What I’m Doing the Same for Baby #2

And What I’d Recommend for Other Mamas

There were so many things that surprised me with my first child. It seems like no matter how thoroughly you prepare there are always things to learn. Every child is different but here’s what I’m doing the same for baby #2

Co-Sleeping

Co-sleeping has a pretty bad rap in the US but contrary to public opinion there are safe ways to co-sleep.

I’m a big fan of co-sleeping. It makes night feedings easy with breastfeeding and overall leads to more sleep for me (which is better for everyone in the house). I like to bed-share but I also have a crib that pushes up flush to the side of the bed.

The side crib is great for giving me the peace of mind that no one will fall out of bed. As baby Mae gets bigger the side crib is perfect for easing into solo-sleeping at night and naps.

Breastfeeding

When my first child was born I was bound and determined to nurse and, after a very rocky start, we got there.

I knew I wanted to nurse this time around as well but I was worried about having the same difficulties getting started. It was so much easier the second time!

It turns out that two years of experience makes a big difference – especially in being able to recognize a bad latch.

If you’re considering breastfeeding I encourage you to read your nursing books before the baby arrives and to take advantage of a lactation consultant or nursing group in your area.

(As a rule of thumb if it doesn’t look like you’re about to suffocate the baby with your boob the latch isn’t deep enough. Not an intuitive move!)

Breastfeeding requires a lot more prep before you start than I was ready for with my first but now that I know what I’m doing it’s been a smooth transition.

Baby Wearing

I LOVE baby wearing – it keeps baby happy and it keeps my hands free for dishes, gardening, and chasing after my toddler. Not only that but babywearing helps to regulate the baby’s temperature and breathing.

There are so many options for baby carriers out there but my favorite for newborns is a ring-sling and for 6 months and up the Ergobaby has my heart.

Bathing

When it comes to bathing babies there are a lot of products out there that advertise as being the easiest to use but you know what? The easiest (and cheapest) option is to take the baby in the bath with you.

No really!

Get yourself comfy in the tub and have your partner pass you the baby, then get the baby settled snugly on your lap. Baby is less stressed with you holding them and it’s easy to make sure you have a secure grip when using soap or shampoo.

Sunny Naps

After nine months in utero where the light and temperature are pretty consistent your baby’s circadian rhythms are all over the place.

Putting the baby to sleep in sunny loud rooms during the day and dark quiet rooms at night may seem counterintuitive at first but it’s a great way to help them to develop that awareness of day and night.

Getting your baby used to napping through the everyday noises of vacuums, cartoons, and toddler-caused-mayhem is a definite bonus too.