Here are my 10 top tips for new mums. These are some of the things I wish people had told me before I became a mother.
Tip 1. It’s not Medicine, it’s Pepsi!
I know the struggle of convincing your toddler to drink his medicine. When I discovered this trick, my life became a whole lot easier.
Here’s w
Get a can of drink and a straw, measure up your dose of medication and hold that behind the second drink and place the straw into the medicine and offer the drink to your toddler.
Genius right?
Tip 2. The Perfect Onesie
One hack I learned the hard way is that you can get onesies with the folded shoulder. These onesies are designed to be able to pull down over baby’s shoulders as opposed to up and over baby’s head.
Tip 3. Hospital Bag – Be Prepared
I recommend having your hospital bag prepared by 30 weeks. Just in case the baby decides to make their grand entrance a little earlier than anticipated.
How do you know what to pack?
Tip 4. Pool Noodle for Baby’s Shared Bed
Make a baby’s bed with one pool noodle and a pillowcase. Your baby won’t roll over and you can co-sleep with him.
Pool noodles were one of the handiest of tools. When Keith started walking I would put the pool noodles on the edges of the tables so when he felt he wouldn’t hurt himself.
Tip 5. Cover the door locks
If you don’t want to wake the baby when peeking in on them, or you don’t want the door to always slam behind you. You can use a rubber band or duct tape. With rubber bands, use a thick one, put it on the handle, twist it, then put it over the other handle in the shape of an ‘x’ This will hold the door pin in.
Tip 6. Join Mothers Group – Saftey in Numbers
The most invaluable tool is other mothers going through the same thing at the same time as you. I can’t explain how many times I felt like I was failing at everything only to find out that we were all going through the same point in our babies development. Even if it was merely on Facebook. A place you can go for support at 3 am when your baby would much rather be partying.
Tip 7. Sleep When They Sleep
This was very hard for me, but I always loved my afternoon naps. Try and get an afternoon nap routine before your baby arrives. If he sleeps, leave the dishes and the washing and take that nap. The effects of sleep deprivation are real. You need to care for yourself to be able to care for them.
Ask for help if you need to. It takes a village.
Tip 8. Laundry Basket In The Tub
If you don’t want to get sick of finding the toys floating away from your baby in the bath, then use a basket in the tub and place the baby and the toys inside. This will double as a safer place for your baby as they will have an edge to hold on to. That means for time for you to play with your baby.
Tip 9. Fitted Sheet Hack
Use fitted sheets on the beach to keep the sand out. The perfect cure for baby’s eating sand. Place your bags in the corners and you have a beautiful and clean area to sit in. Add an umbrella and your set for a great day together.
Tip 10. Book your Newborn & Maternity Session During Your Second Trimester
The window of opportunity for newborn photos is small. It is so important to get your session booked early to ensure I can fit you in during those first 3 weeks. I will always do my best too book you in but sessions do fill fast.