Here are the top 3 Essential Newborn Tips and Tricks for First-Time Parents by a professional newborn photographer. Welcoming a newborn into your family is a life-changing experience filled with joy and challenges. As well as ensure that both you and your baby thrive during these early days. For first-time parents, learning the ropes of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. Here are three essential tips and tricks that I have learned as a mom of two boys.
Establish a Routine
While newborns are notorious for their unpredictable schedules, establishing a flexible routine can help both you and your baby feel more secure. A routine doesn’t need to be rigid; rather, it can provide a structure that helps you anticipate your baby’s needs and create a sense of normalcy.
Start by observing your baby’s natural rhythms: feeding, sleeping, and playtime. Most newborns feed every 2 to 3 hours, so establish a consistent feeding schedule that works for you. This can help regulate your baby’s hunger cues and provide them with predictability.
In addition to feeding, create a bedtime routine to signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep. This could include dimming the lights, singing a lullaby, or giving them a gentle bath. Over time, these simple rituals can help your baby associate certain activities with sleep, making it easier for them to settle down.
What helped me the most when establishing a routine was following the Taking Cara Babies course. You can learn so much on her social media without having to pay for the course. You just have to scroll for a while, looking for all the importation, and piece it together. As a new mom, I didn’t have time for that crop (haha). So I just bought the course, and my firstborn was sleeping 8 hours by 4 months. Following her methods again with my second born, he slept 12 hours by 8 weeks!
Newborn Tips for Master the Art of Swaddling
Swaddling is one of the oldest and most effective newborn tips techniques for soothing newborns. It mimics the womb environment by providing a sense of security, which can help reduce startle reflexes that often wake babies during sleep. When done correctly, swaddling can improve your newborn’s sleep quality, ultimately benefiting both baby and parents.
How To Swaddle Tips and Tricks
To swaddle your baby, lay a soft, breathable blanket in a diamond shape. Fold the top corner down about 10 inches and place your baby on their back, with their head above the fold. Bring the left corner over their body and tuck it under their right arm. Then, fold the bottom corner up over their feet and tuck it behind them. Finally, bring the right corner over, securing your baby snugly but allowing some room for movement. Make sure the swaddle is not too tight around the hips to prevent hip dysplasia.
If you are like me, though, I still could not get a swaddle tight enough for the life of me! Of course, now pressionally capturing newborn photography, I can swaddle that baby in anything. But as a first-time, and even second-time parent, I used Halo swaddle and Love To Dream swaddle. And I swear by both of them! Halo and Love to Dream are so incredibly easier to use, and both of my boys absolutely loved them. They are so easy to transition from the swaddle to when that time comes.
Keep in mind that as your baby grows and starts to show signs of rolling over, it’s crucial to transition away from swaddling to prevent any safety risks. This usually occurs around two months old, so be prepared to adapt your baby’s sleeping method accordingly.
Essential Newborn Tips #3: Practice Self-Care
Caring for a newborn can be physically and emotionally draining, making self-care an essential aspect of parenthood that should not be overlooked. First-time parents often feel pressured to focus entirely on their baby, but taking care of your own needs is vital for your well-being and the well-being of your child.
Make sure to carve out time for yourself, whether it’s a short walk, a warm bath, or simply enjoying a favorite snack. If possible, ask for help from family or friends. Accepting assistance can provide you with the break you need to recharge and return to parenting with renewed energy and patience.
If I could go back, I would change one thing. I wish I asked my husband to watch the baby so I could shower. With my first born, I always but the bouncer or a blanket in the bathroom with me. However, thinking back now, being able to have a solid 20 minutes of pure alone time would have spoken volumes! Now with my second child, this is a little harder since life is very on the go. However, typically once a week my husband will wrangle both kids so I can have a purely uninterrupted shower.
Dont ever feel guilting for carving out time for you – YOU DESERVE IT
Additionally, practice mindfulness and take moments to truly embrace the experience of being a new parent. Take photos, jot down memories, or simply take a moment to cherish the bond you’re building with your newborn. Remember, it’s okay to experience a range of emotions as you navigate this new journey. Prioritizing your mental health is not only beneficial for you but will also positively impact your relationship with your baby.
In summary, establishing a routine, mastering swaddling, and prioritizing self-care are key tips that can help first-time parents adapt to life with a newborn. By focusing on these areas, you can create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and connection between you and your baby while also taking care of your own well-being. Embrace the journey, and remember that you are never alone in this adventure.
