In the world of child rearing, a huge problem is that all babies are different. What you mastered in regards to your first baby might not work for the second, or third.
Of course, this is also the fun part of parenting, because you get to meet such incredible, unique individuals. It's still a little unnerving though. My son was easy going, but shy and quiet. When my best friend had her baby, she was easy going too, but so social and outgoing that even from the first few weeks she was a whole different breed of baby. When I'd take my friend's baby off her hands for a bit, I'd try to deal with her exactly how I had cared for my own son. It didn't work. In working with other babies, it's the same thing. Not a one is alike. You can try the tactics you used on another baby, but they may not work. If you're pregnant with a new baby and you think you have all the skills, all the know-how, and all the guts to do it again, take a deep breath, and get ready, because all babies are different and it pays to be both prepared and flexible.
