advice

My sister-in-law is pregnant. Was tryint to think of a helpful gift to give. Baby will be the first grandshild on one side so I know she will get lots of gifts of clothes and stuff. So have decided to make her a scrapbook thing, basically made up of advice for babies. So this is where Oh baby comes in. I'm looking for your best advice tips!!! It doesn't matter if it only worked for you, as we all know not all advice is best for everyone. I'll start

* When people ask if baby is sleeping through the night, unless you know them really well, (and even then...), say yes

* Give baby a bottle early, as then if yopu get sick, or want to go out or something, someone can babysit and bubs won't starve.

* When you breastfeed, keep a towel handy...you'll need it.

lots of tummy time even if they hate it (mine still does)
and a dummy can save your life /marragie
and allways ask and accept help in all its forms
hope this helps

* take advice from anyone who is willing to give it, take it on board and use what you think is best.

* if people aren't doing what you want for baby (or what is best for baby) tell them - more important when they start solids. You are the mum - what you say goes!

* Never turn down help in any shape or form, dinner getting cooked, housework, babysitting so you can sleep. You need to look after yourself too

* Don't be afraid to ask for help

* If bub's won't sleep and you are getting frustrated put him/her in the cot for 10 - 15 mins and walk away and take a breather. They are safe there!

* Enjoy every minute of every hour of every day - you will never get it back. Take lots of pictures!!

Hope that helps Liz!! (Was about to start writing a novel!!)

* Learn to ignore what other people say - it will seem like EVERYONE knows what's best for you baby except you!

*Dad's CAN change nappies, even though they insist thet are afraid of breaking the baby.

* You will eventually get to a point where you can actually FINISH a cup of tea , instead of leaving half-drunk cups all over the house because bubs is hungry/wet/dirty/grumpy

- don't take it personally if you've fed, burped, changed, cuddled, slept, but baby is STILL crying. sometimes they just do that :)

* take lots of photos!

* Take each day one at a time and as it comes.

* Don't feel bad if you get to the end of a day and haven't finished (or even started) doing things around the house. There is always tomorrow

* Get lots of brochures from take-away/delivery places and always keep a spare $20 in the cupboard for those evening when you (and/or your partner)just can't be bothered cooking!!

* Try and get out of the house every day, even if it just to the end of the street and back

* You can't hear baby crying if you are in the shower......(much)

ummm, I could go on and on but will leave that to another day

i got one more
trust your insticts u no your bubs and u no when somthings not right

* Babies thrive on routine - not necessarily a strict daytime one, but in the evening a bathtime/bedtime one.

* Giving the baby its bath is a good job for Dad. Get the midwife to help him give baby its first bath.

* Go out for a walk with the baby most days - you will feel more energised and baby will sleep better from the fresh air

* As long as you know baby is well fed, dry and comfortable it wont hurt them to cry for a while. Babies need to cry a bit to go to sleep - its how they wind down.

*Get baby used to sleeping in different places - a few times a week put them down for a daytime sleep in their pram or in a portacot.

* Dont keep the baby up for visitors to play with - you will be the one stuck witha cranky, overtired baby later that day.

* Everyone hates their children at some stage. Don't feel guilty about it. (Although, if you still hate them when they are asleep then I think you'd have a problem)

* Use the question "Is it life threatening?" when deciding about what you should and shouldn't allow your child to do. More often than not it isn't.

Take one day at a time.