The Diffference Between Your First Baby and Third

I've just had my third baby and have noticed some major differences in how I've planned and cared for my first and third baby. Of course, my second fell somewhere in between these.

Shopping for furniture, swings, bouncers etc.

• First baby - buy top of the line furniture and accessories. You own every invention know to man to make having a baby easier by 20 weeks of your pregnancy.
• Third baby - you start to beg, borrow and steal any vital items (crib) three days before your due date.

Diaper Bag

• First baby - you choose the most beautiful bag and have it stocked with diapers, a change of clothing, first aid kit, changing pad, tissues, wipes, etc. long before baby arrives or has any use for it.
  
• Third baby - you grab a bag the morning of baby's one week check up and throw anything into it you see. Realizing once you get to the Dr.s office you don't have wipes.
  

Clothing

• First baby - clothes are all washed with tags removed weeks before baby comes. Of course you only use Dreft detergent.
• Third baby - you rip the tags off and put the outfit directly onto baby skipping the initial wash. Once dirty, clothes are washed with the rest of the laundry in whatever detergent is on the shelf.
  

Sleep

• First baby - every decision is weighed on what effect it will have on the baby's future. For example, should I give the baby a pacifier? Should I hold baby for naps? Should I pat baby to sleep? You ask yourself if doing this once will create a habit for baby.
  
• Third baby - you do whatever it takes to get 10 minutes of sleep. It's survival.
  

Feeding Baby

• First baby - you time or record the amount of ounces baby eats. Keeping track of number of dirty and wet diapers. Even creating a database to keep track of all baby's incoming and outgoing food and waste to be sure the baby is getting enough nourishment.
  
• Third baby - you put the boob or bottle in baby's mouth when baby cries.