The Manual
Step-by-step frameworks and "how we did it" guides. Not rules - systems. What worked for us, why, and how to adapt it for your family.
Sleep
The pause method, night vs nap philosophy, schedules by age, and how we got a 2-month-old sleeping 9 hours.
View Sleep ManualsFeeding
Breastfeeding reality, formula (the stigma is not useful), introducing solids, and dealing with allergies.
View Feeding ManualsPostpartum Recovery
Nobody talks about how hard this part is. The survival system, gear, and getting through the first 12 weeks.
View Postpartum ManualsWorking Parent Systems
Pumping logistics, car kit setup, and how to make it work when you're back at work.
View SystemsSleep
I'm worthless (borderline monstrous) on no sleep, so I took this category personally. Forest was sleeping 9 hours a night at 2 months. Here's everything.
A Night Sleep Plan That Doesn't Require a Personality Change
The core philosophy: daytime naps = adaptable, night sleep = protected. Plus the pause method breakdown.
Read ManualNap Schedules by Age
From 2 months to 18 months. We were flexible 30 mins on either side. The actual schedules we used.
Read ManualThe Pause Method Deep Dive
2-3 min for newborns, 5 min at 3-6mo, 10 min at 6mo+. Difficult in the moment, unbelievably effective.
Read ManualSleep Environment Setup
Blackout curtains (the Amazon ones offgassed badly), white noise, temperature, and the weighted sleep sack situation.
Read ManualFeeding
Breastfeeding is HARD. The stigma around formula is not useful. Here's the reality of both, plus dealing with allergies and introducing solids.
Breastfeeding: The Reality
Every baby latches differently. When to call a lactation consultant (hint: don't wait). What nobody tells you.
Read ManualFormula: A Practical Guide
The stigma is not useful. HiPP organic, the goat milk option, and why we used formula as the last feed.
Read ManualDealing with Dairy & Soy Allergies
Our second child had strong allergies. The only formula that worked, cutting dairy from my diet, and when to switch.
Read ManualStarting Solids
Solid Starts app, baby food maker, DIY pouches, and the allergy powder timeline.
Read ManualPostpartum Recovery
Nobody talks about how hard postpartum is. I found it WAY harder than giving birth. Your hormones are a rollercoaster, your body is broken, and you're sleeping a few hours a day.
Postpartum Survival System
The one investment I'd make again immediately: a postpartum doula. Plus the full recovery stack.
Read ManualVaginal Birth Recovery
Peri bottles, Tucks pads, sitz bath spray, and the adult diaper situation (humbling but better than pads).
Read ManualC-Section Recovery
High waisted underwear, wound care, movement, and what to ask for at the hospital.
Read ManualWhy We Hired a Postpartum Doula
Worth her weight in gold. For sanity, relationship stability, and guidance. Erica Hunt saved us.
Read ManualWorking Parent Systems
The point is not glamour. The point is logistics. Here's how to make it work when you're back at the office.
Birth
Our birth doula didn't even show up until I had already given birth. Here's what actually helped - and what I'd do differently.
How to use The Manual
Every manual follows the same structure:
- Outcome - What this solves
- Principles - The why behind it
- Step-by-step - How to actually do it
- Common failure modes - Where people go wrong
- Adjustments by age/stage - How to adapt
- Caveats + disclaimers - Because nothing is gospel
Not gospel
These are systems that worked for us. Every family is different. Take what's useful, leave what isn't, and trust your instincts. If something in here doesn't work for your kid, that's not a failure - that's data.