We have complied a short list of Top Tips for Bringing your Baby Home, perfect for first and even second time parents.
- Both in hospital and at home insist that friends and relatives call or text you to arrange a time to visit. As you may want to sleep when baby sleeps during the day, only choose a time that works for you.
- Before baby arrives it is a good idea to cook large batches of food and put them in the freezer. Once the new arrival is here if family and friends offer help with cooking, cleaning or shopping ACCEPT IMMEDIATELY.
- Stay connected with the outside world, especially with Doctors, health visitors and friends.
- Meet up with other new parents that you may have met through your ante natal classes. Compare notes on your baby’s sleeping, eating and crying habits.
- Get out of the house at least once a day, even for a short walk. Spending time in the house can cause stress levels to rise. Don’t be afraid to go out for lunch or to the supermarket.
- Before baby comes home, have all your baby equipment bought and set up. This avoids you having to go shopping for baby items when you get out of hospital.
- For first time parent’s make sure you know how to use the Sterilizer, Breast pump etc. and know how to fold your buggy and how to take your car seat in and out of the car.
- If you have older children involve them in the arrival of their new baby brother or sister. (Small gifts from their new sibling always helps.)
- Allow older children to help by asking them to get nappies, bibs or allow them choose a baby grow for the newborn to wear.
- Demand feed for the first 2 – 4 weeks (bottle or breast feeding) and then establish a good feeding and sleeping routine.
- If you have a pet sometimes they can get jealous. If you have a dog he will enjoy going out for a walk with you and the baby. Find time to make a fuss of your dog or cat.
- Enjoy every moment as your baby changes from day to day and make sure to take lots of photos as you will never get this precious time back again.
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