Terri Ramsey Beavers Having your first baby is an exciting and slightly nerve-wracking time. To help you master the basics, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about baby parenting.
From parenting tips for infants to childcare and parental self-care, this guide has you covered. These tips will have you feeling less stressed and maybe even more rested.
1. Take Baby on the Go
You and your baby will benefit a lot from the fresh air. It’s freeing and good for the whole family to take a stroll around the block, run errands, or get out for some exercise. Look here for great information on babywearing and baby carriers.
Baby carriers are great for getting some hands-free time. Your little one will also love being snuggled up to you. A stroller is another necessity. Take baby on a stroll, a run, or out and about safely.
2. Set Your Baby up for Sleep Success
It’s no secret that new parents don’t get a lot of sleep. To give everyone in your home a better night of sleep, set your baby up for success.
Designate a crib or bassinet for them to sleep in alone. Don’t overdress your baby. Infants can overheat easily. Keep their room cool so they will sleep more comfortably.
Next, invest in a sound machine. Babies love to feel like they are back in the womb and a sound machine gives them this comfort. It also helps them sleep when they can’t hear the dog bark at the mailman.
For newborns, a swaddle is also helpful to give them that womb-like feeling. Always place a baby on their back to sleep as well. As soon as they can roll over, it’s time to stop swaddling.
A sleep sack is a nice transition after a swaddle. It keeps them warm and cozy, but they can’t pull it over their face. Never place toys, bumpers, stuffed animals, or loose blankets in a crib or bassinet.
3. Baby Care Tips for New Moms: Give Yourself Some Grace
As a new mom or parent, it’s easy to forget self-care. Just taking a shower will feel like a luxury. Be kind to yourself and give yourself some grace. Being a new parent is hard.
It’s OK if you don’t have it all figured out. Be patient with yourself and remember to take care of your own needs.
4. Don’t Overfill Nap Time
Nap time isn’t always for cleaning the house or getting stuff done. When your baby is sleeping, fill nap time with something that fills you. Cook, read, nap, shower, or go for a walk if someone is there to stay with your baby while they sleep.
Nap time is a great time to take care of yourself. You can vacuum when the baby is awake. Don’t waste those precious minutes alone doing things you can do with the baby around.
5. Baby Care Help
Taking care of a baby takes a village. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It’s also never too early to start looking for childcare if you haven’t already.
If you have a partner, it’s time for you both to sit down and discuss work, childcare, and help if needed. It’s nice to have childcare in place so you can enjoy parental leave with your new little one while you have it.
Baby Parenting 101
Baby parenting is unlike any other stage in parenthood. That first year is a year of firsts for everyone. From helping your baby sleep to practicing self-care, we’ve rounded up a few baby basics to help you through the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes.
As chaotic as the days and nights may seem, enjoy those sweet moments as a new family. For more parenting and family tips, check out the blog section.
Image Attribution:
Pixabay.com royalty-free image #2610205, ‘family, newborn, baby’ uploaded by user smpratt90, retrieved from on March 3rd, 2021. License details available at – image is licensed under Creative Commons CC0 license.