Milk Feeding Tips

I've heard that as a general rule, the baby's intake should be about 2.5 oz of milk for every pound that baby weighs in the first few months.  Keep in mind that the nutritional and caloric value of breastmilk varies with each mom and that the amount starts to plateau as the baby grows older or starts on solids.  My son for instance, rarely consumed more than 5 feeds of 4 oz each each day by the time he was four months old and weighed 17 pounds.

The following feeding schedule is based on Gina Ford's The Contented Little Baby Book and I would only use it as a general guide.  Your baby will most likely dictate the actual times and amounts.  Another note, encourage your baby to drink as much milk as possible during the day.  I believe that my son took 10+ months to sleep through the night because he was consuming a lot of his calories during night feeds.  

2-4 weeks (7 feedings)

2-3a

6-7a

10-10:30a

2-2:30a

5p

6-6:30p

10-11p

4-6 weeks (7 feedings)

3-4a

6-7a

10:30-11a

2-2:30a

5p

6-6:30p

10-11p

6-8 weeks (6 feedings)

4-5a

7:30a

10:45-11a

2-2:30a

6-6:30p

10-11p

8-10 weeks (6 feedings)

5-6a

7:30a

11a

2-2:30a

6-6:30p

10-11p

10 weeks to 5 months (5 feedings)

7a

11a

2-2:30a

6-6:30p

10-11p

5-6 Months (4-5 milk feedings)

7a upon waking

2-3 times during the day

6-6:30p before going to bed

6-12 Months (3 milk feedings) - By this time baby will also be enjoying solids for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, in addition to the milk feeds.

Favorite Baby Reference Books

• Baby Bargains
  
• What to Expect the Baby's First Year
• Baby 411
  
• Contented Little Baby Book - Gina Ford: Although the routines in the book are somewhat controversial, I found that having a framework was valuable and I adjusted them to my and my children's individual needs.

• Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child - Marc Weissbluth
  
• Solve Your Child's Sleep Problems - Richard Ferber
  
• Helping Your Child Sleep Through the Night - Cuthbertson and Schevill
  

My Baby Gear List

Maternity Wear

• Maternity Underwear (8)
  
• Nursing Bras (2-4)
  
• Target - Due Nursing Camisole (2)
  
• Pumping Bustier
  

Bedding

• Crib Mattress: Colgate Foam Mattress Classica 1
  
• Cotton knit fitted sheets (3)
  
• Bebe-Safe Mattress Cover
  
• Sherpa organic cotton pad / mattress pad / sheet protector
• 3-4 swaddling blankets (recommend Annie Blankets)
  
• 1-2 heavier blankets, depending on climate

 Furniture

• Dresser/Changing Table
  
• Rumble Tuff  combo Hi-Lo dresser
  
• Rocker/Glider (optional)
  
• Ottoman (optional)

Car Seat 

• Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat (for first year)
  
• Britax Roundabout or Britax Marathon Convertible Car Seatwhen baby is 1+ year and 20+ pounds)

Strollers

• Kolcraft Universal Infant Car Seat Carrier
• Maclaren Techno XT Stroller or Maclaren Triumph Umbrella Stroller
• Maclaren Volo Stroller
• Jogger Stroller: BOB Sport Utility Stroller (optional)

Front Carriers

• Kangaroo Sling or MobyWrap
• Baby Bjorn Active
  
• Ergo Carrier
  

Breast Pump: Medela Pump In Style Advanced™ w/ Backpack

Breastfeeding pillow (optional) - I liked the Nolo breastfeeding pillow

Bottles (5-8)

• Born Free BPA free Plastic or Glass Bottles
  
• Dr. Brown Natural Flow Bottles
  

Bottle brush

Pacifiers (4)

Bathtub

• EuroBath by Primo 
  
• Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn-to-Toddler Tub
  

Bath Thermometer

Diapering

• Diaper Pail
  
• Diaper Champ by Baby Trend
  
• Diapers: Pampers Premium and Huggies Supreme sz Newborn, 0, 1
• Contoured Changing Pad: Waterproof pad for diaper changes
• Contoured Changing Pad Covers(2)

Diaper Bag: Lands End Do-It-All or SkipHop

Baby Monitor

• Fisher Price Sound 'N Lights
  
• Philips In-touch Monitor & Intercom w/ rechargeable batteries
  
• Angelcare Movement Sensor with Sound Monitor
  

Activity Seat / Bouncer with Toy Bar: Fisher Price Kick & Play Bouncer

Swing (optional): 

• FisherPrice Ocean Wonders Cradle Swing 
  
• Papasan
  
• Graco "Gentle Choice" Open Top
  

PlayPen: Graco Pack 'N Play w/ Bassinet 

Layette

• 5 Tshirts (side snap)
  
• 2 baby sleepers or nightgowns, size preemie
  
• 4 baby sleepers or nightgowns,size 0-3
  
• 4 baby sleepers or nightgowns,size 3-6
  
• 5 onesies (over the head),Shortsleeve, long-sleeve
  
• 1 blanket sleeper / sleepsack
  
• 3-4 pairs of booties/baby socks
  
• sweater cardigan
  
• 1-2 newborn hats, depending on climate
  
• snowsuit/bunting (optional)
  
• 4 large bibs
  
• 2 apron bibs
  
• 3-5 baby washcloths
  
• 1-2 hooded towels, if desired
  
• 10 burp cloths
  
• 1 bottle of gentle baby wash, California Baby
  
• 1 bottle of gentle baby shampoo,California Baby
  
• 1 bottle of cornstarch, California Baby
  
• Baby nail clippers (Rubis)
  
• Baby tylenol
• California Baby Sunscreen
  
• Digital thermometer (i.e. Braun)
  
• nasal aspirator (hospitals will often supply this)
  
• zinc oxide  based diaper cream, i.e. Triple Paste
  

Swaddling Tips

• Buy the largest swaddle blankets you can find.  I loved the handmade cotton flannel ones from Annie Blankets (http://www.annieblankets.com).  I got these as a baby gift and have since bought many for myself and for our friends.
• Checkout YouTube.com videos for swaddling help.
  
• Try out the Miracle Wrap if swaddling simply does not work for you.  I haven't tried it myself, but many friends have raved about how well it had worked for them.