Five Tips for Successful Baby Changes

One of the first things any new parent will learn is that changing a baby can get a bit messy. Every time you change a baby, you have no idea what exactly you're walking into. One squirming movement from the baby or change in consistency of the waste, and there could be a big problem. Over time, parents do acquire the knowledge and experience to avoid any major disasters, but the risk is always there. If you're a brand new parent or have been changing diapers for a little while now, here are a few things to keep in mind for the first time or as a refresher:

Start Prepared: If you have to leave the room for a moment or need to take a second to open a cabinet, you're taking a major risk. Before you get started, make sure you have everything on hand so you can concentrate on changing the diaper.

Choose the Same Spot in the Home: Whether you change on the floor or on a changing table, be sure to change at the same spot every time to reduce the spread of germs.

Wipe Very Carefully: With girls, it's important that you wipe from front to back, so you don't run the risk of infection. With boys, it doesn't matter as much but you'll still want to make sure the baby is completely clean afterward to prevent the development of a rash or infection.

Get a Good Distraction: A squirming baby is not an easy baby to change. In order to reduce the squirm, keep a couple of toys nearby or have a favorite song playing to keep the baby distracted.

Purchase Quality Baby Diapers: The last thing you would want is to have a poorly designed diaper that breaks or is uncomfortable. Diapers are expensive. However, you shouldn't sacrifice quality for affordability. Luckily, you can usually find baby diapers online that are much less expensive. Take a look around to see if you find a brand or style that meets your baby's needs.

Tips for Choosing Diapers for Your Newborn

One of the first major decisions you'll have to make as a parent is what kind of diapers you want to buy. Diapers are a major expense for new parents as they'll literally spend thousands of dollars in the first year to keep their baby's bottom clean. In general, what you decide on will depend on your budget, lifestyle, and comfort level, but here are some factors to consider:

Cloth vs. Disposable: In truth, some families have strong feelings one way or the other. Cloth diapers are typically less expensive in the long run and can be used on multiple babies. However, they are messy and their use could increase the risk of rash. Disposables have a protective gel that wicks moisture and neutralizes the acidity of the urine. And yes, quick cleanup is a major positive as well.

Will You Being Using a Daycare Service? If so, Consumer Reports suggests that you stick with disposables because most day care centers require babies to be outfitted with newborn diapers that are disposable. If you travel a lot with your baby, disposables are logistically more convenient too.

Where to Buy Your Diapers: Whether you decide to purchase cloth diapers or disposable diapers, consider where you buy them. You can typically find disposable diapers online that are cheaper than those you would find at the grocery store. For families who are concerned about their budget, shopping online may be an easy way to offset the costs of disposables.

Three Parenting Truths New Moms and Dads Need To Know

When a father and mother get the news that they are going to have a baby, they know the time to prepare starts immediately. But experienced parents know there’s no amount of classes to attend or books to read that can prepare someone for parenthood. However, it’s still worth preparing to understand what life as a new parent will be like. We put together a list of things you won’t find in a common parenting book that should prove useful.

Your body reaches a new kind of normal

You may be counting down the days until you have your baby and your body can start getting back to normal, but the truth is that your “normal” is going to very different from what you’re used to.  People talk about the lifestyle changes they have to make once they have kids, but some moms are reluctant to talk about their bodies. You may have some bladder weakness after you give birth, and your doctor may recommend that you do some Kegel exercise to strengthen your pelvic floor. Your back may feel a bit stiff, and it could take a while to get back into a regular sleep schedule. 

It’s okay to say no to friends and in-laws

Everybody is going to want to see you and your new bundle of joy, but you’re probably going to want some peace, quiet, and a time to nap. Grandparents can’t wait to see their grandbaby, your friends want to meet their friend’s new baby, and sometimes you aren’t going to be able to accommodate everyone.  Too many new moms and dads end up burning themselves out because they’re constantly upsetting their baby’s schedule since their loved ones can’t wait to come over. It is okay to take time for you, and not say yes every time someone mentions wanting to see the baby. Remember, you’re the parent and your word is law.

You will go through supplies faster than you think

Babies aren’t just adorable additions to the family; they’re also eating and growing machines. Your baby is going to slurp up their formula, baby diapers are going to disappear from the changing table as soon as you replace them, and their onesies are going to get snug.  As you know, there’s no such thing as a quick trip to the grocery store when you have a baby.  Make sure that you stock up on supplies, and consider buying in bulk to save money.