There are so many things you need before your baby is born, we thought we would list them for you. Take stock of the things you will need for baby, and remember that SmartMomma's store can help you with many of these needs!
As your baby changes and grows, you will notice many new behaviors. Your baby is developing a personality of her own. Along with this exciting time comes some uncertainty, as you adjust to your baby's behaviors.
You've just found a new love in your life. Over the next few months, this love will grow and grow, as you witness his first smile, his first belly laugh, and his first steps. Cuddle your baby as often as you can. Before you know it, he will be a toddler on the go!
Keeping baby healthy goes hand in hand with your baby's nutrition. Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or moving on to table food, nutrition is key to giving your baby a head start in life.
Play time for baby is a time where she can learn such skills as lifting her head, processing verbal cues, and learning about the world around her. The more you interact and play with your baby, the faster her intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development. So play hard mom!
Gone are the days of reckless abandon before you had kids. Now you worry every time they fall down, cough, or even look at you funny. While it is important to promote safety with baby, remember that spills will happen. With proper planning, you can minimize many dangers in baby's world just by using good old fashion common sense.
Pros and Cons of the Family Bed
The “Family Bed” is a method of bonding with baby that has been more recently touted. Choosing for your baby to sleep in the Family Bed (your bed) is a decision that some parents readily make. The following are the pros and cons of allowing your baby to sleep in your bed with you and your spouse.
Pros
Instant access for breastfeeding. If you are nursing, the Family Bed is the most convenient in servicing your baby for night feedings. You don’t have to get up when your baby wakes. Just turn him on his side and let him nurse you and him back to sleep.
Increased time for touch. When your baby is in bed with you, you will be able to provide longer periods of skin-on-skin contact time with your baby, which is known to build security and good health for your baby.
Eliminates the need to get up and check on the baby. With your baby at your side, you will never have to get up and check on him. He is always there with you.
Cons
Your bed may be unsafe for baby. If you have a soft bed, a bed with many cracks or crevices, or a deep sleeping spouse, the Family Bed may be a dangerous place for your baby.
No chance for burping. If you have a gassy baby or a baby with tummy problems, nursing while lying down in bed is not a good idea. It doesn’t give much opportunity for burping your baby, as the positioning is all wrong.
You will get less sleep. It is not uncommon for moms who keep their baby in bed with them to NEVER get a full night’s sleep. Your or your husband's stirring can easily wake your light sleeping baby. Also, your baby will begin to depend on a close nursing supply and will most likely want to nurse more often throughour the night.
No chance for romance. You also might as well forget about sex for a while. Nobody wants (or should want) to have sex when their baby is there with them. Even if you just want to snuggle, how can you with a baby in the middle?
Hard to wean baby off to his own bed. Once your baby is used to having access to you all night, it is difficult to wean him off. Be prepared for some long nights ahead.
Think about whether you truly want your baby in bed with you all the time. Some mothers believe the headaches are worth the quality time with baby. Some, on the other hand, need their rest. You decide what’s best for you.
Do you want to be caught up on all the latest happenings with your baby? Join SmartMomma Advantage for free! You'll receive your choice of e-mail newsletters, from monthly updates on your baby's development to weekly sales alerts. Stay up to date with the SmartMomma advantage! Join today!
Pregnancy
About Us
Privacy Policy