Traditional or Different?

You need to decide whether you want a traditional name or something completely different. You could opt for a traditional sounding name but spelt differently.

Consider switching and ‘i’ for a ‘y’ or an ‘s’ for a ‘z’. Never worry about what others think; choose a name that you enjoy listening to and saying.

Choosing from the Family Tree

You could opt for a name from the family tree although this isn’t a necessity. If your family has a tradition, consider adding a middle name if you really want to keep that going.

Your child can have two middle names if you’re struggling to decide on which side of the family to choose from or you really want another name in there.

Use Your Maiden Name in There

If you married and took your husband’s surname, you may worry about your maiden name dying out. You could opt for adding this as a middle name for a child.

This is a great way to keep it going temporarily for a later generation to trace your side of the family. This is also a great option if your surname means something important to you.

Pick a Name You Love from TV or a Movie

Maybe it is an actress or actor, or maybe a character in your favourite TV show. Choosing a name from the TV is a great way to name your baby.

However, you need to think about how the name will be taken in the future. You also need to think about what your child will think after learning he or she was named after a character!

Think About the Initials

Before settling on a full name, think about the initials. Do they spell anything? Children can be mean and if they work out the initials, they can come up with horrible nicknames based on them.

The most common is if you have a middle name with a vowel. Spell it out and think as children do.

Can It Rhyme Into Anything Mean?

Remember that children are mean and another way of teasing is to create a rhyme or find another word that rhymes with the name or nickname.

For example, Melinda can be shortened to Meli, which can lead to “smelly Meli”.

Pick a Name with a Meaning

Find a name that has a meaning that you cherish. For example, your baby may have been a miracle and you want to celebrate that with a word that means miracle in another language.

Parents are opting for names like “Nevaeh” which is heaven spelt backwards. You can have the unique name that is something important for you as a family at the same time.

Start as Early as Possible

The best thing to do is start early – there’s no perfect time to start than when you have a week-old newborn. Encourage bedtime by creating a routine of a bath and feed.

As your little one gets older, these stages will help him realise that it is time to go to sleep and not just a nap. Encourage him to sleep in his crib/cot/basket for naps instead of falling asleep on you to make it easier as he gets older.

Help Learn the Difference Between Night and Day

Your baby doesn’t know the difference at first. It’s up to you to teach this. Start by keeping the room dim at night and not talking during the feeds.

During the day, make sure the curtains are open so sunlight gets into the room and take your baby out more. Socialise with him so he realises that the day is not the time to sleep a long time.

Work With Your Baby

Your baby will give you cues of when it’s food time, the nappy needs changing or it is time for a nap. Watch out for these cues and work with your little one to create some type of schedule.

Not only will you create a routine but you will be able t anticipate issues. You will know when to have the food ready and be able to plan trips out to avoid coinciding with naptime.

Put Your Baby’s Needs First

Yes, you want to create a schedule that works with your needs but you need to put your baby’s needs first. Time your needs around that, whether it is feeding, sleeping or even getting a shower!

You want to avoid anything that will push your baby’s needs at least during the first couple of weeks, including feeds on the go and naptime while out.

Adjust as He Gets Older

As your baby grows up, his needs will change. He will become more sociable during the day and won’t need as many naps.

You need to adjust his routine to work with all that. Look out for the milestones that lead to these changes.

Accept There Will Be Deviations

There will be times that your little one deviates from the schedule. This often happens during milestones, such as cutting a tooth or a growth spurt.

There may be a few days that he needs to eat more or wants to sleep more. Go with the flow and adjust as you see fit.

Don’t Expect Your Baby to be Perfect

Nobody is perfect and no baby is going to stick to the routine you set perfectly.

If you expect this perfection, you’ll only be disappointed and feel like you’ve failed as a mum. Instead, accept that there will be times something doesn’t go to plan and come up with some contingency plans.

Get a Stable Buggy

While you want a buggy where the wheels move fairly easily, you need one that is stable for safety reasons. There are strollers that are designed for jogging.

While they cost a little extra, they are worthwhile if this is something you want to take up regularly. At first, buy a stroller that is stable and within your budget while you find out if this is something you enjoy.

Plan Your Route Beforehand

Don’t go out with the idea of choosing your route while you run. You don’t necessarily know if it is suitable for a buggy or manageable at your fitness level.

Plan your route out before you start running. You should determine how long you think it should take to make sure it works with your little ones’ schedule.

Don’t Run Before Nap/Food/Nappy Change Time

The best time to go for a run is when your little one has just woken up and has eaten. If you run when it’s coming up for food time or nap time, she’ll be cranky.

This won’t help you enjoy your run and you’ll feel pressured to finish it earlier or cut part of it out.

Start Off Slow

Allow yourself to build your workout up, as you would normally. Not only will this help to avoid injury, it will avoid issues that could stop you caring for your little one.

Remember that running with a buggy is going to be harder than running normally. Plan ahead for that with your route, preparing beforehand and then build up your training as you get fitter.

Think About the Weather

Plan ahead for all different types of weather. While you may be fine running in the rain, your baby will hate it and it will lead to him getting ill. Make sure you have a rain cover that is suitable for the buggy.

This will also protect against the wind. You should also make sure your baby is dressed for the weather at the time.

Pack Snacks and Toys

Treat this as any normal outing and make sure you have snacks, toys, drinks and a change of nappy.

This will keep your little one happy the whole way round so you’re not constantly checking the clock to get back for something. It may mean stopping along the way but it will be better to get the full workout in.

Think About Your Posture

It’s easy to slump over the handle bars while running but this is bad for your posture. Focus on your posture you so get the maximum benefit.

You won’t hurt as much afterwards and will be able to enjoy the time with your little one.

Make It Part of Your Routine

It needs to become part of your routine as soon as possible. This way she will get used to it and enjoy it more. Make it part of the bedtime routine as a bath is relaxing and soothing.

You can also add a baby massage afterwards to help with the relaxation and calming down. Your little one will eventually get used to the water.

Keep the Room Warm

Wherever you are doing the bathing needs to be warm. Babies lose heat so quickly and will hate the feeling – wouldn’t you?

Make sure it is at a reasonable temperature, even if that means turning the heating on for the time being.

Get rid of any drafts from the window, even if it means temporarily taping over the vents.

Avoid Bubble Baths at First

Water is enough to clean your newborn baby so avoid all those products that you see “designed for babies”.

They are linked to problems with the skin as well as bladder infections. Avoid baby soaps as these will dry your baby’s skin out.

Don’t Rush It

Remember that this is a time for bonding so don’t rush the experience, no matter how much your little one screams. The best way for her to get used to it is to know that you are relaxed and it is fun.

Run the water over her body and take the time to wash into all the little folds in the skin. You’ll be surprised at how many there are and where infections can occur!

Get a Baby Bath or Small Washing Up Bowl

Buy a washing up bowl or baby bath specifically for this job. It helps to offer some security for your baby, since there isn’t as much space around.

Place it somewhere comfortable and stable, such as on the bathroom floor or dining room table.

As your little one becomes more aware, you could put it somewhere with a mirror so she can see herself – babies love faces.

Keep the Nappy On Until Necessary

Don’t put your baby straight into the bath. They tend to wee everywhere as soon as the nappy is removed and this causes problems for washing afterwards.

Do all the cleaning and wash the hair. Only then is it time to wash the area underneath the nappy.

Never Leave Your Baby

As your baby gets older, she will start to sit up and be more independent in the bath. This doesn’t mean you can leave her unattended; even if she is in a bath seat!

You never know what will happen and it just takes a few seconds for your baby to drown. Stay there the whole time and bond further.

Remembering Everything for Their Little One

Before going out on a trip, there are many things you need to take: spare nappies, wipes/cotton wool, change of clothes, bottles, snacks, etc.

You’re not used to packing so much for something so small and it takes time to develop that routine.

Many new mums say they feel like they’ve made it when they remember everything their baby needs for a trip out.

Sleeping Through the Night

Another sign that you are there is when your little one is sleeping through the night. This happens at different stages and isn’t a major thing for some mums – they don’t mind getting up or expect to.

There are times that babies won’t sleep through the night though, such as teething and being ill, so watch out.

Having a Change of Clothes

Babies make messes, whether it is a leaking nappy or throw up. Having a change of clothes right when you need it is a great sign.

It shows you’re preparing for the inevitable. Having two sets of clothes to change into is even better for some!

Knowing Your Baby’s Cues

Your baby will make cues when she wants picking up, wants food or is sleeping. Learning these cues is one thing that women regularly state as a sign that they’ve made it as a mum.

It helps with avoid temper tantrums by being overtired or a delay in getting food to the baby on time, which leads to a very stress-free mummy.

Creating a Routine

Routines are excellent for babies but it can take time to create one. Whether it is a bedtime routine or one throughout the day, this is often a sign women say means they’ve made it.

There is no set routine. Some babies have a bath-bottle-bed routine on a night while others have a story read to them before bed. Do what works for you.

Staying on Top of the House Work

Another popular sign is when you can stay on top of the house work.

It always seems like there is something to do, whether it is bottles or the laundry. Staying on top of it throughout the day is all part of your routine.

For the Parent/Guardian

Some women don’t quite feel like mums until they receive that letter addressed to the parent/guardian of their child.

This is something in writing from another body/individual that they’ve made it. Another is the permission slips if your child is at a day care or nursery.

You Don’t Have to be Superwoman!

Things will go wrong. You’ll forget a change of clothes or you’ll spill mil everywhere! Your baby may cry when out in public and not want to sleep, no matter how tired she is.

That’s just the way it is. You don’t need to be superwoman so don’t put that pressure on yourself! Go with the flow; you’ll laugh about it in the future.

Say Yes to Help

Like being superwoman, you don’t need to do everything yourself.

There will be people offering help, whether it is to hold the baby while you bring the car around when it’s pouring down with rain or to help carry the buggy down the stairs.

You can – and should! – say yes when people offer the help. You’ll be surprised by how easier it is.

Meet Up with Your Friends

Being stuck inside the house with a newborn isn’t fun. Yes, you need to catch up on sleep but you also need to get out of the house and socialise.

Arrange to see your friends or family members; they will want to see the little one anyway. If you can’t get out for any reason, ask them to come over and bring snacks so you can catch up on the gossip.

Let Things Wait

The grass doesn’t need cutting. The washing up can wait. This is a special moment for you and your newborn.

When you get a chance, spend some time together just snuggling up on the couch. This helps her settle as she will hear the familiar heartbeat and will help you bond with her.

Let Hubby Take Her for a While

Get some time to yourself and let your partner look after the newborn for a while.

You could go to the spa or just catch up on sleep! This is a great chance for your partner to bond with his new baby and for her to get used to daddy!

Allow Yourself Time to Adjust

Similar to the fact that you’re not superwoman, this isn’t something that comes naturally for all; no matter how much you’d like it to.

There’s no instruction manual and every baby is different. Give yourself time to adjust to having a new person in the house and to the schedule that she decides to set.

Alternate the Nights

If you have a partner with you on the night, try alternating the nights. This works best if you’re willing to combine feeding with breast and bottle.

It allows one of you to get a full night’s sleep – although you’ll probably wake up anyway (all mums do!).

Not only are women attempting to consider themselves to be friends of their children, over parents of their children, but many parents are now condoning behavior that had typically been considered inappropriate. The results of such misconstrued boundaries?

Children are now entering adulthood with an unfortunate perspective that they not only are overly important, have some unfortunate sense of deserving what they have not yet worked for, and that they can make life altering mistakes that their parents, and mothers, to be more specific, will help them fix and manage. The issues are clearly detrimental to the later portion of the lives of these children, yet many facets of American culture and media have allowed for such disheveled views to become the norm.

MTV has been no stranger to the idea of teenage pregnancy, with such shows as “Sixteen and Pregnant” and “Teen Mom”. Unfortunately, these shows are glorifying the idea that a young woman can get pregnant, have no money or stability, is unlikely to have the support of the child’s father, but that their parents will assist them not only financially, but in caring for this following generation.

There is a characteristic that many of the guests that are on this show have in common, though, which is that they never established boundaries with their children, boys or girls, so that teenage pregnancy could be avoided.

While many teenagers have certainly proven throughout history that despite parental boundaries, they are going to do whatever they feel as though they want to do, but there is a current uproar in the number of teenage pregnancies, likely due to the misinformation and lack of boundaries by the parents of the teenagers.

In addition, children are now growing up with an unnatural sense of entitlement, which is proving to be disastrous when they enter the work force. When interviewing company executives who may be responsible for the hiring of new employees, it is not surprising to find that many executives are hesitant to hire the younger generations who are now entering the job market, despite the credentials and qualifications.

The reasoning being, as reported, that these younger individuals have no value on hard work and putting in the necessary amount of effort to be a success within an industry. Children these days are being coddled to the point that they believe that the world owes them something, despite all of the hard work that even their parents have put forth to gain whatever assets they may have.

The reality of the situation is hard to believe, but incredibly accurate when researched. Children are not being raised with appropriate boundaries that are going to set them on the right path to success after they enter the adult world. Parents need to begin making a valiant effort to supply their children with these boundaries, not only to ensure their success, but to ensure that the parents are not forced to manage the mishaps that may be created by their children.

Find a Mum and Baby Group

All cities and towns have a mum and baby group, no matter how small it is. Many of these groups will have children up to nursery age there and supply toys for babies of all ages to play with. They are run by mums for mums and are a great way to get out of the house, socialise and encourage your children to play with others.

Find Other Baby Groups in the Area

Mum and baby playgroups aren’t the only option. Take a look at all the other baby groups in the area, including nursery rhyme groups, bibles studies and baby massage. These are all chances to interact with other mums and get advice on your most nagging issues.

Get Out to the Park

Take your newborn for a trip out to the park. As he or she gets older, allow playtime on the jungle gym or climbing frame, where other children are playing. You will soon find that you make friends with the other children’s mums who are doing the exact same thing!

Arrange for a Babysitter

Hire a babysitter so you can get out of the house every now and then. If you’re not quite ready to leave your child with a stranger yet, talk to family members so you can get out with your friends – you do deserve some ‘me’ time or ‘couple’ time. Once a month is a great way to start and then you can look at doing it more often.

Set a Day Aside Just for You

If you have a partner, set a day where he looks after your child and you get a day to yourself. This could be to go back to the gym to see your friends or just to go for coffee with a close family member. If you’re a single mum, find someone to look after your child for the day every now and then so you can get out. Make the day all about you, even if it’s just a trip to the spa for some pampering.

Join a Group

During your alone time, find a group that you can join. There may be arts and crafts in your area or a dance group. Do something fun that has other people around to help make new friends.

Take Your Baby to Swimming Classes

It’s never too early to get your baby into the water. In fact, the sooner, the better to get used to it. Take your baby to classes where there are other new mums so you can all socialise together.