Top Ten Tips For Mama & Daddy

In honor of my niece's upcoming arrival Yea! I'm so excited I may be the one who needs diapers! I've prepared a list of tips for the new Mama. I'd love it if you would please leave your own tips for Kirby in the comments!

1.You can never have too many blankets when you have a poopy newborn that spits up all the time.

2. Sleepers with zippers are (waaaaay) better than buttons or snaps, especially in the middle of the night.

3. Share the doo-ties - And, I don't just mean the diapers. Many books suggest that daddy does the burping after mommy feeds. This will allow both parents to bond and also gives both a break. Whatever works for you, but definitely discuss how your family will typically handle the sharing  of the never-ending to do list.

4. Be patient. Babies pick up on your emotions and if your frustration leaks out, it will only make things worse. Practicing patience is totally not one of my strengths has helped me to relax in general.

5. Say "thank you" and "please." Being a parent is a lot of work without the little tyke giving you much credit so give each other some kudos. Not only is it a good reminder that your partner is walking alonside you, but they could probably use the encouragement that a kind word can bring just as much as you can.

6. The first bath is the hardest. It gets easier from there.

7. Trust your maternal/paternal instinct. Remember when Jack was super sick and I knew something was wrong in the morning, but didn't take him to the ER until late that night? We may not be doctors, but we do know our baby's attitudes, routines, etc. We can usually tell if something is wrong.

8. His way may be different, but that doesn't mean it's wrong. He will never feed the kids, play with the kids and definitely won't dress the kids the way you would; but daddy's way isn't wrong. It's just different. Unless baby girl is in danger or he asks for help, celebrate the way that daddy's are different. A daddy's love and care for a child shouldn't feel exactly like mama's anyway.

9. Get a good diaper bag. You will be using it everyday for a couple of years so make sure that it's going to work for you - whether that be backpack style, extra large pockets, etc. The diaper bag will be a great tool if you take advantage of it.

10. Everybody poops. I mean, we all make mistakes so don't take yourself to seriously. Instead, try to enjoy the wonderful chaos that is now your life. I'm excited to meet Lucy and I can't wait to see you make your own parenting blunders the parents you become.

Here are some other great tips for Daddy from a stay-at-home daddy.