Congratulations! Your baby has finally arrived! Both mother and baby are doing well, and are now home. At this point, you’ve more than likely received a plethora of advice from well-meaning loved ones; some you may have tried or even adapted to help you through the first few days with your newborn. But now what? Unfortunately, babies don’t come with a manual, so we’ve got 4 tips, with accompanying advice, to help you with them.
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Establish a Routine
OK, the first few days will be manic as you adjust to life with a baby. If you’re ever unsure about what to do or want to learn more about life with a newborn, finding a good website that provides advice or suggestions is a good step to giving you reassurance. After you start finding your feet and gain a bit of confidence, it’ll be a good idea to try to establish a routine of feeding, winding, and changing your baby’s diaper.
Initially, your baby may require feeding every 4 hours, meaning you’ll have to have sterilized bottles with milk readily available, if your baby isn’t being breast-fed, and then be prepared to wind them, so they don’t suffer from indigestion. You’ll also need to change their diaper, which is best to do after they have their milk, in case they soil it.
Nothing should interrupt this time because it’s vital your baby received the nourishment their body is craving. If they don’t get fed when they’re hungry, chances are they’ll let you know their displeasure, whatever the time! So rather than be stressed, be prepared, so whatever the time, you’re ready. Once fed, your baby will soon settle back down to sleep.
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Stockpile
Make sure you have enough baby supplies, especially diapers, diaper rash cream, formula, if you’re not breastfeeding, and baby grows. Without adequate supplies of these essential items, you’ll be running to and from the shops, which is something you won’t want to do after just coming home with a newborn baby.
Aside from stockpiling baby items, think about what you and your partner need to avoid going shopping for the first week or so. Stock up on food, perhaps freezing leftovers or making food that can be portioned for eating later in the week. Think about meals and snacks, like fruit, nuts, and yogurts. By all means have some treats, but you’ll want food that’ll provide you with energy to cope during the early hours when you’re feeding your baby.
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Accept Help
If you’re lucky, you’ll have offers of help – if you trust the person, accept it! Your parents, siblings, and friends will all want to get to know this new person. Some will even know what it’s like to have a newborn and offer to look after your child or even cook for you. Obviously, you have to work around their availability but try to make sure your home doesn’t become a social venue, especially in the early days.
People usually ask whether you want them to bring anything you need. By being aware of what you need or are running out of, as long as it’s not too extreme, you’re able to accept their help by asking them to pick up a few items. Don’t feel bad accepting their help because people wouldn’t ask if they weren’t genuine. Even those without children understand what a monumental change it is to have a newborn, so thank them and tell them what you need.
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Prioritize
Your main focus will be on your baby and family, and quite rightly, too. But the reality is that the world doesn’t stop moving. Bills still have to be paid and chores still need to be done. It’s understandable that things get forgotten, especially if you’re sleep-deprived or your baby is crying all the time. To help limit this, create a list and add to it as and when you remember things. Make sure both you and your partner regularly read over it. The last thing you want is a final demand for payment for something you’ve forgotten to pay.
For a while, it’ll be a good idea to follow your baby’s routine and sleep when they do, simply because you’ll catch up on any lost sleep. Some chores cannot be avoided, like laundry, but be smart with your time – for instance, you can put a wash on and have a nap. After your baby’s next feed and before you go to sleep, you can dry it out.
Having a baby enter your life is a time of mixed emotions. You want to do your best and look after them, but it’s not always easy. However, you will find your way and both you and your newborn will develop a routine. The early days are definitely a learning curve, but make sure you enjoy it too because it’s a wonderful experience you’ll never forget!