New Parents: 15 Tips for Taking Care of Your Children

Perhaps one of the most intense moments in life is the arrival of the first baby. And age does not matter. You may be very young when you first become a parent, or older, still it's never easy.

New parents are all the same: dark circles, tired, disoriented, anguished, but with a huge smile on their lips. And it 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 need to know if you are going to be a parent for the first time.

Before the arrival of a baby, you have to be prepared as best as possible. There are many ways to do this since the arrival of the first child poses changes on several levels: economic, emotional, couple and family relationship.

It is certainly a process that is unlike any other. For this reason we have put together this list with some tips for new parents that will undoubtedly help you in this new stage. Remember that this only happens once, it is better to enjoy it fully.

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1. Information in equilibrium

There is so much information today that it may backfire. Without a doubt, 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, in addition to generating greater stress, can cause anxiety and confusion, this because sometimes what one reads and learns can be contradictory. In addition, on the internet there are thousands of sources to consult, and not all of them are reliable or rigorous.

2. Plan purchases

With the arrival of the first baby, new parents want to rush to buy everything. If you arrive at the store without a plan, rest assured that the salespeople will convince you that you need to buy the entire store.

It is best to plan your purchases. Talking about it as a couple, asking other more experienced parents and deciding what 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 day of delivery

Agreement must be reached on what they will do the day labor begins. How will they get to the hospital? What if the mother is in her workplace? How long does it take to move? Who will take care of the suitcase?

In short, you have to have all the details about what may happen that day and how to solve it. This will give them certainty and peace of mind.

4. The visits

Once the baby is born, everyone will want to run to visit them. This is not always the best. They will surely feel exhausted, especially the mother.

At this time, parents are adjusting to a new rhythm of life and it takes time to adjust. It is best to speak openly with the family and ask them to be cautious and measured in visits during the first few days. There is no rush 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 planners. When changing the diaper, giving him a bath or feeding him, you have to have everything ready.

You should never leave your baby alone on the changing table or in the bathtub, that's why if we forget to something, the best thing is to hold the baby in your arms, go get what you need, and then come back and continue.

6. Feeding

The first days many doubts arise about the baby's feeding times. However, you have to follow a very simple rule: food is on demand for the first 6 months. Whether it is breastfeeding or formula, there are no restrictions on hours or feeding.

In addition, no other type of food (or water) should be given during these first 6 months, as it could make the baby feel bad.

7. Crying

Something that distresses new parents a lot is the crying of their baby. However, do not stress too much. Let us remember that it is the only way you have to express and demand your needs.

A baby cries because he is hungry, cold, colicky, dirty diaper or wants to be held. If all these needs are covered and he still cries, then something else could be considered. It will be time to go to the pediatrician so that he can perform a medical examination.

8. Colic

Colic and gas discomfort are practically impossible to avoid. After each feeding of milk you have to help the baby to expel gas.

For this you have to carry it upright and pat it lightly on the back. Light tummy massages can also help. Even with all these precautions, the newborn can become uncomfortable. It is not a reason to be scared, it will be enough to continue massaging or patting.

9. Body temperature

You have to be careful not to cover the baby too much or too little. Sometimes this part is complex for new parents.

The secret to knowing what to do is to cover the baby with an extra garment that we use. To have a reference to her body temperature, you have to touch her back, because the hands and feet are usually colder than the rest. Although it is important to cover it from drafts, especially the first few days, to avoid colds.

10. Hygiene

The hygiene of the caregivers during the first days is essential. Before holding the baby, you must wash your hands.

This recommendation is for anyone who intends to hold the child without the necessary hygienic measures. Not washing your hands can contaminate your baby with bacteria and germs, which could lead to colds and infections of all kinds. In addition, bottles and pacifiers must be properly sterilized. During the first weeks this is important to keep diseases and infections away.

11. Bedtime

When putting the baby down in the crib or her bed, certain precautions must be taken. You should never let yourself sleep on your stomach. The correct position is ulna, that is, looking up.

It is not necessary to cover it too much and it is better to move away dolls or pillows that may fall on it or make it uncomfortable. Avoid hats and check that there are no loose laces or ribbons.

12. Bathtime

Bathing your baby for the first time is a unique experience. But certain aspects must be taken into account so that everything goes well. The water must be at an optimal temperature: warm, that is, you have to take care that it is not too hot. The recommended temperature is between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, to be exact.

Soap and shampoo must be baby-friendly. If you are going to get into the bath, the person holding you should wear a t-shirt to prevent the water and soap from causing the baby to slip.

13. Take the baby in your arms

There is no problem in holding the baby as much as the parents want. It is very common that people around you think that you should not hold the baby all the time or whenever she cries, it is believed that this makes them spoiled.

This is not true, so whenever possible and desired, charge it without fear. Wearing a shawl or scarf can help carry and sleep your baby in your arms and keep your hands free to do other things. Above all, extreme precautions must be taken to prevent the newborn from falling off.

14. Learn how to get advice

When a baby arrives, everyone has something to say. Even people who don't have children. Everyone wants to have an opinion and pontificate on parenting, clothing, healthy habits, and a long etcetera.

And that's okay, sharing experiences and listening to advice can go a long way. But you have to learn to receive that information and use the one that suits us and the one that doesn't, discard it, especially the one that generates more stress or that comes from people with little experience or little sense common.

15. The pediatric

Without a doubt, a great ally at this stage is the pediatrician. Whenever possible, a pediatrician should be sought before the baby arrives.

A person who builds confidence in them and who is willing to assist them at any time on any day. The first days generate a lot of uncertainty, being able to call or text the doctor to find out if something normal or something strange is happening can bring a lot of tranquility to new parents.

Bibliographic references

• Chao, Ruth K. (1994). Beyond Parental Control and Authoritarian Parenting Style: Understanding Chinese Parenting Through the Cultural Notion of Training. Child Development.
• Tamis-LeMonda, Catherine S.; Bornstein, Marc H. (2002). Advances in Child Development and Behavior Volume 29. Elsevier.