Advise

[MyOwnLilli]

I am biting my tongue, but I have come across a few things that I haven't found in any books, but i have learned and used for taking care of babies/kids...
So I had this idea, you are all kick ass parents and I thought you could help! I am looking for advise, little things you picked up along the way of raising kids... example:
a little sugar on the bottle nipple can help a baby take to the bottle.
putting a few wipes in a ziplock can bring them up to room temp for a less "chilly" butt wipe.

so help! i am looking for little things like this. My brother said the more they can find out about "tricks of the trade" the more they will try with their new bundle of joy... sooo tell me your parenting secrets!!!!

[Alison]

Ooh, opening up a can of worms here!!! I don't give any advice on the matter, because someone will always disagree

[Stacey]

Keep a spare diaper bag in the car at all times. Keep it stocked with diapers, wipes, change of clothes, a jacket, blanket, pacifier, a hat, etc. And if you use something out of it - refill it - but make sure it stays in the car!
I dont know how many times Ive walked out and forgot his bag.

**

Sometimes when Grayson would have a hard time going to sleep, I would put him in his carseat and put it on top of my clothes dryer and turn it on. The soft vibration and noise would lull him to sleep much like a car ride. Once he was asleep, Id turn the dryer off and move him to his crib. Worked like a charm and it sure beat getting him out in the 20 degree weather to get him to sleep.

**

A co-sleeper is one of the best investments I have evermade. Arm's Reach makes one, and it attaches to the side of your bed. It makes it easy and safe for baby to sleep close to mom (or dad) and easier since there's no actual getting out of bed at night for feedings - especially if she's breastfeeding. I love love love mine and highly reccomend it. The money spent was absolutley 100% well worth it.

**

When Grayson was about 5 months old, he got a bad runny nose - no other symptoms. We were told to use Vick's on him, but to rub it on his FEET and then put socks on him. We did this at night, and it really really seemed to help - even though he wasn't actually breathing it in.

**

I can't think of anything else right now, but this is what I can remember from when Grayson was a newborn.
Good luck!

[brocksluv]

Double sheet the crib....put a sheet on then top it with a waterproof pad then another sheet. That way if the baby's diaper leaks in the night or he/she spits up alot, you are not trying to change crib sheets at 2 am. just yank off the top sheet and the pad and you have a fresh sheet.

[brocksluv]

Ooh, opening up a can of worms here!!! I don't give any advice on the matter, because someone will always disagree

yes, let's not give advice on how to raise a baby, just some little tricks to makes life easier

[MyOwnLilli]

that is all i am looking for, tricks of the trade... not raising... NO DISAGREEING HERE!!!! just little things that worked for you!!

[Veronica]

Double sheet the crib....put a sheet on then top it with a waterproof pad then another sheet. That way if the baby's diaper leaks in the night or he/she spits up alot, you are not trying to change crib sheets at 2 am. just yank off the top sheet and the pad and you have a fresh sheet.

haha I'm too lazy and fight enough getting a single cribsheet on so we put a burpcloth down flat under Keirnan's head! We smooth it down against the sheet and it almost sticks! Normally its the one he's been using that day if its not too yucky and its dry! That way it also has the familiar smell on it!

Boppys are amazing for taking naps!! Keirnan would take his naps in one on the couch until he started scooching!

I've seen a lot of articles lately about how babies aren't rolling and gaining mobility as quickly as they used to. And that its related to the amount of time they spend in swings, bouncy chairs, etc. So make sure LO gets lots of floor time when she's awake!

Our best investment was Keirnan's vibrating bouncy chair! Its an Ocean Wonder by Fisher Price. It vibrates which really sooths him, and has a kick and play bar that makes noise and has lights!

[DarkendBlueSkye]

If they are using formula, can 'pre make' bottles and keep them either in fridge or on the counter (if its the powder). That way no messing with opening cans and trying to pour the right amount at 2 A.M. .

[Aleah]

If the baby's nostrils get crusted, I found that putting either a little breastmilk or saline solution on a Q-tip removes it pretty fast without your having to pick at it & irritate the baby (too much, anyway). It then made it easier for me to clear Baby E's nose with the bulb syringe. Newborns are obligate nose breathers so keeping their nasal passages completely clear can be a chore (and when I work in the nursery I've been called the Booger Nazi; I keep those noses goo-free )

[Aleah]

I also had "baby stations" in almost every room of the house (and the car; GREAT advice, Stacey). If I happened to get lucky and catch a snooze on the sofa while he was dozing nearby, if he woke up with a wet diaper (and usually a wet gown too) I didn't have to pick him up and take him into his room to change him; I had a couple diapers, a small pkg of wipes, and an extra onesie or pair of bottoms to change him into without having to move him; sometimes he'd just doze right back off to sleep. Sometimes