Having a newborn baby in the house can be overwhelming for new parents. Especially when you don’t really know what you’re doing and your feeling your way through all that comes with having a new baby.
We understand that having a child can be difficult so we will provide you with some advice. 12 tried and true tips to help you get through your baby’s newborn stage with some added ease.
1. Don’t go mute…
The first thing people will tell you about when your baby is sleeping or trying to sleep is that you must be quiet. This is severely untrue contrary to popular belief the womb is very noisy.
Therefore babies are used to being around and hearing loud noises. Babies will get used to sleeping with noises present if you don’t try to be incredibly silent.
This will be helpful in the future because you get the baby used to sleep with complete silence that’s what they will become accustomed too. And that is unrealistic.
2. Soothe your little one
The cry it out method while has been proven to not be harmful is not recommended for newborn babies. Babies at this very young stage are crying because they need you, whether they’re hungry, tired, or just want to be held they need you.
So it is important that you provide them with the comfort and warmth that they need. Providing them with this support will also deepen the bond that you and your child have together.
3. Speak with a lactation expert
You may think that you have it all figured out when it comes to breastfeeding, but it can never hurt to ask consultants for advice. Besides, it’s a free service that is offered by most hospitals so take advantage.
They can let you know if your child is latching properly and even give you some tips to ensure that you don’t experience any overwhelming issues once you leave the hospital with your baby.
4. Have a baby feeding station
This is mainly important during night feedings because no mother wants to have to walk all the way to the kitchen to prepare a bottle or get herself a bottle of water. The prep station is about you as well because feeding a baby takes a lot out of the mother.
Stack the station with water and snacks so that you are able to feed your child uninterrupted. It allows your child to feed without worrying about you needing to move around or readjust distracting them from their feeding time.
5. Wakey wakey
Make sure that your child is awake when you feed them. This is because a newborn that is asleep during feeding could risk choking and having milk stuck in their airways due to not being burped after eating.
In order to keep your child awake so that they can get a full feeding, you should take your finger and gently caress their cheek. If that doesn’t work lightly squeeze your breast expressing a little bit of milk which should cue them to wake and feed.
6. Use the crib
Make sure that your child is comfortable in the crib meaning to make sure that it is soothing for them. If a baby is uncomfortable, it doesn’t matter how deep of a sleep they are in they will wake up.
We recommend wrapping them in a blanket that has your scent on it so that they remain comforted by your scent as the rest.
7. Let dad get some time in
Baby’s are more inclined to bond with their mother first because after all, their mom is the one that has carried them for the last nine months. It is important that you allow the father to be an intricate part of the child’s life as well.
Which may mean purposefully incorporating them into the baby’s routine. Let them rock the baby to sleep after you feed them or give the baby their baths. That will allow dad to bond with the baby too.
8. Mommy nose best
A trick that can help a fussy baby fall asleep is taking the back of your pointed finger and gently running it down their nose. I don’t know why babies love this, but they do and it brings a sense of calm over them.
Whenever your child isn’t trying to go to sleep as easily as you would like them to try bouncing them while gently caressing their nose and see if that works for you.
9. Skip the diaper change
This may sound crazy to skip changing your child’s diaper when they are sleeping and clearly have wet the diaper. But, if it’s not bothering your child you shouldn’t disturb them either.
Instead, wait until your child arouses to feed and before you feed them to change their diaper. That way their diaper is clean and then they can enjoy their feeding time and go back to sleep afterward.
10. Listen to your gut
When you are first-time parents people will have all sorts of advice on how to raise your child. And they will not be shy about sharing it with you, but learn to listen to your intuition.
You are the one that has the bond with your child and there is a special language between the two of you. When your baby needs something in that special language you will know exactly what your baby needs.
11. Use a baby monitor
You will drive yourself crazy checking on your child when they are asleep so rather than running back and forth multiple times you should purchase a baby video monitor. The monitor will allow you to complete errands around the house while keeping a watchful eye on your child.
And most monitors will alert you when it picks up any sound or movement within your child’s crib. That way you don’t have to sit and stare at the monitor the whole time.
12.Co-sleep
You should sleep with your child in the room with you not in the bed with you. Sleeping with your child in the same room with you scientifically proven will reduce their risk of suffering from SIDS.
And it will also allow you to get access to the baby easier when they are ready to be fed.