Parenting Tips For First Time Parents
Parenthood is a major change in one’s life. Apart from selecting the right name for their future bundle of joy, future parents also have to be mentally and financially prepared for what lies ahead in raising lil’ bub. We spoke to more ‘seasoned and experienced’ parents on what they wished they knew when they first became parents and here’s what they’ve got to say.
1. Attempt to sleep while your baby sleeps
You’ll need all the energy you can muster to care for your child in their first weeks and months, and your body will need some SERIOUS rest to recover from the exhausting process of birth. Although it may seem like the ideal opportunity to get the laundry done, use their nap time as a time for yourself as well.
2. Don’t be concerned about keeping the house quiet during daytime naps
It’s a good idea to acclimate your baby to sleeping with some background noise.
3. Begin calming things down about an hour before bedtime
Tickles and games are exchanged for cuddles and whispers. A bath before bedtime can aid in the establishment of your baby’s sleep routine.
4. Allocate ‘bare bottom’ time for your baby
Going nappy-free for a few days can help prevent nappy rash, especially if your child has sensitive skin. Keep baby’s bottom on the changing mat to keep the mess to a minimum!
5. Do not be afraid to cut your baby’s nails
First-time parents are frequently afraid of cutting their baby’s nails for fear of nicking the baby’s skin. However, a baby’s nails can grow quite long and sharp, posing a risk that the baby will scratch themselves. Baby-safe nail clippers help to reduce this risk.
6. Make a lot of skin-to-skin contact
You and your baby will be getting to know each other in the first few days and weeks. Lots of eye contact and skin-to-skin touching will aid in the development of your bond, particularly during feeding.
7. Keep some spare parts in your car
Nappies, wipes, spare clothes, and formula are things you can easily keep in the boot, as you never know when you’ll run out of these items on the road and will be grateful you thought to prepare ahead of time.
8. Make time to take care of yourself
It’s easy to become so engrossed in your child’s world that you neglect yourself. However, simple things such as eating a healthy diet, getting some fresh air, doing something active, chatting with people, and getting enough sleep to function are critical to ensuring you’re in the best possible condition to care for baby.
9. Help your baby learn to associate nighttime with sleep
You can do this by dimming lights, talking quietly, cuddling, and gently playing with baby from the start.
10. Make time to socialise
After the initial excitement and buzz of what appears to be hundreds of visitors, you and your baby may begin to feel isolated at home. Meeting friends, getting outside, and attending parent classes and events can be enjoyable for both you and your child. Also, it helps to surround yourself with other parents who can offer you parenting tips as you go.
11. Pay attention when your baby is tired
Some symptoms include rubbing the eyes, yawning, and stretching. Babies under six weeks old usually can’t stay awake for more than two hours at a time.
12. Use sound to stimulate the baby’s senses
Babies typically enjoy vocal sounds such as talking, babbling, singing, and cooing. They will most likely enjoy listening to music as well. Baby rattles and musical mobiles are also effective hearing stimulators.
13. For the first few months, only bathe in water
You don’t have to bathe the baby in the first few days; instead, you can “top and tail” (washing their face, neck, hands and bottom carefully using cotton wool). In the first month, it is recommended that you use plain water on your baby’s skin.
14. Make sure your clothes are safe for holding baby
Before you pick up your child, be aware of any zips or buttons on your top that could graze or scratch baby or pose a choking hazard.
15. Relax!
Every parenting journey is unique. You can read all the parenting books you want and you will still feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s okay, you will learn as you go. You’re doing your best and you’ll be fine!