Tips for a First Time Mom – What You Should Know

You’ve just stepped into your home for the first time after leaving the hospital with your little one and you realize it’s simply you and your baby. Suddenly, you get that all-over panicky feeling. “What now”, you think? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but it’s important to stop and take a deep breath. You’ve got this. We spoke to a few veteran moms in our community, all of which experienced this exact feeling in the beginning. Here are 10 tips they believe every first time mom should know.

1. Get on a Routine – Follow the same bedtime routine (i.e. bath time, bottle, sing a song, bed) at the same time every night. Babies respond well when they follow a routine. It gives them a sense of security and stability as well as serving as a cue that the time to sleep is approaching. Daytime routines are also beneficial for the same reasons. Establish a feeding and nap schedule you both can follow easily. Write it down if you have to.

2. Changing Diapers – This is a great tip for new moms we heard multiple times. When changing your baby’s diaper (you will be a pro by day two), begin by sliding the new diaper under the old one, then continuing with your changing routine. It keeps the mess at bay and allows for a quick change no matter the situation you find yourself in.

3. Eating – Babies will eat when they want to and as much as they want to. They will let you know when they are done. Don’t try to force-feed them if they turn up their nose at a bottle. They will let you know (loudly!) when they are ready for the next feeding.

4. Keep it Compact – You don’t need the biggest stroller, car seat, or diaper bag. Keep in mind wherever you go, the baby and all of her gear has to go with you too. It can get especially cumbersome to navigate a crowd, small space, or restaurant with excessively large and heavy infant gear.

5. Diaper Bag at the Ready – Keep a small-to-medium sized diaper bag fully stocked with duplicates of all the essential items you will need when you leave the house. The key word is essential. You won’t need as much as you think. Here is a great list of items to pack. When you’re rushing out the door trying to remember 101 other things, plus the child, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing the bag will have everything you need without having to think about it. You may need to drop a fresh bottle of formula or milk into it, but everything else can already be packed.

6. Travel Often – Babies are super portable! The younger they are, the easier it is to travel with them. The older they get, the more stops you’ll have to make and the more stuff you’ll find yourself carrying. Bonus of travelling when they are infants? They grow up to look forward to new experiences and are comfortable in new places.

7. Schedule Date Nights and/or Me Time – Make sure you enlist the help of a family member, friend, or babysitter to schedule time for yourself and/or your partner. It’s important to maintain your own mental health as you adjust to being a new parent.

8. Do Chores Later – It’s easy to get caught up in what needs to be done in the household. The dishes are stacking up, the floor needs vacuuming, the laundry is calling your name. Your baby is only small once. Especially as they get older, they will ask, and even plead, with you to play with them. Spend time with them enjoying the precious moments, helping them learn to sit up, play with dolls, blocks, or trains, learn their colors, numbers and letters, and anything else they want to do. The time when they want to play with you is so short. Enjoy it while you can; the chores can wait until after they are in bed.

9. Milestones Vary – Babies will reach, take their first steps, walk, and meet other milestones at their own pace. Watch for the milestones, but do not be upset if your child takes her first steps three months after someone else’s child you know. She’s most likely exactly where she needs to be. Any concerns can be double-checked with your child’s pediatrician.

10. There is No “Right” Way to Raise a Child – Everybody figures it out in their own time and every child is different. There is no right or wrong way to raise your baby. Enjoy the little moments, take lots of pictures, and do what works for you.

The most important takeaway – you’re not alone. There are friends, fellow moms, your own parents, support groups, and especially your child’s doctor available to share their knowledge and advice as you embark on this exciting, but terrifying, journey as a new mom (or dad!).