TILTHW- Quick midnight crib sheet changes

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Layer clean sheets and waterproof pads on the crib mattress for quick sheet changes.  Cover the mattress with a waterproof cover or mattress pad, then put the first clean sheet on.  Cover the first clean sheet with a flat waterproof pad, then another clean sheet.  Follow this with a third waterproof pad and a final top clean sheet.  Zip on the top sheet only if you use quick zip crib sheets or put all the sheets on the mattress like you normally would if you are using regular fitted sheets).  If you baby soils the top clean sheet, you aren’t stuck changing the ENTIRE bed in the middle of the night, just remove the top soiled sheet and waterproof pad, and you've got a clean set underneath.  If you use zip sheets, just zip on the underlying sheet and you’re good to go.

TILTHW- Hooray for video monitors!

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider purchasing or registering for a video monitor with an intercom from the beginning.  You won’t really need the video or intercom aspect early on, but it becomes very useful if you have a climber (you can figure out how they are getting out of the crib), or when you switch up to a toddler or big kid bed (you can tell them to get back in bed when they try to get up repeatedly).  As your child gets older, you may be able to ask them what they need when they awaken at night saying “mommy, mommy, I need you”.  They may just need to hear the sound of your voice and know that you are close by.  Video monitors are also a great way to just watch your sweet baby sleep peacefully or to figure out just what they are doing in their crib when it sounds like a tumbling routine in their room before they fall asleep.  When you no longer need the monitor in the child’s bedroom, you can move it to their play area to keep tabs on them while you use the bathroom, prepare lunch, or throw in a load of laundry!

TILTHW- baby monitors

Things I Learned The Hard Way- When you purchase or register for a monitor, consider paying a little more for one with two cordless receivers.  You can keep one in your bedroom after the baby moves to their own room and keep the other wherever you spend most of your time (or carry it with you around the house).  If the one you are carrying runs out of batteries or gets broken, you always have an extra.  If your home has two floors, consider keeping one on each level.  If you have two receivers from the beginning, you won’t risk needing to go out and purchase another later.

TILTHW- No more binky hunting in the dark

Things I Learned The Hard Way- If your child takes a pacifier, consider buying multiple extras to sprinkle around in the crib at night.  This increases the likelihood that your infant will be able to find one if they wake up.  You’d be surprised at how early they can actually find one and get it back in their mouth!  This was suggested to me by a friend who is a Pediatric Sleep Specialist and has been a lifesaver for me.  Worst case scenario- they wake up with a pacifier stuck in their ear!

TILTHW- Easy crib sheet changes

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider purchasing quick zip crib sheets ( www.cloudsandstars.com ).  They are more expensive than regular crib sheets, but you only need one full mattress wrap and about 2-3 top flat sheets with zippers.  Plus, they are MUCH easier to change, especially if you’ve had a cesarean,  if you plan to get pregnant again before your first child is out of the crib (usually around age 2), when you lower the crib mattress to the lower levels, or if you are less than average height.  You won’t have to lean over the crib rail as much, putting pressure on your abdomen or chest, depending on your height.  Plus, you won’t have to completely or partially remove the crib mattress to change the sheet which is a lifesaver on laundry day or for leaks.