New parents lose 109 minutes of sleep each night during their newborn’s first year of life.
While sleep deprivation is only part of being a new parent, there are other things that cause worry as well, such as setting a sleep schedule, what diapers to use, what new foods to try, and so forth.
Are you new to parenthood and feeling a little lost (and sleepy)? If you need some parenting help, here are the best tips to get you on your feet.
1. Ask for Help
Bringing home a newborn is an incredibly stressful time. No matter how many books or blogs you’ve read, nothing can truly prepare you for the first few months of parenthood.
If you find your sleep deprivation is interfering greatly with your life, or if mom is suffering from postpartum depression, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to family or even a professional to talk about your feelings or just to help with chores around the house. Taking some time to recover and recoup is important to be a healthy parent.
2. Babywearing
Babywearing is popular and is a form of attachment parenting. The idea with babywearing is that you wear your baby in a carrier or wrap to encourage closeness. You’re able to anticipate your baby’s needs quickly and you have both hands free to complete tasks.
Choosing a baby wrap is a personal one, and there are plenty to choose from — like these baby wraps. If you plan on wearing a baby long-term, find a wrap or carrier that will grow with your baby.
3. Plan Your Meals
Just because you had a baby doesn’t mean meals stop! Between feeding, changing, sleeping, and so forth, there’s not a lot of time to think about meals much less cook and plan.
But planning your meals ahead of time will save you so much stress. Also, you’ll be filling your body with the nutrients it needs to keep going and be the healthy parent you need to be.
4. Get Support
Being a new parent is tough, and sometimes you just need someone who has been there or someone to listen to.
There are plenty of new-parent support groups where you can talk about your struggles and difficulties as a new parent. Don’t be afraid to reach out and learn from other people who are going through the same things you are.
5. Enjoy Time With Your Partner
Having a newborn consumes the majority of your and your partner’s time. As you both learn to adjust there’s bound to be bumps along the way.
Don’t allow parenthood to come between you. Take some time for yourselves, even if it’s just a few minutes in between naps and feedings to connect with each other or do something you enjoy. Finding time to be together will be a little easier once your baby gets a little older, but for now, small moments are ok!
Parenting Help for You
When you get parenting help, you become the parent you want to be. And you have more time for the thing that’s most important: spending time with your new baby.
Do you need more health tips to get you through parenthood? We’ve got you covered! Explore our page today!
