Many words could describe a new parent, some of those words include excited, hopeful, and most often terrified! Being a mom or a dad is something many of us look forward to in our lives, but having the responsibility of a helpless little one to look after is also something that can cause many new parents great feelings of anxiety.
If you are about to be a new parent, or if you are expecting an arrival at some time in the near future, chances are you are on the lookout for the right advice. Every baby and every family is different and you are going to have to learn what does and doesn’t work by going through this amazing life experience. Below are some valuable practical advice to help you take your first steps into parenthood.
If you are about to be a new parent, or if you are expecting an arrival at some time in the near future, chances are you are on the lookout for the right advice. Every baby and every family is different and you are going to have to learn what does and doesn’t work by going through this amazing life experience. Below are some valuable practical advice to help you take your first steps into parenthood.
Child-proof your home
No matter how much money you spend on equiping your house with the latest technology or renovations, once your baby arrives your house is never going to be same again. Well, at least not until they leave for college years down the line.
From the moment you know you’re pregnant, it’s time to make some important adjustments to your living arrangements. Safety gates need to be installed on the stairs. Window cords should be cut down. Plug sockets need to have safety plugs inserted into them. Every room in the house needs to adhere to safety rules; otherwise, you may put your child in danger. However, once you have made the necessary adjustments, you can start to relax. Of course, your child will have accidents, and you can’t predict the future, so don’t stress yourself out trying to account for every single outcome. You can’t protect your child in a giant ball of cotton wool, no matter how much you want to, but you can make changes around your property that will reduce any risks of danger.
Ignore the competition
Being a parent shouldn’t be competitive, but some people like to pretend they have a better handle on parenting than others. You probably know someone like that. Too good for hand me down clothes, and their child is dressed in the finest outfit the store was able to offer. From the day of conception, they planned out their child’s education, from kindergarten through to college. These are the people who will give you a smug smile every time your child looses it out in public. Of course, their baby never cries, as their baby is wonderful in every possible way! We know, and you know, that this isn’t true. There is no such thing as the perfect parent, so don’t worry. Most parents get it and are struggling just like you. Behind closed doors other parents are going through many of the same things you are, only some of them aren’t as brave enough to admit it!
Change your shopping list
Where previously you spent your money on what you needed or wanted for yourself, you now need to focus on your child. This will mean cutting back on anything from the store you have become accustomed too, as you will need to change your weekly budget plan to buy the food, diapers, and other everyday items that your child needs.
You should also think about the products you use around your home to accommodate your child. For example, many common cleaning products contain dangerous chemicals that are hazardous to touch and taste. Your child is bound to explore and put their hands where they shouldn’t so make changes in what you buy. Organic cleaning products are safer, have no toxic chemicals, and pose no major threats to your child’s health. Some of the best baby products can be found on websites such as Cleanhappens.com, so look online or ask at your local store for advice.
Then there are the other things your baby needs. From blankets to swaddle suits, there are other essential items you may consider buying for your child. While there are ways you can cut down on your spending, such as swapping baby clothes with other parents, you may have to forego your ideas about saving money when you are just starting out with your first child.
Don’t go at it alone
Being a parent is tough, from dealing with tantrums to sorting out the masses of laundry.
Ensure your partner is ready for all the necessary aspects of parenthood. However, don’t be proud not to accept help from others. From your best friend to your mother-in-law, if they offer you a hand, snap it up! You may want to convey the image that you are holding everything together, but let’s face it, you’re not superhuman, and there will be times when you need to let others in so you can take a much-needed rest.
Remember the diaper bag
Whenever you leave your home, such as taking your baby for a walk in the park, make sure you have everything you need to hand. Follow a checklist, so you don’t miss anything vital, from baby wipes to extra clothes. Your diaper bag isn’t only for diapers, and you don’t want to forget anything essential. Even though you can’t possibly prepare for every eventuality a prepared diaper bag is a life saver.
Go with the flow
Finally, you will be able to find help from any number of people, from websites such as this one to friends and family who will all be happy to share ideas and guidance from their experiences. By all means, listen to the people around you and read any information you can. But remember, what works for one person may not work for you. In some cases, you need to throw out the rule book and focus on the things that work for your child and family. Part of being a new parent and starting a family is the sense of exploring together. You are in new territory, so while others have navigated the road to parenting before you, there are times when you need to manage your own situation.
Remember the diaper bag
Whenever you leave your home, such as taking your baby for a walk in the park, make sure you have everything you need to hand. Follow a checklist, so you don’t miss anything vital, from baby wipes to extra clothes. Your diaper bag isn’t only for diapers, and you don’t want to forget anything essential. Even though you can’t possibly prepare for every eventuality a prepared diaper bag is a life saver.
Go with the flow
Finally, you will be able to find help from any number of people, from websites such as this one to friends and family who will all be happy to share ideas and guidance from their experiences. By all means, listen to the people around you and read any information you can. But remember, what works for one person may not work for you. In some cases, you need to throw out the rule book and focus on the things that work for your child and family. Part of being a new parent and starting a family is the sense of exploring together. You are in new territory, so while others have navigated the road to parenting before you, there are times when you need to manage your own situation.
Go with the flow, have fun learning what it means to be a parent, and enjoy the adventure ahead of you.
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