As most of you may already know, my baby spent 32 king days in the NICU before recently coming home. Although we were at the NICU with him nearly all day everyday, there were still lots of things we did not get to experience because NICU visits vary and you have a lot of help from the nurses there. So, here we are on day four and I’ve decided to jot down a list of things that I’ve learned, used, and whatever else I can think of. This list is in no particular order.

1. You may think of it as cliche when you hear “sleep when the baby sleeps”. Throw those negative thoughts out of the window because we have no time for them here. SLEEP WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS! Train yourself, do what ya gotta do. Just fall asleep when they sleep or you’ll be ready to pass out at random from one of the sleepless nights with the baby.

2. If someone offers to bring/deliver you food, take it! I prefer delivery, so I don’t have to stay up and chat, because obviously sleep and baby are your priorities and one is higher than the other. From now on, this will be my gift to my mom friends who’ve just delivered. It was truly the gift I never knew I needed.

3. The Baby Frida nose sucker thing… yeah, buy that!

4. You’re going to need lots (LOTS!) of swaddle blankets, receiving blankets and burp clothes…especially if you don’t have access to a washer/dryer in your home.

5. Soak up all the cuddles, hugs and kisses, and take as many pictures as you’d like. One day he’s going to grow up and I already know it’s going to happen fast. So be that stalker mom and whip out your camera ever chance you get. It’s better to have too many pictures than none at all.

6. Baby Brezza One step sterilizer and dryer !!!!!! It is the GOAT. Goodbye Sterilizer bags and potS of boiling water !!!!

7. If you have pets, start bringing home hospital swaddles with your baby’s scent on them. Let them sniff and play with them. For an added bonus, play sounds of a baby crying (YouTube) periodically, so they get used to the sound. I believe it’s helped for an easy transition. My youngest dog is already “looking after the baby”.

8. Don’t forget to pump! If you need to keep your supply going beyond breastfeeding because you’ll soon return to work, don’t stop pumping. You can just do ten minutes after breastfeeding and it will keep you plentiful.

9. Don’t stress out if things are not going according to your plans. I’ve learned throughout pregnancy and our NICU stay that the baby runs the show, NOT YOU! It’s ok if you need to switch things up a bit.

10. If you’re going anywhere with your baby, especially alone, BE AS PREPARED AS YOU CAN. Lord knows I was petrified at having to leave my home with just the baby and I, but I think it really helped to prepare early. If you can manage a slither of time, make sure the diaper bag is packed early… even the night before if you can. Pick out the day of outfit, spare outfits, and gather all changing station items. Whatever necessities you may need and even a little bit extra until you’re confident you can pack the diaper bag with your eyes closed.