A newborn is an exciting addition to life. If it is your very first child, you are bound to be both nervous and excited. Now, you are responsible for another life that will depend on you for several upcoming years. However, there is no need to worry. Adapting to life with a newborn could be complicated but not if you were to follow the tips mentioned in this article. From changing diapers to eating schedules, you will have to be punctual and time-efficient.
Furthermore, you will have to learn the art of making your baby stop when he/she starts crying in the middle of the night. By now, you might have a lot of questions that need to be answered and we are going to do just that. Think about millions of other parents as well that have to go through the same process. Then again, it is a daunting task but you have a golden opportunity to raise a better version of yourself.
Consider your priorities
Prior to your partner giving birth, you might have a different set of priorities. You might be staying late out with your friends or going out for different activities with your partner. It is natural until the newborn steps in. Now, you have to sit down and reconsider your priorities. The addition of a newborn is not only the responsibility of a mother but a father as well. The process of bringing up will be easier if both parents agree to manage things together. Putting most of the responsibilities on a single individual will not work out. Therefore, give maximum attention to your partner, newborn and all the related activities. All the other things should be set at a minimum and if possible asked to be handled by someone else.
Batch Cook
Newborns will eat up most of your day without you even knowing about it. It is important that you batch cook prior to giving birth. Ask your partner to lend a helping hand so that while you two are busy with the newborn, you at least have something to satisfy your hunger. Cooking something new each day while a newborn is on the way, will not be possible and since you will be exhausted after giving birth, it is suggested that you stock your freezer. This will lower the burden of such things that otherwise put pressure on you every day.
Parent Support Groups
New or soon-to-become parents are advised that they join parent support groups as soon as possible. As the term suggests parent ‘support’ groups tend to share and provide support by sharing experiences. This is a great way to spend some quality time with other people while making friends. While you are in a support group, you will learn different parenting skills that will help you significantly in managing your newborn. Parent support groups exist in hospitals, local neighborhoods, and communities.
It does not require formal permission from the state. In simple words, it consists of several new parents coming together to share their problems and getting them solved. Parents could also enroll themselves in childbirth education courses that require parents meeting twice or thrice a week, reinforcing relationships. Joining parent support programs alone will answer a lot of questions and help you and your partner as well if you are skeptical or unsure about certain things.
Sleep Disruptions
There was a time when new parents were told to put their newborns on a strict four-hour feeding schedule and lay them down in their cribs between feedings. However, that is not the same case today. Today, kids will only govern you by their needs. It should be kept in mind that not every newborn will adjust to schedules adopted by others. Newborns vary significantly in terms of needs. Therefore, it would be better if you accept the initial three months of your newborn, regardless of how reckless they are because at the moment, your child is too young to either follow or listen to the instructions.
Handling loss of sleep
Loss of sleep is the most difficult factor when it comes to handling a newborn. It is highly likely that you will not be getting enough sleep, especially during the initial months. Therefore, why not share duties? Men usually prefer to stay up late at night during quiet times. If not that, at the very least he could change the diapers and ready the child for nursing. This will help you and your partner get proper rest instead of excessively wearing out.
Furthermore, if circumstances do not allow that, you can ask someone from your family such as your grandmother to come over and stay for a few weeks. One way or the other you will be experiencing loss of sleep and taking every nap opportunity at this point becomes necessary.
Time for Yourself
Adjusting to a new life with your newborn does not mean that you should not be taking out the time for yourself. You need to relax every now and relieve the pressure every once in a while. Take your partner on a shopping spree or a nice dinner to have some fresh air or you could simply go out for a walk or drive every night. Based on your baby’s schedule both you and your significant other can spend some quiet time because it is not a luxury but an obligation to yourself. Parenthood is tough on both individuals and not one. Therefore, include some time for yourself to keep yourself from losing your mind.
Continue what you love doing
Perhaps the best way to spend some quality time while caring for a newborn is to continue doing what you love. Some people love singing or playing music, while others tend to indulge themselves in sports and other healthy activities. Exercising and playing sports is going to take the stress out both mentally and physically. If you love gardening, simply go out and do that. Nothing is stopping you. The point is that your life should not come to a halt even if your newborn is giving you a tough time. It is about finding the right balance.
Final Word
Take Time to Adapt to Life with a Baby comes with both ups and downs. While you will be sacrificing your friends and other social activities, on the other hand, making the best of raising a wonderful human being. Getting nervous about the idea of getting parenthood gives you bumps and we understand that. However, if you were to follow the tips mentioned above, you could surely make things easy for yourself. Remember, parenthood is a shared responsibility, the better you manage it, the less complicated it would be.