Parenting Tips for First-Time Mommies
Parenting is surely one of the best and most rewarding roles people have. However, it is also one of the most challenging roles as well. It’s not easy being a parent. There are so many things you need to learn and observe as every baby is individual. Your baby depends on you in this initial period of its life. You need to take care of it, make sure it’s safe, feed it, burp it and change its diapers. Nevertheless, coming home and starting life with your bundle of joy can be overwhelming at times. Moms need to recover from birth and at the same time care for the baby as well as get to know it.
We’ve prepared this guide to help first-time mommies care for their babies. Keep reading to learn more about how to handle your baby safely, how to bathe it, feed and burp it. Besides doing these necessary things, you should also use every possible moment to bond with your baby.
- Get some help in the first few weeks
The first few weeks with your baby can be overwhelming and exhausting for both parents, especially for moms. Moms go through a lot during birthing and their bodies and psyche need to recover. For these reasons, many parents recommend getting some help in these first few weeks. Your focus needs to be on the baby, caring for it. And somebody else can help you with cleaning, cooking and all the regular chores. First-time moms often hire help in form of a baby nurse, postpartum doula, or a responsible neighbourhood teen. Of course, a family member or a close friend can also help you a lot in this time of need. Consider what options you have available and opt for the best one for you.
- Learn how to handle your baby safely
Newborns are very fragile and we need to be really gentle when handling them. If you haven’t handled a newborn yet, their fragility might seem intimidating. However, with these tips, you can rest assured that you won’t hurt it.
First things first, make sure that you wash your hands before holding your baby. Their immune system is weak and developing, so even a tiny bacteria can cause some unnecessary harm to your baby.
Make sure that you support your baby’s head and neck in the first months of its life.
Check whether your baby is securely fastened to the stroller, carrier or a car seat. The baby’s safety is crucial.
All in all, you should be very gentle with it and avoid any rough or sudden movements.
- Bathe it carefully
Bathing your baby is also a sensitive issue, and you should be very careful with it. You should give your baby a sponge bath in the first 1 to 4 weeks of the baby’s life until the umbilical cord falls off and the navel heals completely. Also, if there was circumcision, you should also go for a sponge bath, until it heals in one to two weeks. As far as your baby’s first year of life is concerned, you should bathe it 2 or 3 times a week. More than that can cause your baby to have dry skin.
For a sponge bath, you need a flat area. Undress your baby and prepare clean baby clothes. Fill a sink or a bowl with warm water. Use a soft washcloth and baby soap and start gently washing your baby from face down. Remember to clean its eyes, nose and ears. Softly pat dry the baby and dress it.
- Feed and burp it regularly
Regardless of whether you breastfeed or use formula, you should feed your baby every 2 to 3 hours. You can even feed it on-demand when you see it’s hungry. If your baby makes sucking sounds, if it’s crying or if it keeps putting fingers in its mouth, it probably means it’s hungry. If you’re formula-feeding your baby, you’ll need about 60-90 millilitres for one feeding. However, if you’re breastfeeding, it’s a little harder to know how much milk your baby has taken. You should breastfeed on each breast for 10 to 15 minutes – that should cover it. You should also burp your baby every once in a while to prevent it from being fussy. Moreover, make sure that you change its diaper regularly.
- Use every moment to bond with it
Parents make a deep connection with their baby in the first hours and days of its life. Being physically close to your baby can promote an emotional connection. Babies thrive physically and emotionally from having parents who love it unconditionally close by. You should hold your baby skin-to-skin to make this connection stronger.
Coming home with your baby marks the beginning of a new life. You should use all the tips you can to make this transition easier and to ensure that you enjoy it as well.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
