Allison Vorcheimer 5 TIPS FOR A HAPPIER BABY
We’re constantly being told by friends and family that “Liam is such a happy baby!” He is very laid back and for the most part “happy” in any situation. While some of this is his natural demeanor, I do credit part of it to our more relaxed parenting style and approach. Here are some of my tips for making sure you have a Happy Baby so you can be happy parents.
1. DON’T CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE
This is the biggest one for me. Of course, having a baby is a major life change and will require adjustments but, there really is no major part of our pre-baby lives that we have given up. We still go out to dinner, travel in our rv and meet up with friends – all with Liam tagging along. We’re happier and unresentful and I think he is happier for it. Babies feed off of your energy, it’s a circle. Keep yourself happy, baby’s happy, you’re happy!
2. EARLY EXPOSURE
As early as 1 month old, Liam went to his first restaurant (we did not let people put their faces within 3 ft of his and went to a small local place during the week so not to busy). Being so small, I fed him and he basically slept the whole time. At 2 months, he went on his first rv trip to Orlando and went to Epcot (we went on a Monday night, stayed outside, didn’t let people touch him and kept hand sanitizer on the stroller so when we could use before grabbing him). Still maybe a little extreme for some but I think you get my point. From early on, we have been exposing Liam to the activities we love to do, and now, he loves them! He gets so excited anytime we take out his car seat and loves to be out and around people. We are constantly told how good he is when we take him to dinner. Honestly, he has probably been to more different restaurants than most adults (we like to eat, obviously) and he probably behaves better at these places than a lot of adults do.
3. ORGANIZATION
Again, for me this is always key. It is easy and not stressful for us to include Liam in everything we do because we make it simple. I like my diaper bag and I keep it stocked at all times. If we go out to dinner, I have an insert I prefer to use in my tote, which is also always stocked and ready to go. Hubby refuses to use both of these so he has his own diaper bag for outings that he keeps stocked and ready to go. So, last minute invite to go to dinner, no problem. Liam’s bag is ready (whichever we decide to use, yes, we have problems. We know.) – link our bags/organizers Of course, being organized does not mean you have to be extra like us but this is what we use. What do we keep in our bags so they’re always ready to go? Click here for a complete list.
4. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF
As a generally type A person and First time mom, this is easier said than done for me, but we try to keep a relaxed approach and not worry about the little things and the inevitable. When we go to the beach, we know he’s going to eat 1lb of sand – I don’t stress it, I don’t get worked up, and I let Liam have his freedom. He has more fun and so do we. (Of course, we still freak out over things, sea shells are a choking hazard and some things can be dangerous) Basically, we treat Liam like a 2nd child, not a first. Sometimes, I am dying inside trying not to over react to things but once we’re through it, we’re better for it.
5. FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE
When we are at home for the day, I keep Liam to his standard schedule. I read a lot (as I’m sure you do, you’re here!) and everywhere you look stresses the importance of a routine and schedule. I get it, I agree, for the most part. When we go out and on weekends, we do whatever makes baby happy. Out to dinner and he wants to nap an hour before bed? Ok. Refuses to nap at the beach? I’m the first one to stick a boob or bottle in his mouth so he falls asleep. (We stick to an eat, play, sleep routine normally. Helps them learn to fall asleep on their own blah, blah, blah… see more reading research) The point is, if the schedule is not working while we are out and about, toss the schedule and do what works. We’ve done this consecutively for 4-5 days when traveling and guess what? He’s not broken. Once we go back to his normal schedule, sleep habits and everything stay the same. We’ve been flexible, so he is flexible.
Obviously every baby is different and we all know they do not come with a manual. Hopefully some of these tips will work for you to help both baby and you be happier! What are some things that have worked for you?
