My partner is into her 36th week of pregnancy and we have gone to the antenatel classes and all that stuff, but what I really want to know is, what do you do when you get back home with your new child? Some tips would be nice please.

Don't wake it up when it is sleeping!!

Feed the baby when its hungry, change the diapes when they are wet or messy. Love them.

The first 12 months is more about YOU learning to speak its language than the other way around. Don't attribute your own world view / perspective on the baby until its 3-4 YEARS old. Until then, you absolutely MUST be a student of what IT is saying/doing.

That is your best gift to your new child - a willingness to study and discover its messages to you.

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Originally Posted by JBeaucaire

The first 12 months is more about YOU learning to speak its language than the other way around. Don't attribute your own world view / perspective on the baby until its 3-4 YEARS old. Until then, you absolutely MUST be a student of what IT is saying/doing.

That is your best gift to your new child - a willingness to study and discover its messages to you.

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The first 12 to 18 months is about figuring out what they want. You already know what they need. They will let you know most of the time what they want when they want it. Keep a close check on diapers, a supply of corn starch and desitin. I do not agree with waiting until the child is 3 to 4 years old to give them your views. Studies show that the best way to develop your child's vocabulary is to either read to them, or just talking a lot to them increases their vocabulary, which is working their brain. The classrooms today are teaching at much earlier stages than it did even just 5 years ago. You must have your child ready for either Headstart, or Kindergarten when the time comes. So I disagree with waiting until your child is 3 or 4 years old to begin being very informative in intellectual conversation.

Well, it's going to spend most of it's time sleeping, eating, or pooping, so with the spare time... SLEEP!!

Be prepared to go without sleep!
I don't have kids, but I do have a sister who's 10 years younger than me. New babies are pretty simple to deal with, but exhausting!
Keep them clean, give them food, let them rest. Talk to them and listen to their first gurglings. As their motor functions kick into gear (don't expect too much too fast), give them things to stimulate their co-ordination and imagination.
Also, a parent, friend or neighbour on standby babysitting duty is a fantastic way for the two of you to get a bit of shut-eye.
You'll be fine. Congratulations!

Kal

Thanks to everyone who has shared their views. It is appreciated.

50/50 all the way, that's what I say.

The best thing we did to keep our sanity was taking turns on baby duty :)

Oh, and not letting the baby sleep with us... that came later, lol.