10 Things Every New Parent Needs to Know
As a new mother, I found that I felt unprepared and completely
off balance the first few weeks of motherhood. I would ask
others for advise, getting a myriad of opinions (none of them
the same). From my own experiences, I thought it would be
appropriate for me to spread what I've learned to mothers-to-be,
fathers-to-be, and new mothers and fathers.
10. While you'd like to stock everything possible into your
diaper bag for your short trips, and sometimes your not-so-short
trips, the bare essentials are all that's really necessary.
After two weeks of carrying everything, but the kitchen sink, I
compiled a list of must-haves. I now stick to that list:
* Five to ten diapers (in case you forget to restock when you
get home).
* A full pack of travel baby wipes.
* If you bottle feed, enough formula or pumped breast milk for
two bottles.
* If you breast feed, an additional blanket or towel for privacy
(if you are going to be in a public area).
* A change of clothes (weather appropriate, of course) for the
baby, in case of a spit up or diaper mishap.
* A change of shirt for Mom/Dad, in case of a spit up or diaper
mishap.
* One or two burp rags.
* Two bottles.
* Two pacifiers, if you use them.
You may need to alter your list as your baby gets older, but for
the first month or two, this should get you through trips to the
grocery store, a restaurant for lunch or dinner, or a trip to a
friend's house.
9. Your baby is going to be different from everyone else's baby.
This means that he or she may eat more than other babies, eat
less than other babies, do certain things before other babies,
and do some things after other babies. None of this makes your
baby any less or more talented than other babies. It only makes
your baby different.
8. Sometimes babies cry for no reason at all. The only thing you
can do, in this case, is to do what you know. Try changing the
baby's diaper, feeding the baby, checking to see if he or she is
too hot or cold, or if he or she needs to be burped. If none of
those things soothes him or her, sometimes the best thing to do
is try to comfort your baby.
7. In the event that you're becoming overwhelmed by a crying
baby, such as the one described in number eight, it is okay to
put the baby down and walk away for a few minutes. This will
allow you to calm down, and may potentially help the baby to
calm down.
6. You cannot be a super parent, no matter how hard you try.
Babies do not come with instruction manuals (no matter how much
we all wish they did), and you are going to make a mistake or
two along the way.
5. Making a mistake does not make you a bad parent. Your baby is
learning new things everyday. As Mommy or Daddy, you are
learning about your new addition at the same time.
4. Do what you think is best for the welfare of your child. Do
not let doctors, other parents, your parents, friends, or family
members pressure you to make decisions about raising your child
that you would not otherwise make.
3. It is okay to ask questions when you're stumped. Sometimes,
the best way to learn is by asking questions. Other times, it
may help you to know that you're not the only one who isn't sure
about the answers.
2. It is okay to ask for help. This rule is related to number
six. You cannot be a super parent, and you are not always going
to be able to do everything on your own.
1. Above all else, follow your own instincts. If you receive
advice from another parent or someone you trust that doesn't
feel right for you, then do not follow that advice. You may
doubt yourself at times, but you are the one who knows you and
your baby the best.
Some of these snippets of advice were given to me on the road to
parenthood. Others, I had to learn on my own. You may find that
you add items to this list as you go, or you may find that not
everything on this list applies to you. Most importantly, use
your best judgment to determine what is and isn't right for you.