A few tips from a sleep deprived mum! (Being a Parent)

Member Name: f1re_cr4cker

Product:	Being a Parent
Date:	18/01/09 (53 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Babies are great!

Disadvantages: They are hardwork!

Before I had children I had done a fair bit of work with babis and kids so knew it was going to be no walk in the park however nothing prepared for my 2!

Both my babies for one reason or another work hard hard work as newborns. In fact I can honestly say the first 8 weeks or so were hellish.

Fact 1. Expect to feel more tired and drained than you have ever felt before. It is normal to hallucinate you'll be so tired.

Tip 2. Swaddling can be well worth a try at calming a fretful baby. I especially recommend the "Miracle blanket" its available from Mothercare and most baby online shops.

Tip 3. If you are averse to using a soother/dummy don't be- happy baby = happy parents! I was one of those mums who swore blind my children would never have one and with my first child had 10 torturous weeks of screaming before relenting and giving one- my baby then became happy! It is also a myth that it is always bad for teeth and speech- I took the dummy off my daughter at 10 months and she is fine regarding both. My son weaned himself off it by 8months and also has no problems re teeth or speech.

Tip 4. It's worth giving breastfeeding a go as it is tailor made for your baby and can be a hell of a lot easier. HOWEVER saying that if it doesn't work out try and not (like I did!) torture yourself about it- baby formula is not evil like some parents make out and will not make your child obese. Both mine had formula from quite a young age, have no allergies, rarely get ill and are actually on the petite side rather than obese!

And the last bit of advise and this is the best in my opinion!

TAKE ALL ADVISE WITH A PINCH OF SALT!!! What works for one parent may well not for another and whaty works for one baby may well not for another. At the end of the day you know your baby better than anyother parent or health visitor!

And that's me done!

Summary: Try to be open minded about parenting! It might not work out like how you imagine!