How to take care of your new baby, a survival guide for new parents

Hey, there new parents! Congrats on the new addition to your family! The first few weeks with your newborn can be pretty intense, but don’t worry, it’s totally normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. You’ll be up all night changing diapers and feeding that little bundle of joy, but just remember to take care of yourself too. After all, you need to be healthy and happy to provide the best care for your baby. Check out these practical tips and strategies below to help you manage the challenges of caring for this new life you brought into the world. You got this!

Preparing for the New Baby

Before the arrival of your baby, there are several things you can do to prepare yourself and your home. One of the most important steps is to create a support system, which may consist of family members, friends, or a postpartum doula. Having people you can rely on for help with household tasks or emotional support can make a big difference in navigating the first few weeks with your baby.

My support system was invaluable to me when I had to bring my baby back to the hospital for phototherapy sessions due to jaundice. In particular, my mother-in-law (whom I really lucked out with) stepped in and helped with the boys when my husband needed to get back to work.

Another important step is to stock up on necessary supplies. You’ll need diapers, wipes, onesies, burp cloths, and other baby essentials. Having a baby shower and putting these things on the registry can save you money. It might not be fun to receive, but in the long run, it can be a lifesaver.

Consider purchasing a breast pump if you plan to breastfeed, as well as bottles and formula if you plan to bottle-feed. Do your research on the formula beforehand if you plan on going that route. When my first child drank formula based on cow’s milk, he had terrible gas. But when my second and third children came along, I used a formula based on goat’s milk and it was like night and day. They were happy and well-fed without any fussing because of gas.

Preparing meals in advance can be a huge time-saver. Consider freezing meals or prepping ingredients for easy meals that can be quickly assembled during those early weeks. There’s nothing less fun than trying to make a meal from scratch when you’re sleep-deprived and/or cranky because the baby decided it was a good idea to do a poop-a-thon just when you had finally fallen asleep.

Finally, it’s important to set up the baby’s sleeping area. Ensure that the crib or bassinet is in a safe location and meets current safety standards. Consider using a swaddle or sleep sack to help your baby feel secure and cozy. My tip is to do this as close to delivery as possible or ask family or friends to take care of it when the baby is born. This way, they can add their welcome gifts to the nursery and you’ll have everything ready when you get home.

Managing Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a common experience for new parents, but it’s important to prioritize sleep for your own health and well-being. Here are some tips for getting rest during both the day and night:

• Sleep when the baby sleeps: It’s tempting to use nap time to catch up on household chores, but your own sleep is essential too. Try to nap when the baby naps, even if it’s just for 20 minutes. I know this one is a hard one. You will probably have people tell you that it is a hard habit to break, and it is. It will also be almost impossible if you have several kids.
• Alternate feedings with your partner: If you’re bottle-feeding, take turns with your partner so that each of you can get a stretch of uninterrupted sleep. This also gives the baby and your partner a chance to bond.
• Consider co-sleeping: While not recommended by all pediatricians, some parents find that co-sleeping (with proper precautions) allows them to get more restful sleep. Have the baby’s cot or bassinet in your room so it is easy during those nighttime feedings to stay half asleep.
• Practice good sleep hygiene: Try to create a relaxing sleep environment, avoid screens before bed, and establish a bedtime routine for yourself.

Baby Care: Feeding the Baby

Feeding your newborn can be a challenging but rewarding experience. The first decision you must make is whether you want to breastfeed or bottle-feed. Breast milk is the ideal food for newborns and has many benefits for both the baby and the mother. Breast milk contains all the nutrients your baby needs and can help protect them from illnesses. It also promotes bonding between the mother and baby and can help reduce the risk of postpartum depression. But if you can’t breastfeed or don’t want to that is ok too. You can bond over a bottle as well if you use the same positions as when you breastfeed. Hey, if it works for your partner, why not for you too? Check out this article for more information on this topic.

Baby Care: Managing diaper changes and bathing

Diaper changes and bathing are essential aspects of caring for your newborn. Newborns can soil their diapers up to 10 times a day, so it’s important to change their diapers frequently. Keeping the diaper area clean and dry is crucial to prevent diaper rash. In a pinch, you can use a towel on your bed or the floor as a changing area. If your baby has a blowout (aka the mother of all poops) where they have poop up to their chin, it’s often easier to rinse them off than to wipe them down with wet wipes. Follow the steps below for bathing your baby and you’ll be golden. Lastly, make sure to choose the right size and type of diaper for your baby.

Bathing a newborn can be nerve-wracking, especially for first-time parents. Wait until the umbilical cord stump falls off and circumcision (if applicable) has healed before giving your baby a full bath. In the meantime, you can sponge-bathe your baby to keep them clean. When it’s time for a full bath, choose a safe and appropriate bathtub, and make sure the water temperature is neither too hot nor too cold.

When it comes to caring for your newborn, one of the most important things to consider is choosing the right products for their delicate skin. As a new parent, you want to ensure that your baby is comfortable and safe, and that means being mindful of what you put on their skin. When shopping for baby products, it’s important to look for items that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Harsh chemicals can cause irritation and discomfort to your baby’s sensitive skin, and fragrances can be overwhelming and potentially harmful to their delicate respiratory system. Opting for products that are specifically designed for newborns can give you peace of mind that you are using safe and gentle products on your little one.

Dealing with postpartum recovery

Postpartum recovery can be a challenging time for new mothers. It is normal to experience physical and emotional changes after giving birth. Physical changes can include soreness, fatigue, and bleeding, while emotional changes can include mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

While taking care of a new baby is a big task, it’s important to remember that new moms need to take care of themselves as well. Giving birth can take a toll on the body, and it’s normal to experience physical and emotional challenges after delivery. It’s crucial to be kind to yourself during this time and practice self-care. Some common physical and emotional challenges that new mothers may face include:

• Postpartum bleeding: After giving birth, you will experience bleeding and discharge known as lochia. This can last for several weeks and is a normal part of the healing process.
• Breast pain: Whether you are breastfeeding or not, your breasts are likely to feel sore and tender. You may also experience engorgement, which is a condition where your breasts become swollen, hard, and painful as your milk comes in.
• Perineal pain: If you had a vaginal birth, you may experience pain and soreness in your perineum, the area between your vagina and anus. This is especially true if you had a tear or episiotomy during delivery. If using regular toilet paper to wipe down there makes you uncomfortable, try using wet wipes instead. If you have access to a bidet, even better! (If you’re not familiar with what a bidet is, you can learn more here).
• Mood changes: Many new mothers experience mood swings, including feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability. This is known as the “baby blues” and is a normal response to the hormonal changes and stress of new motherhood. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, you may be experiencing postpartum depression and should seek medical help.

Remember that it’s okay to ask for help and to take time for yourself when you need it. Taking care of your own physical and emotional needs will help you be a better mom in the long run.

To recover from childbirth, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Here are some tips to help you feel better:

• Rest as much as possible. It’s tempting to try to do everything yourself, but you need to give your body time to heal. Enlist the help of your partner, family, or friends to take care of household tasks and give you time to rest.
• Use pain relief. Ask your doctor about pain relief options, such as over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication if necessary.
• Take care of your breasts. If you’re breastfeeding, make sure you’re wearing a supportive nursing bra and using nipple cream to prevent soreness and cracking. If you’re not breastfeeding, avoid stimulating your breasts as this can cause engorgement and discomfort.
• Practice good hygiene. Take regular showers and change your pads frequently to reduce the risk of infection.
• Talk to someone. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and emotional after giving birth. Talk to your partner, a trusted friend, or a healthcare professional if you need support or just someone to listen.

Adjusting to life with a new baby

Bringing a new baby home is a major adjustment that requires patience, flexibility, and a willingness to learn. You will need to understand your baby’s needs and behaviors and establish a new routine. It is important to take things one day at a time and be patient with yourself and your baby.

Here are some tips for managing the transition:

• Be realistic. Don’t expect everything to be perfect or for you to have all the answers. Parenting is a learning process and it’s okay to make mistakes.
• Follow your baby’s cues. Every baby is different and has their own unique personality and needs. Pay attention to your baby’s cues, such as hunger, sleepiness, and fussiness, and respond accordingly.
• Ask for help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Reach out to family, friends, or a postpartum doula if you need support with breastfeeding, baby care, or household tasks.
• Focus on bonding. Bonding with your baby is an important part of the parenting journey. Spend time cuddling, talking, and playing with your baby to help build a strong attachment.
• Take care of yourself. It’s important to prioritize self-care even after your baby arrives. Make time for activities that bring you joy, such as reading, exercising, or spending time with friends.

Conclusion

Bringing home a new baby can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, but with some preparation and self-care, it can also be a wonderful time. Remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your new baby. Allow yourself time to adjust and don’t hesitate to seek help or support if needed.

By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can set yourself up for success in managing the first few weeks with your newborn. From preparing for the baby’s arrival to managing sleep deprivation, feeding, diaper changes, and postpartum recovery, you now have the knowledge and tools to make the transition into parenthood as smooth as possible.

So take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and enjoy this special time with your new little one. You got this!