Every baby is different. You’ll hear it at least 1000 times…this week. And sure, it’s true (if monotonous to hear). That’s why when I started writing this piece on what 50 things new parents should expect or know, I thought I would get input from a few parents. Imagine my surprise when a “few” instantly became more than 20! Then more than 30! With minimal prodding, I ended up with 50 lessons from 50 different parents.

Austin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies

To the expecting, new and seasoned parents out there, here are 50 lessons on babies.

  1. Creating a bedtime routine and sticking to it earned us many “extra” hours of sleep from our babies and for us! -Cody and Becky, Abilene
  2. They are your biggest cheerleaders no matter how lost you feel at the beginning! -Malu, Austin (AMB Contributor)Austin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies
  3. My favorite saying, “you’ll never be as perfect a parent as you were before you had children.” Every child is unique (including 2 offspring from the same parents) — be prepared to adapt your parenting style to the needs of each child, and to completely throw out the window any preconceived notions you had about parenting before you had kids. Another favorite saying, “this too shall pass.” What’s hard right now will seem super simple a day, week, or month from now (and be replaced by something that is equally hard, but will pass just as quickly). So, be patient and kind with yourself… -Michelle, Washington, DC
  4. “Some babies just aren’t good night time sleepers despite keeping to a pretty strict bedtime routine/schedule. Remind yourself this won’t last forever.” -Jessica, Houston
  5. Don’t expect anything. -Jonathan, Austin
  6. I disagree with [my buddy] Jonathan. Expect everything, but never in the order, time, place, or way that you expect it. -Corey, Austin
  7. It’s totally okay to play Candy Crush while you sit and nurse your newborn. You’ll bond just fine without constant deep eye gazing. -Amanda, Calgary, Canada
  8. Swaddling + sound machine = sleepy time bliss for mommy and baby. -Patty, Austin
  9. Babies change all the time. If you find yourself getting comfortable in a routine, it’s probably about to change. -Melissa, Houston
  10. Babies are much more resilient than you think, don’t sweat the small stuff, it’s pure survival the first few weeks! -Kristen, Staten Island, NY
  11. Trust your instincts. People like to dish out advice by the bucket. But, in the end, you are the one who knows your baby best. Do whatever you feel is best for you and your family. -Ashlee, Houston
  12. Expect to not expect things, your child is beautiful and unique and will beat to their own  drum. -Amanda, Houston
  13. Bumbos are cool. Sometimes babies don’t like them. -Vanessa, San Antonio (AMB Co-founder)Austin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies
  14. Everything baby will hit milestones at there own time so don’t worry about everyone else walking or talking at an earlier age. -Dez, New Mexico
  15. It is very normal for your child to wake up multiple times at night. There is no set age when they are going to sleep through the night. My child didn’t sleep through the night till he was 13 months old. -Mani, Evansville, IN
  16. Expect that you will not “love every minute”. Being a mother is awesome, but it is hard and it’s ok to struggle. Remember both you and your baby are learning all the time and you won’t always be on the same page. -Sarah, Milwaukee, WI
  17. You don’t need every baby product out there. Find the basics-but the most important product is you. Molly, Bartlesville OK
  18. The days are long, but the years are short. You don’t have to love every second of parenthood. But savor the small moments. -Alyssa, Santa Cruz, CA
  19. Keep it simple! The box the expensive toy came in might get more use than the toy itself. –-Dana, Northampton, PA
  20. It’s true what they say, they grow up so fast. Enjoy all the snuggles, take lots of pictures and capture as many moments as you can. -Heather, Los Angeles
  21. There’s nothing like having a little person who can make you die laughing without even trying. It’s never too early to instill Austin/Longhorn pride! -Elisa, Austin (AMB Contributor)Austin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies
  22. Babies couldn’t care less about monthly pictures. They are really more for you. -Kelly, Austin (AMB Contributor)
  23. You and your BFF’s kid WILL NOT be instantaneous friends. Your baby’s “alien phase” will be brief! -Allison, Austin (AMB Owner & Co-founder)Austin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of BabiesAustin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies
  24. A friend of mine who has older kids than mine told me, “It doesn’t get easier as they get older, it just gets different.” There’s always a new milestone to tackle. -Kristy, Leander
  25. The minute you think you’ve figured them out, they change. -Erin, Cedar Park
  26. Breast feeding isn’t always a challenge. Trust yourself and your baby. If it is a challenge, seek out help. Lactation consultants are amazing and helpful for both nursing and pumping! -Alta, Austin
  27. You can never have too many diapers. -Amanda, Lakeway
  28. Sibling love is so much fun to watch.. -Marisa, AustinAustin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies
  29. When in doubt about anything ask the baby’s grandparents. Remember they’ve been there and you lived through it. -David, Austin
  30. Trust your gut. You know your baby best. -Meg, Austin
  31. Communicating with your partner has never been more important than now- ask for help when you need it and try to be extra patient when things get tough. On a lighter note- fancy swings can be cool, but a $20 bouncer is a must! Portable, fun spot for the baby while you shower, cook, eat, etc. -Jessica, Atlanta
  32. 1) Stop saying it’s gross. Just use the NoseFrida. 2) Breastfeeding can be hard. For those who had and have an easy time – just be glad you did. For those who didn’t and don’t- know you aren’t alone. LCs are an amazing resource but just like any service provider – you may need to try a few before finding the right one for you. Oh, and you don’t have to like nursing to do it for months and years for your baby. In fact, you can hate it sometimes and love it others. It doesn’t make you a bad mom- just makes you real. 3) Strict schedules from the beginning will make your life harder in the short-term but so much easier in the long-term. 4) Get Amazon Prime. -Dorian, Austin
  33. The days feel like years and the years feel like days. -Kathi, Austin
  34. They love animals … In the books. In person may be another story. -Christina, Austin (AMB Contributor)Austin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies
  35. Don’t stress about the ominous “baby book”. Oh my, your now 20 something baby doesn’t get to hold a piece of their hair or a now crushed up piece of enamel that was once their first tooth. I also have no idea what my sons height, weight, and first food of each month was. Take pictures, throw some ticket stubs in an envelope, scribble a date on the back of some of your favorite art works, write down some fun facts of that year if you’d like ie gas prices, pats win super bowl you know the important stuff. (And hey f your forgot and have some spare time…. You can google it!) You’ll always have the memories and the proof doesn’t make you a more caring, loving or better parent. Moms- don’t fight the glorious world of power point- hello baby book slideshows. -Amanda, Worcester, MA
  36. Keep it simple. It’s over in a blink. -Jennifer, Buda
  37. Sometimes people will say”they’re just going through a phase”. Don’t get too hopeful. Sometimes it’s not a phase. It’s just their personality.  And if your boobs don’t work, that’s okay too. Formula really does work just fine. -Alisa, Austin
  38. Read to your baby. Sing to your baby. Don’t be afraid to give Tylenol and don’t be afraid to vaccinate. -Jill, Houston
  39. “Mom Guilt” is one of the most painful things you’ll ever experience. Cut yourself some slack. Your babies will love you as unconditionally as you love them – even if you carve out some time exclusively for yourself and your marriage. -Kim, Columbus, OH
  40. It’s always ok to cry. Parenting is overwhelming, especially the first few years. Channel Elsa and let it go! Don’t compare yourself to other Moms. It will only leave you feeling defeated, and no Mom deserves that! Don’t be afraid to get some poop on you. It will happen at some point, that’s what antibacterial soap is for. -Kelly, Round Rock
  41. The first six weeks are horrible and yet so amazing — it’s okay and it gets so much better! -Liz, Irvine, CA
  42. Buy a decent camera and learn how to use it properly (especially indoors!). My photos are some of my most cherished possessions and they help me piece together the blur that was the entire first year. -Shannon, Austin
  43. Having other mommy friends who are in a similar stage can be awesome! Oh and ‘happy hour’ is appropriate any time of day. -Andrea, Austin
  44. They really don’t “need” all that stuff you thought they did. A diaper, a blanket and a boob will do. -Melanie, Charleston, SC
  45. 1) While performing everyday activities such as walking down a flight of stairs, your brain will run through every potential worst case scenario that could play out and it’s amazing what you can come up with. Don’t worry, it’s completely normal and that protective instinct does not really ever go away. 2) changing a boy’s poopy diaper is something I’m not sure anyone can be prepared for – there is a lot going on and none of it is pleasant 3) when you feel like you’re doing everything wrong, just remember that they won’t remember anything until at least age 5, so you’ve got a learning curve.  -Jennifer, Austin
  46. 1) You’re amazing and are a great parent! Everyone has to find their own style. Go with what feels right to you. You’re worrying about things you don’t need to worry about, and you’re headed into a fascinating and wondrous journey. 2) What works for one baby doesn’t necessarily work for all. I have twins and its the great equalizer. You realize it’s not you. Each child has their own preferences, personalities, and style. 3) Welcome to the most amazing journey of your life. Love it all! -Donna, Austin
  47. Learn how to power nap. Get your rest when you can – ignore the dishes! Try to do a little something for yourself every day. Take a walk, enjoy some chocolate, get a manicure. Pampering yourself when you have a moment makes a big difference.If you’re pumping, invest in some good reading material. Get some new books or subscriptions to magazines. Then your pumping time will be a nice break instead of a chore. -Yvonne, Austin
  48. If breastfeeding is not for you, then don’t let the pressures of others affect how you feed your baby. Make the choice that’s right for you so you can actually enjoy the bond with your baby during those precious first months. -Jeanette, Austin
  49. Brothers make the best sidekicks! Age doesn’t matter. -Ashlee, Austin (AMB Contributor)Austin Moms Blog | 50 Shades of Babies
  50. There are a lot of little things you can sweat – how many minutes of TV did they watch, did you let them eat too many cookies, etc. But really there are just a few big things you should sweat: is your family healthy, is your family happy and will there be clean underwear for everyone in the morning? -Cheryl (me), Round Rock

What would you add to this list?

 

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