Experienced Mothers-advice

[Anonymous]

If you had to do it all over again---what would you do differently in rearing your infant?

[Anonymous]

I would probably buy less stuff and clothes, but I would change nothing as it relates to child rearing.

[Anonymous]

I should have helped my kids learn to fall asleep on their own (I don't mean CIO necessarily) at a younger age (6-9 months-ish) because it's really hard when you wait until they're older than a year.

[Anonymous]

would not of bought a crib before birth, I bought two and never, ever used them.

[Anonymous]

For my first child, I would have learned more about babywearing and gotten a comfortable and gorgeous sling or carrier to wear. It would have made both of us so much happier! Luckily I knew a little better for baby #2.

[Anonymous]

i was a sahm who loved every minute....now....my last child is leaving for college.....gotta say i feel lucky. very lucky to have spent all these years on duty. i feel like all the car rides .... all the driving (and there was LOTS)....always being the mom who could be there....wondering what was happening at all those MEETINGS everyone had to attend.....i got the cupcakes to school, scheduled chaperones for field trips....girl/boy scout leader.....and I gotta say I feel happy to have had the privledge. i am about to look for a job "outside the home".......what are the chances???

[Anonymous]

Would have avoided buying the pretty basinet since dd hated it and wound up sleeping in crib from night one. (Also, the best thing I did was insist dd slept in a crib away from us since she is now two and does not even think about sleeping in the bed). I digress..I didn't sleep train and I regret that since I know so many people with kids sleeping through the night at four months when my dd did not sleep through night until 8 months and it was difficult. I wish I went to those mornning movie hours where moms can go see a movie and bring the baby with them. I love going to the movies esp. girlie ones that my hubby hates and I found out about that activity after dd was too old to sit still and I have not seen a movie in two years --yes I suppose I could go when we get a sitter but we have so little alone time that I cherish nights out just having dinner/drinks and talking.

[Anonymous]

I would have waited to buy the stroller until the kid was born.

I would have made DH get up more with her at night. I nursed exclusively and did all the night feedings. Next time I think I will try to work it out so I can pump a little and he can do some of the nighttime feedings.

I did go to the movie mom screenings, but I wish I'd gone to more! Once they can move, it doesn't work anymore. And it was awesome while it lasted.

But no significant regrets. I think you just do the best you can do at the time.

[Anonymous]

Looking back, I would have relaxed more in the newborn stage - gotten out more. I was essentially cooped up for the 3 months I was home on maternity leave (granted, it was winter), mostly because I was too concerned about my daughter crying in public or some such nonsense. Relax! They're babies. They sleep 99% of the time! Go have a coffee with your girlfriend, do some window shopping. More likely than not, your baby will be fine, actually enjoy the outing asa will you! And I second the nomination on the clothes buying ... you really don't need that much.

[Anonymous]

I wish I had focused much earlier on establishing good sleep habits. Not all children grow out of bad sleep habits, at least not for many years.

If you might be going back to work, I would try to get bottle-feeding established fairly early and keep it up (one bottle a day). We stopped for about 2 weeks while on vacation, and when I went back to work, the baby absolutely refused the bottle, which made for several more panicked days. Also, once baby will take a bottle, line up a trusted friend to sit with him/her and get out of the house by yourself for even just an hour or two. I absolutely wish I had taken more breaks.

Most of all, I wish I had been able to relax and enjoy those first few months. I really regret the fact that I spent most of my first child's infancy in an exhausted state of panic.

[Anonymous]

not quite what you're asking, but if I had to do it again, I would somehow suck up the cost of a babysitter and get out with my dh on regular dates.

[Anonymous]

I would some how figure out a way for them to have taken a bloody bottle.

[Anonymous]

I would've tried several different baby carriers, not just the stupid Bjorn, until I found one that worked for both of us. I had one of those babies that refused to be put down for six months ....

I would've insisted that we find the money somewhere, anywhere, even taken out home equity, to pay for a regular day-time babysitter for regular-but-short breaks for me. We didn't "have the money", husband never home, and I spent 24/7 with the baby until he was 14 months old. You read that right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would've tried several different baby carriers, not just the stupid Bjorn, until I found one that worked for both of us. I had one of those babies that refused to be put down for six months ....

I would've insisted that we find the money somewhere, anywhere, even taken out home equity, to pay for a regular day-time babysitter for regular-but-short breaks for me. We didn't "have the money", husband never home, and I spent 24/7 with the baby until he was 14 months old. You read that right.

I am with you, except that I had another baby when my daughter was 13 months old. I think my youngest was four or five months old before I had a couple of hours to myself, so I could go to church. I never did go to church though, I got coffee and a bagel instead. This wouldn't have happened if we weren't staying with my inlaws.

[Anonymous]

Bought less stuff.

Actually, this statement shouldn't be in the past tense, but also in the present imperative.

I should buy less stuff.

00:58 - that's really funny - "church" at the local starbucks. I got accused of going on too many errands (also at the local starbucks!)