First Time Mom Mistakes

I started this website as a nurse and first time mom, 5 years ago. I found it hard to find ALL of the Baby/Kid/Mom practical tips I wanted to see in one place. I am really happy to have such a broad collection of tips to share, from Post Partum Tips to the best places to visit in California and Anthropologie Dupes!

As part of my 5 year anniversary, I’m sharing some of my favorite hacks that I’ve re-learned after 3 kids and 5 years of being a mom. Enjoy!

What is something you were either too anal about or didn’t know about as a new mom?

BABY MITTENS

First Time Mom Mistake:

  • Newborn Mittens

Why not:

“Using mittens or socks on their feet reduces sensory input to the baby’s brain as their movements are restricted and their skin is not open to feel things. Babies need to get lots and lots of sensory input from their bodies and especially from their palms which are richly supplied with touch receptors” (Yearling House). “Bluish and cool hands and feet are normal on healthy infants, and the cool sensation of extremities likely do not bother baby at all. Plus, good early nail trimming can avoid scratches—avoiding the need for mittens altogether” (AAP).

Third Time Mom:

  • Save your money and registry space.

BABY HATS

First Time Mom Mistake:

Hats, Hats, Matching Hats!!

Why Not: The American Academy of Pediatricians issued this advisory, “Given the questionable benefit of hat use for the prevention of hypothermia and the risk of overheating, it is advised not to place hats on infants when indoors except in the first hours of life or in the NICU” (Sleep Related Deaths).

Third Time Mom:

  • Save the hats for outdoor walks.

STERILIZING BOTTLES

First Time Mom Mistake:

  • Sterilizing Bottles

Why Not: You only need to sterilize bottles ONCE before first use. Being a mom is filled with exhausting and repetitive chores but sterilizing bottles before each use does NOT need to be one of them (unless you have a baby in the NICU and Dr has advised otherwise). After each use, use hot and soapy water with a dedicated bottle brush to clean.

To sterilize prior to first use: Fill a large pan with water and completely submerge all washed feeding and preparation equipment, ensuring there are no trapped air bubbles; cover the pan with a lid and bring to a rolling boil, making sure the pan does not boil dry, then remove with tongs and allow to air-dry (WHO).

Third Time Mom:

  • Scentless Bottle wash so the bottles and toddler cups don’t taste like soap (I like Dapple)

  • Sterilizing wipes to clean and reuse bottles, pacifiers and Breast Pumps and more on-the-go (I love Medela)

BOTTLE WARMER

First Time Mom Mistake:

  • Bottle Warmers

Why not: If baby only drinks warm milk, then if you are out of the house, they may not drink bottles at room temperature.

Third Time Mom:

  • Stock bottled water in the car with a Sport Cap to make bottles on-the-go

WIPE WARMER

First Time Mom Mistake:

  • Wipe Warmers

Why Not: For the same reason as bottle warmer, if the baby is used to a warm wipe, they may be very uncomfortable having a regular wipe used on the go

Third Time Mom:

  • Buy Wipes in bulk from Costco (I like the RICO baby wipes from Korea)

Swim diaper:

Only holds poo poo. FYI. So don’t put a swim diaper on your baby too early and put them in the car seat, etc.

Other Tips: Use a Sharpee to write “Pee Pee” on the cap and bottle to save for emergencies in the car.

BabyTraci Clarkbaby, mom, momlifeComment