Becoming a parent for the first time is certainly exciting. However, it can also feel quite daunting. Your new addition is set to change your life for the better, but your little one will certainly require a lot of hard work.
As a new parent, you can often be overwhelmed with opinions from others. Who’s advice do you trust? This guide is here to help take away that stress. It will discuss six things that all first-time parent needs to know to help them enter parenthood with ease; from prenatal supplements to bedtime routines, we cover it all.
Bathe The Baby Two To Three Times A Week
Often, there is some confusion around the number of times you should bathe your baby a week. Some people believe they should wash their baby every day. However, doing this could dry out your baby’s skin which can cause discomfort. Typically, you should bathe your baby up to three times a week until they become more active.
Once your baby is born, you should start with sponge baths before using a tub. Until their umbilical cord falls off, you will want to use a warm cloth and gently bathe them starting from their head them working downwards. Avoid submerging their body in water until the umbilical cord has fallen off.
Pay Attention To Feeding Habits
It is crucial that you pay attention to your baby’s feeding habits. Be aware that as your child grows, they will start to drink more milk during each feed. Once this happens, you can begin to minimize the number of feeds you give each day. This is excellent news for parents as you will hopefully gain more sleep at night.
Try to pay attention to any signals your baby may give when hungry. Some may make noises with their mouth or move their fists towards their mouth. If your baby is full, they may turn away from the bottle/breast or slow down. Take a look at some common hunger cues online to help you familiarize yourself.
Get Enough Vitamins And Minerals In Your Diet
Both mother and baby will require a healthy number of vitamins and minerals in their diets. Not only will the mother need them to thrive and have enough energy to get up and go each day, but your baby will also need them to aid growth, allowing them to maintain good health.
For busy parents, it can be easy to let important factors like their diet slip. After all, life with a newborn can be busy at the best of times. Luckily, both mother and baby can get the nutrients they need thanks to prenatal supplements. Take a look at these prenatal supplements by Needed. Their complete plan has been designed to give new mothers the optimal nutrition they and their babies deserve.
Make Sure You Are Getting Enough Sleep
Although this may sound a lot easier said than done, all parents should ensure that they get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to a long list of health issues, and it can also negatively impact your energy levels, making it very difficult for you to enjoy life with your newborn.
If possible, try to take night shifts in turns. Make sure one of you is with the baby while the other can get a few hours’ sleep. Even try doing this in the day if it helps you both get the rest you need. Conduct some research into creating a healthy bedtime routine. If you struggle to sleep, tasks like reading a book before bed or engaging in some meditation can help.
Mistakes Can Happen
It can be easy to feel like you are out of your depth as a new parent. Suddenly, you have this huge responsibility lying in your arms. One thing that all first-time parents need to hear is mistakes can happen. Sure, you might buy the wrong nappies – or go overboard on extravagant outfits they won’t wear – but at the end of the day, we are all human.
Try not to get down when mistakes happen. After all, this is a huge learning experience. Not everyone will get everything right, and that’s ok. If you feel like you are struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help from others. Your family members and friends will want to support you in any way that they can.
Seek Support From Other Parents
As a first-time parent, it is important to remind yourself that you are not alone. At times, parenthood can be stressful, and you may worry about whether you are doing a great job. The important thing you need to remember is don’t be too hard on yourself. If you feel stressed, seek support from others.
By conducting a quick online search, you can access many parent forums where other parents come together to offer bits of advice, learn from others and share their personal experiences. It can be nice to talk to someone who is also entering parenthood at the same time as you, but it can also be comforting to speak to others who are a bit more experienced.