Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Philips Avent. I received products and/or compensation in exchange for this post. All opinions and advice shares are 100% that of To & Fro.
Today marks exactly two months since little miss Berkley came into our lives and turned us into a family of four.
As we continue to settle in to our new dynamic, I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come in the past two months. Despite being our second child, it’s safe to say, we’ve learned a lot. But then again, I don’t think the learning really ever stops with children.
For my husband and I, we’ve had to relearn what life is like with a newborn. It’s only been 2 years, 7 months and 27 days since Morley was born, but it’s funny how quickly you forget. You forget how tiny they are, how high pitch their little screams can be and you definitely forget those sleepless nights. We’ve had to relearn it all.
Big sister is learning what it truly means to be a big sister - how to be helpful, how to be gentle, how to have patience and how all of the attention is no longer on her. The last one has been a bit of a struggle, but we’re working on it.
We’ve also learned that sisters can be oh so different. Like, oh so different. While they may have looked nearly identical at birth, they’re slowing proving to be very different in temperament. In fact, the exact opposite. Morley was a fairly easygoing baby - didn’t cry, slept well and liked her space (as in, you could put her down and she would be quite content). Now, think the exact opposite and that’s little sister Berkley.
Dealing with two kids in itself is a new challenge, but now, there are new things that we are experiencing that Morley never threw at us, including the c word… colic.
I never truly knew what a colicky baby meant until it started taking over my life. It’s exhausting, it’s frustrating and it’s absolutely heartbreaking not being able to do a damn thing about it. But what I’ve learned from other moms is that no matter how stressful it is, it will pass. Things will get better, things will get easier.
I may have had to navigate many new obstacles on my journey as a mom of a toddler and newborn, but one thing that I have been able to count on is the products I use, thanks to Philips Avent.
With a fussy baby, we’ve had to change up the way we do things around here, including the bottles we use. While we’ve always trusted Philips Avent bottles, we are now using the Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottles with Airfree Vent (4 oz.), designed to reduce colic, gas and reflux. The shape of the nipple allows a secure latch and stays full even when the bottle is horizontal, allowing baby to drink in an upright position so that they swallow less air as they drink. (Available at BabiesRUs and other popular retailers - $12.99 CAD per 4 oz 3 pack)
And where there’s a bottle, there’s a bottle warmer. The Philips Avent Fast Bottle Warmer heats milk up quickly and evenly in just three minutes. It also features a handy defrost setting, making it safer than defrosting in a microwave and more convenient than using water - perfect for both frozen breast milk or homemade baby food. It is fully compatible with all Philips Avent bottles and containers. (Available at BabiesRUs and other popular retailers - $49.99 CAD)
When she’s not eating, our other secret to calm a fussy baby is the Philips Avent Newborn Soother, perfect for babies up to 2 months old. This dishwasher-safe pacifier is extra small and lightweight for tiny babies, and the collapsible silicone nipple has a symmetrical shape that respects baby’s plate, teeth and gums as they grow. (Available at BabiesRUs and other popular retailers - $8.49 CAD per 2 pack)
The first 1,000 days are the most important in a baby’s development. Philips Avent has created the #First1000Days journey to provide parents with resources to help them know what to expect every baby step of the way – from newborn to toddler – and feel confident they’re making the right decision for their baby’s future and health, no matter what stage of the journey they’re in.
Philips Avent is the number one brand recommended by moms worldwide, including this one right here. Be better prepared for motherhood, with Philips Avent.
What was the biggest thing you learned from having children? I’d love to hear!
