There is no denying that life with a newborn is hard work. It doesn’t matter whether you are a first-time parent or you have done it before, you are never fully prepared for what is about to come.
That being said, there are steps that you can take and ways in which you can prepare for your new arrival, which guarantee to make life with a newborn just that little bit easier.
Sleep when the baby sleeps
If you speak to any mom, or dad, with a newborn baby, they will tell you that their biggest issue is a lack of sleep. Of course, you cannot do much about this, as new babies need feeding and changing regularly. However, you can get as much rest as possible by sleeping when you sleep.
It doesn’t matter if the house is a mess or you haven’t showered yet; the most important thing for both your mental and physical health as a new parent is getting enough sleep, so when they nap, you should do the same.
Accept offers of support
Although you may not feel ready to leave your baby with someone else in the early days, that does not mean that your family and friends cannot help you in other ways. For example, you could ask a loved one to help with the cooking or to come over and put a few loads of washing on.
You may be surprised at just how many people are willing to help when you have just had a baby. Make sure you are not pressured into too many visits too soon if you feel uncomfortable with this.
Purchase simple clothes
If this is your first baby, you are likely to have hit the shops with wild abandonment, buying as many cute outfits as humanly possible. However, you will soon discover that those sweet dungarees or adorable two-piece suits are a nightmare to get on and off.
Instead, opt for simple clothes that your baby will feel comfortable in and that can be put on and taken off quickly, such as sleepsuits, baby leggings, and basic tees.
Invest in a baby carrier
A baby carrier can be an absolute lifesaver, especially if you plan to practice attachment parenting or have what is commonly called a “Velcro baby”. Enabling you to wear your baby and go about your day with ease, many different types of baby carriers are available, such as ring slings, woven wraps, and soft-structured carriers.
The beauty of a baby carrier is that it not only enables you to do your household chores without worrying about your baby, but it also helps keep them calm and secure.
Get out of the house once a day
Although this may seem like an impossible feat, especially during the first few weeks, it can be really beneficial for your physical and mental health to get out of the house a bit each day, even only for half an hour.
The fresh air will do you a wonder of good and may even help send the baby to sleep!