Tips and Tricks for First Time Parents
Bringing a new baby into the world is an exciting time, especially for new parents. There will be a lot of adjusting and potentially some mixed emotions, but it's worth it. Your new bundle of joy will be a round the clock job, so new parents might find it a bit overwhelming. My family has just welcomed a new baby boy, so I'd like to offer some tips for other parents about bringing a baby home.
1. Get your rest while baby sleeps.
Whenever baby is taking a nap is when mom should be getting her sleep as well. Forget about trying to get housework done while baby is asleep. It is much more important for you to get your rest so that you have the energy to take care of baby and you both stay healthy.
2. Swaddling helps soothe baby to sleep.
Swaddling provides baby with a warm and soothing womb-like environment for extra comfort and security. It also helps prevent startle reflex in babies which will have them waking themselves up while they sleep. A baby swaddle like the Miracle Blanket or the Woombie makes swaddling super easy for parents and both swaddles are safe and effective. Once baby starts to roll over this is a sign that swaddling is no longer safe, in which case it is a good idea to switch to a sleep garment like the Zipadee-Zip, a go-to solution to help transition baby from swaddling. The Zipadee-Zip provides babies with the snug feeling of security while allowing for the freedom of pajamas and helps babies and toddler fall asleep and stay asleep.
3. Breastfeeding is beneficial for both mom and baby.
Breastfeeding provides babies with all of the essential vitamins and nutrients they need and is full of disease-fighting substances to keep baby healthy, especially during baby's first six months. Breastfeeding has been shown to lower the risk of childhood cancers, stomach viruses, ear infections and several other illnesses. It also protects baby from developing allergies later on and it improves cognitive development. For moms, breastfeeding reduced stress, postpartum depression, and reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
4. Get the right car seat.
For infants under 2 years of age, they must be placed in a rear-facing car seat for their safety as the back of the seat will cradle baby's head, neck and torso. Always read the owner's manual to make sure you are installing the seat correctly and correctly using the seatbelt or harness. Make sure the harness straps fit snugly over your baby and don't dress them in bulky clothing.
5. Keep baby safe from germs.
Remember to always wash your hands before handling baby and have any visitors wash their hands as well because babies have weak immune systems are susceptible to infection. Let your children hold the new baby but don't let them kiss the baby's face if you want to be on the safe side. Breastfeeding baby also helps give baby's immune system a boost.
6. Place baby to sleep on his back.
Babies must be placed to sleep on their backs in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. The reason for this is that a baby sleeping on his stomach may not get enough oxygen or he risks rebreathing his own exhaled carbon dioxide. It's also important not to place anything else in the crib with baby, so no pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, etc. You don't want anything to accidentally fall on baby's face and potentially suffocate baby.
7. Get some fresh air.
You'll go crazy if you stay cooped up in the house for too long so head outside with baby and get some fresh air. If the weather is warm go for a walk in the park and bring a picnic blanket or baby play mat so you and baby can lie down on the grass. Just be sure to keep baby protected from the sun and dressed appropriately for the weather.
8. Learn how to prevent diaper rash.
A diaper rash is pretty common because babies have sensitive skin and the rash will go away on its own but there are some things you can do to prevent it. Make sure to change baby's diaper frequently and change a poopy diaper as soon as possible. When using a cloth diaper you should wash it in a fragrance-free or all-natural detergent for sensitive skin. You can also apply a diaper rash cream on baby after cleaning the area with a wipe.
9. Trust your instincts.
Mother's instinct is always right so practice listening to your gut instincts and follow them. You won't always know what's best and every parent makes mistakes with their first baby but that is how you learn. Also understand that what works for one baby doesn't always work for another. Instead of constantly doubting or second guessing yourself, be confident that you know your baby best and can get the best feel for what he needs.
10. Ask for help if you need it.
As a new parent you sometimes struggle to juggle everything at home and raising a baby is hard work. You will need to take some time for yourself and get some rest before you become completely worn down. If you feel like you need a break, don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member for help. They will understand that everyone needs a little help sometimes, even "supermom". If you have any questions (even if you think it's a strange question), talk to your pediatrician or even call up a fellow mom who will be understanding.
Written by Stephanie Parker from Sleepingbaby.com, inventors of the Zipadee-Zip
The motto for Sleeping Baby, makers of the Zipadee-Zip, is: "Inspiring Dreams One Night at A time," and that, in a nutshell, is how it all started…with one little dream that has since become the Parker family's reality. When Brett and Stephanie Parker's daughter, Charlotte, was born, the feeling that welled up inside of them was indescribable; they never realized until first looking into those baby blues of hers that they were even capable of that kind of love.
When it was time to transition baby from swaddling, the Parkers tried every sleep sack on the market and every swaddle weaning trick they could find for nearly two weeks and nothing worked to get baby Charlotte to fall and stay asleep.
Stephanie became determined to restore sleep and sanity to their household and set out to find a solution that would soothe Charlotte's startle reflex and provide her the cozy womb-like environment she loved so much but still give her the freedom to roll over and wiggle around in her crib safely. Out of sheer desperation and exhaustion, the Zipadee-Zip was born. The first Zipadee-Zip(R) Stephanie put together on her little sewing machine worked like magic!
To date tens of thousands of Zipadee-Zips have been sold and all from word-of-mouth marketing. It is so rewarding for the Parkers to see other parents and babies getting the sleep they both need and deserve!
For more information, visit sleepingbaby.com.
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