A Guide for First-Time Parents

Becoming a parent is probably the most exciting and the scariest thing that will ever happen to you. There’s a lot to know about taking care of your little one, and you might have a lot of questions. Here’s a helpful guide for first-time parents that will help you tackle everything from baths to daycare.

Understand Car Safety

The first moment you’re truly in charge of your baby is when you get to bring him or her home for the first time. Make sure you know how to safely transport your child. When your child is younger than 2, he or she will need a rear-facing car seat. Forward-facing seats are right for children over 2, and a booster seat is perfect when your child has outgrown a full car seat. Car seats do expire, typically after six to ten years, so make sure your child has an up-to-date seat that is well maintained.

Find Daycare That Suits You

There’s no perfect time to send your child to school or daycare. It all depends on your kid’s ability to socialize. If you and your partner both intend to go back to work after your child turns six months, you can put your child in a trusted daycare. If he or she grows up in the daycare, it will be an easy transition. Look for a daycare with a good reputation, a current license, and qualified employees.

Consider How to Feed

Finding the right food for your child can take some time. If you want to breastfeed, talk with a lactation consultant and see if the hospital offers a breastfeeding class. You don’t have to figure out every aspect of parenting on your own, and seeking help can make a huge difference in your emotional state. If breastfeeding doesn’t work for your baby or your lifestyle, you can provide him or her with a few ounces of formula every two to three hours.

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Practice Proper Hygiene

Hygiene is crucial for both you and your baby. Before holding your infant, wash your hands and ask others to do the same. You should also ask family members to get a flu shot before holding your newborn. Infants don’t have strong immune systems, so it’s your job to protect your little one. Change your baby’s diaper whenever it’s soiled to prevent diaper rash. In the first few weeks, give your newborn a sponge bath with unscented baby soap. You only need to bathe your baby a few times a week for the first year. It’s important to keep your baby clean and dry.

Utilize Your Health Insurance

Maybe you didn’t have health insurance for a time in your twenties, but you can’t take any chances with your newborn. Make sure you have the right health insurance to cover everything your infant will need. You should compare health insurance quotes before the baby is born and sign up for the right plan for your family. You’ll also need to make sure you have a trusted pediatrician for your baby before he or she is born. Your pediatrician will be an invaluable resource for your family.

Help Your Baby Sleep (And Remember You Should Sleep, Too!)

Sleep needs vary depending on your baby’s age. When he is a newborn, he will sleep most of the day and most of the night, but it will be in one-to-two hour segments. Your baby will typically start sleeping through the night after the first three months. You can help your child sleep by providing a bedtime routine and comforting him when he’s upset. Your newborn should only be sleeping on her back in her crib. Helping your baby sleep consistently will also give you time to sleep, so this should be a priority!

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Make sure you enjoy this exciting time in your life as you and your partner adjust to your new family member. It can be overwhelming, but if you remember the basics, your newborn will be happy and healthy as he or she grows up.