Today’s post I’m sharing some of the Mom tips and tricks that I have learned in the first 6 months of motherhood that have helped me along the way. Some I wish I would have known about before the little guy came along. I have loved every second of being a mama, there really is no better role in the world! With that being said, there are always going to be those days that are a little more rough than others, and adjusting to motherhood and a new normal is just part of the process. Being that Maurice is my first child, it took me until about 3-4 months to really feel comfortable with what I was doing and get some sort of a routine in place. These are some of the mom tips I have learned along the way to help make life a little easier.
Mom Tip #1. Get Ready or Tackle That To Do List While They Are Asleep
One thing everyone told me to do was to nap while the baby naps. If you’re a good napper and feeling the newborn sleep deprivation, than I say absolutely go for it. For me napping just doesn’t happen! All I can think about are all the things I need to get done or stare at the dishes in the sink that are piling up. His first nap of the day I will usually get myself ready for the day. I always feel so much more awake and accomplish much more in the day when I’m dressed and ready. His other two naps I’m tackling things I have on my to do list or straightening things up around the house.
Mom Tip #2. Meal Prep, Food Delivery and Curbside Pickup Will Be Your Lifesavers!
The first couple of months are so hectic and all over the place, the last thing you will want to be doing is running to the grocery store! Three services that have literally been life savers for us have been Hello Fresh (or any boxed dinner delivery service), Whole Foods grocery delivery and Target curbside pickup. Oh and definitely cannot forgot Amazon Prime!! Another tip, if your cooking meals, make enough to have extras for the week so you don’t have to constantly spend time cooking. Believe me when I say your time will be very limited for this kind of stuff!
Mom Tip #3. Look Into Sleep Training Ahead Of Time
Obviously I’m not saying to start sleep training your baby the second they come out of the womb, but it’s definitely not a bad idea to get a head start on knowing different strategies to implement when your child is old enough. There are also little things you can start doing while they are young to help better prepare them for when the time comes to start sleep training. I wish I had read up on this before he was born, we just started doing sleep training because at 6 months he was still waking up in the middle of the night. If there’s one thing I have learned the last couple of months is that babies really do thrive on a schedule. You’ll thank yourself when you’re actually getting a full nights sleep again! I’m working on a blog post for this that will be up in the next few weeks, stay tuned!
Mom Tip #4. Register For or Buy the Baby Bjorn and a Baby Carrier
I honestly almost didn’t register for the Baby Bjorn chair, but I’m so glad I ended up doing so. I would put Maurice in his Baby Bjorn when I was getting ready for the day or trying to get something done in the kitchen and he was happy and entertained at the same time. It’s so convenient because it’s nice and light and can be moved from room to room. Another item that helped me get things done around the house was the Solly Baby Wrap. I would wear him around while I was cooking or straightening up the house and it was so much easier to accomplish things with two free hands!
Mom Tip #5. Talk To Your Partner About a Schedule and Duties Before Baby Comes
One thing that was a huge adjustment for Mo and I, and at times became a bit of a struggle was not being able to just pick up and go. We were both so used to being able to do what we wanted whenever we wanted, but with a new baby around, that just wasn’t the case anymore. I think it’s important to discuss what each persons role will be and setup a rough schedule for when baby arrives so that you’re better prepared and there is a good balance for each parent. There are going to be times where each of you needs some alone time for yourself, talking about this ahead of time helps to make sure you’re both on the same page. Remember you’re a team and doing this together!
Mom Tip #6. Connect With Other Moms
I think it’s so important to spend time with other women that are in the same position as you because they get it! They’re trying to navigate motherhood as well and can offer great advice or just listen. It makes some of those hard moments feel a little less lonely and I have learned some great mom tips this way! One thing to remember though is that every baby is different, so don’t do the comparison game if your baby isn’t hitting that milestone the same time or sleeping through the night yet. Eventually they will get there, it’s not a competition!
Mom Tip #7. Take a Ton of Photos/Videos and Cherish Every Single Second!
When I hear people say time flies with a child, they’re not kidding! I honestly feel like I blinked and he’s already 6 months old. There are days I could literally cry thinking about bringing him home as a newborn because it feels like just yesterday. One day I was packing up his newborn clothes that didn’t fit anymore and literally shedding tears! I have tried to cherish every single moment with my sweet boy, even those rough days and sleepless nights because I know one day I’m going to wish I could have them back.
These last 6 months have been so much fun and full of so much love! I have loved watching this little guy grow and experiencing every little milestone. Mamas, what are some good mom tips to know for the months ahead??
