I am looking for help. I am making a scrapbook for a baby gift. I would like to make a little book of advise and humor. Is there anything you wish someone would have told you?

Jennifer - posted on 12/10/2008

oH and buy zip sheets frpm clouds & stars online and you will not be sorry you did.. it prevents you from having to change the whole sheet in the crib in the middle of the night.. the BEST invention out there..

Jennifer - posted on 12/10/2008

1. Some children sleep through the night at 3 months of age and some do not- and it is nothing you did or didn't do. I had one that did and one that is still not at 11 mo.

2. Use destitin (original), corn starch and Mylanta for really bad diaper rash.

3. Straw cups are better than sippy cups for oral development and speech..

4. play with your kids.. they won't remember that you folded laundry, but will remember how often you played with them.

5. Don't feel guilty when the house is dirty it will never reach the level of clean again.

6.write down the cute things you kids say.. before you forget.

7. don't compare the development of your child with other children his/her age they all develop differently.

Anne - posted on 12/10/2008

A more humorous tip - For a boy......willy down! As a first time mum it took me a few days to realise to point my baby's willy down when putting on his nappy on. Otherwise he would just end up wet. :)

Michelle - posted on 12/09/2008

dont be afraid to ask for help or talk about how ur feeling, we've been through it too and theres nothing wrong with asking for help. be open-minded to other ppls suggestions - but do wat u feel is rite.

Lydia - posted on 12/09/2008

1. The exhaustion doesn't really kick in until the second month - when all your adrenaline and nice visitors are gone.
2. God Bless the inventor of paper plates and crock pots.
3. Those Soothie pacifiers make great stress balls when colic rears its head.
4. Read all the books you can; your baby won't fit perfectly into any of them, but at least you'll have a nice repertoire of tricks to try.
5. Save the newborn diapers. When your child is in a size 3, you'll cry as you remember how your baby fit in that palm-sized little thing.
6. Get a video baby monitor. Nothing is sweeter than watching your child sleep, and this way you don't have to worry about waking him up with the sound of your heart growing.
7. Label your pictures. Print off address labels with name and year, then just fill in the month and day (or not).
8. Don't listen to preachy moms. Pay attention to your baby, your family, and your pediatrician. Every baby is different, and they change their habits as often as we change their diapers.
9. Everything your child makes is precious. Try to smile when the poop explodes up his diaper and onto the carseat; when he spits up in holy water at his Christening; when you lift him up above your head and he drools into your mouth. And when he grabs your hair at the roots and pulls you toward him, give him the kiss he wanted. =)
10. PLAY with your baby every single minute you can - it helps you learn their facial expressions (when they're tired, hungry, or trying to poop) and makes a tremendous difference in their development!

Alexandra - posted on 12/09/2008

Number one is to let your child get used to you putting things in there mouth to clean there gums like a wet flannel or terry towling nappy so when they get there teeth it is not such a shock changing over to a tooth brush. it's something you will be responsible for for many years to come.



something i have now found is alot of adults are giving babies and young children honey on dummies to settle babies. Giving fruit juice in bottles or cordial to babies. As a dental nurse i have seem the reprecussions of these seemingly innocent gestures. We like having sweet drinks and think it's ok to give them to out children but when you have to see the fear in there eyes while trying to get them out of tremendous pain it is heartbreaking.



A mother rang to book her child in as her daughter said her tooth was hurting the other day, i offered an appointment later the same day (as we try to keep emergency appointments available especially for children) The mother said she was busy then and wouldn't be able to bring the child for a few days.

Four days later when her daughter came in, only 3 and a half mind you, she had such bad decay in a baby tooth and was in such pain only root canal was an option. Removing the tooth would cause the remaining teeth to move into the gap and cause problems with the adult teeth in the future.



It all could have been prevented by brushing the child's teeth EVERY DAY. the mothers reply to this remark was "she doesn't like me brushing her teeth".



If any one has had to have root canal treatment you know the pain this child was in. I hope this story stops even one child from having to put up with the pain of a tooth ache.

Angela - posted on 12/09/2008

the 2 best pieces of advice i was ever given were 1. use lemon wedges for teething and the second was listen to all advice but do what feels right to you

Christine - posted on 12/09/2008

start a bedtime routine ASAP (whether it be bath, book, prayers, song, etc.)- that was the best advice I got (thanks Lara). do it religiously every night and it will make bedtime and naptime go so smoothly

Gretchen - posted on 12/09/2008

lmao, Right on, Alex!! My little "Darling" is now eight years old!! My best advice is whether this is the first child or the fifth one, always trust your gut - you know your child better than anyone else! Also, (since it's the holiday season), don't go overboard on Baby's first Christmas, birthday, etc... he/she will be more content with the wrapping paper than with what's inside, lol!! Good luck, Kimberly!

User - posted on 12/09/2008

listen to your body when you are pregnant and listen to your baby when they are born, they will always tell you what is wrong and what is right!!

Alex - posted on 12/09/2008

to enjoy the temper tantrums and atitudes the kids have when they are little because when they become teenagers it gets worse and its no longer cute