Real Parent Stories with Haley

Meet Haley, a first time mom from Alexandria, VA. Her daughter was born January 11, 2018.

What were your first thoughts and feelings after your baby was born?

Once I got past the first few seconds of waiting to hear her cry and then thinking, She's crying! She's breathing! I thought she was the most perfect thing I'd ever seen.

Did you settle quickly into a routine with your baby? If so, do you think it worked well for you?

We settled into something of a routine, in that we clearly differentiated daytime and nighttime in terms of where we were in the house, lighting, noise, etc. This was very helpful in encouraging sleep! However, since we were breastfeeding on-demand, that prevented too strict of a routine.

How soon after your baby was born did you begin to swaddle your baby?

The nurses swaddled her within a few hours at the hospital, so that's how we kept her when we weren't doing skin-to-skin. We also swaddled her as soon as we brought her home.

How did you come to know about LOVE TO DREAM™?

I received the SWADDLE UP™ as a baby shower gift.

Do you feel like using the LOVE TO DREAM™ range of products has made a positive impact on you and your baby's sleep?

Yes! My baby is so much calmer at night in the SWADDLE UP™, so she goes to sleep more easily after feedings and stays asleep.

What is the one thing you wish you'd known before you became a parent?

A lot of parenting is learning as I go. There are so many things I can't be completely sure about, even when I consult books, professionals, and other moms, (for example, exactly what is normal for my baby), and that I can only learn through experience!

Three words to describe life before parenthood and three to describe life after becoming a parent?

Before parenthood: busy, organized, fun

Post-parenthood: full, ever-changing, joyful

What is the one piece of advice you’d offer new parents or parents-to-be?

There is no one right way to do things! Every baby is different, so having rigid expectations of how things are going to go or how you should do things is a recipe for frustration. Be prepared to be flexible!

What are your top 5 essential items to have ready to go when baby arrives?

1. Nursing bras/tops
2. Baby outfits of various sizes and weights
3. Lots of diapers
4. Lots of wipes
5. The phone numbers of family members and/or friends you can call when you need help or just some reassurance!