Changes

This morning I'm thinking about some differences between life with a baby some 30 years ago and a baby now.  For instance, we did have a monitor so we could hear the baby in her room upstairs but it was audio only.  K and E have a video monitor so we can see if e is kicking and waking up or just making noise as she sleeps.  We did use disposable diapers sometimes, but I don't recall their having a yellow line up the center that changes to blue if the diaper is wet.  And did we focus on tummy time? We are now encouraged to have e on her tummy an hour a day, so she can strengthen her neck muscles in preparation for sitting up and holding up her head.  While E is at work she goes into the lactation room (surely a new development) to pump three times a day.  And cleaning bottles now involves washing them, then sterilizing them in the microwave.  Baby clothes seem cuter, and there are lots of cotton knits.  Today's baby is put in her crib with nothing else, no blanket or toys or bumper pads, and she must be on her back, until she can turn herself over.  When e was discharged from the hospital last week, the nurse had to ask if E and K knew they should never shake the baby or leave her unattended near water.  I'm sure there have been other changes as well, but these are some I've noticed.  It is good to know I'm not too old to learn new skills!