- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
LOVE That Baby!
12 Tips to a Show Love to Baby and Yourself
By I.J. Schecter
Err on the side of caution.
Caring for a baby is a wondrous experience, and no one wants to detract from that experience by scaring you – but it's also vital to recognize that any risk is an unacceptable one. The baby's on the changing table and you're considering dashing to the bathroom to replenish the wipes because you can do it in under eight seconds? Don't. You're giving baby a bath and are wondering whether you can reach the shampoo just beyond arm's length? Forget it – give her a shampoo tomorrow. Babies are resilient, often astonishingly so, but why tempt fate? Think safety first and last. Kids need only an instant to remind you how important this is.
Experiment.
There are two things about being a parent you need to know. One, your first guess is right less than half the time. Two, even when it is right, you're going to have only minutes – maybe seconds – to enjoy the fact, since some other issue or demand is going to arise that requires your immediate response. (And, once again, your first guess is right less than half the time.) Try to avoid getting stuck on one solution, or game or meal. Your baby will appreciate your willingness to explore different possibilities and will show it by expanding his own behavioral repertoire.
Eat right.
A big part of taking care of yourself concerns diet and nutrition. You're craving sleep more than you knew you ever could. You're having a harder and harder time suppressing crankiness. You can't remember your most recent shower. But indulging in late-night junk binges isn't going to help you, your baby or your physical or mental condition. Soon your baby will start sleeping regular shifts, and you will, too. Maintain good health habits now to enjoy your baby fully when you do come out of that fog.
Want to see more?
Comments
There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to 
|
Post As:
|
||
| Enter your comment below: | ||
| Title | ||
| Comment Text | ||
| CAPTCHA | ||
| Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection. | ||
