6 Important Things New Parents Wish They’d Learned Sooner
Image: Shutterstock
As soon as you give birth to your little one, you feel like it is the beginning of your second life. The moment you hold him/her in the arms, you will go through a range of emotions that you might have never experienced earlier. In fact, time and again, your munchkin will continue to steal your heart. But, there is another side to the story that no one is prepared for. With parenting comes responsibilities. And, no matter how much research and preparation you do, you will still find yourself dumbstruck at each step. Certain challenges you face while looking after your newborn might even make you feel anxious. After all, no amount of reading can prepare you for being accountable for one person’s life in and out. We, at MomJunction, believe in being there for you. So, we bring you here some tips and advice that might help:
1. Body Language Is Everything
For all human beings, the first communication that they have with the world around them is non-verbal. So, while babies will not directly ask you for a diaper change, they might communicate the same with their body language. For example, if you find the little ones rubbing their eyes and yawning at the same time, it indicates fatigue (1). But, since babies cry and make a fuss when they need something, you might often find yourself misinterpreting their needs. With time, however, as the bond becomes stronger, you will develop a knack for understanding what they are trying to say.
2. Look For Feeding Cues
Most parents consistently worry about their little ones’ well-being. This, in turn, makes them supremely concerned about whether or not they are feeding their munchkins enough. But, it is important to know that babies do communicate in their own way about their hunger. So, if they cry for food, feed them. But, if they refuse, take the hint and stop. As long as they are meeting all the growth milestones, don’t worry about it. However, if you do notice something odd, don’t hesitate to reach out to the doctor.
3. Wake Up Your Little One The Right Way
If, for some reason, you need to wake up your newborn, don’t shake them. Even if it is a playful shake, it can result in bleeding in their brain, which can be pretty harmful. So, when you are trying to wake them up, just tickle instead. You can even blow gently on the cheeks to wake your munchkin up (2).
4. Music Might Help Calm Down Your Infant
Many people claim that listening to music can help make your little one smarter. However, chances are that this is nothing but an old wives’ tale. But, letting your infant hear music can have other benefits. It is said that music can have soothing effects on the baby and calm them down.
5. Oral Health Is Important Regardless Of The Age
Of course, newborns don’t have teeth. But, this, in no way, means that you should ignore their oral hygiene. Use a wet, soft gauze to clean your little one’s gums. Remember that cavities might also appear once the baby’s teeth start appearing.
6. Try Not To Put The Little One To Bed After They Have Already Slept
At times, parents go out of their way to ensure that the little one is so tired that they sleep easily. But, in such a case, they might sleep even before parents put them to bed. But, it is advisable that the babies are put to sleep while they are sleepy yet awake. This makes them used to the bedtime routine, which gradually teaches the infants to fall asleep without any help.
Do you have any other suggestions that you would like to share with your fellow moms? If yes, do share with us in the comments section below! Happy parenthood!
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our vibrant community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with like-minded individuals.
