Unique Parenting Tips & Tricks – Baby’s First Year

• BREAST PUMP – The Medela Freestyle Breast Pump is the one I recommend & I have tried many.
  •  It’s a compact, lightweight double electric breast pump with a rechargeable battery for mobile pumping.
  •  It’s 2-Phase Expression® technology is proven to produce more milk in less time while simulating the sucking rhythms of a breastfeeding baby.
  

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• CLOSER TO NATURE BOTTLES – by Tommee Tippee — These bottle help the baby have an easy transition from mother to bottle (& to keeps switching between the two).
  •  Has an anti-colic feature that helps reduce the air intake – double thumbs up on that one!
  •  Millie had a very difficult time nursing. Once I started using the Tommee Tippee bottles, she had a much easier time switching between me & the bottle.
  •  The nipple design simulates that of the mother.
  

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• ELECTRIC BOTTLE WARMER – Tommee Tippee — Safely warms bottle so that you can tend to your baby.
  •  This product is very helpful – especially if you have pumped and frozen your breast milk.
  •  Has different levels that you can warm to.
  •  Remember to never shake breast milk (it breaks down important proteins) – mix by slowly swirling.
  •  You can even use it to warm baby food.
  

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• NURSING SHIELD — Helps newborn latch if having trouble nursing.
  •  As we had months of nursing struggles, this shield was very helpful.
  •  Don’t give up on nursing – it can be so hard but I am SO glad that I stuck with it.
  •  Also, don’t be afraid to speak with a lactation specialist – every baby is different & they can provide very helpful tips & tricks specific to your baby.
  

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• NURSING COVER — Covered Goods product is BY FAR my favorite nursing cover – and I have tried way too many.
  •  Covers everything – no need to worry about flashing anyone. even covers your back as you will be pulling your shirt up.
  • Soft light weight breathable fabric that doesn’t take up much space in diaper bag.
  •  Fabric allows enough light in to help baby but helps keep harsh light out.
  • Also works as a carseat cover, shall, infinity scarf or back-up blanket.

• EXERCISE BALL — Use a bouncing ball to sooth a fussy baby.
  •  Simply hold the baby – sit on the ball – bounce or rock back & forth.
  •  This helped us immensely while Millie was little. It can help soothe a colicky tummy, or just help rock them while putting less strain on the parent.
  •  If I ever sat in a rocking chair, Millie could sense that I wasn’t standing and get really mad. With the ball, she was completely calmed EVERY TIME! It’s seriously magic.
  

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• PACIFIER — Soothes baby, aids sleep, & prevents SIDS (more Sudden Infant Death Syndrom prevention tips here).
  •  Millie has taken to the MAM Pacifier brand.
  •  I really like that they have glow-in-the-dark pacifiers – that way Millie can find it and have help self-soothing.
  •  It was really helpful to me to keep pacifier wipes in my diaper bag at all times. They can be used on bottles, paci’s, cups & teething toys. They are safe for the baby too.
  •  Also, pacifier clips came in handy big time – especially when traveling. I really like these from Lovely Co. There is a silicone ring you can add to them so that they fit MAM Pacifiers. Just make sure not to have your child go to sleep with binkie clips – the ring will just pop right off, leaving the paci in the mouth & you can detach the clip & string.

• SLEEP SHEEP – Sound Machine — We like to play the ocean sounds when it’s time for Millie to sleep.
  •  This helps her have a consistent indication that it is time for her to shut her eyes.
  •   There are 4 different sound options – We like to use the ocean sounds options.
  •   Shuts off automatically with two time setting options.
  •  Even when I was at a baseball game, in the car, or at home – When we play the ocean sounds, she rubs her eyes & knows that it’s time for bed. This is an example of Classical Conditioning – just like the Pavlov’s Dog experiment/theory.
  

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• VIDEO BABY MONITOR — Peace of mind while not waking your baby to check is key – definitely a must!
  •  Unfortunately at this time, I do not have a brand or model recommend. We have one and it just gave out – wasn’t reliable enough.
  •  I am searching for a new video monitor. ANY SUGGESTIONS? Let me know which is your favorite & why.
  

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• SLEEP TRAIN — This way, you will be able to get great routine sleep yourself.
  •  Starting at 6 weeks, it is very beneficial to sleep train your baby – Tips Here.
  •  Lay your baby down awake, but drowsy. This will teach them to self-sooth and fall asleep without being rocked every time.
  • Here are some great books on Sleep Training.
  • I always give Millie her lovey & say, “It’s nuh-night time”.  They’re the perfect size for them to get attached to because they’re so tiny and soft – very easy to travel with. Her favorite lovey’s are from Angel Dear & Jellycat. (click the links for multiple colors & different animals).

• Target up&up Diapers — Who doesn’t want to save money without loosing quality. These diapers are so cheap but hold everything in.
  •   Simple design. I love how they just have simple blue & green dots. The smaller sizes are mostly white & have the wet changing line to see if baby needs changing.
  •  Unbeatable price – Target is constantly offering gift cards if you buy 2 or more packs.
  •  Online ordering option – so that you don’t have to run to the store but can still get the great deal.
  •  You can save even more with the Cartwheel app & Target Red Card (I have the debit version and save 5% on everything).
  •  Target is not paying me to say this, I just seriously love finding every deal especially when the products is the best.
  

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• TRAINING PADS — Keeps the mess of a newborn contained & easy to clean up.
  •  I used these under Millie in her bassinet when she was a newborn & under me in the hospital (you’ll understand if you don’t already).
  •  Catches all liquids – Spit-up, throw-up, blow-outs!
  •  Easy to clean-up in the middle of the night without having to change sheets & do laundry.
  •   Another great use for these is to put one inside the blessing dress or outfit before the blessing or christening, that way if the baby blows out, it is contained and doesn’t ruin the outfit too early. (Tip from my genius mother).
  

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• Mustella is a really great brand, especially to prevent potential allergic reactions. I really like their Mustela Foam Shampoo for Newborns, Mustela Hydra Bebe Body Lotion,Mustela Newborn Gift Set, and PhysiObebe No-Rinse Cleansing Fluid (for bottoms & faces). They also have a Belly and Bust Stretch Marks Survival Kit that I am looking forward to trying next pregnancy.
  

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• SPONGE & BRUSH — It is VERY important to scrub a newborns scalp to prevent cradle cap. My mom gave me this simple & effective sponge & brush duoand it worked SO well. (Remember to clean & replace often to maintain sanitation).
  

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• BATH CUSHION — I honestly do not think that it is necessary to buy a little infant tub if you have a bath tub in your home. A sink can even work for the first few weeks. I bought a very cheap Bath Sponge and it works sooo well – kept baby above the water just enough but kept her warm & cozy.
  °  I always keep a warm wash cloth on the top of the baby to aid in keeping them warm. Babies cannot regulate their own body temperature correctly for the first few months.

Help your tiny feel better.

•  PAIN RELIEVER / FEVER REDUCER : My pediatrician advised me to give Millie Infant’s Tylenol for the first few months (only when necessary of course), then when she reached a certain weight, he recommended rotating with Infant’s Advil.
  •  I personally liked giving her the Dye-Free, Non-Staining Acetaminophen in place of the Infant’s Tylenol brand – It does the same thing, it’s clear (still flavored) but doesn’t ruin clothes – brilliant! TheInfant’s Advil is also Dye-Free.
  

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• GAS & HICCUP RELIEF :  With just a simple drop in the mouth, your infants gas pains & hiccup aches can be relieved.
  •  Gas Relief Drops – relieves gas discomfort in minutes. Target also has a cheaper version of gas drops from their brand.
  •  Gripe Water – is a natural Herbal supplement with ginger and fennel. It relieves hiccups and discomfort due to colic.
  

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• CONSTIPATION: I called our pediatricians nurse about this issue and she gave me such a simple and highly effective answer: Take a sterilized infant rectal thermometer, slip it into the babies rear (not too far), gently swirl in a circular motion. This will stimulate those senses to jump start into working again. Trust me it comes fast!!
  •  I recommend doing this in the bath tub with absorbent disposable pads – It basically shoots out!
  

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• CONGESTION & RUNNY NOSE:
  •  Put a thin blanket under the crib mattress on the side that the baby’s head lays so that it is elevated a little bit – helping the flow of mucus.
  •  NoseFrida: this is a nasal aspirator that will help you suck out the boogies. It seems so gross but works SO well. There is a filter inside so you won’t be getting anything gross in your mouth haha.
  •  Saline Spray: is a gentle spray that helps turn the crusty boogers into softer ones that will come out easily.
  •  Boogie Wipes: are also great clinging to boogers. I seriously thought it had to be just a gimmick – how could it be any better than just regular wipes? But then I tried them and man are they worth it! They have saline in them as well.

Near or Far – here are some helpful items:

•  Mommy Hook: is a big padded clip that helps you be supermom and carry multiple bags or groceries at once. You can clip it onto your stroller or simply hold it.
•  Stroller Hooks: attach your diaper bag (or anything else) to the stroller so that you can use the under basket for other storage.
•   Car Seat Travel Bag‘s are great to put your the car seat in to go under the plane. I alway stuff it full of extra things… shh don’t tell! It’s a great way to take your breast pump with you!