Walking Therein

Baby Advice? Hmmm... Where Do I Start?

This post is Baby Advice for the HSB Community Blog April Baby Shower

First things first, know that you are going to need some guidance!  God created that Little One, and He is the One who will know him/her best, always.  Always rely on Him and offer prayer to Him for them from the time you find out they are in your womb!

Train them in His Word, so that they will know the difference as they grow!

Grandmas and Grandpas are a wonderful blessing, whether you have gotten along in the past or not!!!  They will be who they want to be with Baby, and that relationship is very important in developing who your child will become. Leave it in God's hands.

You will need your sleep, even if you feel great, and especially if you breastfeed! Do NOT try to be SuperMom! Accept help graciously, if it fits the way your family functions.  It also helps to freeze some meals ahead, even if you can only do a few.

Snuggle, Snuggle, Snuggle!!  Baby, Hubby, and any sibs!

We always included our other children in the pregnancies.  They loved the idea that they were going to have a new Babe to love.  Our last 2, both boys, who are tandem nursing, are so close!  They are 23m apart, and there has never been a jealousy issue.  They are already Best Buds and play together.

Favorite baby products: I definitely use my backpack the most. It is an invaluable asset to my sanity. I always know Baby is safe and with me.  I use it around the house, cooking, cleaning, teaching... I use it on walks, shopping, wherever.  I even put him in it at church, and it worked well. They will learn not to pull hair (give them a toy to hold) Both my boys I have/am used it with are happy, content little babes. I really feel it has a lot to do with it. 

Before the backpack, I used the front carrier.  I never did figure out how to wear the sling.  I know some women use it fabulously.  A friend of mine contends that it depends on your body structure and weight.  I agree.

We are looking into an Ergo, too, b/c we read they are top of the line, most comfortable (and I want one I can wear on my hip!).

Scrapbooking for New Little One:  We did a home birth, and took pictures of whatever we could.  (If you want to know about home birth, email me!) I know you may not think you will want to do that, and that is fine, but I would say to take pictures that you are comfortable with, as many as you want.  If you decide you don't want them in the Baby Album, pitch them.  It will be better to take them and toss 'em than not have them!

As we took pictures, I/whoever wrote down the time and what the pic was of.  It helped me to remember why we took the picture and how many hours old he was.  Getting a clock in the background is also something we tried to do with our girls, as they were hospital births.

When it came time to put the pictures in order, it was such a breeze! I was so happy Imade notes for each, detailing clothing or others in photo!

We also make up sign-in pages and Baby Gifts pages before we have the birth. 

Save everything you might put into an album, and you can throw away stuff you don't really want later.

Keep a first year calendar!! It may take few weeks to get used to, but it is worth being able to look back at those momentous steps!!  My friend (yes, same as above!) keeps hers handy by the changing table, because Baby plays, coos, etc. there,and is safely snapped in while you can record events.  If you forget for some time, just pick up where you left off... you will regret it if you don't!!

Remember--- an education is not all about books and facts -- As Baby grows, look for the God-given Teachable Moments that are in your everyday lives.  Those will be the best-remembered and most cherished of all learning!

Wishing you Many Blessings and Teachable Moments!