Thursday, May 7, 2009

Advice... Even Though You Didn't Ask For It.

A few of my friends are about to have babies of their own (even twins!) So I thought I would share some of my new found knowledge. Every day is a new learning expierence, so you never know what new advice I might pop up with. Here is what I have learned so far...

1.) You can function on far less sleep than you think you can. Sometimes it may feel like you can't, but you can. I promise

2.) Things you need LOTS of: bottles and nipples, burp clothes, thin blankets (for swaddling). All of these things you go through many throughout the day. You won't want to spend all of your free time (ha ha that is funny) washing bottles, or laundry. Bottles and burp clothes especially, even when you think you have enough... buy some more! Also, diapers and wipe... buy they big packages, you will use them!

3.) Some how, some way, they always know when you are wanting to eat, or get something done. That is always the time they throw a fit, are hungry, or need a diaper change. The more important the thing you need to do, the bigger mess you have to deal with. (As I am typing this, Nick is on my shoulder)

4.) You will get surprisingly good at doing things 1 handed. Start practicing now.

5.) You really can function on less sleep than you think you can!

6.) Sheet Savers are wonderful things. If the baby spits up, you just change that instead of changing the whole sheet. Sometimes, crib sheets are a pain to change.

7.) Sleep outfits for baby should be, and ONLY be, either the sleep dresses, or zippered. Snaps are not your friend at 2 in the morning. It took one night for me to figure that out the hard way. Make sure you have easy access sleep clothes.
8.) Baby Einstein DVD's are awesome. You wouldn't think a baby would watch them for 30 minutes without making a peep, but they do. It is great when you need a few extra minutes to eat, do laundry or one of the many other things you will need to do.

9) Babies do generate a LOT of laundry. It is amazing how something so little can go through so much laundry.

10.) You really can function on less sleep than you think you can. Just keep some caffeinated drinks handy.

11.) You can never understand the love you will feel for your child until you meet them for the first time. You hear people tell you that all the time, and you think you understand it, but when you first see your new baby, you will be amazed at how true those statements are. You really can't understand it until you meet them.

12.) No matter how little sleep, how many time you get spit up on, or peed on. How many meals get interrupted, nothing will make you smile more than seeing that cute little face smile. The first time is special, but every time in amazing!

Good Luck! I know you will all make great mommies! I am always here if you need anything!


1 comment:

Mandy said...

I concur with the night clothes for the baby. Your babysitters will also appreciate a no snap policy;) As a former nanny, I recall rummaging through massive piles of clean laundry for a family of 6, looking for the zippy pjs with footies! Great advice Jennifer. It's very sweet you are sharing all this good stuff with your friends.