Ok, maybe I am a second time mom and these are things that I learned during baby’s first year the second time around. Regardless, being a mom is hard. No matter what number baby this is for you, you will always learn a little bit more as you go so here are the 7 things I learned during baby’s first year.
7 Things I Learned During Baby’s First Year
I am way more laid back
When Hayden would fall I would for all nervous. What if hw was hurt? What if that small bump or bruise was actually a broken bone or internal bleeding that happened because I was (in my mind) being negligent?! My min would literally go to the worst possible case scenario. When Avery came along, my take on motherhood was a little more lack. Even in the newborn haze, I was less worried about doing things right and more worried about making it through the day with minimal spit up on my clean shirt and a happy baby. When Avery falls, of Cours I pick her up and comfort her but I have learned that the majority of the time, kids will bounce right back.
Having a good partner is key
It’s no secret that I am divorced and my amazing son is a product of that. However, when Hayden was little I had to not only navigate the perils of a newborn with minimal help from his father while being a first time mom. I also tended to walk through milestones, appointments, birthday parties and outings alone.
Avery’s dad is the complete opposite. Not only did he attend every single prenatal appointment but has been there every step of the way in her first year of life as an amazing dad and partner. He gets up in the middle of the night, changes diapers and is not afraid to get down on the floor and play peek a boo with a one year old.
Sleep deprivation is real and it sucks
The age gap between my children is six years. That means I had a whole lot of time to remember what sleep was like. Going backwards was a shock to my system I was not prepared for.
Breastfeeding was easier
I didn’t put so much stress on myself to make breastfeeding work the second time around. It seemed to happen more naturally with Avery because I learned to relax and just let things happen. Yes, there were tears and there were days that were hard but in the end learning to let go of the ideal that our breastfeeding journey was going to be perfect was the key to my success.
If you are wondering about what breastfeeding essentials you will need or how to boost your milk supply to pick up some tips to lessen the burden you out on yourself in regards to breastfeeding check out my other posts HERE and HERE.
Cute outfits are great but sleepers are better
Having a girl was like a dream come true for me. Yes, my son was also a dream come true but I was excited to finally be able to buy the cute dresses, rompers and bows that I had been eyeing every time I was shopping for kid related items. I quickly learned that while these outfits are cute, they are impractical for a baby that needs to be changed multiple times per day. I relied heavily on sleepers and onesies when Avery was small and realized the cute outfits came later.
Let the advice go
Everyone has some advice to give on what to do with your baby, how to feed your baby, or even what to name your baby. Smile and let that shit go because loads of people will give you advice and the majority of it will be unsolicited.
Enjoy every minute
Your baby’s first year truly does fly by in the blink of an eye. And then in another blink they are seven. My point is I was more mindful this time around to enjoy each and every milestone. I spent more time enjoying the time Avery and I were together then worrying if I was doing everything right.
This year really did pass by in a blur and I am looking forward to the years to come as both myself and my children grow and learn. Till next time, thanks for reading!
The baby first year can be challenging for parents but I agree it is a blink of eyes. Dressing up the baby is the best part especially when you are having a baby girl.
I’m not a mom but reading the experiences of those who are fills me with illusion!
You can really tell you are writing as a second time Mum! All the things you learn and worry about with your first seem so much easier second time around. Everything except the lack of sleep, that doesn’t get any easier!
The first year of our children’s life is such a learning process for all of us I find. No matter if it is our first, second or fifth child, we will always end up learning something new.
I miss my kids being babies. I agree the first year is a blur then when they get about nine you get sad because your baby is growing up and everything is a bigger blur . I have three kids 26, 22, and 9 years old. I definitely have done things differently with my last kid knowing he’s my last and that they grow up and so quick! I do things my way now and don’t listen to what others say about raising my kid either ..lol!
Thanks for sharing this to us. This will be great preparation for me so if I could chance to have a baby, that’s great.
I’m still on baby number one and will be for a while but I have to agree with your points. Your kids are adorable by the way!
These are so lovely and such a great idea! Though I do not have one but I would love to get one.
The 1st year of a baby is very challenging. Every month a baby changes mood but it is all worth it.
Parenthood is very difficult. But just like you, I have learned so much on my baby’s first year. It was hard at first and I thought it has the same thing when I have my 2nd baby but it was different.
Don’t worry about what anybody says about how your babies…the first year is tough… finding a rhythm with this new little one you’ve brought into this world. But then before you know it they are all grown up
the first year really is the most challenging. but ours is still a big blur 4 years later.
Awe your babies are so cute! We aren’t parents, but we are proud aunties and still remember everything from the early days of our niece and nephew.
What a cutie. I found the transition from one to two quite easy as I knew what I was doing. two to three was a learning curve though and any more than that is just chaos (good chaos). I am only just learning what sleep is again though
Great tips! Makes me miss the days my children were younger…the time goes by so quickly! Enjoy every moment.
I’m not a parent yet but I feel like it’s not easy to be a first-time parent, but sometimes being a parent sounds like fun and blessed.
I know nothing about babies… thank you for sharing this. It’s definitely sth to think about.
Loved this post. Being a mama is such a blessing. I have 4 and love it so much. Yes to enjoying every minute.
I don’t have a children, but I have definitely heard from my friends who are moms just have difficult and rewarding it can be. Thank you for sharing your experiences and your beautiful pictures of your children!
It’s amazing how much stuff you learn after just one year of parenting! I definitely agree with you, let the advice go, no point listening to half of it, lol!
Great article! I’m going to keep this in mind!
These photos are so sweet and memorable! I agree, my boys have grown up in a blink of an eye.
It is very clear that you’re enjoying being a mom and quite great at it! This is amazing and such a blessing.
So true. I have 2 kids and my oldest just had his first baby. So, I’m now a grandma and STILL learning things about baby’s first year. Also, I just love the name Avery <3
I got two cousins who just gave birth this month and I want to congratulate you on learning these things. Happy memories it’ll bring you!
When you become a mom, it should come with a superwoman cape. Most mothers try to be everything and everywhere, and you are on that list!
She is adorable and big brother looks very happy, it’s awesome that your hubby is a hands-on da, which makes it a little easier.
Being a parent is not easy, but all the hardships will fade away when we see they grow up healthy and happy. Keep up the great work!
Your children are so adorable! I am not a mom but I know it is no walk in the park. But still, can’t wait to be one 😀
I really enjoy reading this post. I only have 2 with 4 years gap and I am completely having a different experience with the two of them.
The first year is when you experience every emotion under the sun. Your babies look so cute. Thanks for sharing this
I am not yet a mother but I’ve been seriously thinking of motherhood lately. so I really do enjoy reading post like this that gives me some sort of insight or prepare me in some sort of way. Are you having a good partner is important. I would not want to go through the experience alone. You have such a beautiful family Danielle. Keep being a great mom.
I am not a mom yet but I plan on to soon enough. Your post inspires me!
I bet there were a LOT to learn. You are a strong woman though!
I agree. Having a good partner is always the key! You need a helping hand or else, you might go crazy doing everything without enough sleep!
Motherhood sounds so beautiful. I’m glad I’m able to read such motherhood blogs. I could learn in advance.
This is so lovely. Thank you for sharing your motherhood journey. It is not easy but it is all worth it.
Looks like your husband is a blessing in this area!!! Very cool. Your photos are adorable and awesome you have a boy and a girl.
The number of lessons we learn from babies are endless. You think you know everything and then wham, they hit you with something new.
Haha yes small babies are cute and do only few things but are not easy to take care of, when you’re mother for the first time cos it’s all new for you