BABY FILES: NEWBORN YBTHE MONTHS AHEAD
As your baby grows, start thinking
about other important aspects of your
life, such as finding time for friends,
your partner and even having some time
to yourself.
Not only is it fun to get out and
meet other parents with babies, but
it’s essential. Many first-time parents
describe the first few months with their
baby as “lonely” because they stay
cooped up at home, too afraid to go out.
This is not entirely surprising given the
amount of paraphernalia you’ll need
to take out with you, but practice does
make perfect.
To take the fear out of the first few
outings with your baby, ask a family
member or a friend to accompany you.
That way you will have an extra pair of
hands and someone to help you carry
and organise yourself, your baby and
everything you’ll need.
Many women find outings with the
moms they met at antenatal class are the
perfect antidote to loneliness, and you
can happily chat about burping, bowel
movements and sleep deprivation withmoms going through the same.
Online support for new parents is
a growing trend, so log on to
parent24.com or the Facebook page
of Your B ab y magazine for support.
Consider online shopping, and do your
banking online as well, to save you from
standing in queues.
A reliable and trusted caregiver –
such as a nanny, friend or relative – can
also give you valuable time to complete
administrative and household tasks,
such as bulk-cooking of meals, paying
bills or catching up on work and
personal emails.
Once you’ve been given the green
light to do so by your doctor, start doing
light exercises, and ensure that you get
plenty of fresh air.
Treasure quiet moments together.
Take lots of photographs, and keep
mementos – sometimes these also
help to remind you of how far you’ve
already come. YBtake the lead and listen to their advice.
❋ Siblings will want to be part of the
process too, so have a “new baby”
present for them and allow them to
perform simple tasks, such as fetching
nappies or holding the baby under
close supervision.
❋ It may help to take Rescue Remedy or
other safe medication whenever you
feel overwhelmed. Ask your chemist.
TOP TIPS BOX
❋ Your newborn’s clothes should be
simple to put on and take off. Expensive,
fancy outfits are a waste of money and
time in the early days.
❋ Crotch-fastened vests will stay put and
are comfortable and easy for your baby
to wear.
❋ Button-down jerseys are preferable to
pullovers or bulky tracksuit tops.
❋ Use only clinically tested baby
products on your newborn’s skin, as these
don’t contain irritating perfumes. Beware
of brand names you have not heard of.
❋ Have a meal pre-organised for that first
night (and a few nights thereafter),
if possible.