Tips For The Older Sibling

Tips For The Older Sibling

Bringing home a new baby can be so exciting for everyone…..right?? WRONG! Most older siblings are so intrigued with their new little brother or sister and want to help (especially the girls!). Then there are those kids that do not want anything to do with that tiny little screaming human you just brought into “their” home! They are the ones that keep asking, “When are they leaving?”

Of course, you want to start off by having a gift from the new baby to let them know how much baby loves them! That’s always a big hit!

We obviously don’t want them to resent their new little sibling so make them feel like the special big brother or sister and that their new baby really needs them!

Remember, they just went from having mom & dad’s attention at ALL times to limited times or part time! SO my advice to parents would be to always include them in the care of the baby, like let them bring you a diaper or wipes, let them help burp the baby, or even hold the bottle.

Also remember to try and set aside mommy & me time, daddy & me time, as well as, mommy & daddy & me time! Have someone take care of the baby and go out to your child’s favorite place for some special one-on-one time.

Lastly, check out some books at your local library on new baby & older siblings to share with them.

Check out some more great tips on Mighty Moms.

First Time Mom

First Time Mom

Becoming a mother is an experience like no other! It’s no longer me, myself & I, you are responsible for this little being 24/7 non-stop! What you eat, drink, when you sleep (or not!), where you go & the things you do now are all changed! Babies truly are a gift from God and what you do with that “gift” will determine what kind of little human you decide to raise. Newborns are very smart and observant so the things you do and say will make a huge difference in the long run!

When an expectant mommy asks me what one piece of advice I can give to them, I would say try to relax, breathe & enjoy every moment! One thing I’ve noticed in the MANY years of working with babies, is that every anxious new mom leads to high-maintenance babies! The more chill, relaxed moms (and dads), produce the easiest, lower temperment, laid-back babies!

Definitely accept the help that people offer, even if it’s just to take a well-deserved nap or shower!! Take some time for yourselves once in a while, trust me, your baby will survive!

Nursing moms need approximately 500-800 of extra nutritious calories and at least 8-10 glasses of water a day. So make sure to eat your 3 well-balanced meals, have snacks at your breastfeeding stations and let that tumbler of water become an extension of yourself!

If you are fortunate enough to have grandparents or day nannies there for the first few weeks, let them do all the housework, laundry, cooking and errands so you can just focus on you, baby and getting as much rest as you can! And yes, “sleep when baby sleeps”, naps will become you’re new favorite thing to do LOL!

Of course, for those who would like someone like us to take care of baby overnight so you can be alert and well-rested for the next day, book some overnight care! Most parents say that even 1-2 nights a week help tremendously!!

Baby Is Home, Now What??

Baby Is Home, Now What??

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy!! Most people describe parenthood as the absolute best, yet scariest experience they will ever go through at one time!

We’ve all heard how “babies do not come with manuals”, so how in the world are we supposed to keep this little creature alive? That’s easy, just ask yourself, “How am I keeping myself alive?” You eat when you’re hungry, sleep when you’re tired, & relieve yourself as needed! When you think about it, that’s really all babies need for the first few weeks! The only difference is that we don’t cry in between our feeds, sleeps & potty time!

SO yes, babies will cry from time to time, as that is their only form of communication for now. Don’t fret, they are fine and you will get through this! Then after baby has reached their birth weight and has established good feeding skills, you can implement a consistent daytime routine. I will go over some tips on a good routine next!

If this all sounds great, then book a consult with me!!