Still early I know but heads up would be nice.

[Ashleigh92009]

I'm rather nervous about parenting. I know everyone has their own way but i'm just reaching out for any advise really. All the good and the bad. I only know what i've seen as parents and the only good ones were my grandparents lol but back when I was little things were rather different. any Advise mommies?

[Clysta]

There are many different ways of parenting, and you just need to do what you feel in your heart is the right way to go. For me and my husband, we chose the route of attachment parenting. It's demanding in the beginning, but for us it was what we knew what the right way to go and I've very happy with that choice and all the choices we have thus made. We co-sleep (she's almost 16 months and has slept in her crib 3 times and only during naps) I breastfed for 8 months (weaned when I was hospitalized) I use baby carriers, we did baby lead weaning, and I follow her cues. Everyone will have advice, and you will be criticized no matter what you choose to do. If you have any questions about attachment parenting (or particular methods I explained) I'd be happy to answer any questions.

[mommybear0710]

I'm expecting our third and we have no particular way we parent just what feels right ours sleep in our room(in a bassinet) for 5/6 months then move to a crib in their room, we do a bottle until 9 months then start on some solids(we introduce baby food and baby rice cereal at about 5 months but that depends on each of our babys abilitys) try to have the pacifier gone by 1 year and potty training started.  Our daughters are pretty independent my 4 year old started school this year and I was very proud of how she handled it, she was nervous but didn't cry. Also I vacuum a lot in the final months and make noise and continue after they're here so they learn to sleep through anything, it's nice not to have to tiptoe around all the time plus when they move to their own room they cry at first and I would turn the vacuum on and sit outside their site and it would calm them and they'd sleep. Like Clysta said there is no right or wrong way and everyone does it different just do what feels right to you. Good luck

[Ashleigh92009]

Thanks guys. I'm just worried I wont be able to handle certain situations. I did not know how long I should let s/he sleep with me and my fiance or even really whens a good time to introduce solid foods. i guess I can always keep you guys around and just ask til its grown and on its own lol. my nana (grandma) is still around and I know she'll help me to the best of her ability plus my stepdad just had a baby with his new wife. (he was always around so hes more my daddy then anyone) she has been great to me. Today she even let me stay in the room while the nurse was helping her breastfeed so I could learn and what not. You guys are the best :)

[Clysta]

You'll figure them out when you come to them. It seems like you won't now, but it is like second nature. I used to hang out with my sister a lot when my niece was born, and she had moments that I completely lost it and didn't think I would ever be able to handle a newborn.. and then 2 months later my daughter was born and everything I worried about didn't seem so difficult anymore.

Co-sleeping is a very personal choice, and can continue for as long as you're comfortable with it - if you even choose that route at all. Many people are not comfortable with it and opt out from the beginning. I anticipate my daughter will be in her own bed when she's 2-5 years old. I'm not in any rush to make her leave, and she will when she's ready. Solids can be started anytime after 6 months - this is around the time that the baby's digestive system is matured and can handle it. You can do homemade baby foods, pre-made baby foods or you can skip baby foods altogether and go straight to solid foods that we eat.

[Ashleigh92009]

I think I would do baby food first and cereal cause it seems like it would be easier on babys belly. I've thought about making my own and buying a baby bullet :) haha

[Clysta]

It works well for some - my daughter hated baby foods so we let it go and at 7 or 8 months we started just giving her proper solids. Before a year old she could eat anything (including steak, ribs and chicken) with no problems.

You can also wait to give them baby foods or solids until after 1 year old. Solids before then are not really given for anything but preparation. Until 1 year old, breast milk and formula are all they need and provides the nutrients.