I'm a new mom too-- mine is a few weeks younger than yours. The best trick I have found is to make a crib lasagna! Basically, you layer a sheet, a wet pad (or waterproof mattress pad), a sheet, a wet pad, etc. ending with a sheet on top. I use 4 sheets and three wet pads between them. In the night, when my daughter spits up/has a blowout, it makes cleanup SO much easier! You just take off the top sheet and wet pad, chuck them in the laundry bin, clean up the baby, and voila! What would normally be a fairly annoying disruption at 3am and take a long time to fix, is easy peasy and takes less than 5 minutes. The best part is that you don't have to turn the lights on and wake up your little one!! We've only had to take advantage of this a few times, but man oh man, it's been a lifesaver! I did it by nightlight and my daughter never really woke up-- nothing a bottle wouldn't fix. :) We also do this on our changing table using smaller wet pads (or a puppy pad in a pinch!) and covers.
I don't remember much of a routine, especially with my first. But strategies---those I used. My #1 was breastfeeding on demand, so no bottles to clean and always something to offer a fussy baby no matter where we were. Plus, a really tiny diaper bag because, again, no bottles. We used cloth diapers that my mom bought us because we had no money at all, and the velcro diaper covers were a godsend. I also used a Dr. Sears baby sling with my first because he pretty much cried for the entire "fourth trimester", so I strapped him to me when I did any housework or when we went out. Also, I figured out the places with the best accommodations for nursing moms--I'm all for nursing in public, but he would get so distracted by all the people, it helped to have quiet places to feed him. At any rate, he survived--he's 24 now. Enjoy her--it goes SO fast!
Babywearing (I LOVE ring slings for the first year, happy baby happy mama), cloth diapering, breastfeeding mom here too. For on-the-go cloth wipes, a small squirt bottle with a drop of baby shampoo works great to wet the wipes! Just toss in that wet bag when done. Also exclusively breastfed baby poo is water soluble... so easier to clean! And modern cloth diapers are much less likely to have poo-splosions. 😉 I'm a mom of 4 (8,6,4 and 1)
No routine for us either. He’s five now. But it was constantly babywearing. Nursing on demand. Until we came across issues and ended up mix feeding. With a reflux Bub he couldn’t take a whole bottle. So he would have a quarter bottle here. A half bottle there. Very expensive way of feeding, but I basically just followed his cues. If he was hungry, I fed him. Just gotta make sure you don’t over feed with formula. Breastfeeding though? Boob is ALWAYS the answer. We also loved our slings, especially the waterproof one that I often wore in our pool or the shower. For General day to day stuff, we just used a woven wrap. My koala baby was attached to my back for the first four years. Because sometimes you just gotta get shit done. I will say that not everyone has the luxury to pack lightly. I didn’t drive and when I was FF, I had to pack bottles, multiple changes of clothes, medications. That’s for a trip to the shopping centre (mall). Luckily I had a glorified shopping trolley (stroller) to carry my luggage. 😂😂
Missybrown we used changing pads that we got for an absolute steal in Aldi :) Their Mamia range is awesome - used to buy pampers but theirs are half the price and possibly even better!
You always post your Saturday videos right before my 2 year old’s nap, so we watch them together and about five minutes in she’s usually out cold. Thank you! 😆
Great suggestions! My first child is now 34 ... but as an infant she cried so much ... everyone back then called it colic ... but now after 6 grandchildren, I'm learning that many babies have a difficult time digesting dairy protein - It's delivered from the mother to the child through her breast milk. My two daughters and my daughter-in-law had to give up dairy during the first 9 - 12 months... then slowly introduce it. My neighbor down the street had to do this as well... Back in the days when I was a young mother, doctors told us to drink lots of milk while breastfeeding! Can you just imagine!!!
TheGratitudeAttitude I had the same problem with my second baby. He was really fussy. Cried a lot, gassy, even had a rash on his face. It was the cows milk protein, from the milk I was drinking. I’ve learned that cat’s milk is for cats. Dogs milk for dogs, pig milk for pigs and cows milk is for cows. Humans need human milk, or something man-made. No cows milk for people. (Although I still drink it 🙈)
So, so, true! My father was from Sicily and could never understand why my mother fussed with bottles when the breast was "ready to go," the perfect formula, and perfect temperature!!! LOL
Whenever I came home with my baby and it was asleep in the pram, I took the upper part of the pram with the baby in it and put it on the table on our balcony. This way I could take off my coat, put away the groceries, wash my hands, sit down for a couple of minutes and relax until the baby woke up. Because when it's winter and the baby wears thick clothes and you let it sleep inside the house, it will wake up and cry because it feels uncomfortable because it is too warm. And if you try to take off the baby's coat, it will wake up and be grumpy, too. My ground rules with kids: Don't wake sleeping kids. Don't disturb playing kids. Let them do what they can do on their own. Let them help if they want to.
Brianna Douglas no. The cold itself doesn’t cause colds or sickness. More people get sick during the winter because everyone is inside, breathing the same recycled air.
My son just graduated from high school so it has been a while. We used cloth diapers and Velcro closure covers, a wet bag for dirties and washcloth wipes at home. I only used disposable diapers if we were on a multi-day road trip and didn’t have laundry facilities handy. Breastfed with formula supplement as needed so used bottles but not all that many. Yes, laundry almost daily. Yes, kept my diaper bag packed and ready to go. Yes, kept diaper supplies handy in a couple locations including my parents house which was just up the street so we could spend time there without toting a diaper bag every time. I used to be able to put a diaper, small pack of wipes and a ziplock bag in my purse and go out for short outings comfortably. Loved the minimalist parenting.
Puppy pads make GREAT disposable changing pads and are good for a extra layer of protection on the changing table. I love using them on public bathroom changing tables too.
It isn’t every day someone is blessed with brains and beauty , wit & charm. I watch your videos because the output of your info is a mix of well thought out intellectual truths and most applicable when implemented into practice. AkA- it’s not a waste of time to tune into your orbit.Plus your baby is super cute and she made me smile- and that happens about as often as I clean the food trap on my dishwasher. ❤️you! Keep it up.
My babies are now 46 and 42! After reading through the comments I laugh and wonder how they ever grew up! Relax mommies! They will grow up in spite of us! Love your videos!
Great video for New Mums, 38 years ago we didn't have All the gadgets that are around now, We had only cloth nappies, to sterilise you added a tablet into a container to do the babies bottles 🍼, I would hose the soiled nappies of any poop on them before putting them into a bucket to soak with a nappy solution, and Husbands weren't as hands on as they are now Lol 😂, Good Job Chad. Riley is growing so fast, enjoy your time with her this little before she grows up so fast. Much Love from Nellie from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺💞💞
Congrats! When we traveled we carried the pajamas with us and before we headed home we changed our kids into their pajamas. That way , if they fell asleep in the car all we had to do was get them straight to bed without waking them to change their clothes. Worked from newborn until 5 years old. Saved us lots of time.
You had a baby!!!! Yay!!! I have been following you for a year and a half and always wondered WHEN Baby would come! Congratulations! So excited for you.
You are super organized! Mom of 3 you made me chuckle. I used to be very conscious of stains and now I really don't worry about them unless it's something special. I use washable changing pads over my nice pad cover instead of paper towels. One mom hack is to have a car bin with diapers, wipes, extra clothes, sun hat, sun screen, snacks, pacis, etc. Less to carry in the diaper bag -#3 I usually don't even carry one since there's so much other stuff to carry, but know it's all very close by if I need it!
I have two kids, young kids, and that paper towel on the changing pad is a great idea. I used to clean their bottom then have to clean the pad, and maybe their legs and backs, depending on how messy it is. If I did that my life would have been so much easier. Oh, and I love your shirt!
Melissa, Can you please make a video for people who have disabilities or chronic illnesses? Small appliances/tools that help with everyday cleaning? Some tips on how to keep the house clean when you dont have much energy . Also, tools that help people clean hard to reach spaces if you are unable to climb a small ladder. Thank you! Love your videos!!!
Thanks for the tips. I'm a ftm-to be, due in august so I enjoyed these tips and the tips from others in the comments. I agree about a baby doesn't need a lot of clothes and doing more laundry is better. Riley is super adorable!
I found it helpful to create multiple small bags for all the toiletries babies need such as powder, diaper cream. I bought plastic storage bagged and stashed one in my car, diaper bag etc. That way is something spilled or lost its lid it wasn't all over everything. I also created a bin for my trunk with diapers, blankets and extra clothes I'd add in the toiletries bag but take it out if the weather was hot so the contents wouldn't spoil. Also always had baby sunblock with me all times. Baby sunblock balm is purse-sized. Love the video
using the doggy bags is brilliant, I had done it too. I have a ton of them left over when my dog passed away. I used them like you for the grandkids poopoo diapers, I use them for sanitary napkins and incontinence pads in the bathroom, as insert in a small compost can in the kitchen, in the pulp bin of the juicer and in a small trash can in the car. they are VERY useful.
A baby sling keep your hands free and sanity in check. I did the kon mari method with my second born in a sling, then when he wanted to play i would fold and organize next to him on the mat on the floor. Getting simple cleaning, cooking and organizing not to mention getting myself fed and to the bathroom was so much easier with the sling.
You are definitely a cleaning super woman, all these tricks took me a a year or more to find out( and some I found out today after watching your video) and you figured it all out in 9 weeks!
Wet bags are so handy. I pack up old ziploc bags or plastic grocery bags if I have them on hand. They also make disposable changing pads. They are blue, like puppy pee pads. They are handy for all the messes when babies are newborn or for public restroom diaper changes!
Riley is so sweet! I have a 5 year old and a 10 month old. The biggest tip I can give, (And of course I love to!), is expect the unexpected! I had no idea they could remember SO much from the Very beginning, but they really DO start learning right away! You just can't tell right away. My first was speaking in four word sentences at 14 months. This new one is telling me things with words and signs! All you have to do is give your baby attention and boom, they're happy. Or you just change the subject going on their mind, and wah lah. The crying instantly stops. In the first three months, that doesn't seem to work so well, but it does after those initial months! Of course they still cry, but fill a balloon. Balloons are Perfect for changing the mindset of a crying baby! They see that slow floating object and they can hit it and watch it fly too. Just don't let her bite it once she has teeth. You don't need to be afraid of balloons if you are watching your kid while they are playing with them. It is just if it pops, and a piece happens to fly into the mouth, that you need to know how to save your child. So, like I said, no biting. :) Btw, that terrible scenario never did happen to me.
"this is the result of that situation" ..... absolutely loved it! Alsmost choked on my drink but sooo worth hearing that (i'll just blame my bad timing)
Congrats on the baby girl! My baby girl is 4 weeks old. I am looking forward to more tips and videos. I have a mesh laundry bag on my baby's hamper. When I have small dirty items like socks or mittens I put them in the bag. Then zip the bag and toss it in when I do the laundry. That way I don't have to search for all the small items when the laundry is done.
Omg i think our babies were born only a few days apart!! Breast is best so I’m so happy to hear you’re at the least part time nursing. I put a swaddling blanket under my daughter when i change get that way I can just wash it instead of wasting paper towels. Great video 🖤
I always made sure to pack an extra shirt for myself along with a change of clothes for the kids, and keep everything in plastic baggies to stay organized and to prevent damage from leaks
Both of you girls are soooo pretty! When my daughter was a newborn, she wore cloth diapers, but the daycare ladies didn’t know how to use them! So I ironed them so that they could be put on my daughter just like disposable diapers along with Velcro-closing diaper covers (instead of the old-fashioned, baggy, plastic diaper covers, that went on like underwear, over the diapers). I wish I had a picture of my daughter’s ironed, cloth diapers to show you, but those old-fashioned, non-digital pictures are long gone (burned up in our house fire). I’ll end on a happy note: CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family! I hope we get to see Riley quite often in your videos! 🤗🤱💕
I would suggest you rinse bottles with warm water immediately after each use instead of letting them sit in left over milk or saliva. You can wash them with soap when you need to and then sterilise. Personally i would feel more at peace if the bottles didnt sit just like that.☺
We usually keep a bin with soapy water beside the sink, then we empty the bottles and let them soak before scrubbing and rinsing..for whatever reason, we didn't include that part in the video. Thanks for watching Neepa!
Melissa, Riley's Beautiful !!😍💕 She's grown so much, it seems like you just introduced her to us yesterday but it's already been 9 weeks. Wow!! Thanks to you and Chad for sharing her with us.💕
The makers cloth waffle weave towels make good towels for babies after baths. Bonus use! I grabbed mine that I had hanging there to use on my hair and wrapped it around my 6 month old the other day. It's a good size.
Sounds like you guys are figuring things out pretty quickly! 😊 Riley is so beautiful and sweet! Just love seeing her! Enjoy each moment. I do remember, with my first, being shocked at how my laundry load literally DOUBLED. That first baby really changes everything! But aren’t those smiles worth it? 😉 Blessings❣️
Riley she's so precious 😍😍😍 bottles seem to multiply as much as dirty babies clothes just wait till she hits the solid food stage😉 and diapering when teething😁 explosions wait for those. However you sound like you got all under control. Great top repacking baby bag always need to be ready 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌. Absolutely doggie bags I keep bags from groceries ready to recycle with throwing diapers here 😉 thanks for sharing all tips and Raley😍 she adorable!
I used cloth diapers and wipes for my babies. I kept my diaper pail about half full of water and oxygen bleach mix. That way the diapers and wipes were soaking as soon as they came off baby. I just dumped the whole thing in the wash and gave it a rinse before a wash every day. A good hang dry in the sun will also help whiten up any stubborn stains.
Super helpful video! I am forwarding it to my best friend who had her sweet baby boy Caleb almost 6 weeks ago 💙. Thanks so much😊 Riley is beautiful and your and Chad’s love for her is so touching❤️
Hi Melissa....Your daughter is adorable.....I've been helping my daughter out as she is recovering from a c-section and is on real light duty.....Things have changed so much since my kids were babies and I've had to learn the "new" ways of doing things....Same things still need to be done but just have to do them in a different way. Such fun having my first Granddaughter who is 9 days old today. Take care and enjoy being a Mom....they grow up so darn fast. Hugs to you, hubby and Riley.
I also used doggie poo bag all the time. It's so convenient for on-the-go diaper changing. Another note is that we basically briefly hand wash the poo stains after every diaper change so that they can come off much more easily.
Tbh even though I don't have kids, we DO go through plenty of dirty things going to and from music gigs. I learned a few things that could work with gig stuff, too! (I also love Melissa's no-makeup, hair-down, natural Mayim Biyalik mama-lookin' shots in this video sooooo much. So refreshing!)
Not the least bit surprised at how well you've got this new parenting thing down. Super organized! Great tips! That's one lucky kid! Hope the "stuff" surprises are few and far between, and the happier surprises are often and amazing!
Although my daughter is grown now I still enjoyed watching this video, I was like you try to stay as organized as possible, and it really does help so much if you have a routine, and Riley is so adorable and just as beautiful as her mother.
We use cloth diapers at home, along with cloth wipes. It's MUCH easier for us to use disposable for both on the go, even with a higher risk of blowouts (cloth diapers are almost bulletproof in this respect). That being said, I'm really surprised how easy cloth has been, and that's even with us using flats and covers! Id've never known about wetbags without having done research into cloth. Also, in place of a paper towel under the pooped baby, I usually slide a new cloth diaper or a wipe underneath the old one to contain the mess (or at least help - babies seem to wiggle most after a blowout!).
mongaloogirl yes. I love cloth diapers ssooo much. I did more washing when they were in disposables because nothing could contain their poosplosions and I had all their clothes to wash. Nothing gets past cloth! I also used terry towel flat nappies for under baby or just put their new nappy underneath. A lot more ecofriendly too.
These are awesome tips! One tip a friend gave me is to lay down a puppy pee pad onto the changing table, or onto your bed as you're changing their diaper. If they don't muck it up, you can re use it, but also can toss it when it does get bad. Also, when they're older it's more absorbent for their bigger messes. You're tip about the doggy bags is great and I will definitely pick some up to put in my diaper bag. :)
I have a 19month old and had to learn all of these tips the hard way haha! ... Especially having to be flexible; no sooner did i get a routine down than he changed it again and again! Glad you're getting on so well and that you have shared this. Thanks (yet again) CMS, I'm forever pointing people to your videos! X
We do the same with the bottles and diaper bag. I always keep a diaper bag with 10 or so diapers, wipes, an empty bottle, spoons, a paci, a change of clothes and a blanket in case of an emergency, we can throw some food and the whole formula container if needed in the bag and go.
We are new parents, as well! Here’s one tip you might find handy. We use prefold cloth diapers for EVERY type of mess! Most importantly, we keep a cloth diaper under our baby’s bum during the diaper change to catch any mess that might occur mid-change. This has saved us both at home and on the go. They are cheap, super absorbent and easy to just toss in the wash when soiled.
Props to you both for being so organized. I managed to keep the house clean once in awhile, most days I showered, sometimes I ate, and occasionally my shoes matched. I was basically just in survival mode with a baby that wouldn’t sleep and wanted only me as a human pacifier and I had to have her to daycare and me to work (an hour away) by 7:30 AM. Just thinking about it makes me exhausted.
an alternative to the paper towel under the bum, a tip my mum gave me for when i had my children, was using old school cloth nappies/diapers (the toweling ones) was to fold one in half diagonally - to create a triangle - and use that under the bum incase of a poo explosion. Less paper usage and soft for bubs :)
These are some great tips! One that I do is putting all their tiny socks in a mesh zippered lingerie bag that way they don't get lost in the washer and dryer. Also I soak all bibs that have Velcro enclosure and place 7-10 neatly in those mesh zippered lingerie bags to avoid the Velcro getting caught on all the delicate baby clothes when laundering them.
Oh man I’m trying to remember 30 years ago when my daughter was a baby! Parents today have stuff that I wished for, but my Momma use to say the same about parents of my generation. LOL The portable diaper changing station is a great idea and I’m glad to that I’m not the only Momma who packed the diaper bag again as soon as I got home. LOL
My baby cleaning tip. I would double the mattress cover and sheet. This way if my baby soiled their bassinet/crib I would just remove the top sheet and protector and there was a clean sheet (with protector) ready. This was especially helpful for the late night “emergencies.”
How fun is the 4th trimester, we pretty much just got through it and now she's nearly 11months old I'm finally getting all of the things that were neglected organized. ❤❤
Yes I used to use the doggie bags. As baby grows, so is the diaper size. Anyway, I found at Walmart/Winco these plastic bags, they are free and they are for fruit/vegetables or meat. I reused them as a dirty diaper bag when I'm out of the house. I can't wait to see you clean the high chair/floors/ walls ...when she will eat in few months.. Good tip on the oxi stuff, I will try it.
Aw . . . Riley is so adorable! One thing I did to stay organized was to make sure the diaper bag was always packed up the night before I had to go somewhere. It looks to me as if you have all your bases covered by staying organized and keeping all of her and her things nice and clean. I had two baby showers when my oldest son was born so he had lots of cute little outfits. But by the time I would try to put him into one of those cute outfits I realized it didn’t fit if it was a two piece outfit. He was long waisted!! ♥️💜💙💚💛
I definitely agree with all of these tips, I have twin girls and the various changing stations is key especially if multi levels to your home. Once they get bigger then you’ll just change them anywhere lol.. but I’m going to start trying the wash rags instead of the wipes, I know it’s better but having two that means I’ll really have to be on my laundry game.. the other tip when changing an “explosive diaper” is to flip the liner on the other side. The liners we have are fabric on one side and wipeable material on the other, this can save you some paper towels.. congratulations again on your bundle of joy! God Bless!
Wow Melissa! You look like you are doing great - way to go mama! As a mum of a baby boy, I can add a bit to your poo-nami advice...boys tend to wee if there’s no diaper nearby (or keep going...) so I have always changed even the messiest messes with a clean one underneath or “shielding” but popping off the soiled clothes first (often taking them down not overhead), wiping baby down and any leaky messes first before removing the soiled diaper and all!
Riley is beautiful!!! 😍😍😍 Something I found helpful was to keep one of those little battery operated dome lights that you press to turn on right on the changing table, so if I had to do a nighttime diaper change I could put the light right where I needed it and not have to turn on anything bright that would wake the baby up more than necessary. I also had a set of old white hand towels that I used to line the changing table. When I did a change I'd use the diaper itself to wipe away most of the mess, then tuck it under baby's butt so it was on a clean side while I used wipes to clean the rest. Then I'd wrap up the whole thing and secure it into a nice poop package with the side closures lol. Everyone has their own system
I found small garbage bags from the dollar store works very well for a replacement to doggy bags as well as cost efficient. 50 bags for $1 it’s awesome. They can also be used for on the go potty training with travel toilets. Just pop one in and tada! It’s magical
My husband and I started a sleep routine at 4 weeks old, of course our son didn’t follow it yet. But now he is 8 weeks old and knows his routine. Bath, lotion, diaper, pajamas, bottle and then bed. And he sleeps for 6 to 8 hours straight after his routine at night. One tip that works for our son is he loves to fall asleep to Disney audio books. He doesn’t really like white noise. Have you done a diaper bag video? I’m a little behind on videos the past few weeks.
Loved this! My baby is just about 4 months. I need to do a better job of preventing stains. Some of our baby cleaning strategies: Lay a cloth under her in places like the swing and rock n play to help with catching any leakage. Have a burp cloth “stationed” at each spot around the home where we spend a lot of time with her. Recognize the types of clothes we do and don’t like and get rid of the ones we don’t like, thus simplifying drawer organization/laundry. (Eg I prefer bodysuits to shirts because they don’t ride up, and zippered pjs to buttons.) I like those drawer dividers you showed; we also have a clear over the door shoe hanger in her closet that holds smaller baby accessories. As far as cleaning the home with a new baby...I prioritize basic tidying each day, like making the bed, and putting away laundry is important when you’re going through so much. (Side note - I tried to dress “cute” each day at home at first but it felt like I was just creating excess laundry. I do believe in getting out of pjs but I stick to leggings and a nursing cami, mostly in the color black, to keep home lounge clothes simple and just enjoy dressing up more when I go out into public.) I might squeeze in a few minutes of chores while she’s asleep, a few while she’s in a carrier, and a few while lays on a play mat or something, but my husband has also majorly taken over things like deeper weekend cleaning for now. And more than ever, we don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Especially early on, people should really go easy on themselves. That said, living in a mess isn’t fun. At the very least, doing basic things like not letting dirty dishes linger can make a big difference.
You and Riley look great! My tip would be to use a backpack as a diaper bag but I see you are doing that already! I ditched my diaper bag after my first child because I preferred to have my hands free. Now that my kids are older I still use my stylish mini backpacks and I always carry wipes. Even 5 and 7 year olds still get dirty.
I had 2 kids, they are 21, and 9 now. I kept an extra small "diaper bag" or little drawstring bag in the trunk of the car, extra wipes, diapers, a couple of onesies, and a jacket and receiving blanket, just change it out every now and then when your baby goes up a size. That saved my skin more times than I can count. Even being prepared and restocking the main bag everytime you use it can't always account for really bad days. I also found out with my 21 year old that the absolute best diaper rash cream was the cream you buy for yeast infections. I know it sounds weird, but it was prescribed for my daughter once when she got rashes from thrush and I found out it worked for even regular rashes, one application and it was all clear by the next diaper change. It also wiped off easier than the thick diaper creams.
Honestly the best advice I ever got for stains was putting the item out in the sun. My second child had reflux until she was about eight months so there were a lot of stains. I would throw said item in the wash and if there was a remaining stain I would just put it outside. The first time I tried this I couldn’t believe it-the stain was gone! Plus, they smell fresh from being outside. Obviously, it’s a little harder to do in the winter, so my back up stain remover is soaking it in squirt of dawn dish soap, a splash of hydrogen peroxide and hot water.
For baby routines when it comes to cleaning and care, I just put my one year old in a diaper around the house (I live in a hot country so she's never cold) and clean her in the bathtub with soap and water everytime she soils her cloth diaper (use the diaper to remove as many "chunks" as possible when taking the diaper off). This reduces the amount of accidents on clothing and gives her a thorough cleaning in the shower. I have a bucket for her diapers in the bathroom and do diaper laundry once a day.
Riley is getting so big💕 FYI when my children were infants, I used Dreft laundry detergent. It was the best, very gentle and really cleaned the stains!
Are you able to do a video now that she's older on how you managed to clean when you were alone with her? I'm finding it hard to get things done when I'm home
Same here. My baby is 11 weeks old and a preemie. Using a wrap/baby carrier to wear him is hit or miss because he either wants to breastfeed once up there, or squirms
Ah Baby Riley’s cohosting!! Two of my best hacks as a mom of 3 were in this video: immediately repack backpack, and having less stuff! My 3rd and bonus tip: all the pacifiers in the crib!! If Baby Riley’s anything like my three girls, they needed a pacifier within reach at all times to help them put themselves back to sleep throughout the night, so I throw all the pacifiers (except the two in the diaper backpack!) in their crib when they went down for the night. By the way, that baby is sweet and content and just beautiful, you and Chad are doing a GREAT job!!
A really great tip I used was when making up the crib, layer a water proof pad, topped with a sheet, topped with another waterproof pad, topped with another sheet. If baby wakes up with a wet bed in the middle of the night, you can just peel off the top set. You will have a fresh bed with little effort in the middle of the night when you are tired.
I've learnt with my 3 flexibility is key apart from bedtime that needs to be kept to a strict routine no room to wiggle bath book song bed your little girl looks beautiful and you're doing really well for a first time mummy n daddy well done guys xx
They sell changing pad pads that are soft on one side and plastic on the back (kind of like a reusable paper towel). We use those for under baby to catch any messes and throw in the wash if they get dirty. They are good to have with a plastic or silicone changing pad like you have.
Only 'stains' we ever had with my now 6-month old before he started solids a couple weeks ago was from blow-outs. And those I just soaked in COLD water until I had time to treat. Which was with any dish soap or liquid hand soap and scrubbed from the opposite side. Wrinse cold, repeat up to two times. That was it. Never failed us.
![АЛАУДИНОВ у Скабеевой: эти их ВСУ нас НЕ ДОГОНЯТ 😁 [Пародия]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/an0anqU4WGQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I want to shout out to all the moms that have to do laundry outside of their homes, and also painfully hand wash to keep stains out.
I'm a new mom too-- mine is a few weeks younger than yours. The best trick I have found is to make a crib lasagna!
Basically, you layer a sheet, a wet pad (or waterproof mattress pad), a sheet, a wet pad, etc. ending with a sheet on top. I use 4 sheets and three wet pads between them. In the night, when my daughter spits up/has a blowout, it makes cleanup SO much easier! You just take off the top sheet and wet pad, chuck them in the laundry bin, clean up the baby, and voila! What would normally be a fairly annoying disruption at 3am and take a long time to fix, is easy peasy and takes less than 5 minutes. The best part is that you don't have to turn the lights on and wake up your little one!! We've only had to take advantage of this a few times, but man oh man, it's been a lifesaver! I did it by nightlight and my daughter never really woke up-- nothing a bottle wouldn't fix. :)
We also do this on our changing table using smaller wet pads (or a puppy pad in a pinch!) and covers.
I don't remember much of a routine, especially with my first. But strategies---those I used. My #1 was breastfeeding on demand, so no bottles to clean and always something to offer a fussy baby no matter where we were. Plus, a really tiny diaper bag because, again, no bottles. We used cloth diapers that my mom bought us because we had no money at all, and the velcro diaper covers were a godsend. I also used a Dr. Sears baby sling with my first because he pretty much cried for the entire "fourth trimester", so I strapped him to me when I did any housework or when we went out. Also, I figured out the places with the best accommodations for nursing moms--I'm all for nursing in public, but he would get so distracted by all the people, it helped to have quiet places to feed him. At any rate, he survived--he's 24 now. Enjoy her--it goes SO fast!
Jill White love your method!
Babywearing (I LOVE ring slings for the first year, happy baby happy mama), cloth diapering, breastfeeding mom here too.
For on-the-go cloth wipes, a small squirt bottle with a drop of baby shampoo works great to wet the wipes! Just toss in that wet bag when done.
Also exclusively breastfed baby poo is water soluble... so easier to clean! And modern cloth diapers are much less likely to have poo-splosions. 😉
I'm a mom of 4 (8,6,4 and 1)
No routine for us either. He’s five now. But it was constantly babywearing. Nursing on demand. Until we came across issues and ended up mix feeding. With a reflux Bub he couldn’t take a whole bottle. So he would have a quarter bottle here. A half bottle there. Very expensive way of feeding, but I basically just followed his cues. If he was hungry, I fed him. Just gotta make sure you don’t over feed with formula. Breastfeeding though? Boob is ALWAYS the answer.
We also loved our slings, especially the waterproof one that I often wore in our pool or the shower. For General day to day stuff, we just used a woven wrap. My koala baby was attached to my back for the first four years. Because sometimes you just gotta get shit done.
I will say that not everyone has the luxury to pack lightly. I didn’t drive and when I was FF, I had to pack bottles, multiple changes of clothes, medications. That’s for a trip to the shopping centre (mall).
Luckily I had a glorified shopping trolley (stroller) to carry my luggage. 😂😂
Puppy pads! We used them for the first 3 months on the changing table!
Missybrown we used changing pads that we got for an absolute steal in Aldi :) Their Mamia range is awesome - used to buy pampers but theirs are half the price and possibly even better!
I still use puppy pads and my daughter just turned 2! It's saved the changing pad covers.
You always post your Saturday videos right before my 2 year old’s nap, so we watch them together and about five minutes in she’s usually out cold. Thank you! 😆
Max TheCorgs awww that’s so cute!
Great suggestions! My first child is now 34 ... but as an infant she cried so much ... everyone back then called it colic ... but now after 6 grandchildren, I'm learning that many babies have a difficult time digesting dairy protein - It's delivered from the mother to the child through her breast milk. My two daughters and my daughter-in-law had to give up dairy during the first 9 - 12 months... then slowly introduce it. My neighbor down the street had to do this as well...
Back in the days when I was a young mother, doctors told us to drink lots of milk while breastfeeding! Can you just imagine!!!
TheGratitudeAttitude I had the same problem with my second baby. He was really fussy. Cried a lot, gassy, even had a rash on his face. It was the cows milk protein, from the milk I was drinking. I’ve learned that cat’s milk is for cats. Dogs milk for dogs, pig milk for pigs and cows milk is for cows. Humans need human milk, or something man-made. No cows milk for people. (Although I still drink it 🙈)
So, so, true! My father was from Sicily and could never understand why my mother fussed with bottles when the breast was "ready to go," the perfect formula, and perfect temperature!!! LOL
Its because dairy isnt ment for humans, cows milk is for baby cows. Cross species breastfeeding, gross.
exactly!
Thank god I’m lactose intolerant
She’s so beautiful! I’m not a parent yet, but I really enjoyed this video for the future. ☺️💖
Gretchen Gonzalez ..same here☺
Same here :)
Whenever I came home with my baby and it was asleep in the pram, I took the upper part of the pram with the baby in it and put it on the table on our balcony. This way I could take off my coat, put away the groceries, wash my hands, sit down for a couple of minutes and relax until the baby woke up. Because when it's winter and the baby wears thick clothes and you let it sleep inside the house, it will wake up and cry because it feels uncomfortable because it is too warm. And if you try to take off the baby's coat, it will wake up and be grumpy, too.
My ground rules with kids:
Don't wake sleeping kids.
Don't disturb playing kids.
Let them do what they can do on their own.
Let them help if they want to.
Yes!!!!! I have pictures of both my children sleeping in their strollers outside!!
Wouldn't the cold air make them sick?😕
Brianna Douglas no. The cold itself doesn’t cause colds or sickness. More people get sick during the winter because everyone is inside, breathing the same recycled air.
My son just graduated from high school so it has been a while. We used cloth diapers and Velcro closure covers, a wet bag for dirties and washcloth wipes at home. I only used disposable diapers if we were on a multi-day road trip and didn’t have laundry facilities handy. Breastfed with formula supplement as needed so used bottles but not all that many. Yes, laundry almost daily. Yes, kept my diaper bag packed and ready to go. Yes, kept diaper supplies handy in a couple locations including my parents house which was just up the street so we could spend time there without toting a diaper bag every time. I used to be able to put a diaper, small pack of wipes and a ziplock bag in my purse and go out for short outings comfortably. Loved the minimalist parenting.
Puppy pads make GREAT disposable changing pads and are good for a extra layer of protection on the changing table. I love using them on public bathroom changing tables too.
It isn’t every day someone is blessed with brains and beauty , wit & charm. I watch your videos because the output of your info is a mix of well thought out intellectual truths and most applicable when implemented into practice. AkA- it’s not a waste of time to tune into your orbit.Plus your baby is super cute and she made me smile- and that happens about as often as I clean the food trap on my dishwasher. ❤️you! Keep it up.
My babies are now 46 and 42! After reading through the comments I laugh and wonder how they ever grew up! Relax mommies! They will grow up in spite of us! Love your videos!
So excited about these & I don’t even have kids. They dynamics of being prepared for anything, love it.
Great video for New Mums, 38 years ago we didn't have All the gadgets that are around now, We had only cloth nappies, to sterilise you added a tablet into a container to do the babies bottles 🍼, I would hose the soiled nappies of any poop on them before putting them into a bucket to soak with a nappy solution, and Husbands weren't as hands on as they are now Lol 😂, Good Job Chad. Riley is growing so fast, enjoy your time with her this little before she grows up so fast. Much Love from Nellie from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺💞💞
Congrats! When we traveled we carried the pajamas with us and before we headed home we changed our kids into their pajamas. That way , if they fell asleep in the car all we had to do was get them straight to bed without waking them to change their clothes. Worked from newborn until 5 years old. Saved us lots of time.
Riley is a Cutie.Thank you Melissa and Chad for sharing her with the clean my space family!
You had a baby!!!! Yay!!! I have been following you for a year and a half and always wondered WHEN Baby would come! Congratulations! So excited for you.
One of the most useful baby videos. Everyone talks about the cute stuff... THIS video is where its really at. Thanks. Pls do more of these.
You are super organized! Mom of 3 you made me chuckle. I used to be very conscious of stains and now I really don't worry about them unless it's something special. I use washable changing pads over my nice pad cover instead of paper towels. One mom hack is to have a car bin with diapers, wipes, extra clothes, sun hat, sun screen, snacks, pacis, etc. Less to carry in the diaper bag -#3 I usually don't even carry one since there's so much other stuff to carry, but know it's all very close by if I need it!
Hi Melissa I just discovered you yesterday and here you are already with a baby. You're delightful!
I have two kids, young kids, and that paper towel on the changing pad is a great idea. I used to clean their bottom then have to clean the pad, and maybe their legs and backs, depending on how messy it is. If I did that my life would have been so much easier.
Oh, and I love your shirt!
Melissa, Can you please make a video for people who have disabilities or chronic illnesses? Small appliances/tools that help with everyday cleaning? Some tips on how to keep the house clean when you dont have much energy . Also, tools that help people clean hard to reach spaces if you are unable to climb a small ladder. Thank you! Love your videos!!!
Thanks for the tips. I'm a ftm-to be, due in august so I enjoyed these tips and the tips from others in the comments. I agree about a baby doesn't need a lot of clothes and doing more laundry is better. Riley is super adorable!
I found it helpful to create multiple small bags for all the toiletries babies need such as powder, diaper cream. I bought plastic storage bagged and stashed one in my car, diaper bag etc. That way is something spilled or lost its lid it wasn't all over everything. I also created a bin for my trunk with diapers, blankets and extra clothes
I'd add in the toiletries bag but take it out if the weather was hot so the contents wouldn't spoil. Also always had baby sunblock with me all times. Baby sunblock balm is purse-sized. Love the video
using the doggy bags is brilliant, I had done it too. I have a ton of them left over when my dog passed away. I used them like you for the grandkids poopoo diapers, I use them for sanitary napkins and incontinence pads in the bathroom, as insert in a small compost can in the kitchen, in the pulp bin of the juicer and in a small trash can in the car. they are VERY useful.
A baby sling keep your hands free and sanity in check. I did the kon mari method with my second born in a sling, then when he wanted to play i would fold and organize next to him on the mat on the floor. Getting simple cleaning, cooking and organizing not to mention getting myself fed and to the bathroom was so much easier with the sling.
Oh that “mom glow” .. ❤️❤️ it’s so good to see you holding your child.. loads of love
You are definitely a cleaning super woman, all these tricks took me a a year or more to find out( and some I found out today after watching your video) and you figured it all out in 9 weeks!
Wet bags are so handy. I pack up old ziploc bags or plastic grocery bags if I have them on hand. They also make disposable changing pads. They are blue, like puppy pee pads. They are handy for all the messes when babies are newborn or for public restroom diaper changes!
Yup yup! I always have the baby's diaper bag packed and ready to go and it is such a great time saver.
Riley is so sweet! I have a 5 year old and a 10 month old. The biggest tip I can give, (And of course I love to!), is expect the unexpected! I had no idea they could remember SO much from the Very beginning, but they really DO start learning right away! You just can't tell right away. My first was speaking in four word sentences at 14 months. This new one is telling me things with words and signs! All you have to do is give your baby attention and boom, they're happy. Or you just change the subject going on their mind, and wah lah. The crying instantly stops. In the first three months, that doesn't seem to work so well, but it does after those initial months! Of course they still cry, but fill a balloon. Balloons are Perfect for changing the mindset of a crying baby! They see that slow floating object and they can hit it and watch it fly too. Just don't let her bite it once she has teeth. You don't need to be afraid of balloons if you are watching your kid while they are playing with them. It is just if it pops, and a piece happens to fly into the mouth, that you need to know how to save your child. So, like I said, no biting. :) Btw, that terrible scenario never did happen to me.
"this is the result of that situation" ..... absolutely loved it! Alsmost choked on my drink but sooo worth hearing that (i'll just blame my bad timing)
Congrats on the baby girl! My baby girl is 4 weeks old. I am looking forward to more tips and videos.
I have a mesh laundry bag on my baby's hamper. When I have small dirty items like socks or mittens I put them in the bag. Then zip the bag and toss it in when I do the laundry. That way I don't have to search for all the small items when the laundry is done.
Omg i think our babies were born only a few days apart!! Breast is best so I’m so happy to hear you’re at the least part time nursing. I put a swaddling blanket under my daughter when i change get that way I can just wash it instead of wasting paper towels. Great video 🖤
I always made sure to pack an extra shirt for myself along with a change of clothes for the kids, and keep everything in plastic baggies to stay organized and to prevent damage from leaks
Both of you girls are soooo pretty! When my daughter was a newborn, she wore cloth diapers, but the daycare ladies didn’t know how to use them! So I ironed them so that they could be put on my daughter just like disposable diapers along with Velcro-closing diaper covers (instead of the old-fashioned, baggy, plastic diaper covers, that went on like underwear, over the diapers). I wish I had a picture of my daughter’s ironed, cloth diapers to show you, but those old-fashioned, non-digital pictures are long gone (burned up in our house fire). I’ll end on a happy note: CONGRATULATIONS to you and your family! I hope we get to see Riley quite often in your videos! 🤗🤱💕
I would suggest you rinse bottles with warm water immediately after each use instead of letting them sit in left over milk or saliva. You can wash them with soap when you need to and then sterilise. Personally i would feel more at peace if the bottles didnt sit just like that.☺
Neepa Gulati yep agree I cringed a bit. They get really smelly, really quick. Especially in summer. Bacteria anxiety lol
We usually keep a bin with soapy water beside the sink, then we empty the bottles and let them soak before scrubbing and rinsing..for whatever reason, we didn't include that part in the video.
Thanks for watching Neepa!
Congratulations again guys! You guys. Need an award for still keeping up the videos. Hope everything is going well xx Crystal
Clean My Space glad to hear it ☺you are an inspiration melissa!
Clean My Space I do that too soapy water w/a little bit of white vinegar. 😄
I love Riley...not a parent yet but still preparing myself for future..Thank you Melissa...
I find you’re videos very helpfully.
Your little daughter is so cute.
Enjoy the moment.
Melissa, Riley's Beautiful !!😍💕 She's grown so much, it seems like you just introduced her to us yesterday but it's already been 9 weeks. Wow!! Thanks to you and Chad for sharing her with us.💕
The makers cloth waffle weave towels make good towels for babies after baths. Bonus use!
I grabbed mine that I had hanging there to use on my hair and wrapped it around my 6 month old the other day. It's a good size.
Sounds like you guys are figuring things out pretty quickly! 😊 Riley is so beautiful and sweet! Just love seeing her! Enjoy each moment. I do remember, with my first, being shocked at how my laundry load literally DOUBLED. That first baby really changes everything! But aren’t those smiles worth it? 😉 Blessings❣️
Congratulations on your precious baby!!!
Hey, “stuff” happens. These are really great tips for new parents. I definitely use some of them already.
Riley she's so precious 😍😍😍 bottles seem to multiply as much as dirty babies clothes just wait till she hits the solid food stage😉 and diapering when teething😁 explosions wait for those. However you sound like you got all under control. Great top repacking baby bag always need to be ready 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌. Absolutely doggie bags I keep bags from groceries ready to recycle with throwing diapers here 😉 thanks for sharing all tips and Raley😍 she adorable!
I used cloth diapers and wipes for my babies. I kept my diaper pail about half full of water and oxygen bleach mix. That way the diapers and wipes were soaking as soon as they came off baby. I just dumped the whole thing in the wash and gave it a rinse before a wash every day. A good hang dry in the sun will also help whiten up any stubborn stains.
Super helpful video! I am forwarding it to my best friend who had her sweet baby boy Caleb almost 6 weeks ago 💙. Thanks so much😊 Riley is beautiful and your and Chad’s love for her is so touching❤️
Hi Melissa....Your daughter is adorable.....I've been helping my daughter out as she is recovering from a c-section and is on real light duty.....Things have changed so much since my kids were babies and I've had to learn the "new" ways of doing things....Same things still need to be done but just have to do them in a different way. Such fun having my first Granddaughter who is 9 days old today. Take care and enjoy being a Mom....they grow up so darn fast. Hugs to you, hubby and Riley.
Aww look at Riley trying to nurse 🥰🥰she was going in on that hand lol so cute!
I also used doggie poo bag all the time. It's so convenient for on-the-go diaper changing. Another note is that we basically briefly hand wash the poo stains after every diaper change so that they can come off much more easily.
Tbh even though I don't have kids, we DO go through plenty of dirty things going to and from music gigs. I learned a few things that could work with gig stuff, too! (I also love Melissa's no-makeup, hair-down, natural Mayim Biyalik mama-lookin' shots in this video sooooo much. So refreshing!)
Not the least bit surprised at how well you've got this new parenting thing down. Super organized! Great tips! That's one lucky kid! Hope the "stuff" surprises are few and far between, and the happier surprises are often and amazing!
Moms are amazing! This looks like a lot of work but she looks like she’s worth it!
Although my daughter is grown now I still enjoyed watching this video, I was like you try to stay as organized as possible, and it really does help so much if you have a routine, and Riley is so adorable and just as beautiful as her mother.
We use cloth diapers at home, along with cloth wipes. It's MUCH easier for us to use disposable for both on the go, even with a higher risk of blowouts (cloth diapers are almost bulletproof in this respect). That being said, I'm really surprised how easy cloth has been, and that's even with us using flats and covers! Id've never known about wetbags without having done research into cloth.
Also, in place of a paper towel under the pooped baby, I usually slide a new cloth diaper or a wipe underneath the old one to contain the mess (or at least help - babies seem to wiggle most after a blowout!).
mongaloogirl yes. I love cloth diapers ssooo much. I did more washing when they were in disposables because nothing could contain their poosplosions and I had all their clothes to wash. Nothing gets past cloth! I also used terry towel flat nappies for under baby or just put their new nappy underneath. A lot more ecofriendly too.
These are awesome tips! One tip a friend gave me is to lay down a puppy pee pad onto the changing table, or onto your bed as you're changing their diaper. If they don't muck it up, you can re use it, but also can toss it when it does get bad. Also, when they're older it's more absorbent for their bigger messes. You're tip about the doggy bags is great and I will definitely pick some up to put in my diaper bag. :)
Staying organized and staying on top of things do u won't forget about it later. And get ur rest. Ur doing great guys!
Awww she looks so much like daddy! And that little girl cry in the end...sweet 💕🌸
I have a 19month old and had to learn all of these tips the hard way haha! ... Especially having to be flexible; no sooner did i get a routine down than he changed it again and again!
Glad you're getting on so well and that you have shared this.
Thanks (yet again) CMS, I'm forever pointing people to your videos! X
We do the same with the bottles and diaper bag. I always keep a diaper bag with 10 or so diapers, wipes, an empty bottle, spoons, a paci, a change of clothes and a blanket in case of an emergency, we can throw some food and the whole formula container if needed in the bag and go.
I just discovered your channel...your baby girl is beautiful. Congratulations on your little bundle of joy!!
We are new parents, as well! Here’s one tip you might find handy. We use prefold cloth diapers for EVERY type of mess! Most importantly, we keep a cloth diaper under our baby’s bum during the diaper change to catch any mess that might occur mid-change. This has saved us both at home and on the go. They are cheap, super absorbent and easy to just toss in the wash when soiled.
Props to you both for being so organized. I managed to keep the house clean once in awhile, most days I showered, sometimes I ate, and occasionally my shoes matched. I was basically just in survival mode with a baby that wouldn’t sleep and wanted only me as a human pacifier and I had to have her to daycare and me to work (an hour away) by 7:30 AM. Just thinking about it makes me exhausted.
an alternative to the paper towel under the bum, a tip my mum gave me for when i had my children, was using old school cloth nappies/diapers (the toweling ones) was to fold one in half diagonally - to create a triangle - and use that under the bum incase of a poo explosion. Less paper usage and soft for bubs :)
My husband and I have 3 under 4 years. 😁 It's a challenge I am thankful for. Congrats!
These are some great tips! One that I do is putting all their tiny socks in a mesh zippered lingerie bag that way they don't get lost in the washer and dryer. Also I soak all bibs that have Velcro enclosure and place 7-10 neatly in those mesh zippered lingerie bags to avoid the Velcro getting caught on all the delicate baby clothes when laundering them.
I had two diapers bags . One stayed in car with extra items in case i didn't have time to repack
I can't stop staring at the blouse. It's so pretty!
Your baby is so cute ,you are in for a real great adventure,a child is a blessing !👍👍👍👍
Oh man I’m trying to remember 30 years ago when my daughter was a baby! Parents today have stuff that I wished for, but my Momma use to say the same about parents of my generation. LOL The portable diaper changing station is a great idea and I’m glad to that I’m not the only Momma who packed the diaper bag again as soon as I got home. LOL
My baby cleaning tip. I would double the mattress cover and sheet. This way if my baby soiled their bassinet/crib I would just remove the top sheet and protector and there was a clean sheet (with protector) ready. This was especially helpful for the late night “emergencies.”
How fun is the 4th trimester, we pretty much just got through it and now she's nearly 11months old I'm finally getting all of the things that were neglected organized. ❤❤
Yes I used to use the doggie bags. As baby grows, so is the diaper size.
Anyway, I found at Walmart/Winco these plastic bags, they are free and they are for fruit/vegetables or meat. I reused them as a dirty diaper bag when I'm out of the house.
I can't wait to see you clean the high chair/floors/ walls ...when she will eat in few months..
Good tip on the oxi stuff, I will try it.
Aw . . . Riley is so adorable! One thing I did to stay organized was to make sure the diaper bag was always packed up the night before I had to go somewhere. It looks to me as if you have all your bases covered by staying organized and keeping all of her and her things nice and clean. I had two baby showers when my oldest son was born so he had lots of cute little outfits. But by the time I would try to put him into one of those cute outfits I realized it didn’t fit if it was a two piece outfit. He was long waisted!! ♥️💜💙💚💛
I definitely agree with all of these tips, I have twin girls and the various changing stations is key especially if multi levels to your home. Once they get bigger then you’ll just change them anywhere lol.. but I’m going to start trying the wash rags instead of the wipes, I know it’s better but having two that means I’ll really have to be on my laundry game.. the other tip when changing an “explosive diaper” is to flip the liner on the other side. The liners we have are fabric on one side and wipeable material on the other, this can save you some paper towels.. congratulations again on your bundle of joy! God Bless!
Wow Melissa! You look like you are doing great - way to go mama! As a mum of a baby boy, I can add a bit to your poo-nami advice...boys tend to wee if there’s no diaper nearby (or keep going...) so I have always changed even the messiest messes with a clean one underneath or “shielding” but popping off the soiled clothes first (often taking them down not overhead), wiping baby down and any leaky messes first before removing the soiled diaper and all!
Riley is beautiful!!! 😍😍😍 Something I found helpful was to keep one of those little battery operated dome lights that you press to turn on right on the changing table, so if I had to do a nighttime diaper change I could put the light right where I needed it and not have to turn on anything bright that would wake the baby up more than necessary. I also had a set of old white hand towels that I used to line the changing table. When I did a change I'd use the diaper itself to wipe away most of the mess, then tuck it under baby's butt so it was on a clean side while I used wipes to clean the rest. Then I'd wrap up the whole thing and secure it into a nice poop package with the side closures lol. Everyone has their own system
I found small garbage bags from the dollar store works very well for a replacement to doggy bags as well as cost efficient. 50 bags for $1 it’s awesome. They can also be used for on the go potty training with travel toilets. Just pop one in and tada! It’s magical
Great video. My three kids are all grown now but I remember the challenges of trying to get things done!
My husband and I started a sleep routine at 4 weeks old, of course our son didn’t follow it yet. But now he is 8 weeks old and knows his routine. Bath, lotion, diaper, pajamas, bottle and then bed. And he sleeps for 6 to 8 hours straight after his routine at night.
One tip that works for our son is he loves to fall asleep to Disney audio books. He doesn’t really like white noise.
Have you done a diaper bag video? I’m a little behind on videos the past few weeks.
I liked the idea of Riley in your hands.She is becoming cuter day by day.Good video!
Loved this! My baby is just about 4 months. I need to do a better job of preventing stains. Some of our baby cleaning strategies: Lay a cloth under her in places like the swing and rock n play to help with catching any leakage. Have a burp cloth “stationed” at each spot around the home where we spend a lot of time with her. Recognize the types of clothes we do and don’t like and get rid of the ones we don’t like, thus simplifying drawer organization/laundry. (Eg I prefer bodysuits to shirts because they don’t ride up, and zippered pjs to buttons.) I like those drawer dividers you showed; we also have a clear over the door shoe hanger in her closet that holds smaller baby accessories. As far as cleaning the home with a new baby...I prioritize basic tidying each day, like making the bed, and putting away laundry is important when you’re going through so much. (Side note - I tried to dress “cute” each day at home at first but it felt like I was just creating excess laundry. I do believe in getting out of pjs but I stick to leggings and a nursing cami, mostly in the color black, to keep home lounge clothes simple and just enjoy dressing up more when I go out into public.) I might squeeze in a few minutes of chores while she’s asleep, a few while she’s in a carrier, and a few while lays on a play mat or something, but my husband has also majorly taken over things like deeper weekend cleaning for now. And more than ever, we don’t let perfect be the enemy of good. Especially early on, people should really go easy on themselves. That said, living in a mess isn’t fun. At the very least, doing basic things like not letting dirty dishes linger can make a big difference.
Oh my goodness, Baby girl is getting so big! 😍 Motherhood looks amazing on you Melissa!
You and Riley look great! My tip would be to use a backpack as a diaper bag but I see you are doing that already! I ditched my diaper bag after my first child because I preferred to have my hands free. Now that my kids are older I still use my stylish mini backpacks and I always carry wipes. Even 5 and 7 year olds still get dirty.
9 weeks already, wow!
She is so cute, no really. 😍
Thank you for all the great tips.
So happy for you two!!!!
I had 2 kids, they are 21, and 9 now. I kept an extra small "diaper bag" or little drawstring bag in the trunk of the car, extra wipes, diapers, a couple of onesies, and a jacket and receiving blanket, just change it out every now and then when your baby goes up a size. That saved my skin more times than I can count. Even being prepared and restocking the main bag everytime you use it can't always account for really bad days. I also found out with my 21 year old that the absolute best diaper rash cream was the cream you buy for yeast infections. I know it sounds weird, but it was prescribed for my daughter once when she got rashes from thrush and I found out it worked for even regular rashes, one application and it was all clear by the next diaper change. It also wiped off easier than the thick diaper creams.
We are expecting a baby soon and this video was really helpful. Cant wait for more videos like this one
Honestly the best advice I ever got for stains was putting the item out in the sun. My second child had reflux until she was about eight months so there were a lot of stains. I would throw said item in the wash and if there was a remaining stain I would just put it outside. The first time I tried this I couldn’t believe it-the stain was gone! Plus, they smell fresh from being outside. Obviously, it’s a little harder to do in the winter, so my back up stain remover is soaking it in squirt of dawn dish soap, a splash of hydrogen peroxide and hot water.
For baby routines when it comes to cleaning and care, I just put my one year old in a diaper around the house (I live in a hot country so she's never cold) and clean her in the bathtub with soap and water everytime she soils her cloth diaper (use the diaper to remove as many "chunks" as possible when taking the diaper off). This reduces the amount of accidents on clothing and gives her a thorough cleaning in the shower. I have a bucket for her diapers in the bathroom and do diaper laundry once a day.
Wow Rileys getting so big already! Looking like Chad's Twinkie!!🤗💙 FROM TENNESSEE 💙
Tyree Courtney wow! Just moved from California to Tennessee!! Love it! The baby is so cute! Love you...
MonicaStar Hannah I hope you enjoy the countryside! 🤗
Congratulations for your baby
Riley is getting so big💕 FYI when my children were infants, I used Dreft laundry detergent. It was the best, very gentle and really cleaned the stains!
So happy for you both! Very cute!
Are you able to do a video now that she's older on how you managed to clean when you were alone with her? I'm finding it hard to get things done when I'm home
Same here. My baby is 11 weeks old and a preemie. Using a wrap/baby carrier to wear him is hit or miss because he either wants to breastfeed once up there, or squirms
Ah Baby Riley’s cohosting!! Two of my best hacks as a mom of 3 were in this video: immediately repack backpack, and having less stuff! My 3rd and bonus tip: all the pacifiers in the crib!! If Baby Riley’s anything like my three girls, they needed a pacifier within reach at all times to help them put themselves back to sleep throughout the night, so I throw all the pacifiers (except the two in the diaper backpack!) in their crib when they went down for the night.
By the way, that baby is sweet and content and just beautiful, you and Chad are doing a GREAT job!!
A really great tip I used was when making up the crib, layer a water proof pad, topped with a sheet, topped with another waterproof pad, topped with another sheet. If baby wakes up with a wet bed in the middle of the night, you can just peel off the top set. You will have a fresh bed with little effort in the middle of the night when you are tired.
I've learnt with my 3 flexibility is key apart from bedtime that needs to be kept to a strict routine no room to wiggle bath book song bed your little girl looks beautiful and you're doing really well for a first time mummy n daddy well done guys xx
They sell changing pad pads that are soft on one side and plastic on the back (kind of like a reusable paper towel). We use those for under baby to catch any messes and throw in the wash if they get dirty. They are good to have with a plastic or silicone changing pad like you have.
Only 'stains' we ever had with my now 6-month old before he started solids a couple weeks ago was from blow-outs. And those I just soaked in COLD water until I had time to treat. Which was with any dish soap or liquid hand soap and scrubbed from the opposite side. Wrinse cold, repeat up to two times. That was it. Never failed us.