babies for dummies

i am so nervous. This is our first child and I feel like I know nuttin. I have no idea what is right and wrong. What things need to be done first. What to do the day she comes home. What things i need on hand when she comes home....Everything and I am scared. I am more of a visual person so I was wondering is there a book out there with pics along with writing lol?

Re: babies for dummies

you're def not alone.. i feel the same way!

babies for dummies

You don't need a book. I never even held a baby before mine. You need to just trust yourself. And there is no way a book could tell you what is right and wrong for your baby because they are all different. What worked for me might not for you.

babies for dummies

Lots of first time parents don't know a thing about babies. The nurses will show you everything you need to know and the rest is just instinct.

babies for dummies

When I brought my son home, it was surreal. He was sleeping in his seat so I just browsed the mail I missed on our table. I waited to even touch him! It all comes to you, for instance, if baby is crying, check diaper, feed, rock...go online and type furiously to your friends and mom groups that you are scared lol

babies for dummies

I agree with everyone else - no book will prepare you - you will just know what to do.

I will suggest one thing - DH & I got into a huge terrible fight the first day DS was home because we didn't open any of the bottles and when DS was hungry, DH had to wash bottles and then make formula (which he had never done and that was frustrating him). I would just make sure to have bottles washed (if you're ff), and everything taken out of boxes or prepped (diapers, wipes, clothes) - this just makes for an easier transition!!!

babies for dummies

Don't worry! You will do fine. Ask the nurses all the questions you want when you are in the hospital. That is what they are there for! Keep buzzing them and don't feel bad about asking questions. It's the only way you can learn!

Re: babies for dummies

FTM here too...we debated about taking a baby care class that is offered through the hospital. Here's why we opted against it...and it's totally by choice/comfort. Every baby is different...what works for one may not work for the next. You adapt what your baby will need to what works best for them and also for you as parents. People have been having/raising babies for years...before the classes, books, internet was even around. If they can do it...so can we. We just have the luxury of being able to google "how to swaddle a baby" and pictures/directions pop up.

All the things you will register for...you won't need right away. Car seat/Base, Onesies, bottles, breast pump and accessories, swaddles, bassinet, monitor...those are the things that come to mind that we may need right away (preggo brain is probably leaving off some). Some other things like a swing, rocker, etc. may come in handy...but not necessary.

Re: babies for dummies

I actually did see a picture book in BRU yesterday. I forget the name, but you'll know it when you see it. I think it was something like Show Mommy.

Re: babies for dummies

If it makes you feel better, I've never in my life changed a diaper, so I am right there with ya!

Re: babies for dummies

Re: babies for dummies

I read a few books before DS was born, and I can honestly say being a mommy is more of a "learn on the job" kind of thing. Not all babies are the same, so many times you'll just have to figure it out.

But that being said, if it makes you feel more comfortable, definitely pick up a few books. I'd recommend What to Expect When You're Expecting (it covers pregnancy, birth and babies) and The Happiest Baby on the Block.

babies for dummies

I feel the same way thanks for posting this.

Re: babies for dummies

I read this book to calm my nerves!

Re: babies for dummies

I didn't know much either-the nurses showed me everything! She showed me how to change the poopie diaper; watch out for the umbilical cord; sponge bath you name it. they were great. everything else just came as time went on.

Re: babies for dummies

The first few nights I would stay awake all night just anticipating him waking and needing me or what if he chokes or what if he stops breathing?? Any minute he will wake up and need something. PS, he slept 10-12 hours a night from the moment he came home from the hospital!! So, I would just sit up at night STARING into his bassinet Ridiculous! Finally, I calmed down. Took a few weeks.

And thank God for the nurses in the hospital - I asked A MILLION QUESTIONS - I asked them to show me everything they knew. If it wasn't for them, I would have never been able to burp him properly. They showed me the best burping technique. And a bunch of other stuff. So, ask away.

I remember posting on here how nervous and scared I was that something was going to happen to him - I was SO overwhelmed. A lot of it had to do with hormones too! Once they leveled off, I went back to normal and then I enjoyed it a lot more.

You'll know what to do - a lot of it is just learn as you go, and then repeat. It's instinct too, a lot of times. The nice thing is, babies are VERY scheduled. They love schedules so the more you make everything 1-2-3, the more they will love it!

I did read books though and watched DVD's before Julian was born - and they did help me. I found the Super Nanny's books on infant care to be helpful, I got that on Amazon. I found the 12 weeks to 12 Hours Sleep book very helpful even though I didn't really need help in that area because I'm so blessed that he is so good, sleep-wise.

I also found the Baby Whisperer's books helpful. And I think the "Happiest Baby on the Block" DVD (he has a book too but cut to the chase and get the DVD lol) -- but that DVD was a huge lifesaver. So, I would absolutely read up - I found myself using and doing a lot of things I had read about and seen in the DVD - and they were SO helpful. And I would have never known any of that if it wasn't for reading up before baby's arrival.

That DVD is prob the best thing, out of it all. I gift it to people now when they find out they are pregnant - because it is the gift that keeps on giving!

Message edited 8/20/2014 1:45:44 PM.