New Baby Questions???

Question

This is my soon to be first baby, and im so confussed!!! i mean ive babysat children as young as two weeks, but that obviously isnt the same as having a baby...so new and old moms: ive got four months to go, what do i do???

im scared!!! i realized with an average newborn 54 dipers last only 4.5 days!!! MY GOSH!!!

so what did you do to survive the newborn weeks??? anything that i should consider???

What stroller did you get, where did you shop??? i want to breastfeed, and i dont want bottles, what do i do??? please help!!!

thanks

oh yea, its a boy if this helps any!!! :D

Answer 1

Newborns are tough... be prepared to be very sleep deprived! Bringing home a brand new baby is very exciting, and scary. Suddenly, there is no nurse to take over when you want some help, and you have a million questions that you need answered and no one to ask. The first days, when you are in the hospital- try to get as much sleep as you can. The baby will probably sleep alot (being born is as tough as giving birth), so take advantage of this time and sleep too (since the baby can go with the nurse to the nursery). Also take advantage of the info that the nurses have to offer on breastfeeding... not all babies take to the breast perfectly in the first few days (they are learning just as you are), so talk to the nurse and have them show you the correct way to get the baby to latch on and eat. Start now writing down any questions you think you may want to know when the baby comes, and keep it in a journal to take with you to the hospital. That way, you will have a reference sheet that can help you remember what you want to know (believe me, you won't be able to remember). Write down even the petty things... there are no dumb questions when it comes to newborns.
As for the diapers- stock up. If you start picking up various sizes now, (about 2 times a month, grab a jumbo pack) you'll have a nice stockpile. I say various sizes, because you never know what size your baby will be. Get at least 1 premie size, 2 newborn sizes and 1 size 1. That way, you'll have it covered if your baby is really small or large. I had one of my daughters that started in premie (and those were almost too big) and the other that was in the size 1s by the time she was 2 weeks old.
Get as much help as you can in those first weeks... if you have a mom or mother-in-law you are close to, ask them to help out during the day so that you can take a nap. Ask for small things, like washing the dishes, making a dinner, folding your laundry, etc... because this is all the petty stuff you won't be thinking about but will still pile up without you doing it. You want to be able to concentrate as much as possible on the baby. Have your hubby/boyfriend pitch in too... even if he can't breastfeed, he sure can change a diaper, burp the baby, give the baby a bath, etc.
I got the type of stroller that has two parts, the infant seat that attaches to it, and the stroller. This was the easiest... you can just pop the seat in and out of the stroller to the car, and not have to wake the baby. Toys R Us always has a good selection... I like the ones made by Evenflo... they are sturdy (mine's been through two kids) and easy to use, as well as easy to clean and have cool "mommy" features like cup holders and a large basket.
If you want to breastfeed, you still need to keep in mind your baby's needs. If the baby has a hard time latching on, for example, you may need to supplement with bottles. I used bottles with both my children, who also both breastfed. I pumped milk at night, froze it, and let my hubby feed them. That way, not only did I get a break, but he got to join in the feeding too. It was mostly out of necessity though... I was going to college at the time, so my daughter needed to eat even if I was gone. Just be prepared for the unexpected and don't be too set in your ways. Babies will surprise you. Anyway, good luck, and if you have more questions, you can email me.

Answer 2

I am a new mother and my son is now 13 months. I survived the first year, I was a zombie but I made it. As far as the diapers go if you can't afford diapers churches are really good at donating diapers to those who need it. But I also found that there is no need to buy the name brand diapers such as pampers or huggies because the store brand diapers are just as good for almost half the price. DO NOT BUYS LUVS!!! They leaked for me and everyone I know. But newborn weeks?! It's the whole first year that you need to consider surviving. The first 4 weeks are a piece of cake, they eat sleep and poop. The only hard part is getting up in the middle of the night for the feedings. But after that they develope a personality and wants. They will cry for no reason and all you can do is hope they figure out what they want or have someone there who you can trade off with so you don't lose your mind. In my case I had my mother-in-law who I will never be able to thank enough because my husband had no clue on how to help what so ever. And remember vacuums are a great soothing tool to use, the sound calms them down. You can get good stroller deals at burlington coat factory if they have the baby section. Cosco has alot of recalls so avoid that if you can. And with breastfeeding, if you have any trouble at all they have nursing specialists that can help at the hospital, use them!! And do also know that it takes about 3 days for your milk to come in so don't get discouraged the first few days.

Answer 3

congratulations! The first couple of weeks are quite and adjustment for the whole family anytime a little one is added to the "tribe". Take naps when the baby does a few times a day, that way you are at least getting some sleep. you are also recovering from birth then, so rest while you can. The housework will be there. Get someone (like mom/dad or a sibling or a good friend) to help you out the frist few days at home. It will be very stress relieving. As for the diapers, shop for them now, get a few packs of different sizes, this will cut down on the stress of running out while you are still adjusting.

breastfeeding---- I am really glad that you are going to try and breastfeed. Don't worry if the baby doesn't latch on right away, some don't. There will be nurses at the hospital who should be able to help you with this if you are having dificulties. it has many different benefits to both you, the baby, your family, and the community. I would take me a while to explain all of them....I have done the research. But if you end up not being able to breastfeed, do not feel bad about giving your baby formula. Just take notice in the kind that your baby is sensitive to as you go. Ask your parents if you or your significant other had any rpoblems with iron in the formula. sometimes it is hard ona baby's stomach.

as for strollers....seriously. look for a second hand one, that goes for other furniture also. just don't get a car seat second hand. otherwise, It will save you in the long run. there may be some advertised in the paper. don't feel obligated to get the first one you see. you still have a bit of time.

email me if you still have any questions. I have my 3rd boy on the way. They are wonderful. congrats again!

Answer 4

You will be great! Surviving the new born weeks consisted of sleeping when the baby slept so you were rested as well. I would say that is the best piece of advice I can give. Oh and don't turn away offers for people to help (cooking for you, throwing in a load of laundry...anything is a HUGE help!)

The best stroller for the best price is the snap and go...you can pop the baby into the car seat and just click it onto the stroller frame. I think that they are about $49.99. It is a great started stroller, you can always get a different after the baby has come along and is getting bigger. If you want to go high end, the bugaboo is great if you live in a city and you won't be taking it apart and putting it into a car all the time.

Shopping was done all over:
-Target (baby supplies, clothes, diapers, etc.)
-Babies R Us (baby supplies)
-Gap/Old Navy (clothes)

These two websites have a great list for what you'll need for the first year, the one from babies r us is more general which I like however the right start list gives you an idea of how many of each item you'll need which was good, but they have brand specific ideas which is not that helpful in my opinion.

http://www.toysrus.com/registry/truParentsCheckList.jsp
or
http://www.rightstart.com/global/guides/default~guide~essential100.html

I breastfed as well for my girls (3 of them) but there were times when there wasn't enough milk or I just wasn't able to feed her so I pumped and froze the milk. It still has the nutrients and then dad, grandparents, nannies can get in on the feedings as well. I would suggest buying a couple bottles for that reason and I would suggest having at least one can of formula on hand...just in case. Our bodies can work strangely at times and it's better to have one at home than having to run out to the store because you can't produce any milk and the baby is screaming.

I would suggest having these things on hand and if you are registering just purchase or get some of the larger items so you are set:

*crib
*changing table
*nursing pillow (bopee)
*car seat
*diapers
*wipes
*pacifiers
*blankets
*towels with a hood
*clothes (onesies, socks, shirts, pants, hats, coat)

Answer 5

I bought the super size pack from Sams or any wholesale place. It's been a lifesaver! They also have formula and you can use your Similac coupson there - if you do decide to use bottles.

I breastfed as well and believe me it is really nice to not have to mess with bottles in the morning and during the night. I babysit my niece and all the bottles are crazy!

Stock up your nursery. Make sure wipes and such will not expire. Get it ready it will ease your mind.

I got a Graco Laura Ashley travel system from Babies R Us. However, I find it agrivating now that he's nine months old. It's too big and bulky to take anywhere. I would much rather have a chicco lightweight or maclaren.

Start checking out Gymboree and Gap for sales. I bought a season ahead of my son I just guessed as sizes. I found such good deals that I knew I could sell them on ebay if I had to. But, everything fit fine. He's always worn the outfits I bought and the ones I bought for NEXT summer (two years in advance) will also fit him!!

Are you having a baby shower?

Make sure you are registered at Target and Babies R Us. It's where most people shop. I'd remind everone on their shower invites to get gift receipts. I'm sure you can find a very nice way of saying it that's not tacky. But, you end up with 10 chenille blue blankets and 20 of the same dino sleeper. And, if it there is no gift receipt they won't take it back. Some people won't even have them scan your registry so people keep buying it over and over.

Go to the store and test ride all the strollers. :))

Answer 6

You will survive. I can't tell you exactly how, just that you will!

As for baby stuff, including strollers, go visit Babies r Us without buying anything. We went in to register and nearly died! All the strollers, travel systems, pack & plays, different kinds of bottles - a whole aisle of diapers and wipes!

Get familiar with the different brands and get on line and read reviews (amazon.com and babiesrus.com) I personally like Graco. Scope out the strollers you see at the mall.

The next time you go into Babies r Us, you'll recogize stuff and feel a little less overwhelmed!

As for the other stuff, like bottles & diapers, you absolutely don't need to buy everything in advance. Yes, you use a lot of diapers, but you won't know which ones you like or even what size until your baby is born, so only get one package. Some babies never fit "newborn" diapers!

Buy the basics, have a carseat to bring the baby home in and get the rest as you need it. Everyone will tell you what you absolutely can't live without and everyone's list is different! If you are breastfeeding, don't buy bottles. If you're unable to breastfeed, the hospital will give you a bottle.

You'll do fine!

Answer 7

What I did is buy the biggest economy size box of diapers I could find. A newborn goes through 6-8 a day maybe more. I made up 4 bottles at a time and always had at least 1 ahead made. Get a stroller with the carseat built in. So you can have a car carrier and stroller in one! This is awesome! Most of all relax...they are only tiny for such a short time!

Answer 8

First for breastfeeding set up an app with a lactation consultant, probably will find one at the hospital you plan to deliver at. I did not do this and was a little lost when my baby arrived and I had so many questions and a lactation consultant was there to help me after deliver, but it would have been better if I was prepared. What to do to survive the newborn weeks, remember that it your baby and although it can get fustrating you created that baby, and it will get easier. Ask someone you trust to be available to watch the new baby for a while if you feel that you need a break, it is better to hand them over for a bit than to be with them and overly fustrated and tired.

Go to different stores and look at there car seats and strollers check them all out and see which you like best and that you feel most comfortable with. I did a lot of shopping at target and babies r us.

Answer 9

First thing you need to do is relax!! Stress no good for baby!!
The first few weeks are a real buzz, if your are nervous your bub will feel it. Prioritise your day, if you want to spend an hour simply staring at your sleeping bub then do it. Never think that house work is more important than bonding! It really is the most amazing time for you and your partner so just do it calmly. You could also make some meals to freeze, lasagna is great. freeze in meal size portions and then on the night just add a simple salad. One less thing to do each day! Most of all ENJOY THE MOMENT it goes way too fast. Breastfeeding is tricky but you'll get the hang of it, remember to ask questions and take only the advise you like!

Answer 10

You know whats funny: I was so nervous when I was pregnant with my first but when she was born it kinda came natural to me. Now I'm 6 wks pregnant with my third. You will go through lots of diapers: don't stock up on diapers until you know what size the baby is gonna be in. Both my kids went home in size 1. I suggest buying a package of Newborn and a package of size 1. Then once the baby is home: have your husband buy another pack of whatever size the baby is in. Babies R Us has a great Newborn list and great products too. Breastfeeding is a wonderful experience and very good for the baby. I recommend having a few bottles and a pump just in case you are in a situation where you have to pump... that way you are prepared. Good Luck and Congrats!!!

Calm down Honey: your gonna be a great mommy!!!!