Everything You Need to Know as a First-Time Parent

Becoming a first-time parent is exciting and scary at the same time. Will you be an adequate guardian for your little angel? Many parents to struggle with that question. However, if you care about your child and its development, you're one step closer to raising a healthy and happy kid. 

You may have a lot of theoretical knowledge about kids and their development. However, will you be able to apply it to real-life practice? Don't worry, we've got you covered with everything you need to know as a first-time parent. Are you ready to begin this magnificent journey?

1. Childbirth and first contact

Childbirth and postpartum periods are usually labelled as the most stressful time for any new parent. During labour, you’ll be overwhelmed with a mix of different emotions, so make sure you’re ready for it before the day comes. This means that, besides being emotionally ready, you need to prepare your things, such as a hospital bag, on time.

The first contact with your newborn is the most memorable moment in any parent’s life. Skin-to-skin contact between the mum and the baby is vital for newborn’s wellbeing and health. Make sure to adequately hold your baby. Support its head and grasp it gently. Don’t worry, you won’t break your baby!

2. Soothing and bonding

Soothing and bonding with your child should happen throughout the whole childhood. However, most intimate moments between a parent and a child are shared just a couple of hours to a couple of days after the childbirth. Carry your baby around and allow regular contact. That's how you'll form a strong bond with your newborn. Don’t worry, you won’t spoil your child by carrying it.

When it comes to calming down, what works for one child, may not work for the other. It's up to you to try different methods. But you need to study them carefully. Even though self-soothing methods are really popular now, they can have serious consequences on your child’s self-esteem and trust. So, try singing, music, dancing and swaying with your baby to make it comfortable. 

3. Feeding and sleeping tips

Many new parents struggle with feeding and sleeping patterns of their newborns. Keep in mind that every baby is different, so there are no set of rules that can help you. You’ve probably already chosen the method of feeding your little angel, however, how often should you do so? As every baby is different, try to look for the cues. Sucking their thumb or crying may be great indicators that your baby is hungry.

When it comes to sleeping, you shouldn’t expect your newborn to sleep through the night. Even though babies sleep for around 16 hours a day, they can’t sleep more than 2-4 hours in continuity. They develop their own sleeping cycles, so make sure to follow them. One of the most important things you need to take care of is placing your baby in the crib. It should always be laid on its back. 

4. Dealing with health issues

You probably know that children don’t develop their immune system until they are at least 40 days old. This means that contact outside of the family should be minimised as their health is fragile. However, no matter how hard you try to protect your child from various health issues, they may simply happen. So, what do you need to do in situations like these?

One of the first indicators that your child is feeling unwell should be frequent crying, disturbed sleeping and eating schedule and fever. Even though most of the time there is nothing to be worried about, if these symptoms persist for a longer time, it’s time to head to your paediatrician for advice. 

5. Bathing and diapers 

Do you know that you’ll have to change your baby’s diaper approximately 10 times during the day? That’s why you have to purchase enough cloth or disposable diapers. Before each diaper change, make sure that your child is clean and dry.

You need to have some diaper changing and bathing essentials, such as a smaller tub, baby powder, cleaning wipes and a changing table. Make sure you’re using a baby soap while bathing your little one. Keep their head above the water and prevent the shampoo from entering their eyes. 

6. Early learning and development

Your child is never too young to learn. Even though it may not understand complicated words and sentences, it can still learn in many other different ways, such as recognising shapes, colours, etc. However, at a certain point in their age, learning at home may not be enough for them. It's time to allow them to take a step further, socialise and learn more.

Instead of hiring a nanny that may or may not be expert for child development, enrol your kid into a child care centre where it will be able to learn new things innovatively and creatively. That's how your child will develop imagination, creativity and out-of-the-box way of thinking that will certainly help him during life. 

7. Communicate with your child

Communication from an early age is crucial for your child’s development. Babies and children love to hear a familiar voice. But even though they can’t speak yet, they have a way of communicating with you too. Cooing, crying and babbling may be only some of the sounds your baby will produce, and all of them have a special meaning.

Try to be sensitive to your babies cries. Soon enough, you’ll learn to make a difference between “I’m tired” cry and “I’m hungry” cry. As your baby grows, you have to continue communicating with it. Communication with young children may be complicated at first, but soon you’ll realise that you don’t need words to understand your little one.

Conclusion

These are only some of the crucial things every new parent should know. These tips can only be your guides through the early childhood and development process. However, you have to keep in mind that each child is different, so there is no solid set of rules that will help your parenting. Just do what feels right and shower your kid with love, affection and understanding.