With the baby’s arrival approaching, you’re undoubtedly preoccupied with last-minute maternal demands and delivery preparations. But don’t steer away from the fundamentals of child care. Before taking your tiny one home, it’s best to know important considerations, from what to do after being discharged from the hospital up to the first few days of parental adjustment.
As the big day arrives, it’s time for you and your new family member to come home. However, precautions and care start as you move towards the nursery’s exit doors. If it’s your first child, you might be experiencing unsettling feelings. Indeed, becoming a mother is a significant responsibility and involves complicated tasks. As a result, you might be uncertain or overwhelmed by what comes next.
Therefore, it pays to understand several factors to prepare for and consider. Luckily, we’re here to help you navigate motherhood. Here are some helpful tips as you bring your newborn home.
Rest and Recover
Your hospital stay might last anywhere from one to three days. If you had a vaginal birth with no complications, most health institutions would require you to be released within two days. But if you underwent C-section, you will most probably be discharged a day later.
While you’re there, grab the opportunity to get as much assistance as you can. You’ll need the extra sleep once your baby is born and before you depart. Physically, your body has recently been through a lot. So, expect some mood swings to come your way. More so, there’ll be a bunch of new information to take in. It’s not uncommon to feel that way for days or weeks at a time.
Prepare Newborn Clothing
It takes a lot of effort to bring a new baby home. It’s a good idea to prepare your essential baby supplies ahead of time. This approach is something that many parents undertake as part of their nesting period. You can also have a close relative set things up for you before you arrive.
A knotted baby gown offers a wiggle room in the size department, making them a fantastic option for newborn attire. One of the most challenging aspects of selecting a child’s outfit is determining the size of your baby. Typically, individuals bring several alternatives in various sizes. But with a knotted gown, you will only need to purchase one size.
You don’t have to worry that much about updating your child’s wardrobe as this one-size-fits-all clothing can last until your little one grows. It helps mothers relieve some financial and shopping tension, making the process of bringing home your newest member of the family a bit easier.
Set Up a Safe Sleeping Area
It could be tempting to keep your child in your bed beside you, but a cradle, bassinet, or cot is the safest location for your infant to sleep. Parents often keep their infant in the same room as them so that they can hear the baby even in their sleep. On the other hand, some parents prefer leaving their kids in the nursery room and listening using a baby monitor.
Your infant must sleep on their back rather than on their side or tummy. It would help if you placed your infant on a level, hard surface to sleep. You should use a tight-fitting sheet to cover the mattress. More so, it would help if you did even naps this way.
Don’t Skip the Bonding
It takes time to develop a bond with your child. However, this phase depends on several factors. For some, you could establish bonding in an instant. However, it might also take several weeks or months for other parents. According to research, a connection can rely on how much energy and time you spend around your child.
Take your time to figure out what works best for your baby. If it takes much longer than you anticipated, try not to become discouraged. If you are concerned, get advice from your doctor.
Another important aspect of bonding is interaction. Speaking, playing, and humming to your infant are all excellent things to do. Your infant is affected by smiles and other facial gestures. All of these factors aid in the development of your child.
Becoming a mother and taking care of your newborn can be daunting, and first-time parents might not always understand what is expected and what is not. Remember that you’re not alone on your journey, so there should be nothing to bother. There are plenty of people you can seek assistance from, including your spouse, doctor, family, and friends.
