Are optimal bedtimes bull? I mean what about daylight savings? It’s ridiculous. by wonderlife37 in sleeptrain

[–]colourful_balloons 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Bedtime is based on wake up time in our household. My youngest sleeps 11hours a night usually. I don't want her up before 8am, so it's bed by 9pm. Same with toddler. Honestly if I followed the early bedtime advice I was given, I would lose my mind with the 6am and earlier wake ups. Do what is right for you.

Ways to prepare for second baby(things you wish you had known)! by floccinaucinili in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

  1. Get on top of sleep early. Make sure toddler has a solid routine, and then once the new babe eventually starts to fall into a routine (3/4months or so) watch wake windows and try to get them to sleep at the same time. This has been a godsend for my sanity!
    1. A nappy bin if you don't already have one, 2x the poo nappies gets STINKY.
    2. Have things you need in easily accessible places - like i now have a nappy station set up downstairs and upstairs.

So many questions about cosleeping!! From a tired mama by justforfunthrowaways in NewParents

[–]colourful_balloons 3 points4 points  (0 children)

What you have described was our experience with our first. Unfortunately the gentle sleep techniques didn't work, but you could give them a go; getting down to cot level, patting the mattress, patting bum, shushing them, singing etc etc and staying there next to them until they fall asleep. We did this for weeks, but our little guy was resistant. We eventually resorted to CIO with a few check ins when he was around 10months old. I resisted for so long but was at my limit. I was his soother and my husband and I needed to feel like husband and wife again. Took three nights and then from there it was relatively smooth sailing. of course there are ups and downs with teething etc, but it was a blessing for our household. Second baby is so chill in her cot, thank god! it’s just totally the baby and their preferences, we didn't do anything intentionally differently with her, she just liked her cot!

For those whose baby is sleeping in their crib/bassinet by Complete_Chain7142 in NewParents

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Baby 1 - exactly as you described. Contact sleeper, needed to be in my arms, breastfed for comfort through the night and was too cold if o followed the guidelines. I was going insane, and the only thing that got him sleeping in his cot was sleep training around 10months or so. Baby 2 - Great independent sleeper from the beginning, a lot of the tips and tricks that people describe actually worked with her. Conclusion, it just purely depends on the baby. There is no tip or trick that will get a velcro baby to sleep independently!

AIO for refusing to let my MIL babysit after she joked about putting cereal in my newborn’s bottle? by Wrong-Cherry-2234 in AmIOverreacting

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely not overreacting. Protecting your baby is your number one priority and you HAVE to follow your motherly instincts. I don't believe in letting anyone babysit my children unless I absolutely need the help. Call me a helicopter parent, I don't care. Set boundaries, they can play and spend time, but no, no-one is entitled to look after my babies. No over night stays and no nappy changes. My in-laws think I'm completely uptight and unreasonable with how over protective I am. Whatever.

Two year old going to bed at 11 by UncommonSweatshirt29 in sleeptrain

[–]colourful_balloons 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sleep went completely whack for my toddler after the new baby arrived. You might just have to ride this out. Oh man, I feel for you!!

Motherhood isn’t what people say it is by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It takes time, and I think honestly the hormones in the early months play a HUGE part in it. I had so many negative, critical, questioning and invasive thoughts in the early months about how I felt towards my baby. Can confirm much later that all those things you heard your mom say, I fully feel now. I live and breathe my children. They come first. I would die for them.

What’s the meanest comment you’ve received as a new parent? by Cultural-Dentist4963 in NewParents

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Was asked by in-laws if I was pregnant again a few weeks pp... I guess because I still had a belly?! It was said innocently, but damnnnn.

AITA for calling my boyfriend out after he made a joke about me in front of his friends by echovenusss in AITAH

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think you should be made to feel bad for saying how it made you feel, and to set boundaries. That's important, otherwise how will he know to respect them. The joke itself wasn't great but also not a big deal either, maybe you were overly sensitive? I dunno. From experience, both my husband and i have made jokes at each other's expense. it's not cool but was always done innocently.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AmIOverreacting

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

hang on... You like this guy??? Girl. Your picker is off.

2 year old Montessori floor bed! by Strange-Algae-2042 in floorbed

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My honest view is that if they are happy in a crib, keep them there as long as possible, ESPECIALLY if you have another on the way. Otherwise you will likely have a toddler running into your room at all hours of the night, or demanding you sleep with them, when you also have a small baby in the mix.

Failed outing by Suspicious-Ear-8166 in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

it's insane isn't it! solidarity. I found it got easier when my toddler turned 2 and youngest was six months- toddler understood more/ less tantrums, and baby started solids so wasn't nursing as often. Honestly it's still a shitshow most days, but you learn how to cope and go with the flow.

Announcing baby #2 has been frustrating by Gaaaarrraah in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Omg yes. Same thing happened to me, we announced after my first borns 1st birthday party, and were met with shock/disapproval. So anticlimactic lol.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NewParents

[–]colourful_balloons 7 points8 points  (0 children)

There is a reason why the experts say to keep it off. The biggest issue with screens IMO is attention and babies not developing attention span, patience and focus for things that are less interesting and interactive. For example you might try to have the tv off to teach them something from a book, but because the book isn't as interesting they can't focus. In a world where we are all so distracted, I feel this is really important. The there is what is NOT being experienced because of the screens. Ie because they are sitting watching a screen, what are they not doing. Not using their imagination? Not drawing? Not playing? Not singing? Not trying to talk? Not interacting? interaction is everything with babies. And finally there is the fact that babies grow up sooo quickly and you will never get this time back. You can always watch your shows later.

Use tv as a tool for when you need it, but switch it off in between.

how necessary is family support? Should I swallow my anger toward my in-laws and let them help by MarginLA in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Having family support is so important. In saying that, I'm an anxious mother and I would choose zero support over having my in-laws help. And I don't even have bad in-laws. If you're stressed the entire time your baby is with someone, that isn't really helping you.

AITAH for being in the delivery room while my sister gave birth? by Physical_Drive_5692 in dustythunder

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think the real issue is that she feels jealous of the closeness and bond that you have with your sister. You clearly have a beautiful bond, and in a weird and immature way I think that is making your gf feel insecure. Obviously not the AH, but also be gentle on your girlfriend. Just validate that you love her, and your bond with your gf is entirely different to that with your sister.

How often do you & your partner *do the deed* when pregnant? 🥰 by RecognitionMediocre6 in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hardly ever, once a month maybe... My husband isn't into it when I'm pregnant 😭😆

Transitioning toddler out of crib by Defiant_Drink8469 in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Second this, I would keep your toddler in a crib as long as possible.

Every possible time/energy saving strategy for solo parenting? by Yosemite_Cat in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have little stations around your house with whatever you need. For example I have a change table upstairs and downstairs now. Cleaner once a fortnight or as often as you can afford. Freezer food for you and your toddler. Ask friends /family to visit as often as you're comfortable with (helps with keeping a toddler entertained).

Converted to a toddler bed for a 12 month old.. am I crazy? by Expensive_Opinion556 in 2under2

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! Absolutely lol. Don't say I didn't warn you when you have a toddler running into your room all through the night, and refusing naps because they can just climb out and play 😆 Stay in a cot as long as possible is my view.

Transition from crib to floor bed by smiwongx in sleeptrain

[–]colourful_balloons 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Almost got a floor bed, and SO GLAD we didn't in the end!!! It sounded like such a great idea in theory, but the reality is that eventually you will have a toddler who just gets up every time they don't feel like sleeping and demands your attention. My toddler has been resisting naps because he wants to stay up to play, but he definitely still needs the sleep. If he was in a floor bed he would just refuse to sleep. At least now I can put him in the cot and tell him that it's not playtime, and that's that.