Twice in this past week, I have seen a reference to tummy time. What
is that and why is it necessary, and better yet, how do you know it is
necessary? And what is a travel crib and how is it different from a
pack n play? How do you know what to put in a diaper bag? I could
seriously pack less for a weekend than some diaper bags look. How do
you pick childcare when you don't know anyone? I need tips on how to
prepare! How do we pick a name? How did you guys do this?
Babies usually hate tummy time, but it helps teach them to push themselves up and get ready to crawl.
ReplyDeleteA travel crib and pack and play seem really similar from what I can tell. Pack and play seems smaller, more of a portable bassinet while the travel crib can be large enough for babies up to 3 years.
As for diaper bags, I mean there are basics from what I've seen that you would obviously put in there, but the rest really is up to you. I mean a lot of the stuff my friends pack is determined by what they need for themselves and then by the personality of their baby. I'm going to put a couple good websites for you at the bottom :)
Childcare, ask around, that's the advice I've gotten. I'm going to rely heavily on my folks, as that is a major reason for me moving home. But the best recommendation I got was just ask people you know with kids. Hopefully by the time "nugget" gets here you will know more people and have a better idea. Angieslist.com rates daycares and childcare providers.
As for names, two huge pieces of advice I got were a. don't tell anyone what you pick until the baby is born because they will then feel compelled to give you their opinion of the name. once the baby is born and named they will not say boo about it. b. try to choose a name that will grow with the kid, just because it sounds good now doesn't mean it will sound good when they are 80 lol :)
http://www.momadvice.com/parenting/diaper_bag_tips.aspx
http://www.cpsc.gov/
http://www.babycenter.com/0_tummy-time-how-to-help-your-baby-get-comfortable-on-his-bell_1439985.bc
Since babies are put on their backs to sleep, they need a little tummy time to help keep their heads from getting flat in the back. (That's what they say at least.) As Sara said it also helps them to crawl, push up, etc. The great thing is that having them sleep on their tummies on your chest counts too! And that's just one of the best feelings in the world!
ReplyDeletePackNPlays have the double function of sleep and playtime in a contained area where baby can't get out (when they get mobile) They can sleep in the bassinet (IF that's an included feature) while they are small, and in the bottom part, where you can also put them to play, when they get older. And they are easy to take with you when you go on vacation, etc. They are also good if you choose to have the baby in your room with you. And usually packnplays (also called playards) will last the child till they are 2 or so.
Also, a word of advice, try to get your big stuff, PackNplay, strollers, highchairs, etc at consignment sales. They usually cost less than half what they would new and they are still just as good.
One more thing. Go out right now and purchase The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy. It's such a good book and it helps explain some of that stuff too.
Jamie, as for child care, go VISIT. That is the best advice I can give you. Visit them before Nugget is born and again after he/she is born. The first visit is for you and Jeff so you can both make sure you are comfortable with the facility and staff. The second visit is for Nugget so you can see how the staff interacts with him/her. If you choose a small scale home daycare, like someone babysitting in their home, be sure to do the same. Make sure they are registered with the state (if Kentucky does that) and get references. If you are not comfortable a with the facility, Nugget will not be comfortable either. He/she will sense your distress every time you go to drop him/her off. A little pre-work now will pay off big dividends later. Advice from friends with children is a great place to start, but the visits are where you get the biggest bang for your buck (so to speak lol). I'm glad everything is going well for you. We need pics of the "baby bump". LOL Miss you bunches!!!
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