When it comes to baby’s health, your pediatrician is the expert. But when it comes to the day-to-day challenges — and joys — of your baby’s first year, the best advice may come from fellow moms. Here’s honest, straightforward advice from moms like you.
Inspire other moms with your ideas.
Car rides can be soothing
By Tara H., mom of two
You're cranky and your baby's crying. What to do? Try going for a nice long ride in the car. After five minutes on the interstate with my little screamer, we both felt better. (Rush hour is not advisable!)
Don't over-pack
By Angie F., mom of one
Diaper bags are great...but not if they weigh more than your baby. Pack only what you're sure you'll need. And clean it out before every use.
Trimming tiny nails
By Traci D., mom of one
Trimming my baby's nails always stresses me out. They're so tiny! It's easier and less stressful when I wait until my baby's asleep. He's less likely to move.
Speak softly please!
By Jen H., mom of two
While sitting in the pediatrician's waiting room, I always remind myself not to be the annoying mom that reads to her children in a VERY LOUD voice. I know my child can hear me just fine when I speak softly.
Reassure your sitter
By Michelle W., mom of two
Before leaving my baby with a sitter, I make a list of important cell phone numbers, the phone number of a trusted friend or relative in case I can't be reached, and the number of where I will be. I let her know she can call me-anytime.
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Window shopping is exercise
By Cara R., mom of two
When the weather is crummy and I want to exercise with my baby, I mall walk. I love window shopping while I’m burning calories.
Watch the pounds skate away
By Sara B., mom of one
My best lose-the-baby-weight tip: Learn to go in-line skating. When hubby gets home, slip on the skates and glide down the street. It's fun and easy (once you get the hang of it.) Don't forget the helmet.
Be a germ fighter
By Susan J., mom of one
When headed to the pediatrician with my toddler, I always bring along some wipes to sterilize toys and books in the waiting room. I think it's safe to assume they are teeming with germs.
Baby wipes recipe
By Missy H., mom of two
Make your own baby wipes. Place sheets of sturdy paper towels in a reusable plastic container or a resealable plastic bag. Mix a tiny bit of baby shampoo or baby bath soap with water. Pour over towels until they're damp but not dripping wet.
Get into a feed, play, and sleep routine.
By Allison C., mom of one (soon-to-be two)
Once I established a feed-play-sleep routine, my son learned to fall asleep on his own. First, I fed my son (which took about half an hour). Next, I kept him awake by playing (another half an hour). Then, I put him in his crib, awake but drowsy, and he easily fell asleep on his own. As he got older, he had more awake time, and the rotation expanded to three-and-a-half to four hours.
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Relieve hiccups.
By Anne B., mom of one
Try using a pacifier to soothe hiccups. Dip the pacifier in cold or warm (not hot!) water to make it a novelty. Then pop it in her mouth.
Get more bottles; spend less time at the sink.
By Meredith J., mom of two
If you're bottle-feeding, buy enough bottles to last until the dishwasher is full. Then you won't have to wash bottles by hand. I also recommend a drying/organizer rack for bottles and nipples, and a dishwasher basket to hold the smaller bottle parts.
Never microwave bottles.
By Julie S., M.D., mom of one
The microwave is a beautiful thing when you're short on time and hands. But don't be tempted to microwave formula or breast milk. You might create hot spots in the liquid that can burn your baby's mouth.
They want to help, so let them.
By Pat R., mom of two
Household tasks can get overwhelming fast. Asking for help from your friends makes them feel useful — they want to help. Then, if you are able, thank your friend with a gift certificate for a massage. Get one for yourself while you're at it.
Organize your stuff.
By Cara R., mom of two
Buy several of those mesh fold-up baskets to keep around the house ? they're perfect for dirty laundry, toys, or other assorted baby stuff.
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Buy extras, so you have one less thing to remember.
By Julie H., mom of one
If you're pumping milk at work, buy a spare set of the plastic pieces for your pump, and a spare bottle brush. Keep the extras at work ? for fewer things to haul around.
Get crib bumpers for better sleep.
By Ann C., mom of two
Once your baby is able to move around in the crib, get a crib bumper. It keeps those little arms and legs from getting stuck in the bars, and keeps her head from hitting them. She'll stay asleep instead of waking up every 15 minutes!
Eat grown-up food
By Jen S., mom of two
It's easy to grab a toaster pastry for lunch. After all, it just takes one hand, and you don't even have to cook it. But your body needs good energy food ? grown-up food. For quick meals, keep soups in the freezer and visit the salad bar at your supermarket.
Diapers do double duty
By Dawn S., mom of two
If your baby is a spitter-upper, keep stacks of cloth diapers in every room so they're always an arm's reach away. You never know when you'll need one.
Get outta there
By Carole A., mom of three
Try to get out of the house with your baby at least once a day, even if it's just for a walk around the block or a quick trip to Grandma's.
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Be easy on yourself.
By Summer S., mom of one
Make it your goal to be patient, not perfect. There's no one "right way" to do anything, only the way that works best for you and your baby. Go with your gut.
Don't wait for him to ask.
By Jeannette G., mom of two
Don't expect your husband to know what you need him to do. Chances are, he doesn't! Ask him to help with specific things, like watching the baby for two hours while you grocery shop or putting away the dishes while you and the baby nap.
Get out with the girls
By Jen S., mom of two
Hubby can watch the baby for a few hours while you go out for dinner with friends. Make it a regular part of your schedule, or you won't do it. Join a book club, go scrap booking, or take an afternoon road trip with friends every few weeks.
Make time for you
By Harriette C., mom of one
If mama ain't happy ?! Take a walk, get your nails done, or read a book. Schedule some "you" time every day. Even just a few minutes parked in the driveway listening to your favorite song can give you a boost. You'll feel less overwhelmed.
He might like the noise!
By Kerry B., mom of two
Don't stress too much about taking the baby to the nursery at the gym. I was worried my little Joey would be overwhelmed with the noise. But he slept contentedly while I got in a workout. I was tempted to record the noise and take it home so he would sleep at home, too!
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Evaluate your wardrobe
By Harriette C., mom of one
Chances are good that not everything in your closet fits anymore. Figure out which outfits still look flattering. Ask a friend to help you decide. Then set a modest budget to help you fill in the gaps.
Rely on your girlfriends.
By Summer S., mom of one
Don't be ashamed to ask questions and benefit from the experiences of your friends. Don't worry what strangers think about your parenting choices.
Look how we've changed
By Challis W., mom of two
Every Mother's Day we take a photo of me and my kids. On Father's Day it's dad and the kids. We put the photos in a little album and label each page with the year. What a great keepsake.
Date your kids
By Nancy D., mom of one
I recommend parents set aside a day periodically for a date with their kids. One-on-one is ideal. It's a great tradition and memory-maker.
You're ready when they ask
By Anita H., mom of two
When I was overwhelmed with my new baby, I kept a list of things that needed to be done: laundry, clean the bathroom, buy thank-you notes and stamps, etc. When someone asked me how they could help, I looked at my list and started making assignments.
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Find friends for life
By June L., mom of three
My best advice for new moms is to find a mom's group. Drag yourself to the next meeting, even if it's easier to just stay home. I found it refreshing to meet moms who have the same issues as I had. And I made lifelong friends.
No high chair? No problem.
By Angie S. mom of three
Getting my family to a restaurant, only to find they don't have a workable high chair, is a common occurrence. I found it best to arrive prepared. If my high chair folded easily, I would have brought it with me (just in case). Instead, I spent about $20 for a "Secure-Me Travel Seat Liner" available at Target. − http://www.target.com/Nojo-Plaid-Secure-Me-Travel-Liner/dp/B000HVA50W
As fun as the zoo
By Shelley B., mom of one
A trip to the zoo was out of my reach? So my toddler and I made regular trips to a pet store instead. There were plenty of live animals to keep my toddler interested.
It's not exactly a vacation.
By Susan J., mom of one
Don't assume you'll be able to get lots of fun side projects done during your maternity leave, like painting the living room or organizing photographs. Just because you're not working doesn't mean you're on vacation (no matter what your non-parent co-workers might say). You'll be lucky if you get a shower and three meals a day!
Shorten your to-do list.
By Kerry B., mom of two
All you perfectionist, list-making moms out there (you know who you are!): Go easy on your daily to-do list. Decide the one thing you want to get done (whether it's make dinner, nap, or shower) and focus only on that. I always had 10 things I was going to accomplish and then when naptime was cut short, I felt like a failure. Be realistic and go easy on yourself. Even making dinner can be done in steps — and probably has to be.
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Relax yourself to sleep.
By Shana Z., mom of one
No matter how much you want to, it can be difficult to nap during the day while your baby is sleeping. A warm heating pack across your stomach or back might relax you enough to help you get to sleep.
Friends are more important than ever.
By Susan J., mom of one
It's easy to neglect your social life when you become a mom, but keeping up friendships is even more important now. Your friends are your lifeline to sanity! I squeeze in a little social time whenever I can: weekday lunches with co-workers, phone calls or e-mails during her naptime, and inviting friends over for dinner (even if you're just having frozen pizza and salad).
A little dirt won't kill you.
By Chris K., mom of two
When faced with rocking your baby or dusting the family room, start rocking. I love a clean house, but when I realized my baby was getting bigger by the day, I decided cuddling was more fun than spotless windows. Household dirt never killed anyone.
Stop dieting.
By Sylvia K., mom of two
We all would love to lose 10 pounds this week. But forget the quick fix. Food-specific fad diets don't teach the balanced eating habits necessary for a lifetime of weight management. And they often miss vital nutrients your body needs.
Go for a makeover.
By Harriette C., mom of one
One way to lift your spirits and build some confidence is to refresh your hair and makeup. Make an appointment with a professional. Ask for a style that accentuates the way you look right now. Don't go too severe or your efforts could backfire!
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Let priorities take shape.
By Rheanna W., mom of one
Once you're back at work, you'll amaze yourself with how efficient you've become. At work, you bust it so you can go home and see your baby. At home, you cherish every moment (well, almost every moment) you get to spend with the little one. Priorities take shape, and they shape you.
Simplify your holidays.
By Vanessa O., mom of two
I was so stressed with the holidays approaching. When would I find time to drag the boxes of ornaments from the attic and decorate the tree? Finally, I asked myself … would anyone even notice if I skipped the ornaments? They didn't!
It's 3 a.m. You're ready.
By Ann C., mom of one
Keep a bottle of water and pre-measured formula in a small container next to your baby's crib. If she needs to be fed in the middle of the night, you'll be ready in a flash.
Get rid of the gas.
By Missy H., mom of one
Babies can have painful gas. A good way to help ease the pain (and sometimes work the gas out) is to put your baby on her back and gently move her legs as if she is riding a bicycle. This helps massage her intestines and work out painful gas.
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