I’ve been keeping my baby alive for about a year now. That has to be rewarded with a medal. Parenting is, in fact, an art form. You make mistakes and make stupid decisions, but it is only through these experiences and blunders that you grow as a parent.
So, in order to save you from some of the numerous mistakes I’ve made as a first-time parent, here are 11 things I’ve learnt in the previous year:
1. During the first few weeks, never leave the house without nursing pads.
Your body is attempting to determine how much milk your baby requires, and it tends to overestimate. At all hours of the day, you feel like a leaking faucet.
2. In the laundry, stay away from Velcro.
In the washing machine, those cute baby bibs you got at your shower turn into a nightmare of twisted Velcro hunks. Before chucking those bad boys in, do yourself a favour and fasten them. Better still, locate them quickly. Why don’t they make more snap-on bibs?
3. Bulb syringes are completely ineffective.
They don’t do anything to get the dirt out of your baby’s nose. They’re also a breeding ground for bacteria because they’re impossible to clean on the inside. Get yourself a NoseFrida. Also, get over your aversion to phlegm. As your infant grows, there will be lots more things to be disgusted by.
4. Before changing a dirty diaper, always remove Baby’s socks.
Wiggles and squirms are common in babies. Quite a bit. This is something I can assure you of. A poopy sock is the last thing anyone wants.
5. Buckle them into the car seat at least 20 minutes after they’ve eaten.
I had no idea how much babies vomit up. Don’t rush to feed your infant before rushing to get out of the house on time. Bring extra burp rags if you do.
6. It’s fine to do whatever you need to get some rest.
You can keep your baby in your room or co-sleep with you for as long as you like. Don’t ruin a good thing if your baby sleeps better next to you in bed than in her cot.
7. Burp for 30 seconds extra if you think you’ve gotten all the burps out.
Nobody enjoys having a half gallon of baby puke dumped all over them after they’ve just been fed due to a stubborn air bubble.
8. Join a play group to get out of the house.
It is not for the development of your baby’s sociability. It’s for the sake of your own sanity. It’s also a fantastic chance to meet other new moms.
9. When your infant screams in Target, the vast majority of people will not blink.
It may make you feel self-conscious, but you’d be amazed how few other people are troubled by it.
10. There is no such thing as a correct answer.
Whatever your grandmother or four-kids-mother friend thinks. And if things don’t go as planned, you’ll know what to expect next time.
11. When the baby arrives, everything you think you know about parenting will be thrown out the window.
Do you think you know what gas discomfort is all about? Or perhaps newborn fevers? Or what to do with a newborn all day? Surprise! Life with a baby isn’t always what you expect. As a result, master the art of going with the flow.
FAQ
What do first time parents need to know?
Here are some basics to keep in mind:
– Before handling your baby, wash your hands (or use hand sanitizer).
– Support the head and neck of your child.
– Never shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration.
– Make sure your child is safely secured in the carrier, stroller, or car seat.What do new parents struggle with the most?
New parents virtually uniformly mention lack of sleep, little or no sex, and conflict about shifting new responsibilities as relationship difficulties.
What milestones occur during the first year of life?
Your baby will grow and develop at an incredible rate during the first year of life. By 5 to 6 months, her weight will have doubled, and by her first birthday, it will have tripled. And she’s always learning something new. Rolling over, sitting up, standing, and possibly walking are examples of major accomplishments known as developmental milestones.
What questions do new parents have?
The following are some of the most often asked questions by new parents:
– How long do you think I’ll be in the hospital?
– What happens once I’m released from the hospital?
– I’m not sure how I’m going to get my baby home.
– What if my child requires special attention?
– What is the source of my baby’s crying?
– What can I do about my crying baby?
– What is colic, and how can I deal with it?
– What is the best way to change my baby’s diaper?
