What to Expect as a New Parent

  • By: admin
  • Date: June 7, 2021
  • Time to read: 6 min.

What do you say to first time parents to help them get over their fears and concerns regarding parenthood? The toughest and the scariest job is becoming a parent for the first time. New parents often find themselves asking a lot of questions, and this is normal. One fact reminds true: babies do not come with instructions. So, how can a first-time parent become a great parent? The answer is not difficult. Parenting is a learning experience. You are getting to know the newest member of your family, and they are getting to know (you) the parents.

Your baby is growing inside of you and  can hear sounds outside of the body. You can talk to your baby, read stories, and even play music. Research shows that if you do these activities while you are pregnant, the baby will familiarize itself with the activities. The familiar sound of music while the baby is in the womb can even soothe the baby once he or she is born. These are just some of the exciting adventures that you can do to prepare yourselves for your baby’s arrival.

Another adventure you need to prepare for is caregiving. Who will take care of your baby when you return to work? You might want to hire a nanny service or someone you know personally. New parents are usually skeptical about leaving their newborn and often feel guilty.

As new parents, you have nothing to feel guilty for. Some parents even feel guilty about leaving their baby at daycare. You two will need to decide which method is best for you and your family.  

How to Choose the Right Daycare?

You need to look for a daycare that you allow you to take a tour. You want to find a daycare that does not have a large ratio of infants to teachers. Make sure you talk to other parents and get their perspective. Ask them what they like and dislike. Using this information, you can sort out whether that particular daycare can meet your needs.

Tips For New Parents

image of a father holding a new born in one hand

As new parents, you will learn about your baby from hands-on experience. No matter how many books you read, they cannot introduce you to the benefits of doing it. There are things you will learn about yourself and your baby on a continuous basis. You will learn:

  • How to change a diaper the correct way
  • What lotions are soothing for your baby’s skin?
  • How often should you feed your baby?
  • When do I take my baby to see the pediatrician?

These are just a few of the many questions you need answers to. Do not be alarmed. You will not know everything before your baby is born, but you will know enough about parenthood to get you started. One of the most important pieces of advice to give new parents is to get plenty of rest. Your baby is not built with a built-in timer that tells him or her when to wake up and when to sleep. You will need to find out this on your own. However, your baby will spend most of the time asleep. This is the best time to sit down and make out a feeding schedule. If you have chores to do, complete them while your baby is asleep.

You might feel overwhelmed the first few months, so do not be hesitant to ask for help. Family and friends are great resources to rely on, and they will be more than happy to help you out. Ask your doctor about other community resources that you can utilize that will help you with your new parenting responsibilities. Knowledge is power, and the more you know about what to expect as new parents, the better equipped you will be for handling situations.

First Introduction to Parenthood

The first introduction to parenthood begins after conception, when you realize that you are going to be a mom and a dad. This realization may bring many questions to your mind and you might even doubt yourself. Not to worry, you will do great. Now that you have been informed of your pregnancy, the next step is to follow up with a gynecologist or obstetrician of your choice. Do your research, ask friends and family members about their doctor. However, the final decision is yours to make.

Even while you are pregnant, you still must find a pediatrician for your new baby once he or she is born. The hospital might have some suggestions, but it will not hurt to do your own research. This is the doctor that will see your child for the next 18 years. In the meantime, read some books that will help you to better understand your body. Dad can also read books on becoming a first-time dad. Remember, babies do not come with instructions.

Advice for New Parents Baby Shower

image holding a babies foot

After you have finally come to terms that you are carrying a real life inside of you, now you can officially plan your baby shower. This is an exciting time. The best advice for new parents’ baby shower expectations is not to be overwhelmed. If you are putting on a baby shower, invite people that you know and trust.

The baby shower is an  acknowledgement that a new member of the family will soon be arriving. Family and friends are there to share in the joy. People will be generous enough to bring baby gifts that new parents will need once the baby arrives. As a new parent, you might not know every item your newborn will need, but as long goes on, you will easily catch on.

Games and gifts are usually a huge part of the baby shower party experience. The parents are the center of attention, and the unborn baby is the invisible guest. This is the beginning of a powerful and beautiful journey that you two parents can share together and remember for a lifetime.

Here is what you as new parents can expect. The host or hostess will ensure that the new parents will have a wonderful time and get to meet some other wonderful parents as well. The first pregnancy is sometimes the hardest, but after you have another baby or two, parenting becomes a piece of cake. The best part about attending your baby shower, is that everyone knows what a newborn needs, even if the parents are not sure. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for the time of your life.

Gifts you May Receive

If you do not have a wish list, do not worry. Your unborn baby will have tons of new clothes; socks, blankets, onesies, baby lotion, baby powder, washing clothes and other pertinent items. As new parents, you must get accustomed to your baby being the center of attention. Well, after the birth of your baby, your little one may still receive gifts. So, the baby shower experience may not end at the original baby shower.

More Tips and Advice

New parents can never learn enough when it comes to parenting. The more informed you are about what to expect, the more comfortable you are about being around your newborn. Sometimes new parents get emotionally drained and this is normal.

Be sure to reach out to community resources. Your doctor can give some excellent advice on how to care for yourself, so you can take care of your baby. Remember family and friends are willing to help, but you need to ask for help.

Last Minute Reminders

Remember to get plenty of rest. Most new parents get to rest while their newborn is napping. If you think you oversleep, set the alarm.
Create a schedule with flexibility. Do not overcrowd yourself with too many tasks and chores. You need to focus on caring for your baby and enjoying the newness of parenting. Learn about the development of newborns, so you will know what to expect from your baby. Every parenting experience is different, and so do not be surprised if your baby catches on sooner than most babies his or her age. If you think your newborn is having a problem, be sure to reach out to your baby’s pediatrician. Ask questions if you are not sure about your baby’s development. Your baby’s doctor will be glad to answer any questions. No question is too silly when it comes to your baby. Good luck new parents, you are going to do great.

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