What Every First Time Parent Should Know

It’s been said that you don’t know what parenthood is until you experience it for yourself. For new parents, all the books in the world will not prepare you fully for the first year of your baby’s life. And if you are a researcher and think you might have a grip on what to expect, odds are you will still be thrown for a loop when your baby does something you didn’t read about in one of those books (or you did and already forgot about it).

If you’ve read the book, “What to expect when you are expecting,” you might have a glimpse and idea of the first year. If you don’t have the time in your day to read an entire book, here’s our quick summary of the first year after the baby arrives.

1. The First Days

This is the most difficult time for both baby and new parents. So much has changed and been responsible for another human being can take a lot out of parents. Furthermore, moms have the next few months of their bodies recovering from birth. Some moms are able to breastfeed, but it is extremely painful the first few months. And if a mom’s milk doesn’t come in, the anxiety of choosing the best baby Sell Formula, like Holle formula, combined with the sadness of breastfeeding complications is very emotional.

Your baby will have really weird, dark poops – which you might be expecting, but it’s still odd seeing real life. The crying seems to be constant and trying to understand if baby is just sleepy or hungry based on their emotions feels impossible. New parents will feel overwhelmingly protective and nervous of every handling of baby, this is perfectly normal. 

Helpful tips:

  • Ensure you have a network around you. If the family can help, this is when they are needed most.
  • Have a meal plan in place. Either an ordering service or friends/family sending you food. Both parents will be too exhausted to think about this regular aspect of life and eating junk food for the first few days isn’t going to help with mom’s recovery.
  • Have the room and all baby stuff set up prior to delivery. You won’t have energy those first few days.
  • Make sure you have your newborn photographer in place and already scheduled. Those newborn baby photos have a very limited window!

2. The First Month

A lot happens with the baby in the first month, and it might be shocking how quickly new parents feel like this little addition to their family was always there. By the end of the first month, everyone has some type of a routine in place and the newness begins to fade away. Baby is still waking every 2-4 hours for feedings and making all sorts of weird noises that by this point you have probably researched if any of them are serious.

As far as mom’s healing goes, if she is breastfeeding, her body has adapted for the most part, but nipples might still be sore. Healing from C-sections and natural birth are still underway, and the uterus has mostly shrunken in size. There are all sorts of weird pains, like backaches and muscles that aren’t typically used being sore that mom will experience – it is all normal.

Helpful tips:

  • Be prepared for that monthly checkup – try to make sure both parents are able to make it, as the doctor checks absolutely everything and first shots are typically given. It’s helpful to have another set of ears and hands in the room.
  • Your baby might start experiencing gas and digestive issues at this point – keep a watch on when they happen, especially after feedings. Extra air in the bottles or certain baby formulas can make baby uncomfortable. Don’t forget to burp constantly!
  • Have a relative come and give you a break. By this point in time, you have had an entire month of interrupted sleep. A few hours of babysitting can be a huge relief!

3. The 4-6 Month Mark

It is remarkable how much your baby will change up until this point! Your newborn baby is no longer newborn and rapidly developing. You will witness milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, maybe teething, and the introduction of solid foods. For those on the outside looking in, all these tiny movements and progressions aren’t nearly remarkable, but as new parents, you can’t wait to share the news.

You might notice a shift in nighttime routine somewhere in this time, giving new parents an extra hour or two of uninterrupted sleep. Some babies even sleep throughout the night by 6 months (consider yourself super lucky!). Moms should be completely healed and ready to start basic workout routines upon doctor’s approval.

Helpful tips:

  • The first food introduction is fantastic, so don’t forget to get it on video.
  • Mom’s new exercise can include baby as well – be sure to search for mommy and baby workouts.
  • Don’t forget to keep that tummy time and sitting time a habitual part of baby’s day.
  • Babies can’t form complete words yet, but they are able to learn basic sign language skills – search for some to teach them.
  • Prepare your toddler for solid foods with baby food pouches, you can find these online on sites like Serenity Kids

4. 10-12 Months

This stage of your baby’s development will absolutely astonish you. When your child says their first word, parents can’t help but feel overjoyed. The developmental skills at this stage are incredible, like when they take their first step. No worries if your child doesn’t start walking independently here, the range varies for each kiddo. 

Helpful tips:

  • Keep your phones ready to capture those incredible firsts – make sure there is storage space to capture the special photos and videos.
  • Planning for your baby’s first birthday does not need to be over-stressful. Remember, the only people that will remember it are those invited, not your baby. If you do nothing, except give your baby a cupcake, it does not make you a bad parent. 

Conclusion

Being a new parent is exciting and terrifying all at once. There will be freak-out moments and awe-shocking moments, sometimes even on the same day. Give your baby the very best you can, love them completely to provide security and safety and research thoroughly all those questions that arise. Enjoy your newfound joy!