Ummmm, Iphi.
That's something to think about NOW.
What will you do to help him calm down at bedtime, for instance, once he's weened?
You need a consitent calming bedtime ritual you can tweek as time goes by..... so that big change isn't so overwhelming for him. He'll still have lots of familiar comforting things going on that he can count on, till he gets used to that particular 'tweek.'
We had more than one binky boo, so if one got left at Na Na's.... there was another to take it's place.
I loved walking the girls by their cribs before bed..... lights low.... comforting murmers..... then down they went and I got to touch softly their little arms and faces..... they were so relaxed and.....
most importantly......
secure.
Anyone could duplicate these rituals..... bc I didn't want baby or caretaker to suffer when I couldn't be there.
Nothing like trying to comfort a baby that's come to expect breast feeding to sleep every night.... or he's not OK to really give everyone something to think about.
Oh OH..... and reading! Soon soon.... that big comfy chair in the nursery should be where you sit and read for a bit before..... eh.... every baby has their own magic ritual.
You'll figure out yours.... just don't start things you don't want to continue.... bc little Boos are creatures of habit.
Changes are painful and hard won.
Mindful planning and consideration of the next few phases and steps..... will save your energy for more sleep and joy.
Calm, consistent, patient mama does it. Baby gets used to routines then things simmer down. Bumps are just bumps.... don't say NO unless you have the energy to back it up. Just say yes to whatever if you know you can't stand behind it.
Hold his hand in parking lots before he's walking on his own bc when he starts getting more autonomous... it's harder to start that habit.
I so miss having a baby in the house!
