Essential Hacks For New Parents
Being a new parent to a beautiful baby can be one of the most joyful yet stressful periods of your life. Between endless dirty diapers and sleepless nights, feeling stressed and overwhelmed is, unfortunately, all part of the process.
Luckily, the internet is full of helpful parenting tips and hacks to make those first few months more manageable, so you can worry less about household chores and focus more on your brand-new bundle of joy. Here are just a few to get you started.
Buy In Bulk
When caring for a baby, running to the store whenever you need a pack of diapers or wipes is easier said than done. Buying in bulk will ensure you never run out of the essentials - and this goes for necessary household items like toilet paper, tin foil and hand soap. Having an ample stock of items will reduce the frequency of shopping trips, saving you time, effort and energy you can devote to your little one. Furthermore, buying in bulk can save you money in the long run, which is always handy once you become a parent.
Batch Cook Healthy Meals
Having a regular routine of home-cooked, nutritious meals in your household might face some challenges with the arrival of a baby. You may find yourselves increasingly dependent on quick and convenient alternatives and perhaps more takeout meals than you'd care to admit. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of healthy food cooked from scratch by batch-cooking your favourite meals and freezing them in handy portions. Arrange for a trusted friend or relative to babysit while you get busy in the kitchen.
Purchase A Baby Wrap
If your little one craves your undivided attention, attending to household chores can be tricky. However, a baby wrap is a helpful solution to this dilemma. A baby wrap provides a close and intimate way to bond with your precious little one hands-free, so you can attend to other tasks while keeping them close. Moreover, the snug and supportive design of a baby wrap mimics the feeling of being in the womb, which can be soothing and comforting for newborns.
Utilise Nap Time
Amidst the chaos of caring for a newborn, naptime offers some much-needed respite. Naptime is your chance to be productive by resetting the house or getting some valuable rest yourself. During the postpartum period, mothers' bodies are still in the process of recovering from a highly traumatic and physically demanding experience. Coupled with nights of interrupted sleep, it's no surprise you’re exhausted! As such, it's essential to seize any opportunity to catch up on sleep.
Pack Plenty Of Spare Clothes
Heading out for some fresh air with your little one can be tremendously beneficial for you both. As your baby grows, beginning to crawl and eventually walk, providing them with regular opportunities to explore their surroundings will be crucial for their development. However, this can get messy, and as any parent will tell you, being caught short without clean, dry, spare clothing when you’re away from home can be nightmarish. Pack more spares than you think you’ll need, including t-shirts, socks, baby leggings and onesies - you never know when you might need them.
Trust Your Instincts
One of the most important pieces of advice you can receive as a parent is always to trust your instincts. Nobody knows your baby better than you. As their primary caregiver, you will understand your baby's unique personality, needs and cues better than anyone. If something feels wrong, don't hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician or health visitor. Trusting your parental instincts is crucial for your baby's well-being and happiness, as well as your own peace of mind.
Use White Noise
If your baby is a light sleeper, and the smallest noise seems to wake them, consider using white noise. White noise can help soothe and calm babies, making it easier for them to drift off and stay asleep. The consistent, ambient sound creates a familiar and comforting environment, mimicking the security of the womb. You can purchase white noise machines from most baby product retailers. Alternatively, you can find white noise compilations on YouTube, which you can play through a speaker in your little one’s nursery.
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