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- Diaper bags

Things I Learned The Hard Way- Consider purchasing multiple small, inexpensive diaper bags.  You may be able to borrow some, or purchase them used if they are easily cleaned.  The type given away free to new moms when they are discharged from many hospitals (donated by formula companies) are perfect.  On the weekend, pack all of the bags for daycare or the babysitter to last all week.  Include an extra change of clothes, diapers, bottles, bibs, burpcloths, bottled water (if you use it), baby food, snacks, or anything necessary.  Even if you don’t get a chance in the evening to unpack that day’s bag, the next day’s bag will be ready in the morning.