As a new parent, your instinct is to do everything you possibly can to provide the best outcome for your baby. You’ve probably found yourself glued to your phone researching everything from safe sleep, to the dangers of thirdhand smoke, and all the topics in between. Not to mention the endless book recommendations, all will conflicting information!

Most families don’t plan for a preemie. When you’re having to make sudden adjustments, it can be a very scary and overwhelming experience. It’s even more overwhelming when you’re trying to sift through the entire internet to find the best information about how to care for your extra special newborn. This lesson is intended to help you cut through some of the informational overload by providing a few tried and true (and science based) resources to help answer some questions and provide insight on your journey.

Communication is key!

One of the most important things to consider when seeking out information related to your baby’s care is the credibility of your source. Credible sources are unbiased, evidence based, and do not align with any specific agenda or opinion. These can be published as podcasts, websites, articles, books, etc. Regardless of the media source, the common quality of credible sources is that the information has been proven to be factual on a wide scale, and is not based on isolated cases or experiences.

Mommy blogs and social media groups provide an excellent opportunity for fellowship, compassion, and support, and I encourage you to seek these out in whatever capacity is right for you. What’s important to remember is that these groups are formed based on people’s individual thoughts and opinions. They are designed to provide moms a platform to share their anecdotal experiences, but are not science-based. What works for one mom may not work for another, and it is important to keep this in perspective, so you do not get discouraged if things don’t go the same way for you as they did for some influencer-mom on Instagram.

General Rules

1) ALWAYS consult your doctor about any of the following:

• Appropriate sleeping arrangements for your baby
• If you suspect your baby is sick
• If you have concerns about your baby’s sleeping or eating patterns
• When and what types of foods your baby should be eating
• Appropriate medication usage or acceptable alternative treatments
• If you suspect your baby is not on track with their developmental benchmarks
• If you are having trouble connecting with your baby, or are experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety

2) Feel free to consult the internet about any of the following:

• The best “blowout proof” diaper brands
• Up and coming baby fashion
• The latest diaper bag “go to” items
• Wipe warmer or no wipe warmer?
• What to do when you are sleep deprived and everything your partner says and does drives you crazy

Websites, Podcasts, and Apps…Oh My!

Related posts:

First Years Lesson: “Quarantine Cuisine” First Years Lesson: “Surviving the Hospital Stay” First Years Lesson: Red Light! Green Light! First Years Lesson: Use that Noodle!