Second time moms

jasmineluke

Hello all,
I love the diaper commercials where they show first time mom and second time mom actions ... How things just change with your second child after experience. All first time moms try to perfect everything / sanitize everything / stay on top of every little detail with their LO.
I thought it would funny to see what things second time moms look over or don't fret over with their LO's .... How has it changed since you had experience with your first born. Might help all us FTM's relax a little and take a breath!

JennaEllen

There's a 10 year age gap between my first and this little guy so while at times I feel like a FTM again I'm definitely alot more relaxed this time around. I know if we go out someplace, things move at a much slower pace, and that's okay! No more just running into the store to grab a gallon of milk. A trip to the mall turns into a mini vacation....lol. You have to factor in time to feed and change baby and pack up everything you may need. First time around, that was a huge adjustment for me. This time I know that it won't last long and I'm just enjoying the slower pace of things.

1stComesLove421

We put this one in our bed occasionally. She's colicky, sometimes it's the only way to calm her back down.

I'm also not afraid to let baby cry a few minutes while I get stuff done. With our first I never accomplished anything because I would hold her all day. I plan to get one of those slings and try babywearing this time!

MrsL32

This is our 3rd and I get more relaxed each time!! Baby can cry for a few minutes, and I've accepted that everything takes forever to complete. I'm not so strict about sleep locations/routines...I do whatever works! Naps in the swing, in our bed in the morning...whatever. Less homemade baby food, and in general, less stress! I know for sure that everything is a phase, and 'this too shall pass!'

jasmineluke

Great advice - definitely a reality check not to stress over every little thing. Go with the flow and realize this is temporary !

midge519

I pickup a dropped pacifier and stick it in my mouth to clean it when at home, parent choice diapers and wipes instead of name brand, just a blanket on the floor instead of a specific tummy time mat, more whining happens while I'm trying to do stuff, and knowing that it will get better helps my frustration this time.

tracij12

Honestly I was pretty relaxed with my first but I tried to control everything (it's just in my nature), but with this one I'm trying to just let things happen and enjoy them more. With DD1 I was obsessed about milestones and what other babies at the same age were doing. This time I just don't care. I'm obviously making sure she is progressing, but am not stressing out if she isn't rolling or reaching at an incredibly early age.

ChariZae

I have two in daycare and realize that this LO will get exposed to so much from them, so I'm not so paranoid about germs. I teach them not to touch his hands and to only kiss him on his head, but I know I can't keep him in a bubble. The girls have coughed on him and climb all over his stuff, but he is just fine and they are building his immune system.

Bingj

I'm a third time mom and I've definitely realized how everything is just a phase and it will different even a month from now. Things change so fast, difficult times pass quickly. The routine with my first little one was so specific and very detailed. I laugh thinking about it. Now I'm much more relaxed. I have breastfed all my babies, but with the first one he was always on my breast. I didn't trust my milk and always thought he was hungry. Now I can tell the difference between hungry, tired, gassy and with this baby I trust my milk and know he's getting what he needs.

Knottie1445378742

I have to admit I giggled a little at the thread about what App you use to keep track of how long the baby nursed, which side, etc. I remember recording everything with #1. This is #4, and I just feel each side to see which is heavier if I forget and don't even think about recording the length. She was 7 oz. above birth weight at her 2 week check up, so she's doing just fine in that department. When I took her to the appointment, we saw a ped we don't normally see. I heard the nurse talking to the doctor outside the door before he walked in and she said, "This is her 4th baby. That's why she's so relaxed." I don't know WHAT in the world made her think that after seeing me for just 2 minutes, but evidently it shows.

CocoR04

I had PP anxiety with my first, and didn't let anyone other than family visit for a long time. I was so paranoid about germs and illness. Sanitizing everything. With DD, I am not suffering from PPA (yet!) and I'm more relaxed about the daily, normal stuff. DS sneezed on her within 5 min of being home and I didn't freak out. That's huge.

I'm also adapting better to sleep deprivation. It's like my body remembers being sleep deprived for 15 months with DS (he didn't sleep) and I'm better at functioning now while exhausted.

The "this too shall pass" phrase is also true. Everything is a phase. Everything. Sleeping well? It's a phase. Waking up every hour? Just a phase. Reflux? Long phase. Things change so quickly!