just use the charts as a guide. Same thing with height and weight charts. Talk to your pediatrician and if they think your baby is healthy, don't stress if they are super tiny or really big. They're babies, not vegetables.

10. Know that the "not sleeping through the night" phase comes and goes. You'll get periods of time where they'll "sleep through the night" then periods when they wake a couple times a night. Don't feel frustrated or bad when people ask.

11. Remember, for everything your baby does, good or bad, it'll change in 2 weeks. Really, this is so true. Savor the good times and find humor in the not so good and remember that they'll be moving on to bigger and better tricks and troubles before you know it!

12. Give baby a chance to get used to new toys. A toy that they aren't interested in today may be a favorite in 2 or 3 days.

13. Get professional pictures done often. It doesn't matter if you spend a lot of money. Sears and JC Penney have great portrait clubs that make it so reasonable to get photos taken regularly.

Babies don't do anything gradual. One day baby won't be able to roll over, the next day they will! One day an outfit fits, the next day it's too tight. One day they are wearing size 1 diapers, the next day you have to run out and buy size 2s. It is truly amazing! Cherish each and every day with your baby and do what feels right!