By Tiffany Thornton, Disney Baby
Being a mommy to a newborn was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was the most incredible feeling, knowing I brought a miracle into the world and I was entrusted to care for this tiny human being, to shower my baby with love and to watch him grow. I’ve been through it twice now, and while it is beautiful and exciting, it can also be stressful and sometimes challenging. I wanted to let you fellow parents in on my secrets to making life easier when you have a newborn.
1. Sleep when the baby sleeps
I didn’t listen when my mom told me this, over and over again. Looking back, I wish I would have left the dishes for later, or enlisted a little help with the housework so I could have gotten some more rest those first few months.
2. Pack extras in your trunk
Yes, you will have a diaper bag with you, but there are times you will forget items. So I always keep a bag in my trunk full of “just in case” items such as a blanket, diapers and wipes, a few extra outfits (including a set of pajamas for nights that go later than you planned), and an empty bottle. And pack an extra shirt and pair of pants for YOURSELF. I made the mistake of not having a change of clothes for myself in the car one day, when I brought my 1-month-old to a meeting. I proceeded to change him in the bathroom where he had what I call a “toot and shoot,” so I ended up having to leave the meeting covered in #2. Embarrassing, right? It’s all part of motherhood. Haha.
3. Remember: no one is perfect
I stressed myself out so much when I first became a mom because I didn’t want to do anything incorrectly or look like I couldn’t handle motherhood. I was afraid to let my emotions out because I thought it made me look weak. But the truth is, there is no such thing as the perfect parent. What your baby needs most is food, sleep and love! Focus on those three things and everything else will fall into place.
4. Ask as many questions as you want at the hospital and pediatrician appointments
Don’t feel like you need to seem like you know everything. The nurses in recovery are there for the exact purpose of helping you and your new bundle of joy. Fill up on knowledge before you head home with your little one and continue to ask questions when you take them to their doctor’s appointments. I actually made lists of questions as they came up so I could take them with me to the pediatrician’s office.
5. Always bring the elevated sleeper
I love this bright pink Minnie Mouse Bows and Butterflies sleeper. An item just like this was our best friend when we would head to a friend’s house for dinner. It gave us a place to let our little one rest while we ate or while we were hanging out.
6. Get a play yard with a newborn/bassinet insert
Consider this Geo Pooh Play Yard from Sears. You will be waking up every hour or two to feed your baby for the first few months of his/her life, so it helps to have them sleeping near you. And just as often as you wake up to feed your baby, you will be changing his/her diaper. When you get a play yard like this one, you can do all of those things in one spot and continue to use the play yard for years to come. Plus, it has ample storage. That’s a win-win for Mommy, Daddy and Baby!
7. Ask your OBGYN what items you need to buy for yourself for your at home care after giving birth
Trust me, you will want to have those things on hand when you get home. The hospital will supply you with some items, but they won’t be enough, and the last thing you will want to do when you get home with a newborn is need to go to the store for that sort of stuff.
8. One-piece outfits like rompers are a mommy’s best friend, so stock up on them!
These are the easiest little outfits to get on and off of your baby.
Loving your baby is the greatest gift you can give your child, so keep your head up and have confidence in your abilities. As you arrive home with your tiny blessing in your arms, I hope you can relax a little and use this list to help relieve some stress. Remember: Moments of stress are fleeting, but being a parent is a magical gift that lasts a lifetime! You can do it!
Image : Disney Baby