After you deliver your baby, you can become disoriented to your new reality. Here’s how to adjust to life with a newborn baby!
by Troop Atomic Mommy
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Life with a newborn baby is definitely a unique experience. There are so many things that you have to adjust to – from the way you sleep to the way you eat and everything in between. It can be tough to know where to start, but don’t worry! We’re going to discuss some tips for adjusting to life with a newborn baby. Keep reading for helpful advice on how to make this transition as smooth as possible!
Learn Your Baby’s Feeding Schedule
One of the big adjustments is learning how to feed your baby. Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, there’s a lot to learn! You’ll need to figure out how often to feed your baby, what kind of schedule works best, and how much food they need. It’s okay to ask for help from your partner, friends, or family members if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Get Used To Sleepless Nights
Another thing you’ll need to do is get used to sleeping less. Newborn babies tend to wake up frequently throughout the night, which means that you probably won’t be getting a full eight hours of sleep like you’re used to. It’s essential to listen to your body and rest when you can, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. Taking naps during the day can also be helpful in getting through those tired moments. For more information on how much sleep your little one needs, as well as some interesting facts, take a look at the infographic below! It provides everything you need to know about your baby’s needs with regards to sleep from the day their born up until their 12 months old to keep you sane and informed. So hang in there, mama! You got this.
Infographic Design By pixsee smart baby monitor
Tire Your Baby Out Using Balance
Newborns in the first few weeks of their lives will nap a great deal. This can be deceiving and lead you to believe that all of your baby’s life will be similar. It’s simply not true! As you read above, eventually, your little one will begin sleeping less and less and their sleeping patterns will become erratic. And while you should sleep when baby sleeps, there’s more you can do to help tire them out.
As early as two weeks old, babies can become curious about their surroundings. While every baby is different, their curiosity will only grow, causing them to become overstimulated or cranky. If you want to get your baby on a regular napping schedule, then you’ll need to stimulate their senses without wearing them out too much. This happy balance can provide your little one with new discoveries and you, some greatly needed nap time.
Learn Their Comfort & Discomforts
All babies do is cry, eat, sleep, and poop. But, there will be times when your baby gets sick, has colic, or experiences croup. When this happens, it can be overwhelming to try and soothe your little one, causing you a great deal of frustration and you may even lose your mind for a bit. But, you can help them and yourself by learning their comforts and discomforts.
If you know they can’t sleep without their favorite blank, pacifier, or sound machine, then be sure to keep those on hand at all times. Never leave home without any of these items. The sooner you realize that these items are tools and not crutches, you will be able to handle any episode of baby unhappiness!
Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself
New parents tend to be brutally hard on themselves, especially moms. Maybe you didn’t bounce back to your pre-baby body or you feel terrible all the time or you haven’t changed your clothes in a full month… forgive yourself! Life with a new baby is tough enough without adding to it all the stressors you certainly didn’t ask for.
Learn to love your new reflection. Be one with your pajamas. And know that all of these moments will pass. You will be YOU again! You just need to be patient with yourself and your partner. There is no such thing as perfect parents or perfect couples or perfect parenting. Once you realize this, take your time learning to march to your own groove. Eventually, you will be a pro at your new life and will look back and giggle.
The Takeaway
Adjusting to life with a newborn baby can definitely feel impossible, but with the tips above, you’ll become accustomed to your new life, and will soon be the expert giving other parents advice for life with their babies. So be patient with yourself and your little one, as you both embark on getting to know each other!