I have been carrying her whenever I hear her make noise...same for my elder when she is a baby coz I m like your friend think they are too young to know self soothing.
I am more heartless. I only carry baby if baby wants to eat. The rest of the time, I leave the baby in the cot to play, make noise. Let baby learn to be patient and Understand that not every cry = cuddle or hugs. If not I will be very tired responding to every single thing. Plus I am a working mum Afterall. I cannot afford to pamper baby this way.
I have also been "training" baby by feeding baby in living room with loud tv and sudden/ accidental sounds at night. Initially baby shows signs of being scared. All 4 limbs will raise to indicate shock. However, after 3-4 days of such training, baby is now oblivious to loud sounds. My relatives can talk and laugh as per normal while holding the sleeping baby.
I also make it a point to "wake" baby up deliberately for feed 1hr before I set off for medical check-up. This is to make baby in a drunken mode and it will be easier for me to concentrate on the road / handle the baby when I am outside.
I want the baby to adjust to our lifestyle so that it is easier for me when CL leaves. It's about 1.5 weeks since I delivered, I've learnt how to :
- Use a micro pore tape to "fasten" oversized mittens and booties
- Clean a baby after each feed
- Change diapers when baby poops or pee
- Do leg massage to encourage constipated baby to pass motion
- Wash and sterilize baby bottles and pump
- Extract baby's mucus and clear blocked nose
- Bathe a baby
It may seem simple to experienced mum, but definitely impt milestones and achievements that I have unlocked as a first time mum!