The joy is great, because life will now be explored as a family of three. However, during this process, well-intentioned advice also comes into play. Experienced family members, well-meaning friends, or complete strangers; everyone thinks they know best about topics like strollers, breastfeeding, or babywearing.
This situation can sometimes create insecurity, especially for first-time mothers, and put pressure on the new parenting journey.
So, with a bit of humor, we offer you some tips on how to respond more comfortably and effectively in the next similar situation.
1. BABY CARRIERS – ARE THEY THE "ENEMY" FOR EVERY BABY? | BABY CARRYING AND BONDING
Walks with a baby and your best friend are actually very enjoyable; because it's finally possible to chat and spend time together again. Carrying the baby in a baby carrier (tragetuch) during this time is a great opportunity, both for practical reasons and for building a stronger bond with the baby. Plus, there's no need for a large and bulky stroller.
However, your friend might think differently: She might claim that the baby can't breathe in the wrap and that the mother's hip and back health could be damaged. In such situations, the new mother can respond humorously and confidently, both to ease the situation and to provide information.
For example, a scientific and natural example can be given: Kangaroos, monkeys, and koalas carry their babies this way, and this method helps calm the young. So, baby carrying methods are actually a natural behavior frequently observed in nature and they comfort babies.
If this explanation isn't enough, the mother can show her friend how to tie the baby carrier and encourage her to try it too. This way, both information is shared, and methods of contact and bonding with the baby are experienced more closely.
2. BREASTFEEDING? THE FATHER-IN-LAW KNOWS BEST! | BABY FEEDING AND FAMILY ADVICE
It's time for a family visit; everyone is excited to see the little baby. After the second cup of tea, the baby gets hungry and starts to fuss. The mother immediately prepares the bottle to feed the baby.
Just then, the father-in-law steps in. According to him, breastfeeding is the best method, and he adamantly defends his point by saying, "We all grew up this way back in our day." Such "experience transfers," common in Turkish family structures, can sometimes create a feeling of pressure on new mothers.
In such situations, giving a humorous answer without creating tension and while maintaining respect is one of the best solutions:
"Okay, Dad, you know best about this, can you show us how?"
This approach neither offends the other party nor prevents unnecessary arguments. Afterwards, either the topic is brushed off with a smile, or the mother gets an opportunity to calmly explain the reasons for her own choice.
Ultimately, when it comes to topics like baby feeding, breastfeeding, and bottle feeding, the most important thing is pressure-free, understanding, and respectful family communication.
3. SOME BABIES LOVE SILENCE | BABY SLEEP ROUTINE AND QUIET AT HOME
Evening comes, and the baby is now sleeping peacefully. For the mother, it's finally time to deal with tasks she couldn't get to during the day or to get some rest. However, everything must be done as quietly as possible; because the baby shouldn't wake up. This situation is very important for baby sleep routine and creating a quiet environment at home.
Just then, the neighbor knocks on the door urgently, asking for eggs for dinner. Gently, it's explained that the baby might be sleeping and that noise shouldn't be made. But this time, the neighbor offers a different suggestion: "Don't pay any attention to the baby, he needs to get used to noise!"
In such situations, the mother should remain calm and explain that every baby is different. Because every baby's sleep sensitivity is different; some babies wake up to the smallest sound, while others can sleep more deeply.
Therefore, the most appropriate approach is for each family to establish a routine according to their own child. When the baby wakes up, routines such as a bath or a light massage can be preferred. For example, products like Bübchen Baby Bath offer a gentle bathing experience.
Ultimately, baby sleep training and a peaceful home environment should be shaped entirely according to the baby's needs. The most important thing is for the baby to feel safe and calm.
4. SHOPPING – A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE | CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR IN THE SUPERMARKET AND PATIENCE TRAINING
Even as children grow, well-intentioned advice never ends. We all know a scene: while waiting in line at the supermarket checkout, the child cries, gets fussy, and absolutely wants one of the chocolates on the shelf.
An elderly person waiting behind might impatiently suggest, "Just give it to him, quiet the child." In this situation, the best approach for the mother is to distract the child without listening to external pressure.
Because once crying for a wish is responded to, the child learns that it works and repeats this behavior. This is an important point in terms of child education, children's behavior during shopping, and developing patience.
One of the most effective ways to distract a child is to draw attention to the sounds at the checkout. For example, showing the "beep" sound of the register as something fun can work. Also, offering healthy alternatives is quite effective; small chopped apples or bananas as snacks can divert the child's attention.
As a result, the shopping experience with a child can be made much calmer and more controlled with proper guidance and patience.