Any Advice For A New Auntie?

[anthro-nerd]

Okay, so it's VERY early days, but it's difficult not to get excited! My sister is pregnant (only 5 weeks so I know there's a LOT of risks), but I want to be as prepared as possible for when (if) baby arrives!

I wanted to know any AB advice! How can I be the best auntie ever? Are there any not well known baby toys out there that are amazing? Or a guide to mothering book that people highly recommend. Or something that I should be doing?

We lost our mother 8 years ago, and we're both in our late 20's so will be a huge support to each other, but without a mother to ask for mothering advice, it can all feel a little overwhelming, and it's not even my baby!

(Before someone pipes up and says 5 weeks is too soon to get excited, yes I know. She hasn't announced it yet, its just me and her partner that know. Her and her partner have been trying for a baby so if something goes wrong, they will try again and so this advice will, in time, be hugely beneficial I'm sure.)

[melv16]

All the best aunties has big boobs. Your aim should be more comely :-)

[Mamyalynne]

At this stage just be there as a sounding board, don't offer advice you've read but perhaps do some research together - more fun that way.

Often just doing what seems and feels right is right, a lot of garbage is written and many of us fell for it the first time time round.

She's very lucky to have you to share this all with.x

[bhg481]

It's actions that make a good auntie, not gifts. Take lots of interest in the little soul once it's been born, talk to it and play with it and be prepared to accept that some things you give it will be of no interest to it whatsoever, so don't take offense.

[anneasquith]

Its great news for your sister and you, congratulations, take some deep breaths, cup of tea, and wait :-)

[woofgang]

seriously....be led by the parents. Do what they want you to do and don't do what they don't want you to do....and congratulations to all of you :)

[Barmaid]

When the baby is born make sure you go round there regularly over the next few months and tell her to just sit and have a cup of tea or go and have a shower or just go to bed and read a book. In fact do whatever she likes while you look after baby and sling a wash on/do the ironing.

[murraymints]

Awwwww congratulations xx

[anthro-nerd]

Thank you everyone :-)

[murraymints]

I did all my sister's washing and ironing for first three months, and sent her out with hubby one day and evening per week... put meals in freezer for heat up...after 3 months she was ready to fly solo, but I kept the one day thing going till she moved away ...

[zebo]

You can buy the wicked toys, the drum set is a good one. Parents have to be so serious, especially these days, be the one who is 'naughty' in the nicest way, my OH delighted on teaching the grandchildren to twist their ears and make their tongue come out! Probably not the 'grown up' advice you want to hear, sorry.
Don't worry about the advice bit, people all seem to have masses of books and there's always Mumsnet even if just for a laugh. Enjoy being an aunt and I hope that all goes well for them.

[Kidas]

Congratulations all around!

I'd second MurrayMint's advice.

Do what you can to help them get through the time-consuming and energy-absorbing stuff like shopping, meal planning, washing and so on.

Give them the gift of time and energy to look after the new baby.

Above all, listen to the parents help them, with practical assistance. And enjoy the new arrival.

[anthro-nerd]

MM great idea for the one day/evening a week. I think I'll be doing that for definite :-)