A new baby will completely change your world. You will be happy to welcome your bundle of joy but you also need to understand that your normal schedule will be turned on its head. The new responsibilities that come with parenthood can be both fulfilling and overwhelming.
To have a great first year as a parent, here are some useful tips you should consider to stay sane:
First, Have a Sense of Gratitude
If you aren’t prepared for the influx of new responsibilities, you can crush under them. It is important that you keep perspective and appreciate that this is just a phase and that you’ll get used to the new order in no time.
In the meantime, just be grateful for the joys the newborn has brought into your world. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools you can use to influence your emotions and stay in control of your thoughts and actions.
Keep Snapping Away
There are never enough baby pictures in the photo album. When you look back at this phase years from now, you will be glad that you recorded every milestone your baby made by way of photos and videos.
Since technology now allows us to take photos and videos easily using our phones, you have more convenient tools on your hands to take baby photos right now than the richest person in the world had 3 decades ago.
Don’t Over-share on Social Media
The excitement of new parenthood might spur you to share more than is necessary on social media. While it is okay to post a few photos and videos of you and your baby on Facebook and Instagram, no one needs to know every detail about your life. Maintain some level of privacy. There’s such a thing as over-sharing. Don’t post details you need not share in search of likes and comments.
When Mom Forums Aren’t Any Good
There are moments you will need clarification on something and you will rush to the internet for answers. If you land on a forum and everyone seems to have a differing opinion, trust your instincts and do what you think is good for your situation. Don’t let the many differing opinions paralyze you. For medical situations, contact qualified pediatric professionals in real life and not random people on the net.
Clear Some Space in Advance
You have probably underestimated the number of new things that the baby will come with. Babies have a lot of needs. Further, they will outgrow some of the things that you will buy them so you will have to buy new things constantly. You should also get used to the idea of seeing toys and gadgets lying around on the sofa and floor. Your baby won’t be cleaning after themselves – you will.
It’s Okay to Stop and Rest
It is not a must that you complete every chore in the house every day. If you are too tired to continue, listen to your body and have a rest. The work is never really done. Tomorrow morning, you’ll have to start all over again. It doesn’t end. Keep perspective and focus on the important stuff. If you are too tired to continue, feel free to drop the unimportant chores and only do what’s really necessary.
Take Care of Yourself
Don’t focus too much on the baby that you forget to take care of yourself. When you take care of your well-being, you will be better positioned to take of your baby as well. Healthy parents bring up healthy babies. However busy you think you are, you can always find time for the important stuff. The key is to figure out what needs to be prioritized and what doesn’t deserve your attention.
As the baby grows older, you can afford to escape for a few days to rejuvenate. If you go on family vacation, stay in an environment that is conducive for young children such as an all-inclusive family-friendly resort.
On Being Tired and Sleepy
Being tired and never getting enough sleep is part of this new parent gig. Don’t beat yourself up about it. You will be getting your baby to bed and back to bed several times every night.
To get enough sleep, new parents are usually advised to sleep when their baby does. When you put your baby down for a nap during the day, feel free to take a nap too. You will feel rejuvenated and the hours will add up to a point where you feel well rested.
If You Are Offered Help, Gladly Accept
If someone you trust such as a family member offers to help with the baby, gladly accept the offer. If grandma, a sister, or brother wants to come over to say hi and help with the baby for the day, there’s no need to say no if you get along well with them. You should use every help you can get. You will be totally glad that you accepted their offer once they come over.
Do Date Nights
A newborn coming into the picture will definitely change how you relate with your partner. As more and more attention goes to the baby, you may neglect to give each other the attention and time necessary to maintain and grow your relationship.
To ensure that your relationship stays on track, you can do date nights weekly or fortnightly. This gives you an opportunity to unplug from all the baby-caring duties and appreciate and strengthen the relationship you have with your partner. You can leave the baby with a trusted relative or hire a sitter when you go out.
Parenting isn’t easy, and you’re likely to struggle from time to time. Keep these tips in mind and remember you’re doing a great job!
