Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/353546
32 Hudson Valley Baby Guide K erry Colburn has found over 300 common-sense tips to help keep sane during those early days with baby. Here are ten we just love. 1) Nap when your baby naps. There's a reason it's the oldest parenting advice on the planet. 2) Keep your stroller basket stocked with a changing pad or blankie, diaper and bag of wipes. That way, you don't always have to check, stock or even lug your diaper bag for short trips. 3) If your child has a "lovey" (a toy or blankie he cannot live without), do yourself a favor and buy a spare one. Keep it hidden in the closet until the inevitable "lost lovey" scenario transpires. 4) Try to wean yourself off the monitor, especially if your baby's room is nearby. Babies make a lot of noises when they sleep and you'll go bonkers if you try to listen to and evaluate each one. It's much better to be rested when they really need you. 5) Go out to eat at odd hours. Eating Chinese food at 3pm means no one in the restaurant hears your kid fussing and you get great service. 6) Save yourself grooming headaches by trimming bangs, fingernails, and toenails while your kid is asleep. This works especially well in the car seat, when baby is often sacked out and strapped in, sitting upright. 7) Let go of the idea of trying to keep your house quiet. There's no need to stress about doorbells, phones, the TV, guests or even the vacuum if your baby (who likes ambient noise anyway) gets used to the sounds of the house from the beginning. 8) Don't ditch your old phone, TV remote control, wallet, camera, or set of keys…these will be the best, most distracting toys you ever gave your child. Save them for moments when you really need them. 9) Avoid asking your child a question when you mean to make a statement. You can open the door to a debate when there shouldn't be one. Say, "Okay, it's time to get in the car," not "Are you ready to get in the car?" Remember, you are in charge, and something as simple as syntax can reinforce this. 10) Kids' music is fine now and then, but come on! Put your own music into rotation from the get- go, and your whole family will be happier. Your child benefits from a variety of musical styles, and you benefit from not listening to Barney while stuck in traffic. Ten sanity saving tips for new moms Author, Kerry Colburn, invites readers to send their time-saving tips to her at secondchildfirst.com