7 Essential Tips for New Mothers

Adjusting to the changes brought on by motherhood can be quite daunting for any first-time mother. After all, there’s a lot you have to juggle during the first few weeks: caring for your newborn 24/7, staying healthy, looking after the household…the list just goes on and on! But even if seemingly endless challenges await at home, the joy of bonding with your child and discovering new things together is always worth it.

No man is an island. You don’t have to learn and do everything on your own. When you’re feeling unsure about how to provide your baby with the best care possible, reading up on great parenting tips and advice can help you feel motivated and grounded. While a lot of tips out there do sound quite old-fashioned and nonsensical, there are also really helpful pieces of advice that you might want to try at home. Here are our best parenting tips for moms with newborn babies.

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Even the most meticulous and skilled people need help from time to time. Remember that you don’t have to live up to the image of a perfect parent who does everything by themselves from morning ‘till night. It’s perfectly okay (in fact, recommended) to ask for help from trusted relatives, friends, or neighbors when you’re feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by caring for your newborn. Even if you can handle daily chores by yourself, having a supportive companion to talk to at home can lift up your spirits and keep you from getting consumed by stress.

2. Enjoy some precious alone time.

Building a healthy support system is important, but so is sparing some time to relax or meditate alone. Our brains and bodies do need a break from dealing with so many sounds, sights, and stressful situations every day. Make some room in your daily schedule for precious alone time. Focus on doing things that can help you relax and feel grounded, such as watching a movie or taking a short drive. Taking time to rest will make going into super mom mode so much easier.

3. Use a safe baby carrier.

There’s only so much you can do with just two hands. Cleaning and cooking aren’t easy when you have a newborn who can only sleep while he’s nestled in your arms. The best way to deal with this challenge? Simply go hands-free with a safe and durable baby carrier! Baby carriers don’t only help with sleeping. They also lessen crying by keeping your baby soothed and relaxed. Keeping in close contact with your baby this way is also a great way to strengthen the parent-child bond between you two.

Of course, it’s important to take proper precautions when using a baby carrier for the first time. Make sure your baby sits in a proper position (knees spread apart, thighs supported, and knees bent) and leave enough room between your head and his chest so that he can breathe. Check that your chosen baby carrier is durable and perfectly suited for your baby’s age and weight.

4. Give your baby time to bond with his dad

Bonding with dad may not always be easy for your baby. However, helping your baby build a close bond with other members of his family is always more than worth it. Let your baby and his dad spend some quality one-on-one time together every day. That way, your baby will realize that there’s more than one person he can count on for love and comfort. Allowing your baby to spend time with others will also help him be less prone to anxiety during check-ups, family visits, and daycare.

5. Don’t rush back into work.

Your mind and body will need more than just a few days or weeks to recover from childbirth. You may have to wait three or four months before going back to work. Take as much time as you need to rest and bond with your child instead of trying to go back to work right away. If you need to know what’s going on at the office, making short visits or calls is a safe step to take.

When you’re finally ready to go back to the workplace, try not to do too much on your first day. Instead, ease yourself into things and focus on accomplishing small, healthy, and manageable goals. Your mind and body will need to adjust to a brand new flow after being on break for so long, after all.

6. Sleep when you can.

Sleep is pretty much the best way to recharge after a long day. You don’t have to force yourself to sleep only during your baby’s bedtime. You’ve already done so much for your family, so why deprive yourself of the opportunity to rest? Ask for help from your spouse or relatives, plop down on your couch or bed, and nap as much as you need until you have enough energy to be the best super mom you can be.

7. Prepare a family first-aid kit.

Emergencies and accidents can’t always be avoided. Sick days are one of the biggest challenges your baby will have to face. Keep a special family first-aid kit at home to ensure that you’re well-prepared for any emergency. You can buy ready-made ones at your local pharmacy, or better yet consult your pediatrician on what essentials your baby will need. This may seem like a drastic measure to take, but it’s better than rushing out to buy water and medicine during difficult days.

One of the best essentials to keep at home is an electric nasal aspirator. These special devices suck up sticky snot and mucus from your baby’s nose so that they don’t have any trouble breathing properly. These are especially important since your newborn baby’s nasal passages are still developing and thus prone to getting clogged several times in a year. The Watolt Electric Baby Nasal Aspirator is specially designed to clear up your baby’s delicate nose in just a few minutes while also soothing him with bright lights and fun music. Order yours from our online store now!