Just how many tips do you need for your new baby?
Turns out, it varies based on your parenting style!
Congratulations! You’re about to become a parent! Your bundle of joy will be the love of your life, and you’ll cherish every moment with them as you journey through parenthood together... right? Well, maybe not right off the bat.
First-time parents
For first-time parents, the internet can be a scary place. You read one blog post that says you need to do things a certain way, and then you read another that says the complete opposite. It's enough to make your head spin! So how can you know which advice to take when it comes to raising your new baby?
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. The best thing you can do is read as much as you can, talk to other parents, and trust your gut.
Here are a few general tips to get you started:
1. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all have those moments where we feel like we're going to crack under the pressure of being a parent, but remember that there are people who want to help you. Whether it's asking your mom or dad for some child care while you run errands or hiring an older sibling from down the street to babysit so you can have some time alone with your partner – don't feel bad about leaning on others in this difficult job. 2. Allow yourself space and time away from kids (even if they're at home). One of the hardest parts about being a parent is feeling like we're never good enough - whether it's because our kid won't stop crying or because we lost their favorite toy somewhere in our house. Allowing ourselves time away from our children doesn't mean we're abandoning them. In fact, spending quality time without distractions can actually benefit us and allow us to better handle these everyday stresses.
3. Make sure your children understand boundaries (both physical and emotional). Children have very little control over their lives right now, so teach them what they can expect by setting clear boundaries around everything - including food, bedtimes, toys, etc. 4. Keep them close! It sounds simple, but the easiest way to keep your sanity is by putting down that phone and picking up your children instead. No matter how old they are, every child needs time with their parents - even if it's just sitting on the couch together watching TV. Remember that being with them also means letting go of whatever thoughts were holding you back before coming into this room.
5. Let them explore themselves freely (especially toddlers). Toddlers are always on the move - letting them explore helps build healthy independence skills and encourages creativity too! Just make sure to stay close by in case anything happens :)
Experienced parents
If you're a parent who's been through the newborn stage before, you probably have a good handle on what you need and don't need. You might not even feel the need to read this blog post! But just in case, here are a few tips:
1. Get plenty of rest when your baby sleeps. You'll be up frequently during the night, so take advantage of naps when you can.
2. Accept help from friends and family. Whether it's with cooking, cleaning, or watching the older kids, let people pitch in so you can focus on caring for your new baby.
3. Don't forget to take care of yourself. It's easy to get exhausted and neglect yourself when you have a new baby, but remember that self-care is important. Eat healthy food, drink lots of water, get enough sleep, exercise if possible (even if it's only taking long walks outside), and make sure to shower regularly. These things will make life easier for both you and your baby.
4. Pack snacks in your diaper bag at all times (for both mommy and daddy). A handful of crackers can keep an upset tummy calm while an apple slices will provide some much-needed energy after an exhausting day at home with the little one. As far as clothes go, remember that there are two stages of clothes: going home and getting dressed. For going home clothes, plan for clothes that you want your baby to wear in the car ride home. Once you've got them undressed and cleaned up, put them back into their going-home outfit to avoid forgetting anything. For getting dressed clothes, pack outfits for each day (and make sure they include socks) so it's always ready to go in the morning! And don't forget a change of clothes for yourself. Remember, this blog post isn't all about what you need - it's also about what the baby needs too! The best way to know what supplies you'll need is by talking to other parents. Find local moms online, or stop by a playgroup near your house. They should be able to tell you everything that helped them survive their own newborn days with style! 5. When deciding on breastfeeding vs formula feeding, choose what feels right for you and your baby. Remember that every mother has her own reasons for choosing to breastfeed or bottle feed her child, so no matter which route you decide to take, know that you made the right decision for YOU.
6. Finally, don't forget about co-sleeping! Newborns spend most of their time sleeping anyways, so consider bringing your baby into bed with you (but follow these guidelines first!). Sleeping next to your newborn can increase closeness between mother and child and reduce instances of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Check with your pediatrician for the safe ways to do so. Of course, it's not for everyone, and it may not work for you. That's okay! Every family has its own unique circumstances that affect what works and what doesn't. What matters most is that you find a solution that works for you.
Parenting with roommates
1. Talk about your expectations upfront. It's important to be on the same page about things like sleep schedules and feeding times.
2. Set some ground rules. Whether it's quiet time after 9pm or taking turns doing diaper duty, establish some guidelines to help everyone feel comfortable.
3. Be flexible. Things will inevitably change once the baby arrives, so try to go with the flow and be willing to adjust your plans accordingly.
4. Create a support system. Check in with each other as often as possible - whether that means swapping phone calls or sending texts to ask how each other is doing. Parenting solo: 1. Ask for help. There are plenty of family members and friends who would love to lend a hand by coming over for dinner, running errands, babysitting or watching your older kids while you get some rest. 2. Get creative when thinking of ways to relax at home: Try using aromatherapy oils in the bathtub, light up scented candles throughout the house, take bubble baths together and snuggle up in bed while reading a good book together before going to sleep every night. You might also want to consider investing in some noise-cancelling headphones or white noise machines, especially if your little one has trouble sleeping during the day or is prone to waking up too early in the morning. Finally, don't forget to prioritize yourself and make sure you're getting enough sleep - even if it's just an hour here and there.
You'll find that different people recommend different strategies depending on their own parenting style. The point is not to follow all of these tips (or any of them!) but rather use them as inspiration for what might work best for you. For example, I have a friend who doesn't let her child nap during the day because she prefers more organized playtime instead. Others prefer more structured routines that leave room for naps and independent playtime. Find what works best for you and tweak it as needed along the way! As long as you keep communicating with those around you, stay patient and trust your instincts, chances are that things will turn out just fine. Just remember that there's no perfect parenting method; yours may be a bit different from someone else's, but that doesn't mean either approach is wrong. All you can do is to choose the one that feels right for you and go with it.
Working parents
If you're a working parent, you might feel like you don't have enough time to spend with your new baby. But there are plenty of ways to make the most of the time you do have. Try to set aside some time each day to bond with your child, even if it's just a few minutes. And don't forget to ask your partner or family members for help when you need it! Remember, your health and well-being is also important.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Non-working parents: You may find that balancing work and home life can be tough. To give yourself a break, try delegating tasks to other caregivers in your home (like grandma!).
Continuation (six+ sentences): Stay-at-home parents: For stay-at-home parents, bonding with your baby is one of the best parts about staying at home. Remember that every bit of time you spend holding and talking to them will have an impact on their development. Spend as much time as possible interacting with them-- reading books together, playing games together-- whatever they enjoy doing most! It will pay off tenfold in the long run.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Plus, by spending more time with your kids, you'll actually save money because you won't need to hire someone else to do childcare for them. Hiring a babysitter for just two hours per week can cost up to $600 per month, which is $7200 over the course of 12 months. Not only that, but if you get bored sitting around all day, you're more likely to spend money on things like eating out and going shopping! All this goes to show that while being a stay-at-home parent isn't easy, it does offer benefits too. So go ahead and embrace it if that's what feels right for you! Just remember that finding a balance between your personal needs and those of your child is key. That way, both of you will end up happier and healthier.
Continuation (six+ sentences): Non-working/Stay at home parents: No matter whether you're working or not, getting enough sleep at night is essential for good health. While doctors recommend most adults get about 7-8 hours of sleep every night to keep their bodies running smoothly, babies require even more shut eye-- usually 10 or 11 each night! Sleep deprivation makes everything from performing daily tasks to keeping stress in check harder, so don't make cutting back on your sleep another thing on your to do list; carve out some extra rest as much as possible during baby's first few months. Don't feel guilty about taking that nap whenever it strikes either; lots of other parents also take one after lunchtime!
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