By Kathryn Peck
There are some things you can only learn from other parents – moms or dads who have been there, done that; perhaps they’ve changed diapers in the middle of the night or have shushed their baby well into the wee hours of the morning to get them to sleep.
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been putting some thought into things I learned from others parents at my baby store and things that I found helpful after having four babies. Here are 8 amazing but simple baby tips that every new parent could use.
Tip #1: Are you using a Velcro swaddle? Wash it by itself or in a mesh garment bag, otherwise your muslin blankets will never be the same. That handy Velcro tab is great for swaddling, but not-so great when it catches onto other clothes in the wash.
Tip #2: Once you’ve transitioned out of the swaddle, look for sleep sacks that stay zippered (i.e. one that never unlatches) and have a two-way zipper. The last thing you want is to be struggling with the zipper and latch when your baby is exhausted, crying, or rolling over.
Tip #3: Layer your baby’s crib with two layers of crib sheets and a mattress pad ahead of time. Leaky diapers happen, and no one wants to change crib sheets in the middle of the night. This way, you can quickly and easily just peel off the top sheet and go back to bed. (Right!)
Tip #4: During cold months, look for pants with feet in them because no matter how you slice it, baby socks just don’t stay on. And having one less thing to worry about is priceless.
Tip #5: Put a command hook or adhesive hook onto the back of the high chair for bibs so they’re always close. That way you’ll spend less time looking for bibs and more time picking up all the Cheerios and sticky banana pieces that your baby has tossed onto the floor!
Tip #6: Keep track of medicine dosages by writing a chart on the side of the bottle with a Sharpie.
Tip #7: Make a portable diaper kit (changing pad, diapers, wipes, and something interesting for baby to hold) so you don’t always have to go to the baby’s room to change a diaper.
Tip #8: Spit up, baby food, runny noses; they’re all part of the deal. Always pack an extra shirt for yourself in your diaper bag.
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About the author: Kathryn is the owner of Bicycle Pie and mom of 4 little ones. Also a writer, editor, and former owner of one of Boston's premiere baby boutiques, she continues to write about motherhood, children's products, family life, and all other things that test our skills and patience as parents.
Photo credit: iStock.com/fotostorm
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