The debate continues- TV or No TV? I struggle with this everyday. Sometimes I just need a moment to clean up after breakfast, put some groceries away or go to the bathroom. Those simple tasks can be challenging with a 16 month old!
But, what I find TV to be most useful for is for those time I need to cut my daughters nails. She sits patiently and watches Sesame Street, Blues Clues, or Yo Gabba Gabba and I am able to cut both her finger and her toe nails with no screaming, arching backs, or accidently nicks that make nail cutting so difficult. - Tahlia, New York
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| Always listen to your gut--a mother's instinct is generally spot on. And, remember to leave the house to get some air every day...even if you can't get your act together until late afternoon or evening! - Jessica http://www.blog.peekababyny.com, NYC
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| Our midwife recommended using olive oil -- yep, the stuff you cook with -- on our newborn's bottom to help prevent the meconium from sticking, and it worked brilliantly. We kept using the olive oil instead of diaper cream and it has really worked like a charm. Our daughter is now 14 mos old and has never had diaper rash... and no exposure to any diaper cream chemicals that would otherwise soak into her skin. Also, sometime around 4-6 weeks, most babies become really uncomfortable ("collicky" although it's not really colic) and cry a LOT, no matter what you do. I remember feeling so miserable because all the rocking, walking, singing, cuddling, nursing, etc. couldn't console her. But don't worry, it's temporary! - steph, brooklyn, ny
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| I knew I wanted to breastfeed, and the best advice I got was to not have formula in the house and to spend as much time taking care of my baby son by myself. The Bradley prescription was actually to not leave the bed for a few days, to have people get you things so that you can concentrate on your baby 100 percent. I really got to bond and know my son's personality, what he likes and doesn't like, very fast, and this is also necessary so that you both learn how to breastfeed/nurse successfully. He was always a content baby because I understood his needs and he was fed on demand. It doesn't help to have 10 relatives help out, it's better to fully concentrate on the baby. Have someone else do the dishes and laundry for at least a week! And always nap with the baby :) - Dagmar Bleasdale, Germany originally, now NY
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| the stroller can be your best friend around the nieighbor hood or driveway - chasidy, augusta ga
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| You can read all the books you want but focus on what works for you and your baby. You hear "every baby is different" for a reason...so TRUST that you know what's best (because you do). - Amanda, Philadelphia
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| Say "yes" to anyone and everyone who offers to help. You will need to concentrate on recuperating and feeding your baby (if you are nursing). So take all of the help you can get so you don't need to think about meals, dishes, laundry, etc. - Melissa, Miami Beach
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| Do what works for you and your family, take advice with a pinch of salt and sleep whenever you can! - Sharon, OC, California
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| Buy the book Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo, you will really be glad that you did! - Kristie LaLonde, Lexington, KY
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| Get your baby onto a schedule (eating, sleep, everything) as soon as you can. And stick with it. You will have a happier more predictable baby :) - SBShell , New Eagle, PA
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| I hate to say it but...don't take anyone's advice too seriously. Find what works for you and your little one. As my doctor once told me when I asked about my son coming into our room at night..."If he needs to know you are there, let him do it. If he's still doing it at 17 years old, call me." :) Only true advice to follow? ENJOY EVERY MOMENT! It goes by much to fast. - gretchen, tarpon springs
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| Let the housework go. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Rotate the toys. If you find yourself constantly nursing your 4 month old, it's ok to start solids. Don't leave home without a change of clothes for baby. - Beth, San Francisco
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| Never expect to know everything and put too much pressure on yourself. Just cuz you're a mom now does not mean you gain instant knowledge on how babies work. Let others that you trust help you. They may not share the same ideals for raising kids as you but they are not going to hurt your baby or permanently alter the course of your baby's history by letting you get a nap or shower. People WANT to help, let them!!! Also, DADS, you won't break your baby!!!!!!!! They're soft a squishy but they are pretty sturdy too. Pick em' up and give new momma a break! - Joy, Austin, TX
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| 1) Sleep when the baby sleeps no matter the time of day!
2) Friends and family love to help - let them!
3) Nursing? Use the lanolin no matter what! - Lydia, California
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| Don't feel bad about telling visitors to stay away and give you your space for awhile. But on the flip side if you have people offering to bring you meals, take them. Anything that can free up more time for you to get to know your baby better is a blessing. - Jennifer, Michigan
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| I learned two things- take advice with a grain of salt. Your mom instinct will kick in and you know your baby best. I had twins, so it was challenging learning two new personalities at the same time, but it all works out. The other wisdom I learned was to accept help when it's offered. I thought I could do it all. It was about 2 days after I brought the twins home that I gave in and called in the "family troops" to help my husband and I. Thank goodness I had them to help us otherwise we wouldn't have slept at all. - Trisha, St. Louis
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| It's already been said but I'll say it again because it's sooo important! Sleep when baby sleeps! I was so worried about keeping the house clean and laundry done and making sure dinner was made that I wouldn't take naps so I literally wore myself out and ran myself ragged. I finally learned it's not about an immaculate house. Rest and my sanity were much more important! - Tishia Lee, Michigan
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| Just focus on taking care of yourself and the baby. If you don't feel up to visitors, don't have them over. And do what is BEST for you and the baby, not what anyone else tells you to do. - Erin, Indianapolis
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| Don't fret the little stuff, relax and enjoy your new baby. Things won't be perfect (at least not textbook perfect) but they will be awesome. If you are breastfeeding give it time. It is hard at first but it does get a lot easier, just give it time. - Lisa, St. Louis, MO
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| "Sleep when the baby sleeps" -- we received and followed that advice and it made a huge difference. So what if the house wasn't perfectly clean... - Denise, San Francisco/Bay Area
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