For every parent, beginning a family is an exciting time in life. It is full of wonder, possibilities and joy. While life is incredibly positive when a child enters the world, it can also be stressful, and this is especially true during the newborn stage. Here are some tips that can help to guide you in the right direction when it is time to bring your new baby home.
Caring for a newborn begins with understanding the time commitment involved with a new baby. There will be sleepless nights and busy days, filled with nothing more than keeping your child content. To help with this stage, make sure that both parents are involved in the care.
Share nighttime duties, and involve both parents in as many tasks as possible, including feeding, bathing and holding the child. Doing this will help each parent to feel involved, while helping to make sure that neither parent feels overwhelmed.
In the earliest days and weeks of life, plan to hold your baby often. A baby benefits from the touch of a loving parent. It helps him to feel connected and fosters a sense of security.
In order to continue holding your child while you try to get things done around the house, consider investing in a high quality wrap or baby carrier. Wearing your baby while you complete household chores allows your baby to continue feeling connected to you, while leaving both of your hands free to take care of other tasks. There are many high quality wraps and carriers available, so research a few in order to find the one that is best for you.
During the earliest weeks of life, you will likely have a lot of questions. Consider joining a support group of like-minded parents in order to get some of those questions answered.
Support groups are a great place to meet other parents, get some much needed information and enjoy some adult conversation with your baby in tow. You can find them through your local hospital, rec center, church or university. There are even support groups available online if you find that you are not able to get out of the house in the earliest weeks.
Finally, accept help from others whenever it is offered. Well-meaning friends and family members are sure to come around after the baby is born. When guests arrive, do not be afraid to ask them for some help. Accept a prepared meal, ask them to help with a load of laundry or hand the baby over while you take a quick shower.
If you are planning an outing to the mall or grocery store, consider bringing a friend along to hold the baby while you take a little time to shop alone. Accepting help is extremely important because it will give you a little time away from the baby and/or more time to focus on bonding with your baby while others take care of the household chores. Every little bit of help is beneficial, so never turn it away if it is offered.
Children are a wonderful joy, but in the newborn days they are also big responsibilities who take up a lot of your time. Make sure to find ways to get a little alone time, rest when necessary and take a break by following the advice you have found in this article. Doing so will benefit you and improve your budding relationship with your child.