Written and updated on December 21, 2023, by Kidzoot Team
Becoming a new mom is an exciting yet overwhelming experience. There is so much to learn as you transition into this new role and phase of life. While every baby and mother are different, there are some universal tips and advice that can help smooth the journey of parenthood. In this article, we will discuss 21 essential tips that every new mom needs to know.
Preparing for Baby’s Arrival One of the most important things you can do is prepare for baby’s arrival before their due date. Having the basics ready will help you feel more organized and less stressed once baby is here. Some key preparations include:
- Nesting – Use the last few weeks of pregnancy to organize the nursery, wash baby clothes and linens, and get other supplies ready like diapers, wipes, creams, etc. Having these essentials prepared and organized will make the early weeks much smoother.
- Meal prep – Make a batch of easy freezer meals you can reheat with one hand. Things like casseroles, soups and stews are great options. You may not feel like cooking right away.
- Recovery items – Have things like extra-large pads, ice packs, stool softeners and comfy clothes ready for after delivery. Plan to take it easy for 6 weeks as your body recovers.
- Help network – Make a list of family and friends who can help with things like meals, laundry, childcare so you’re not overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to accept help!
- Sleep when you can – Try to rest as much as possible before baby arrives. Newborn sleep schedules can be unpredictable so stock up on sleep in advance.
Bonding with Baby Bonding with your newborn during the early weeks and months is so important for their development and your relationship. Some bonding tips include:
- Skin to skin contact – Place baby on your bare chest right after birth and continue doing skin to skin as much as possible in the first few months.
- Breastfeeding – If breastfeeding, allow baby to feed on demand as much as they want. This helps satisfy them and regulates your milk supply.
- Babywearing – Use a baby carrier to keep them close throughout the day for bonding opportunities.
- One on one time – Set aside 15-30 minutes a few times a day with no distractions to focus just on baby.
- Respond right away – When baby fusses, respond immediately to soothe and comfort them. This builds trust.
- Smile and talk – Make eye contact, smile and have conversations with baby even if they can’t talk back yet.
- Baby massage – Gentle massage can help bonding and baby’s development. Look up tutorials online.
Newborn Care 101 Caring for a newborn’s needs takes some practice but gets easier with time. Here are some newborn care basics:
- Feed on demand – Newborns have small stomachs and feed frequently, usually every 2-4 hours. Cue feeding off hunger cues.
- Burp during and after feeds – This helps reduce gas and spit up. Pat gently but firmly on the back.
- Bathe every 2-3 days – Sponge baths are enough for most newborns. Use a gentle cleanser and warm water.
- Diaper changes – Change wet or dirty diapers immediately to prevent rashes. Clean from front to back.
- Sleep safety – Always lay baby on their back to sleep, in a crib with no loose blankets or toys.
- Soothing techniques – Try swaddling, white noise, slow rocking, or pacifier for calming. Find what works best.
- Umbilical cord care – Keep dry and exposed to air. Submerge in water once cord falls off on its own.
- Baby wearing – Use a carrier for hands-free bonding and calming during the day.
Prioritizing Self-Care Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for baby. New moms often neglect their own needs, but self-care should be a priority for your health and well-being. Some tips include:
- Rest when baby sleeps – Even short 20 minute naps can recharge your batteries.
- Shower daily – Even a 5 minute shower can make you feel refreshed.
- Eat nutritious meals – Meal prep healthy options like smoothies in advance.
- Stay hydrated – Dehydration is common for breastfeeding moms. Drink water throughout the day.
- Accept help – Don’t try to do it all alone. Let others help with chores, meals or watching baby so you get breaks.
- Spend “me time” – Schedule time for hobbies, even just 15 minutes a day, to de-stress like reading or yoga.
- Prioritize sleep – Get 7-9 hours of sleep a night as much as possible by following baby’s schedule.
- Talk to others – Join a mom support group both online and in person to reduce isolation.
- Be kind to yourself – Parenting is hard. Celebrate small wins and don’t be too hard on yourself.
Getting Out of the House Leaving the house with a newborn can feel daunting at first. Here are some tips to make it less stressful:
- Dress for easy nursing/feeding – Nursing tanks and cardigans allow easy access.
- Pack diaper bag essentials – Diapers, wipes, change of clothes, snacks, toys, blanket and nursing cover.
- Bring tasks – Audiobooks, podcasts or calling a friend can make time fly.
- Go during baby’s awake windows – They’ll be more content and alert outside of sleep/feeding times.
- Use baby carrier – Hands-free carrying soothes baby and allows you to use hands as needed.
- Plan short outings first – Start with 30 minutes at the park vs. long shopping trips.
- Accept help carrying things – Extra hands for bags, stroller or older kids is useful.
- Be prepared to leave if fussy – Have low threshold to head home if baby is over-stimulated.
- Stay hydrated and nourished – Pack water and snacks to keep your energy up too.
Postpartum Health and Healing Caring for yourself after delivery is crucial for both physical and mental health. Some tips include:
- Listen to your body – Rest more if tired and don’t try to do too much too soon. Recovery takes 6-8 weeks.
- Wear loose, comfy clothes – Breast pads, extra large pads and ice packs will be your best friends.
- Manage pain with Tylenol – For pain relief during healing. Avoid ibuprofen which can affect milk supply.
- Prioritize pelvic floor exercises – Do kegels daily to regain strength down there!
- Watch for postpartum depression – Seek help from your doctor or support group if feeling very sad, hopeless or overwhelmed.
- Get your vitamin D checked – Many women are deficient and it’s important for mood and milk supply.
- Be gentle with yourself – Childbirth is a major medical event. Celebrate what your body accomplished.
- Schedule a postpartum checkup – At 6 weeks to ensure your physical and mental health are on track.
- Consider pelvic floor physical therapy – If experiencing incontinence, pain with sex or prolapse. They can help!
Establishing a Routine
- Follow baby’s wake/sleep cycles – Cues like yawning or rubbing eyes mean they’re tired.
- Create a calming bedtime routine – Bath, book, breast/bottle in a dimly lit room with white noise.
- Use the 5 S’s for soothing – Swaddling, side/stomach position, shushing sounds, swinging and sucking.
- Nap when they nap – Follow their sleepy cues to rest yourself during the day.
- Track feeding and diaper times – Apps can help you notice patterns to anticipate needs.
- Be consistent with schedule – Babies feel secure with predictability even if not on a strict schedule.
- Adjust slowly to daylight saving – Gradually shift bedtime earlier/later by 15 minutes per day.
- Keep daytime stimulation limited – Less visual/auditory stimulation helps night sleep.
- Be patient, it takes time – Sticking with it pays off as babies regulate their sleep cycles.
I hope these tips are helpful for new moms navigating the early weeks and months with a newborn. Remember to be kind to yourself – you’ve got this! Let me know if you need any other advice.
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