October 2015 Moms

Grandparent books - Relearn how to "parent"?

Does anyone know of any books geared specifically towards grandparents about what they need to know when helping with a new grandbaby? My MIL will be providing a lot of childcare for us when I go back to work and a lot has changed since the last time she took care of a baby (my husband is an only child). I'm looking for a polite way to offer information to her to freshen up on parenting so our baby gets the proper care without offending her. Things like the baby sleeping on its back now instead of its stomach and not giving the baby water too early, etc. Some information that was considered right 30 years ago has been proven wrong and I just want my baby to be healthy and safe. :) Thanks!

Re: Grandparent books - Relearn how to "parent"?

  • The Grandparents; Handbook- Elizabeth Laban
    Today's Grandmother - Dr. Angela Bowen

    I got both of them for my mom when I had DD. Just as a way for her to know the current recommendations on sleep and vaccines. I also talked to the pediatrician at our interview and he gave me some helpful pamphlets on exactly what he would be telling us about vaccines and teething and sleeping and what not. That way I was able to be like, Hey Mom, look what the Dr gave me. Did you... 
    It worked great for us, and she was able to go with me to some of my daughter's well checks, so I could bring up those things to the pediatrician so she heard it first hand.

    This baby is DH's first, so I got the same things for my MIl and paln to talk to her frequently about it. She won't be keeping the bab, but we have some special circumstances, that make her understanding the safety of sleeping, vaccines,and her receiving ceertian vaccines very very important. i'm hoping it will go over as well as it did with my mom and my first MIL. They were both really hapy that I wanted them involved and was trying to get everyone on the same page in a respectful way. 

    Good luck!!
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  • Thanks @SarahAnne1101 ! "Today's Grandmother" looks like EXACTLY what I've been looking for! I really appreciate the recommendation!
  • No proble! It worked out great for us the first time around. I'm hoping it goes as well this time. 
  • Oh gosh. While I LOVE the idea of giving my mom some literature I worry it'd blow up in my face as it is she's already upset that I'm finding my own path with parenting advice. Is there a delicate way you ladies have thought of to approach the topic?

    Also, just for fun, today's great email string with her:
    Me: Check out this cool wrap I got, it went on sale!
    Mom: I think you should read that article I was talking about (She mentioned last week that she heard something about someone not recommending you swaddle babies past a certain age, or something, yes it was that vague.). I mean, that thing is really cool...but what is wrong w/ good ole fashion strength of your arms? Like your mom had to do, 3 times! 
    Me: I though the article you mentioned was about swaddling. Am I wrong? I've never heard anything about wearing babies being an issue-- basically it's in replacement for a stroller. This way they stay close to you, but you can still walk around and get housework/shopping/whatever done. 
    Mom: Oh, well, if you put them on the floor, while you clean, they will learn to crawl/walk much faster..

    (:|  Pretty sure it's not a good idea to put a newborn on the floor...but yea. 
  • OP What a great idea! My dear mother told me to make sure I registered for crib bumpers...

    @BBaires I know what you mean, my mother could not fathom why I would baby wear because it might hurt my back. This of course blows my mind because she said I had to be held by her at all times as an infant or I would scream.

    Unfortunately I think many of our Moms parented babies when the trends in parenting were not the best.
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