Congratulations, superhero parent! You’ve just leveled up to “Newborn Parent” status: both because you have a baby now, and because you are finding yourself in a new status of a parent whose main goal now is to take care of that tiny gloomy cabbage in your arms. Welcoming a newborn into your life is a joyous occasion, but it can also be overwhelming. With so much to learn and adjust to, it’s easy to feel like you’re not quite prepared.
To help you navigate the early days of parenthood, we’ve compiled a guide filled with practical tips that will help you you survive the chaos that is the first few weeks with your bundle of joy. Get ready for sleepless nights, constant messes, and feelings’ storms you never thought were possible. Here are some useful newborn tips to guide you through this adventure.
1. Mastering the Art of Baby Swaddling
Swaddling is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and for good reason—it works! Wrapping your baby snugly in a swaddle can help them feel secure and sleep more soundly.
Ensure the swaddle is snug around your baby’s arms, but loose around the hips to allow for natural movement. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), proper swaddling can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) .
If you are not sure you can swaddle you baby using a blanket, there’re different swaddles on the market that are basically a sack that makes it almost impossible for a baby to wake themselves up because of the Moro-reflex, meanwhile there is enough place for the legs to move.
2. Decoding the “Baby Language“
Babies communicate through cries, but figuring out what they need can be challenging at first.While we can’t quite translate baby cries into adult language, understanding the basic types of cries—hunger, discomfort, sleepiness—can make a big difference. Over time, you’ll become fluent in your baby’s unique cry language.
Listen carefully for patterns in your baby’s cries. Hunger cries often start with a whimper and build up to full-blown wailing, while a tired cry may be more whiny. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests paying attention to these cues to respond effectively.
There are several types of cries that a parent could try to decode and try to eliminate the cause of the cries. There’s an old video from Oprah Winfrey Show that shows those types of baby cries. You can try and compare those sounds to the cries of your baby for better understanding of your baby’s needs.
Look for cues such as sucking on fingers (a sign of hunger) or arching the back (possible discomfort). Over time, you’ll start to recognize these signals and respond more effectively. The World Health Organization (WHO) encourages parents to respond to their baby’s cues, as this helps build a strong emotional bond and fosters healthy development. Your baby won’t get spoiled if you hold them all the time. They can’t communicate properly, move much, or take care of themselves, so they need their parents to be there 24/7, at least until they start moving around on their own.
3. Day/Night Training: Helping Your Baby Learn the Difference
Newborns sleep a lot—sometimes up to 18-20 hours a day. But helping them distinguish between day and night can set the stage for healthier sleep habits later on.
During daytime naps, keep the house lively. Don’t tiptoe around—go about your regular activities like doing laundry, cooking, and talking. Your baby will begin to associate daytime with activity and nighttime with quiet. Over time, this distinction will help your baby take longer naps during the day and sleep more soundly at night. The Sleep Foundation emphasizes that establishing a routine early on can aid in better sleep patterns.
I also didn’t close the curtains completely. When your baby is sleepy, they will fall asleep regardless. Of course, you don’t want direct sunlight shining on your baby during their sleep, but it’s okay if the room isn’t completely dark. Later on, when my baby became more active, such as when they started crawling, I found it helpful to close the curtains to create a calmer environment and help them settle down for a nap.
4. Baby Diapers and the Art of Surprise Showers
Changing diapers is a regular part of life with a newborn, and it can come with some unexpected surprises.
Always be prepared for a surprise shower during diaper changes, especially with baby boys. A hack that makes changing diapers quicker is to place an open new diaper right under the diaper your baby is currently wearing. That way, when you’ve finished wiping their bottom, you can simply pull out the soiled diaper without disturbing your baby too much, and the new diaper is already in place, ready to be fastened. Set up a diaper changing station that’s fully stocked and organized. Having everything within arm’s reach will make the process quicker and less stressful. Some parents set up multiple diaper-changing stations/places around the house, so they don’t have to go to the bedroom or nursery every time. All you need are diapers, baby wipes, and a waterproof changing mat.
Tip: Change diapers frequently to avoid diaper rash. Applying a barrier cream can help protect your baby’s sensitive skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends changing diapers as soon as they’re wet to keep your baby comfortable and rash-free. Many diapers have an indicator that changes color when wet, so you don’t have to open it to check and risk disturbing your baby.
5. Don’t Rush to Pick Up Your Baby
It’s natural to want to soothe your baby at the first sign of movement or noise, but sometimes, a little patience can go a long way.
When your baby stirs or makes noises during sleep, resist the urge to pick them up immediately. Babies, like adults, go through different sleep phases, and these noises may just be a part of lighter sleep. Moreover, the sleep hases in babies are a bit different than in adults, so you can notice your baby moving and making noises quite often during the sleep.
Wait a minute or two before responding. Often, your baby will settle back into a deeper sleep on their own. According to the Mayo Clinic, allowing your baby to self-soothe can promote better sleep habits in the long run. If you pick the baby up during their nap, you will almost certainly wake them up. Just keep an eye on them, and over time you will be able to tell when your baby is truly waking up or just stirring in their sleep.
6. Helping Your Baby with Pooping
Newborns sometimes have difficulty pooping because they’re still learning to control their muscles. This can lead to discomfort and crying.
A gentle tummy massage can work wonders. Use circular motions in a counterclockwise direction on your baby’s belly, just below the belly button, to help relieve gas and stimulate bowel movements.
If your baby seems uncomfortable, try the “bicycle legs” exercise. Gently move your baby’s legs in a cycling motion to help relieve gas and promote bowel movement. The Cleveland Clinic suggests these techniques as safe and effective ways to help your baby feel better.
If your baby feels gassy after feedings, try holding them in a vertical position for a while, even if they’ve already burped. This can help your baby release any additional air they may have swallowed during feeding.
7. Poop: The Ultimate Conversation Starter
It may not be glamorous, but discussing your baby’s poop can become a regular part of your parenting conversations.
Keep track of your baby’s bowel movements—frequency, color, and texture. This can provide important clues about their health. If you notice any drastic changes in your baby’s poop, like blood or it gets too dark, or too hard, it’s a good idea to consult your pediatrician. The AAP states that monitoring your baby’s stool can help you ensure they’re healthy and well-nourished.
Don’t panic every time your baby’s poop changes from green to yellow or vice versa. During breastfeeding, the nutrients in breast milk can vary, which can cause changes in your baby’s stool. I noticed some changes when I switched from breastfeeding to formula feeding. It’s important to monitor diapers, but don’t get overly concerned with every small change.
8. Sleep When the Baby Sleeps… or Not
Finding Balance in the Chaos
You’ve probably heard the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps,” but it’s not always that simple. Sometimes you’ll want to use that precious quiet time to catch up on other things.
While it’s important to rest, it’s also okay to take time for yourself—whether that’s enjoying a cup of coffee, watching a short show, or simply sitting in silence. Balancing self-care with baby care is key to maintaining your sanity.
Conclusion
There’s no manual that can fully prepare you for the joys and challenges of parenthood, but with these tips and hacks, you’ll be better equipped to handle the day-to-day care of your baby. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one might not work for another. Trust your instincts, embrace the learning curve, and don’t forget to find humor in the little moments. Welcome to the wonderful, messy, and rewarding world of parenthood!
There are other interesting articles about breastfeeding, newborn equipment, and mama’a psychological health. Feel free to explore our blog. Good luck!
List of Quotations:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): “Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits for Your Newborn”
- Mayo Clinic: “Tips for Easing Colic and Digestive Discomfort in Babies”
- World Health Organization (WHO): “Responding to Your Baby’s Cues for Healthy Development”