It’s no secret that parents looove to talk about parenting. And when one is sporting a big bump on their belly, it is essentially an open-ended invitation for unsolicited advice. 90% of the parenting tips I hear are not relevant to me or are simply awful, however!, some of those little gems actually paid off. It’s important to learn from people who’ve already been there and utilize their experiences to improve our own. Isn’t that why we study history in school? In honor of those selfless givers of wisdom, I am relaying their best parenting tips to you in hopes you, too, will benefit from even more unsolicited parenting thoughts from the seemingly insignificant to the seriously important.
1. When little babies have continual blowouts, go up a diaper size even if they technically still fit in the smaller size. Who told me: My sister (mother of two), after Waverley’s fifth blowout in one day.
2. Enjoy being pregnant. You will actually miss it. Who told me: Random lady at Whole Foods
3. Find childcare before the baby is born. Who told me: The physiatrist (and mother of two) that I used to work with
4. Use word-of-mouth to find a good babysitter and then treat her the best you can. Hang on to her for dear life! Who told me: Fellow Alaskan momma (mother of three)
5. Start exercising earlier rather than later, even if it involves just going for short walks. Who told me: The wonderful gal who did my nails in Maryland (mother of one)…I wish I would have listened!
Related: What I Wish I Knew About Having a Newborn
6. Be careful what you let them get away with as babies and toddlers, because those habits will grow increasingly difficult to break. Who told me: Waverley’s Godmother (mother of two)
7. When a babe exhibits strong signs of affection towards a blanket or lovey, quick! Buy it in multiples and then rotate them out every few weeks to ensure they are all equally worn. Then, when one is lost or dirty there is always a replacement. This. Saved. My. Life. Who told me: My sister.
8. Make sure to get in front of the camera with your kids every once in a while. Who told me: My Aunt Beth (mother to two)
9. Make keeping yourself happy and healthy a priority. Who told me: Waverley’s Godmother (mother of two)
10. Schedule regular date nights with your spouse. Who told me: EVERYONE! (mother of a million!)
I’d love to know, what random or unsolicited advice actually became invaluable to you?
#3 is so true! I started researching local daycares when I was only two months pregnant and visited our chosen one several times. When the day finally came to drop her off, I felt confident she was in great hands and it made that first day back to work so much easier. I don’t know if I buy into #2 yet. Maybe someday I will.
That was so smart of you! Moving during my maternity leave really made finding childcare difficult, so I wish I would have had your foresight. I totally buy into #2! I actually miss being pregnant, but I had a really smooth, peaceful pregnancy– our birth experience, though, is an entirely different story!
You are amazing for planning a move during pregnancy! Numbers 5, 9, and 10 are also SO true. I think we forget to take care of ourselves!