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Small-Scale Question Sunday for July 9, 2023

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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What is your top baby/kid advice? We are in the third trimester with our first. Revolutionary must have gadget, let them cry it out, co-sleep don't co-sleep, have a closet lined with mirrors to lock them in?

We have a one month old right now.

  • Consider a doula, if you find one you click with they can be a life saver

  • For us, sleeping in shifts at night has worked better than trading off waking up. The baby sleeps in a separate room and whoever is on duty sleeps on a couch next to them so we each get some long, uninterrupted naps

  • Killer gadget for us was a white noise machine, he sleeps a lot better and it blocks out any noise we make moving around the house

  • If you want to breastfeed meet with a lactation consultant ahead of time, insurance covered ours 100% and also paid for a breast pump. It's been a big help.

  • Buy a few brands of swaddle wraps now so you can try them out and see which you prefer once they're born, then you can buy more of that type. I prefer the velcro ones over zipper but ymmv

I have 3 kids under 6 right now and strongly endorse every one of these recommendations. Doula's are absolutely worth the money, and you should be shopping around for one ASAP if you don't already have one.