Ask HN: Advice for First Child?

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=48874401

by bix6 • 11 days ago

1 9 11 days ago

news.ycombinator.com

We are welcoming our first child into the world soon and appreciate any advice, recommendations, etc.

In particular given this is HN, any tech things to think about? We’re getting rid of the TV. Just this morning I was thinking about a star map for the nursery but maybe that’s distracting.

uberman• 11 days ago

Long nights and short years. It will seem both impossible and in the blink of an eye they will be driving and looking at colleges.

Split the responsibilities and dont wait for your partner to ask for help.

Start a 529 now.

bix64• 10 days ago

Thank you :)

turtleyacht• 11 days ago

No tablets. Have lots of things to read and material for arts & crafts. Keep them bored for naught but the outside or their own making.

Have a computer with OpenBSD. Not for nothing can it do any thing, if they're willing to start from less.

bix64• 10 days ago

Thank you :)

getwiththeprog• 11 days ago

Forget the technology and gadgets for the first few years. They need nothing other than your presence and care.

When they are old enough, around four, get them on to Linux!

bix64• 10 days ago

Thank you very much :)

yokaze• 11 days ago

Forget tech. Except the bottle and a thermometer.

Forget about "breast is best". Fed is best.

If breastfeeding works, great. Giving the bottle won't stop your child taking the breast.

The evidence for "breast is best" is limited.

Divide the work, and give each other some time off. Both of your mental well-being is important as well.

Wanting the best for your child is normal, but remember: the best is the enemy of good.

Regarding the TV: the evidence there is also limited. Don't want to discourage you.

Most studies are observational. Most of them are done with volunteers in an university related environment, the differences are usually small.

If you want to follow that advice and it makes you feel better, great. But don't stress yourself out over it.

The most important thing is that your child has loving and caring parents which are there for it. And that takes effort too.

All the best.

bix64• 10 days ago

Thank you for your advice :)

gus_massa• 9 days ago

I strongly fully agree. More advice from rehashing an old comment by myself.

The first week is brutal! The baby sleep at random times, and you barely sleep. The good part is that the first week only is a week long. Then the difficulty gets automatically reduced to hard.

Protip 1: If the baby has gas, s/he will have strong stomachache. Some massage help. Ask the nurses at the hospital for instructions. It's like magic.

Protip 2: Try to sleep as much as possible. Yes, I know it's not that easy.

Ask HN: Advice for First Child?

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