I never paid attention to the many different parenting styles that are embraced by well-meaning parents. But boy are there a ton! And it seems as though each school of thought has judgments and hostilities toward those that are different... and I'm not entirely sure that it really matters if you schedule your baby minute by minute or let baby sleep when tired and eat when hungry.
I have surprised myself in that I've been happy to just go with the flow. I try to get as much snuggle time as I can with our little Peach... She's not going to be this little for long. And, I'm sure she's not going to want to snuggle with mom and dad when she's 15. I thought that I'd want to implement a schedule, but our pediatrician doesn't recommend it and my personality doesn't require it. (And, just in case, I asked my pediatrician if it hurts or helps the baby to be on a schedule and she said it doesn't matter - it's adults that want a schedule - babies will let you know what they need.) Here are a few little tips that different people have given me that I've used to keep my sanity and has allowed me to enjoy the baby stage thus far:
1. "Trust your instincts - you will know what to do and what is right for your baby" (my friend Andrea)
2. "Trust the baby's needs - she'll let you know when she is hungry, tired, hurting" (my pediatrician)
3. "You can't spoil them at this age" (this quote is all over the place and it's so freeing)
4. Do what works for you (it will be different for each personALITY)
5. "Establish a bedtime routine" (the Baby Whisperer)
6. "Do what works for you AND your spouse"
7. Focus on the essentials - eating, sleeping and diaper changes (Joy original)
8. Don't be afraid to get out of the house with the little peanut
9. "If it ain't broke don't fix it" (Southern Wisdom)
10. Find ways to include your husband in the daily grind - it makes everything so much fun
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