Before I had children there was a lot I needed to learn. Here are a few things I wish I knew before I had children.
- Newborns often need to go to the doctor for checkups and shots for several visits before the age of 1. (Find a pediatrician you really like because you will be seeing a lot of each other.)
- There will be times when you will rarely get a break to take a shower or use the bathroom.
- If friends and family members offer to help, let them. Don’t be shy about the need for help, make it plain.
- When babies are first born, it is not unusual for every diaper to be a “poop” diaper.
- When trying bottles, try different brands before you buy a lot and see which one your child likes and which ones work for them and then purchase more.
- Breast-fed babies should use special nipples designed especially for them when bottle feeding; nipple confusion is real, and all nipples are not the same.
- Formula milk stains babies’ clothes.
- Before you buy a stroller make sure it will fit in your car’s trunk.
- Stock up on unscented wipes, you will use them a lot.
- After the baby is born you may bleed for a month.
Is there anything you would add to this list? One more I would add is that most people are really pregnant for 10 months (42 weeks) not 9 months.
