Getting Ready For The New Baby: 20 baby care tips from parents who have been there
Getting Ready for the New Baby
Embarking on the journey of parenthood is a thrilling yet overwhelming experience. The anticipation of welcoming a new baby into your family brings with it a whirlwind of emotions and a seemingly endless list of preparations. From setting up the nursery to stocking up on baby essentials, the tasks can feel daunting. However, with the right preparative tips and guidance from those who have walked this path before, the journey can become a bit smoother. In this post, we'll delve into 20 invaluable care tips from experienced parents, aimed at helping you navigate the exciting adventure of preparing for a new baby with confidence and ease. Let's dive in and discover how to make this journey into parenthood as seamless as possible.
Feeding the Newborn
The first few months of your baby's life are crucial for their health and development. You want to make sure that you're doing everything you can to provide them with the best possible start in life, which means knowing what types of milk are available, how much they need, and how often they should be fed.
The most common type of infant formula is cow's milk-based (CM), but there are also options made from soybeans or rice proteins that may be more suitable for some babies' digestive systems. If you're breastfeeding your newborn, it's important to understand how nutrition affects their growth rate, breastfeeding in the beginning is often on demand on not on a set set schedule. A lot of our clients will often ask “how do I know if baby is getting enough when breastfeeding?” and the best way to do that is by keeping a diaper log and paying attention to their output.
To learn more about newborn care, download our guide!
Newborn Sleeping Habits
Your newborn will likely be sleeping a lot in the first few weeks, but it's important to create a regular sleep routine that you can stick to. This helps them develop healthy habits and understand when they need rest. You can do this by creating a safe sleep environment for your baby, understanding the importance of naps, and knowing what causes sleep problems in newborns (such as reflux). It is normal for newborns to have the need of waking often at night, they are adjusting to day/night time and also they have tiny tummies which require them to eat frequently. Many parents opt for overnight doula support in an effort to get rest and be refreshed for the waking hours of the day.
Bonding with Your Newborn
Bonding with your newborn is an important part of the early days. It's not only a chance to get to know each other, but it also helps them feel safe and secure in their new home.
While there are many different ways to bond with your baby, one of the most effective methods is skin-to-skin contact (also known as kangaroo care). This involves holding your baby against your bare chest or belly for at least 30 minutes per day--ideally while sleeping or feeding--to provide warmth and comfort. It also gives them access to hear your heartbeat, which can help them fall asleep faster than if they were away from you during this time period!
Another option for bonding activities is baby massage: gently rubbing oil into their skin while singing songs or talking about what makes each other happy will help both parties relax after an exciting day together! If neither of these options appeal to you personally then try some simple activities like reading books together before bedtime.
We know you have been waiting for these 20 tips from parents who have been there, and here they are:
Take time to bond with your baby through skin-to-skin contact and cuddling.
Create a safe sleep environment for your baby by following the ABCs of safe sleep (alone, on their back, in a crib). If opting for co-sleeping, follow safe co-sleeping practices.
Learn basic newborn care skills like bathing, diapering, and feeding.
Ask for help when you need it, whether it's from a partner, family member, or a professional like a lactation consultant or doula.
Take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated.
Plan for emergencies by learning infant CPR and keeping a first aid kit on hand.
Join a support group or online community for new parents to connect with others going through similar experiences.
Don't be too hard on yourself. Parenting is a learning process and it's okay to make mistakes.
Read books or take classes on parenting to learn new skills and gain confidence.
Practice self-care by doing things that make you feel good, like taking a walk, listening to music, or taking a bath.
Take breaks when you need them. It's okay to ask a trusted person to watch your baby while you take a nap or some time for yourself.
Learn to recognize your baby's cues for hunger, sleep, and comfort.
Keep a schedule or routine to help your baby feel secure and develop healthy sleep habits.
Don't compare your baby's development to others. Every baby is different and develops at their own pace.
Take time to play with your baby and provide them with age-appropriate toys and activities.
Limit visitors in the first few weeks to give yourself time to adjust to your new role as a parent.
Be aware of postpartum depression and seek help if you experience symptoms like sadness, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with your baby.
Take time to connect with your partner and maintain your relationship, even amidst the chaos of caring for a newborn.
Don't be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from your pediatrician or other healthcare professionals.
Enjoy the precious moments with your baby and remember to cherish the little things. They grow up so fast!
You may be thinking, “Where can I find a doula near me?” or “Lactation Consultant near me” We provide Tampa doula support, childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, in-home postpartum doula care, specialized lactation support by our CLC’s and IBCLC’s and birth photography for:
Tampa, St Petersburg
Land O’ Lakes
Lakeland
Plant City
Downtown Tampa
… and more!
Virtual services also available, let’s plan for your amazing birth and postpartum journey.
All with,