10 Tips for First Time Parents
Becoming a parent can be one of the most challenging, exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. However, learning how to be a first time parent is not easy. It can take some trial and error before you find the right baby care routine that fits your parenting style and your baby’s needs. Here are 10 tips to help you get off on the right foot as you navigate this new phase of parenthood.
1. Get ready before the baby arrives
When you’re expecting a new bundle of joy, it can be helpful to mentally prepare yourself for what lies ahead. To make your life easier, here are some tips to help you better prepare before baby arrives. You might even find that they give you a little peace of mind. 1. Make sure your house is childproofed. While many items may not seem dangerous at first glance, children don’t know any better and could put anything in their mouths or stumble into it while playing with toys or exploring their surroundings.
2. Choose a child care provider wisely
Choosing a child care provider is one of your most important tasks as a parent. Think carefully about what kind of child care best suits your child and lifestyle. To find out more about these different types of child care providers, visit ChildCare Aware® or click here to view their video on choosing a childcare provider. If you are looking for information on state and local resources, click here to learn more about finding quality childcare in your area.
Remember that there is no right or wrong answer; some parents prefer in-home care while others choose daycare centers because they have multiple children to look after. The choice is yours! No matter which type of child care provider you choose, it’s always a good idea to ask friends and family members for recommendations – ask them if they like their caregiver and how well they communicate with each other.
3. Breastfeed or formula feed?
Breast milk is universally recommended by pediatricians. It provides babies with healthy bacteria, antibodies and nutrients, and infants who are breastfed grow up to have less asthma, allergies and even cancer than their formula-fed peers. When it comes to breastfeeding or formula feeding in baby care guide for first time parents, you can’t go wrong with nature!
4. Preparing your home and car for the baby
If you haven’t already, now is a good time to buy any baby items you still need. Stock up on diapers and formula; get yourself a baby monitor so you can hear your child while they sleep. You may want to choose a large vehicle like an SUV or minivan, which will accommodate car seats comfortably, although many cars now come with latch systems that make it easier to install them quickly and safely.
5. Go easy on yourself, it’s not easy!
Having a baby is one of life’s greatest joys and yet, at times, it can also be one of its most stressful. I mean, you’re now in charge of another human being (how did that happen?) and there are so many ways to go wrong! Instead of freaking out about your new role, though, remember to take care of yourself. And enjoy every minute. Your baby will appreciate it in years to come.
6. Stay positive, focus on the baby
Your baby is more than a project. Babies are little people and deserve to be treated as such. When you’re overwhelmed, you might start worrying about everything from daycare to college tuition (just wait until you have to figure out how to pay those bills). Instead of stressing about all that could go wrong, focus on everything that can go right. You’ll have time for stress later; for now, enjoy every precious moment.
7. Say no to gifts from strangers
When you’re out and about, be sure to keep your newborn close by—especially if you’re breastfeeding. Newborns are vulnerable and it’s important to protect them from all potential threats. If someone tries to give you a gift, politely decline. This might sound rude, but your baby will be much safer in your arms than with a total stranger!
8. Maintain some freedom and privacy
One of your biggest priorities, when you first become a parent, is to provide a happy and healthy environment for your baby. But it can be hard to maintain some privacy, with all of those medical tests and social gatherings you’ll be invited to. Don’t let it make you feel stressed out; just take one day at a time and try to stay in control as much as possible.
9. Wait before having more kids
Many parents want to go all out with baby supplies, but you don’t need everything on your registry right away. Wait until baby is three months old or older before purchasing a lot of stuff. By that time, you’ll have a better idea of what you and your baby actually need.
10. Enjoy every minute with your bundle of joy!
When they’re newborns, it’s easy to get caught up in worries about feeding and sleeping schedules. But taking things too seriously will only leave you exhausted. So try to remember that your baby was born because he or she wanted to be born. And that means every minute spent with him or her is precious and joyous—even when you’re exhausted!
Also read:- 10 Tips for First Time Parents https://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/parenting-tips-every-new-mom-needs/
