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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:
anotherbitofcake · 10/08/2014 20:45

Using breast pump
Yes to winding, swaddling, sterilising and making up feeds

anotherbitofcake · 10/08/2014 20:45

Using breast pump
Yes to winding, swaddling, sterilising and making up feeds

anotherbitofcake · 10/08/2014 20:47

Oh god yes colic and reasons for crying. I was distraught for months with a colicky, tongue tied baby.

anotherbitofcake · 10/08/2014 20:53

Baby led weaning - how much is normal for them to eat - i still have no idea, tips e.g feeding in bumbo good etc, non messy foods or easier foods for when out, keeping utensils clean, key nutrients they need and great recipe ideas e.g I'm obsessed about iron and how I can get it in recipes.

ancientbuchanan · 11/08/2014 23:06

No off switch.

On a good day you will manage a bath or shower and maybe read a bit of a newspaper. On a bad day you won't. And ignore all that stuff about getting dressed. That's for the birds.

Breast feeding, so hard. Breast pumps useless, latching impossible.

And although nhs is stalinist about bfing, much of the guidance was written round bottle fed babies and did not suit breast fed ones, eg time between feeds, weight and height gain. Don't know if still true.

That sometimes your db has a growth spurt and all you can do is sit there while you provide an udder. It's v boring.

That if you are giving out, you need liquid coming in or else you become constipated.

And what comes in will affect your db. So coffee will make him wired. Champagne, strawberries and melon are all acidic and will cause tummy pain. Fizzy water and champagne will make him windy or hiccupy. Flapjacks will cause diarrhoea.

And reflux. Omg, reflux.

Always put a t-shirt over work clothes but don't forget to take it off before you get there. Don't bother to buy muslins, use the 71 teatowels great aunt Mary has been giving you for the last 12 years. You will need them and they are more absorbent.

If your child has a fever in the first three weeks, it has a fever. Ignore the hv who says it can't happen.

make your op give you at least one nights sleep week if you are able to express and bottle feed/ bottle feed. If the little bugger won't accept a bottle even with expressed milk, make your op do all the nappies. It's a bonding experience for them.

amothersplaceisinthewrong · 12/08/2014 18:31

Make sure you get out in the fresh air every day - life seems much better. Go out to Baby Groups to keep in contact with like minded new Mums - these were my life savers as I had/have no family nearby.

MAKE time for yourself - make sure DH/DP does there fair share right from the outset. My DH got up one night a week at the weekend to feed the baby from the word go (I bottle fed from the outset)

goodgodlemon · 12/08/2014 20:26

Just about everything!! When the health visitor came to visit after 2 weeks and asked if I had any questions I took out a large lever arch file and proceeded to grill her for about an hour. Best advice I got (that day!) was on how warm should i dress up DD when going out - answer was one layer more than I was wearing. Also I had real difficulty breastfeeding feeding and I really wish there had been less pressure on me to carry on as had borderline depression as a result. Second time much easier as far less pressure :)

theendoftheendoftheend · 13/08/2014 00:15

Not exactly a demonstration but I REALLY wish SOMEONE had told me that its totally normal at about 5 days post birth to feel as thought your whole world has imploded and just sob your heart out due to hormones (its is much less helpful when someone tries to tell you this DURING the hormonal breakdown!)

And also that babies will have a growth spurt at regular intervals (about 10 days is the first one?) and if you're breast feeding you really need to just settle in, have a good book, the remote, snacks and drinks to hand and accept you will do nothing but cuddle and feed your baby until it is done.

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