When you’re pregnant or expecting a child, you spend nine months preparing for their arrival. You spend hours looking at different cribs and bassinets, trying to decide which is best, and even longer researching as many parenting tips and tricks as you can.
However, it can sometimes feel as though all of this knowledge slips from your mind the moment the little one arrives, leaving you feeling as though you don’t know what to do next.
Fortunately, this is a completely normal part of becoming a parent, especially if this is your first child, and this guide will give you plenty of advice to put your mind at ease.
Stay calm. As mentioned above, every parent feels this way at some point or another. This will not take away from your ability to be the best possible parent to your child, especially when you are willing to go above and beyond to keep them safe and happy. Remind yourself that you’ve got this and that you’ll be able to navigate whatever challenges come your way.
Stay on top of their feeding. Sometimes, it feels as though newborns do nothing but eat. For example, they typically eat between 10 and 12 times within a 24-hour period. While they will find their own unique way of letting you know when they’re hungry (spoiler alert: crying), you can streamline the process by prepping their formula or bottles ahead of time.
Provide them with security and comfort. The first few months of your child’s life present you with a wonderful bonding opportunity, and the more time you spend comforting and cuddling, the stronger the bond will grow. This is because it triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin in your child’s brain, which leaves them feeling safe and secure.
Engage in baby sensory activities. Baby sensory activities, such as reciting nursery rhymes or letting them play with different-textured toys, can also prove useful during this time. This is because you’re helping your child get to grips with the world around them, slowly but surely. They also play a key role in their cognitive development, especially during the first few months of their life.
Try to get some sleep. Right now, the idea of getting a full night’s sleep may seem laughable. However, it is important that you stay as rested as possible. For example, you may want to take it in turns with your partner (or anyone who is helping you to care for your baby) for one person to get up in the night, or try the ‘sleep when they are sleeping’ method. This will help you to revitalise your depleting energy levels, which means that you’ll feel much more prepared to tackle any challenges that lie ahead.
Ask for help. They say it takes a village to raise a baby – and that is because it’s true. This means that there’s no shame in asking for some help and support during this time, and those around you would likely jump at the chance at getting to spend more time with your little one.