Bringing Up Baby: Tips And Tricks For New Moms And Moms-To-Be

Photo via Pixabay by Fancycrave1

by Emily Graham

Being a mom is a hard job, despite how easy some manage to make it look. Whether you choose to stay at home or go back to work, learning how to take care of this tiny human while not completely neglecting your own needs is difficult. You and your baby must get used to each other, develop a rhythm and figure out what works best for both of you. That may mean choosing between breastfeeding or bottle feeding, getting into a good sleep routine, or figuring out the baby’s care while you go back to work. To top it off, you want to make all of this work without spending a fortune.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to ease the transition for both you and the baby. Sometimes, you’ll need outside help; others times, you may need to take a moment to sit down and breathe deep. Knowing your limits is important, since being a new parent can test them often.

Before baby comes

Once you know your due date, the clock starts ticking. While you don’t have to get everything done at once, there are plenty of things that need to be done. Plan for where the baby will sleep and look into a regular crib and a bassinet, the latter being something you can keep in your room when baby first comes home. Look for ways to save on a crib and any other baby gear you need by checking second-stores or with friends who have items they want to get rid of. The same holds true for clothing — there’s no need to spend a lot of money on baby clothes since they outgrow them so quickly.

It’s also a good idea to make sure you have enough maternity wear that will work pre- and post-baby. Again, you don’t need to overspend here, especially if you can get hand-me-downs. If new clothes are in your budget, look to stores like Target or Macy’s to find casual and professional maternity wear. You can usually find extra savings online if you dig a bit.

You also want to make sure you have several nursing bras on hand for after baby’s arrival. These are especially important for quickly being able to nurse your baby wherever you are. Certain stores provide additional discounts when you bundle sets

Ask for help

Many new moms feel they can’t ask for help because it signifies that they can’t handle the task of being a parent, and that’s simply not true! Everyone needs a helping hand during the early days of parenthood, whether it’s learning how to help the baby latch on for breastfeeding or cleaning the house. Think of some things you could use help with and set it up as soon as possible. This will make it easier for you to focus on baby and stress less about everything else. For example, consider hiring someone to help clean the house. (Most Americans spend between $25-$50 per hour for routine house cleanings) If that’s too expensive, ask friends or family if they can help with quick tidying and laundry the first few weeks. If sleep becomes an issue, ask for help with the baby on occasion so you can get a few hours of sleep. Remember, new parents need all the help they can get.

Make time for yourself

This task is often easier said than done for new parents, but it’s absolutely essential for your health and mental well-being. Too many sleepless nights, coupled with a crying baby and poor nutrition is enough to make any mom feel out of sorts. That’s why it’s so important to look for ways to take time for yourself. Try splitting up tasks with your partner so you can sleep or just take a shower. Also, find ways to incorporate small bouts of exercise wherever you can. This can mean strapping baby into a stroller or finding a sling you can wear so baby can nap while you get some fresh air. If you find that you’re getting overwhelmed or can’t control your feelings. Put your baby in the crib and walk away. Take 10 minutes to breathe deeply and recenter yourself. Do it as often as you need to as you adjust to parenthood. If for any reason you feel like you could be suffering from postpartum depression, reach out to your doctor immediately.

It’s important to be careful about how much information you take in while preparing for the baby. There are lots of websites and books devoted to the art of parenting and to helping new moms get ready, but some of that advice just may not be right for you, or it may not apply to your situation. Taking it all in at once can leave you feeling overwhelmed and under=prepared, so think carefully about what will work best for you and don’t worry about the rest. With a little planning and some help from the people you love, you can prepare for and bond with your child in no time.