Manual for the Proper Care and Feeding of Brayden

Manual for the Proper Care and Feeding of Brayden

Morning Routine

* Brayden will wake up around 7am. He will want to cuddle for a while and will want his juice, water or bottle. It is a good idea to have 2 or 3 of those options available on the nightstand.

* After he's done cuddling and drinking he'll crawl off the bed to start playing. You need to either get up with him or if you think you might want to lie in bed a bit longer, be sure you closed the gate the night before so he can't get into mischief in the kitchen.

* When you get up (no later than 8 preferably) you need to give him his meds first thing before you forget. At this time you can also give him 2 gummy vitamins.

* After meds he will definitely need to be changed. This is a good time to also dress him for the day. Be sure to watch the weather report to ascertain the weather so you can dress him appropriately. DON'T FORGET SOCKS AND SHOES!!! He should NEVER leave the house without shoes. This is your responsibility not your Dad's.

* After meds, vitamins and diaper change please be sure he brushes his teeth. As modeling is the best form of teaching, you should brush your teeth at the same time. Check to make sure he brushes up, down, front and back.

* Brayden should brush at least twice a day. I suggest after breakfast and dinner.

* Brayden is a little boy and should not be cooped up in the house all day. Please be sure he either goes to the park or plays outside

Evening/Bedtime Routine

* You might think that keeping Brayden up late will make him sleep in later in the morning but this is not the case. He needs his sleep or he will be cranky and susceptible to illness.

* Brayden needs to have a bath every day. Please don't assume he is like you and can skip bathing and wear the same clothes for days on end. This is not fair to him as he is too little to make his own hygiene decisions. If we neglect his hygiene, this will set a poor example which could carry into his life as a bad habit.

* While it is convenient to shower with him, you should also give him several baths during the week, as it gives him a chance to have creative bath playtime.

* Be sure to lotion him and pay special attention to dry patches on his skin. I recommend Aveeno for very dry areas.

* Clean his ears every 2 or 3 days, not every day. Use only safety Q-Tips.

* Be sure Brayden brushes his teeth after dinner EVERY NIGHT.

* DO NOT give him juice after he has brushed his teeth. He can have water or his bottle.

* I realize that you will be eating out with your dad most nights. But keep in mind that we have lots of food to feed Brayden. He likes hotdogs, grilled cheese, quesadillas, fresh fruit, pasta, eggs, cheese, crackers, etc.

* Try to stock up on fresh fruit once a week