Help me put together a book of tips for new parents!

[JillMelissa]

I have 2 baby showers coming up and I am planning to put together a little book of tips for each of the new parents - stuff I had to learn the hard way. What are some great tips for new moms and dads? Things like helping baby sleep, great products to buy, books to read, everything!

[Lyndee]

Not really a tip but a based on experience thing like...

...There's no such thing as being "on time" after a baby comes.
(Just don't worry about it- everyone else can wait!)

[bunybomb]

Don't ever second guess yourself because of someone else's opinion or experience. Go with your heart and your gut. You'll KNOW what's best.

[Leslie]

These helped me:

Books to read: "Solving your child's sleep problems", by Richard Ferber. "What to expect the first year."

Gear: Vibrating bouncy seat. Free hospital pacifiers. New Native Baby Sling.

Tips: Take all the free stuff from the hospital. Diapers, thermometer, hair brush, etc. They have great mesh undies and super big pads that help make it through those first few weeks back home. Take the inflatible donut seat and the squeeze bottle. You'll need them if you've had stitches.

[Theresa]

Take time to get a shower and get dressed every day. You will feel so much better and be able to handle things so much easier.

[Dennis]

Relax and try to enjoy it. Babies are a lot more resilient than you think.

[TtownAnne]

Anyone who comments on your baby's size beyond "oh, what a HEALTHY baby" should be punched in the head and summarily ignored. Nobody other than your pediatrician should say boo about whether your baby is fat or thin or perfect or anything else, so don't waste the time to listen to them.

[ArtsyMom]

-Babies need to nap every one to two hours when they are very young; otherwise it throws off their night-time sleep and makes them fussy. We learned that the hard way!

-Enjoy all the quiet times with your baby; even if it's in the middle of the night! All the cuddles and kisses make the hard times worthwhile.