Baby basics

[JKD1982]

Hi all

I am first time pregnant and about mid way through and suddenly realised that as well as being pregnant, I will also hopefully become a mother. Seems obvious but I’ve been so focused on me I forgot about that bit!

I have signed up for an NCT class but wondering if anyone can recommend a good book for current tips on how to keep baby alive and well. Stupid things like what position do they sleep in, how long can they be in a car seat, how warm should their body temperature and room be, how many times a week do you wash/bathe them in the beginning?

I know that the advice changes over time so just want the best most current info. Any advice is much appreciated
Thanks
Jess

There are a few good books on this, the NHS one is good - baby and beyond?

Sleep - only on their back with nothing in the cot except tucked in blankets (read about all this, it's important) also sleeping bags but be aware of size and weight of baby. Obviously baby will sleep on your chest at times, that is ok as long as baby is safe and you are awake to enjoy the amazing cuddles. Baby should be sleeping in same room with you for first 6 months so work out where you will put them for daytime naps.

Ideal bed temp is 16-20c. Get an egg room monitor.

We still only bath DS (15mo) every 3 days or so. They just don't need it but it can help with setting a bedtime routine later.

Car seat position is facing backwards until they grow out of it.

The NHS website is very good on all baby stuff.

Congratulations! It's amazing but hard work

@Danniellew20 that sounds rough, a lot of us here have experience miscarriage sadly so will be able to help but you need to make your own post for that.

OP, I’m a HV and I love to recommend the website essential parent for basics such as how to bath a baby etc. It’s really straight forward and all info is from proper accredited sources such as NHS, WHO, UNICEF etc or else I wouldn’t be allowed to recommend at work. I’ve also found it really helpful whilst pregnant to read through the pregnancy section because I didn’t have a clue about what midwife appointments consisted of and stuff like that. Hope that’s helps x

Danielle, start your own thread so people can give you support. Sorry for your loss.

Following as I'm also on the lookout for a "baby manual".

We have just bought "Crib sheet" by Emily Oster (the follow on from Expecting Better) which seems good for understanding the actual data behind safe sleep guidelines etc (only just started it so can't comment much) but ideally I'd like something with pictures/diagrams showing how to bathe a baby/change a nappy etc. I have zero knowledge or experience!

The Lullaby Trust website is your best bet for safe sleep advice
The NHS take their cues from them.

I liked What to Expect When Your Expecting and What to Expect the first year. Not something i read cover to cover but handy to dip in and out of with specific questions. My husband liked The Baby Owners Manual. It is light hearted but has some good practical info and pics/diagrams. It's an easy read.

You are prepared enough to ask!

A few hours after I gave birth, I approached the midwife crying as I’d never changed a nappy and was frightened I’d hurt my DD Funny thinking back.
She’s 11 now so I managed to figure it all out.

orangejuicer’s advice is spot on, sleeping bags are great.

They will show you how to bathe them in the hospital.

It’s all pretty straightforward, albeit daunting at first.

Hi. Also FTM to be here. I came across this website earlier 'essential parenting' which had a lot of the basics covered in really simple and informative terms. I've bookmarked for later reference.

Sorry, it's 'essential parent' website. :)

First-time Parent by Lucy Atkins is great - covers everything stage by stage from literally seconds after the baby’s out until their first birthday! I’ve found it really useful for stopping some of the mum anxiety

I read more pregnancy books then parenting. Mostly i just looked at the internet for specific things like bathing/sleep recommendations.

My regret is not reading up on bfeeding. If you want to do that probably should do that cos they weren't a bloody bit of help at hospital. And i felt really losy and it didn't work out for me at all.

Rest is internet or just common sense really. You'll figure it out... Honestly you will. And all Babys are different and a book will never be able to tell you really to look after YOUR baby.

The first few weeks are pretty monotonous without a great deal of feedback from baby. That's the only hard thing i felt.

Ask your dr/health visitor if you're ever unsure about anything.

But really just apply logic to situations.

Also to add - your hormones may do funny things to you. As a mum your whole world shifts. It is amazing having a baby and you will learn as you go, whatever people tell you (including us) - it will not prepare you for it.

Good luck, it's amazing

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