I want to use this blog to talk about gifts for families with new babies.  I often help parents prepare for the birth of their first child.  A very common question is; what do we need and what can we live without?  Certainly there are must haves. (Car seat, safe place for baby to sleep, stroller) Then there are items that can easily be borrowed because they are used a short time.  (Baby swing, baby carriers, seasonal clothing)  I think my best resource on necessities has come from you, my clients.  I watch families and babies, and constantly ask parents what has been most useful for their life with baby.  Usually what families need is not WHAT, but WHO and WHEN.

At Nurturing Newborns, we offer help in the home with a new baby.  Now there’s a great gift idea!  I have wonderful, caring employees waiting in the wings to help with walking the dog, running the vacuum, cuddling baby while mom showers or takes a nap (gasp!), or we can even offer temporary night time support.  Along with our “hands on” support, we offer private infant care classes and consultation services that would make wonderful, thoughtful baby shower gifts for parents as they prepare for the birth.  Purchase a class, a sleep consult or an afternoon with an extra set of hands to help with baby (or babies)!  It will be greatly appreciated! 

Happy Parenting,
Susan

Several years ago, my sis and I took an afternoon to explore Mom’s recipe box.  She had her favorites (Sherry Beef Stew), and I had mine (Scotcheroos).  How I wish Mom could have been around to share with me the recipe for soothing a screaming baby!  I practiced (sorry first-born), and used a trial and error system (sorry second-born) and finally found my own recipe that was as unique as I am (lucky third and fourth-born).  I have learned to respect families’ unique recipes for parenting and offer support and encouragement to them, right where they are.  Remember.  Just as there is more than one good recipe for chocolate chip cookies (I’m a Toll House girl myself), there are many good recipes for baby soothing.  And the main ingredient is love.

Happy Parenting!
Susan

Let’s talk about expectations, met and unmet.  One of the most important topics I address in my infant care classes is preparation and expectations.  Parents have easy access to information about the care, health and development of their new baby.  Much of this knowledge is truly helpful and comforting to new parents.  However, too many times I see parents frustrated, discouraged and lacking the confidence they need to parent their infant, simply because the knowledge they have acquired seems to make no sense to the beautiful baby screaming in their arms.  Unmet expectations, fatigue, fear and lack of confidence can make parenting a new baby a frustrating experience.

As parents get ready to welcome their new baby, I encourage them to be realistic about the days ahead with their new baby.  Newborns are not miniature adults, and they are not just smaller babies.  They are unpredictable, unique, sweet, needy and oh so wonderful!  And now you know.  As you can see from the photo, there is nothing that can prepare you for the love and tenderness you feel as you hold your child for the first time.  


Happy Parenting,
Susan