Thoughts on footie pajamas, formula & motherhood

Perrigo Nutritionals sponsored this post but all opinions are my own.

This past week I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting about my kids. I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but my kids always seem to grow a lot in the winter months. For instance, Elias has always loved footie pajamas, and his favorite brand stops at size eight. Each night, I see them stretched over his tall body, just barely fitting. I know that it won’t be long before they won’t stretch any more.

When Elias was first born, I remember stressing about everything. Was he warm enough? Was he eating enough? Had he pooped? (Gosh, poop is so consuming when you are a parent of babies!)

Now, nearly 10 years later, with three kids filling our home with laughter and bickering, dancing and crying, I take a lot more in stride. Life in our home is a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows, as it is with any family. I’ve learned getting bogged down by any one thing doesn’t do anyone any good. I have learned that any concerns I have can be worked out through good conversation and/or solid research.

When Elias was a baby, something that wasn’t on my radar was the difference between organic and non-organic baby formula and food. Through my work with Perrigo Nutritionals, I learned that my experience was not unusual. The nutrition company conducted a survey of 1,000 moms and learned 43% of moms said they purchased organic foods for their babies when they started eating solids, but only 10% purchased organic formula for their infants. I was totally in this camp. I remember buying some organic food for Elias and Adeline but definitely did not buy organic formula. (I did buy organic food and formula for Ezra.)

Perrigo Nutritionals also discovered 75% of moms incorrectly assumed that non-GMO products always prohibit the use of toxic pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives, when in fact, only USDA-Certified organic products can make this guarantee.

I found this study so interesting because I related to many of the facts. I’ve learned that a huge part of being a parent is being open to evolution– evolution of thought, habit, and sensibility. What works for one child doesn’t necessarily work for other children. As parents, we grow and learn. Some ways I parented Elias continued to make sense for Adeline and Ezra. Other knowledge—such as my understanding of organics—shifted, and with that learning came new, more informed choices. (For more thoughts on organic formula, read this post.)

If I could go back and tell my 25-year-old new-mom-self anything, I would say you are going to be blown away by this motherhood thing. It is going to be harder than you imagine, but a million times better. Everyone is right about that whole “the days are long, but the years are shot” saying, so take a lot of pictures and try to savor something ordinary every day. In 10 years, you are going to miss mixing formula bottles, diapering little bottoms and footie pajamas. 

What would you tell your new mom self?