1. Borrow big items like a swing and bouncer, then buy if your baby likes them! Unless you get them off of your registry, then someone else bought them so you might as well keep it for the next one/sell it if the baby doesn't like it!
2. The BEST sleepers are the "stretchies" from The Children's Place. They're cheap, they're a good weight, and they have ZIPPERS!
3. Invest in some swaddle wraps with the velcro. Much easier than swaddling with blankets.
4. Don't buy any blankets-you will get 1,000 for your baby shower.
5. Don't be too hard on yourself.
6. Sleepers without feet in the winter are used better during the day with socks, unless you want to put socks on the baby when they sleep.
7. Purpose of baby shoes = to keep on baby socks.
8. Breastfeeding is hard, and it really sucks (in more ways than one) for the first month. It does get better. Keep at it.
9. Cloth diapers and wipes are awesome.
10. Purpose of bibs for babies who don't eat solids yet = drool catchers
11. Getting out of the house with a baby is like working out. You dread the thought of it, and it takes you a long time to actually do it, but once you're doing it it feels good and you're glad you did.
12. Don't isolate yourself.
13. You might think you won't need/want a video monitor, but you will.
14. Keeping a strict schedule of every 2-3 hour feedings during the day (no less than 2 hours, no more than 3) is crucial in helping your baby sleep through the night.
15. Putting the baby to bed sleepy but awake is crucial to help them learn how to fall asleep on their own.
16. Mustela baby lotion/no rinse solution is the best.
17. Best idea for the first month or two: put some blankets in a short laundry basket and use it to carry baby around room to room during the day to get things done
18. Get a TV series on DVD and watch it during the early months when breastfeeding takes forever. Gives you something to do and something to look forward to during feeding times so you don't want to shoot yourself.
19. Don't bring too much crap to the hospital. All you really need is a camera, chapstick, phone with charger, hair elastics, some nursing tanks and comfy pants.
20. Don't feel guilty about any of your choices. You know what's best for you and your baby and whatever choice you make is the right one!
21. Start introducing a bottle and pumping by 4 weeks so your baby won't refuse the bottle.
22. Take lots of photos and videos-you won't regret having too many, you'll regret not having enough.
23. Don't waste money on disposable nursing pads. Get cloth ones, Bamboobies are the best!!
24. Nursing tanks > nursing bras. You can cover up your middle (which trust me, you do not want to show off in public) and they look good and discreet under anything.
25. If your baby hates tummy time on the floor, have them do it on your chest or on a boppy.
26. Put the baby in their crib as soon as they sleep through the night. You will both sleep better. (This is where the video monitor comes in)
27. This is how to group baby clothes (since Carter's brand and some others has nb-3-6-9, etc sizing where most others have 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, etc.). Put 3 month with 0-3, 6 month with 3-6, 9 month with 6-9 and so on.
28. Make your big items gender neutral. You don't get a baby shower for the second one....
29. Bedtime routines are crucial in helping baby know its bedtime-i.e. nurse, read a book, sing, put in crib with mobile/white noise.
30. White noise is a lifesaver. Download the smartphone app. Now.
31. The boppy is good for propping, tummy time, etc. but sucks for breastfeeding. Get the Brest friend.
32. Accept help from others.
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