Did you know that about 385,000 babies are born every single day? So many people get to experience the wonders of parenthood for the first, second, or third time, if not more. Are you expecting your first child? Being a first-time parent can be as nerve-wracking as it is exciting. However, there’s plenty you can do to prepare for the life-changing experience.
Are you wondering what you need to know? Keep reading to learn all about what you can do to take care of your baby and your family as a whole.
1. Adapt to Your Baby’s Schedule
When it comes to advice for new parents, don’t try to adapt the baby to your schedule. There’s no getting around the fact that they’ll eat, sleep, and cry whenever they want.
With that in mind, you should adapt your sleep schedule to your baby. You may find yourself sleeping during the day rather than the night. However, if you mentally prepare for this change ahead of time, then it’ll be easier to accept.
There will be a learning curve as your baby’s habits develop, so be prepared for just about anything to crop up, such as a diaper change or feeding time at 2 in the morning.
2. A Reliable and Nutritious Baby Formula
Speaking of feeding time, it’s important to invest in the best formula possible. After all, a baby’s health depends upon their nutrition. Breastfeeding can be complicated and inconvenient, especially if the mother works while the father stays at home.
Whatever dynamic you have, the nutrients found in high-quality formulas will give you peace of mind. Plus, they can be brought with you just about anywhere. Thay way, your baby will never have to go hungry.
3. You Don’t Have to Go It Alone
If you’re wondering what other first-time parent advice you should know, then remember not to be too proud. While raising a baby is a tremendous responsibility, that doesn’t mean you can’t share that responsibility with your partner, your other family members, and close friends. Chances are people will want to chip in whenever and however they can.
With that in mind, you shouldn’t feel guilt or any other negative feelings when accepting help from others. People have said that it takes a village to raise a baby. In some ways, that is indeed true.
Whether someone wants to help change a diaper or watch your baby so you can take a power nap, it’s important to be trusting and grateful.
4. Connect With Other Parents
Any new parent survival guide will tell you to find other moms and dads who you can trust and confide in. Even just venting some of your frustrations about parenting can go a long way.
Other parents can also tell you about their experiences and give you advice. However, you should never feel forced to use another person’s advice. It’s always best to consider what will work best for your specific situation.
With so much variability in parental situations, most rules are flexible at best. This is why it’s important to adapt as needed.
5. Baby-Proof Your Home
Baby-proofing can take a lot of work, so it’s best to have this task completed well before the baby is due to arrive. Baby-proofing is a catch-all term for making anything and everything safe for a baby to touch or be around.
For instance, sharp corners on furniture in your home should be dulled by attaching rounded rubber corner guards to them.
Make sure that cabinets are locked. Baby’s can be resourceful, so you want to be certain that they can’t access the chemicals beneath a kitchen sink, for example.
All outlets should have outlet coverings because a curious baby might try to play with the prong holes. Any rugs you have in the home should be non-slip. That way, your baby won’t be at risk for tripping and hitting their head, for instance.
Another possible danger is the cords that are used for blinds. To avoid a strangling hazard, you should invest in cordless blinds.
6. Be Careful Around Water
Drowning is another risk for babies because they tend to be top-heavy and clumsy in general. It’s important to keep your eyes on your baby at all times if they’re by a pool or another body of water. If you’re having a pool party, then you can outfit them with floaties and a bathing suit that has a flotation device built into it.
It’s also a good habit to get the bath fully ready before you place your child in the water. The last thing you should do is leave the child alone to get a new bottle of shampoo, for instance, even if it’s for a few seconds.
7. Create a Safe Sleeping Environment
Did you know that the occurrence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been reduced to 35 infants out of every 100,000? While the statistics are lower, that doesn’t mean that SIDS isn’t a parent’s worst nightmare.
Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the possibility of SIDS. For instance, you should position your baby on his or her back when putting them to bed. Make sure you have a safe and solid crib with a comfortable sheet for them to lay on.
Always remove toys, clothing, pillows, or anything else that could slip over the baby’s face as they sleep.
Are You Ready to Be a First-Time Parent?
Now that you’ve learned all about how to care for your baby and your family as a whole, you can feel that much more ready to be a first-time parent. While there will always be surprises and bumps in the road, it’s important to stay informed.
Nutrition is one of the most crucial aspects of raising a healthy and happy child. That’s why we provide the perfect baby formulas for newborns and toddlers aged up to 2 years old.
If you have any questions about our high-quality products, then don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always happy to help guide parents.
