Please or to access all these features

Site stuff

Join our Innovation Panel to try new features early and help make Mumsnet better.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Which aspects of looking after a baby did you just not *get*?

158 replies

KateMumsnet · 25/07/2014 15:10

Hello all

The eagle-eyed amongst you will have noticed that we've been making a few videos recently - if you haven't had a look, do nip over to our new Video page for a quick squizz. And do also subscribe to our YouTube channel: it takes literally 3 secs (and you won't be bombarded with YouTube emails, promise!).

Anyway - we're planning a series of 'How To' videos for new parents, and we thought we'd ask you to cast your mind back to those early days, and tell us which aspects of looking after a baby would have been much easier if you'd had a step-by-step video to help you. Things like 'how to swaddle a newborn' .

Do let us know what you'd have liked to have seen clearly demonstrated - whether newborn-related, or with older babies. We'd also love to hear the cunning baby and/or toddler care 'hacks' which have made life easier: we'll compile them into a vid to spread the joy.

Thanks in advance,

MNHQ

OP posts:
tethersend · 25/07/2014 15:35

Oh yes, how to clean up a baby covered from head to toe in shit would also be useful Grin

BaileyWhite · 25/07/2014 15:35

Baby first aid please. What to do in case of choking etc.

I didn't know how to put a nappy on that first day. Disposables that is.

What made life easier for me was toddler tantrum distractions- the best tip? Don't ask them if they want to put their coat on. Ask them whether they want their blue coat or their red coat. Choosing between two options stops them refusing point blank to do something at all. Worked like a charm but not sure if you can capture this on VT!

CuriosityCola · 25/07/2014 15:34

A demonstration on dressing them (envelope vests!). I was bamboozled by the amount of different vests on offer and when/why I might need them. Smile

Yes to swaddling!

tethersend · 25/07/2014 15:34

Examples of interactions (e.g. Making faces, singing songs, mirroring expressions etc.) and their functions in terms of development would be useful to reassure parents that they are doing enough for their child. I was quite anxious that I wasn't doing enough as I didn't realise how valuable all the little things I was doing were. It would have been nice to be reassured Smile

monal · 25/07/2014 15:31

How to suck snot out of their wee noses with those snot-sucking contraptions. Or are those just in France?

Also you might not want to have to demonstrate that on an actual live baby just for clueless people like me, there might be a few ethical issues :/

BumpAndGrind · 25/07/2014 15:28

The difference between normal baby gagging and choking during early weaning.

Norfolknway · 25/07/2014 15:23

How to use a sling?

Yes to swaddling - we failed on that front!

HappySunflower · 25/07/2014 15:16

Winding!
Once I saw someone show me how to hold a baby up nice and straight to help them to burp, it was all so much clearer!

Swipe left for the next trending thread