STM + Tips for FTM

jesrude

Hi All,

This thread might exists on this board else where.  If so, I'm sorry for the duplication.  But I thought it would be fun to share any tips we may have for each other and FTM's.  Plus, we can always learn more from anyone so this could be fun!  I know I'm no expert and there are awesome tips out there.

post your favorite maternity, hospital, newborn, etc. down below!

jesrude

One of my favorite tips for kids of any age/stage is making their fitted sheets in multiple layers. i.e. waterproof mattress cover then fitted sheet and repeat 1-2 times. Makes changing the bed in the middle of the night so quick and relatively painless.

I was also told to hold off on any major changes to my hair for 6-12 months.  Some times parenthood can gobble us up and we want to reclaim our individuality but sometimes make drastic decisions.

missphil

Waterproof mattress protector under your sheets as well- its 20 bucks on Amazon. We initially got it in case my water broke in bed. But it has saved our mattress from many diaper leaks, spit ups and vomiting. We still use them today thank god because after bath last night, my 20 month old  wiggled out of the towel, went to sit right next to my pillow and promptly peed on my bed. No problem- sheets and waterproof protector went straight to the laundry. You can wash them a hundred times I believe. The one we have is the Priva high quality ultra waterproof sheet and mattress protector

jesrude

@missphil yep! I've used waterproof covers on my beds for as long as I can remember!  No ruined mattress from the bloody baron coming in the middle of the night etc. They are such a  great investment. 

elcd458

Do the waterproof covers make you sweaty?  We've never used any kind of mattress protector because DH is so hot natured and worries it'll make the bed too warm/sticky to have that type of fabric or material underneath, but it does seem like a really good idea...

missphil

@elcd458 I have asked myself that because I do sometimes feel slightly sweaty. But the fabric does seem breathable so I'm not sure. The one I have though is not bed size- it's smaller so my husband isn't on top of it- Just me (I place it under the fitted sheet). Which is great because it's small enough to wash in a regular washing machine but big enough to catch any liquids even if you move around 

failuretofly

@elcd458 we have a mattress protector on our whole bed, we got it from the mattress store when we bought it, and you'd never know it. It's so soft and breathable. Though I probably wouldn't trust it to catch amniotic fluid, but it's a nice back up. 

muskratbaby

Thanks for the tips!

jesrude

@elcd458 I naturally sleep VERY hot and haven't noticed any extra heat when I sleep in my bed or other beds that have waterproof liners vs. those that don't. I'm hot regardless.

cait5413

On our STM+ check-in this week, the GTKY is things you did to prep for baby that you would/wouldn't repeat, so some of that may be interesting to FTMs!

Tennis11785

+1 for waterproof mattress protectors.  I bought a bunch last year when my dog was peeing on our beds, like daily.  I haven't noticed us sleeping any hotter or them being uncomfortable.  Just a lifesaver when the dog does pee!