Perhaps one of the most intense moments in life is the arrival of the first baby.. And it doesn’t matter how old you are. You can be very young when you become a parent for the first time, or well into your later years, yet it’s never easy.
New parents are all the same: dark circles under the eyes, tired, disoriented, anxious, but with a huge smile on their lips. And is that the arrival of the baby is a beautiful and special moment, but it has a complicated side, it is better to be well prepared for it.
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Everything you should know if you are going to be parents for the first time.
Before the arrival of a baby, you have to be prepared as well as possible. There are many ways to do this because the arrival of the first child brings changes on several levels: economic, emotional, couple and family relationship.
It is undoubtedly a process unlike any other. For this reason we have prepared this list with some tips for first-time parents that will undoubtedly help you in this new stage. Remember that this only happens once, it is best to enjoy it to the fullest.
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1. Balanced information
There is so much information nowadays that it may be counterproductive. Undoubtedly, being informed can be of great help, you just have to be careful not to fall into the extreme of overinformation.
Disinformation, infoxication and overinformation, besides generating more stress, can cause anxiety and confusion, because sometimes what one reads and learns can be contradictory. In addition, there are thousands of sources to consult on the Internet, and not all of them are reliable or rigorous.
2. Plan your purchases
With the arrival of the first baby, new parents want to run out and buy everything.. If you arrive at the store without a plan, you can be sure that the salespeople will convince you that you need to buy the whole store.
The best thing to do is to plan your shopping. Talking it over as a couple, asking other more experienced parents and deciding which things are necessary for the baby and which are not so necessary, is the only way to control expenses.
3. Organize the logistics of the delivery day
You need to agree on what you will do on the day labor begins.How will you get to the hospital? What happens if the mother is at her workplace? How long will it take to move? Who will take care of the suitcase?
In short, you need to have all the details discussed about what might happen that day and how to solve it. This will give you certainty and peace of mind.
4. Visits
Once the baby is born, everyone will want to rush to visit them.. This is not always the best thing to do. They will probably feel exhausted, especially the mother.
At this time, parents are adjusting to a new rhythm of life and it takes time to get used to it. The best thing to do is to talk openly with the family and ask them to be prudent and measured in their visits during the first few days. There is no hurry and no one should force us to receive certain visits that we do not want to welcome in these intimate days.
5. Have everything ready to take care of the baby
When caring for a baby, it is best to be very cautious and plan ahead.. When it’s time to change the diaper, give the baby a bath or feed him/her, you have to have everything ready.
Never leave the baby alone on the changing table or in the bathtub, so if you forget something, the best thing to do is to take the baby in your arms, go and get what you need, and then come back and continue.
6. Feeding
During the first few days, there are many doubts about the baby’s feeding time.. However, there is one simple rule to follow: feeding is on demand for the first 6 months. Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, there is no restriction on feeding times or feedings.
In addition, no other type of food (or water) should be given during these first 6 months, as it could upset the baby.
7. Crying
Something that distresses new parents a lot is the crying of their baby.. However, do not stress too much. Remember that it is the only way for him to express and demand his needs.
A baby cries because he is hungry, cold, colicky, has a dirty diaper or wants to be held. If all these needs are met and he still cries, then it could be considered that something else is going on. It is time to go to the pediatrician for a medical examination.
8. Colic
Colic and gas discomfort are virtually impossible to avoid.. After each feeding, the baby should be helped to expel the gas.
To do this, hold the baby upright and pat him lightly on the back. Light massages on the tummy can also help. Even with all these precautions, the newborn may still feel uncomfortable. There is no reason to panic, just keep massaging or patting.
9. Body temperature
Be careful not to cover the baby too much or too little.. Sometimes this part is difficult for new parents.
The secret to know what to do is to cover the baby with an extra garment than the one we use. To have a reference of his body temperature, it is necessary to touch his back, because his hands and feet are usually colder than the rest. Although it is important to cover the baby from drafts, especially during the first days, to avoid colds.
10. Hygiene
The hygiene of the caregivers during the first days is fundamental.. Hands should be washed before holding the baby.
This recommendation is for anyone who intends to hold the baby without the necessary hygienic measures. Failure to wash hands can contaminate the baby with bacteria and microbes, which could cause colds and infections of all kinds. In addition, bottles and pacifiers should be properly sterilized. During the first weeks this is important to keep illnesses and contagions away.
11. Bedtime
Certain precautions should be taken when putting the baby to sleep in its crib or bed. Never let your baby sleep on its stomach.. The correct position is on the cubitus, that is to say, facing upwards.
Do not overdress the baby and it is better to keep away dolls or pillows that may fall on him or make him uncomfortable. Avoid hats and check that there are no loose strings or ribbons.
12. Bath time
Bathing your baby for the first time is a unique experience.. But certain aspects should be taken into account so that everything goes well. The water should be at an optimum temperature: lukewarm, i.e., it should not be too hot. The recommended temperature is between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, to be exact.
Soap and shampoo should be suitable for babies. If the baby will be placed in a bathtub, the person carrying him/her should wear a T-shirt to prevent the water and soap from causing the baby to slip.
13. Holding the baby in your arms
There is no inconvenience in holding the baby as much as the parents want.. It is very common for people around you to think that you should not hold your baby all the time or whenever he cries, it is believed that this makes them spoiled.
This is not true, so whenever possible and whenever you want to, carry your baby without fear. Using a rebozo or sling can help you carry and sleep your baby in your arms and keep your hands free to do other things. Above all, extreme precautions should be taken to prevent the baby from falling.
14. Learn to receive advice
When a new baby arrives, everyone has something to say.. Even people who do not have children. Everyone wants to have a say and pontificate about parenting, clothes, healthy habits, and so on.
And that’s okay, sharing experiences and listening to advice can be very helpful. But we must learn to receive this information and use the one that suits us and discard the one that does not, especially the one that generates more stress or that comes from people with little experience or common sense.
15. The pediatrician
Undoubtedly, a great ally in this stage is the pediatrician.. Whenever possible, it is necessary to look for a pediatrician before the baby arrives.
A person that generates confidence and that has the disposition to attend them at any hour in any day. The first few days are very uncertain; being able to call or text the doctor to find out if something normal or strange is going on can bring a lot of peace of mind to new parents.