I will be the first to admit that I was mostly clueless when it came to pregnancy, childbirth, and baby care when I first started out! I spent a lot of time in search for answers to questions I was too embarrassed to ask friends and family, or questions I just didn't think anyone could really give me an educated answer to. Here, I will share with you some small (but handy) tips, tricks, and answers I learned along the way. Please keep in mind for some of these, what worked for me may not work for you. If you have any tips and tricks of your own that you would like to share, drop a comment below!
Disclaimer
The information and advice on this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions.
Diaper Usage for Newborns to 1 Year Old
| Week 1 to Week 4 (Newborn) |
|---|
| Week 1: 70-84 diapers (10-12 per day) |
| Week 2: 70-84 diapers (10-12 per day) |
| Week 3: 70-84 diapers (10-12 per day) |
| Week 4: 70-84 diapers (10-12 per day) |
| Month 2 to Month 3 (Infant) |
|---|
| Weeks 5-8 (Month 2): 56-70 diapers per week (8-10 per day) |
| Weeks 9-12 (Month 3): 56-70 diapers per week (8-10 per day) |
| Month 4 to Month 5 (Infant) |
|---|
| Weeks 13-16 (Month 4): 49-63 diapers per week (7-9 per day) |
| Weeks 17-20 (Month 5): 49-63 diapers per week (7-9 per day) |
| Month 6 to Month 9 (Infant) |
|---|
| Weeks 21-24 (Month 6): 49-63 diapers per week (7-9 per day) |
| Weeks 25-28 (Month 7): 49-63 diapers per week (7-9 per day) |
| Weeks 29-32 (Month 8): 42-56 diapers per week (6-8 per day) |
| Weeks 33-36 (Month 9): 42-56 diapers per week (6-8 per day) |
| Month 10 to Month 12 (Infant) |
|---|
| Weeks 37-40 (Month 10): 42-56 diapers per week (6-8 per day) |
| Weeks 41-44 (Month 11): 42-56 diapers per week (6-8 per day) |
| Weeks 45-48 (Month 12): 35-49 diapers per week (5-7 per day) |
**This list provides an estimate based on average usage. Keep in mind that each baby is unique, and diaper usage can vary. Always ensure you have a good supply on hand to avoid any last-minute trips to the store.
Helping Your Baby To Sleep
Some babies sleep much more than others. Some sleep for long periods, others in short bursts. Some soon sleep through the night, while some don't for a long time.
Your baby will have their own pattern of waking and sleeping, and it's unlikely to be the same as other babies you know.
It's also unlikely to fit in with your need for sleep. Try to sleep when your baby sleeps.
If you're breastfeeding, in the early weeks your baby is likely to doze off for short periods during a feed. Carry on feeding until you think your baby has finished or until they're fully asleep. This is a good opportunity to try to get a bit of rest yourself.
If you're not sleeping at the same time as your baby, don't worry about keeping the house silent while they sleep. It's good to get your baby used to sleeping through a certain amount of noise.
The 5 S's for Soothing Babies
Dr. Harvey Karp's 5 S's method offers a reliable way to soothe fussy babies by mimicking the comforting environment of the womb. The 5 S's include:
- Swaddle: Wrapping the baby snugly to recreate womb-like security and reduce the startle reflex.
- Side-Stomach Position: Holding the baby on their side or stomach to activate their calming reflex, though they should be placed on their back for sleep.
- Shush: Using loud, rhythmic white noise to replicate the sounds of the womb, helping to soothe the baby.
- Swing: Gentle rocking or swinging mimics womb movements, calming the baby and promoting sleep.
- Suck: Encouraging sucking, either through breastfeeding or a pacifier, which lowers the baby’s heart rate and stress levels.
These techniques aim to reduce colic and sleeplessness, common challenges for new parents. They work by addressing the baby’s natural needs for comfort and security, similar to what they experienced in the womb. If the 5 S’s don’t seem to work, parents should check for basic needs like hunger, gas, or discomfort, or consult a pediatrician if necessary to consider underlying medical issues such as reflux or food intolerance. Sometimes, adjusting the technique—like combining multiple S’s—can make the method more effective.
By using the 5 S’s, parents can reduce crying, improve sleep, and lower the stress that contributes to postpartum depression, making early parenthood a little easier and more enjoyable.
The Postpartum Couple: What Will Happen To Us?
With all the “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” type of books out there, you would think that there would be more information to truly prepare couples for transitioning to parenthood. There are infinite resources on what happens during pregnancy and the birth process, as well as website and forums dedicated to all the gadgets, accessories, and tools you will need to care for the baby. You can watch YouTube videos about changing diapers, swaddling, and proper ways to use your Moby wrap. These are all valuable resources, but what is more valuable than maintaining a strong and connected relationship with your partner? Why aren't people talking about what really happens to couples in the postpartum period? In my opinion, it’s because some of the information is very scary-and we tend to avoid things that are scary.
Labuzan-Lopez, E. (2016, October 27). The postpartum couple: What will happen to us? Erika Labuzan-Lopez Therapy. https://www.erikalabuzanlopeztherapy.com/blog-psychotherapy-marriage-counseling-infertility-postpartum-depression-minimalism-leaguecity-houston-tx/postpartum-couples-therapy
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