Being a parent, they say, is the most rewarding and at the same time the most challenging experience in a person’s life. This is particularly true for mothers who go through the process of childbirth and then the physically exhausting and emotionally draining stages of looking after a new born baby. In fact, the quote “Nothing in life will ever make you as happy, as sad, as exhausted, or as incredibly proud as motherhood.” best elucidates how mothers feel about having a child.
When having a baby, any excited parent would read all books and materials related to childbirth and parenting as a way of gearing up for the most grueling yet gratifying job ever. However, no matter how much we prepare for parenthood, we can’t really justify what we have seen, heard, or read until we officially become a parent and are holding that little bundle of joy in our arms. That’s when reality hits you hard and makes you realize that having a baby to take care of is not as easy as it sounds. You will discover a lot of radical changes in your life, routine, lifestyle, your habits, and perspectives. You will face a turning point, so to speak.
Hence, we need to consider a few important things when having a baby so we can turn this parenting experience into a truly magical one despite the exhaustion, pain, and tears.
Table of Contents
Things Every New Parent Must Know
Baby-Proof your Surroundings.
First things first. You have to make certain that your home environment is baby friendly, that is, you baby proof everything in the surroundings so your baby is safe in all aspects. First, put away all baby hazards there are in your home. These include but not limited to the following:
- small objects (to avoid choking accidents) such as coins, tiny toys, etc.
- sharp objects (i.e. knives, utensils, pins, pens)
- hard or sharp edges on furniture
- cords and outlets
- poisonous substances like cleaning formulas, pesticides, and medicines
- plants (as these can be poisonous)
Keep a Clean And well Ventilated Environment.
This is actually a big must when you have infants at home. Children’s health is sensitive as their resistance to bacteria isn’t that strong yet. Hence, it is extremely important that you keep your home free from anything that attracts not only germs but also nuisance pests like ants, bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, mosquitos, and other creepy crawlies. If you want your baby to stay healthy, maintain proper sanitation at home and take preventive measures to keep harmful pests away. In case your baby gets bitten by bed bugs, for example, apply appropriate anti itch cream to avoid inflammation and possible infection. You may also consult with the pediatrician for advice.
Brace Yourself for Utter Torture During your Baby’s First Few Months.
One of the many things to endure when you have a little baby is tending to your baby’s needs during the first few months after child birth. By this time, your baby is still adjusting to the outside world and he/she may be crying desolately every now and then and waking up every two hours during nighttime, making you awfully deprived of sleep. If you are someone who used to enjoy sleeping, eating, or showering for longer hours, get yourself ready as such lifestyle will surely change big time the moment you become a mother. It can be absolutely tormenting, but be assured as well that this is just a phase and you will soon get through it. So, might as well just enjoy the moment and embrace the bliss of motherhood with all your heart.
Sleep Becomes a Luxury.
As parents of a newly born child, sleeping no longer becomes a habit but a luxury. Above all else, you will miss sleep…profoundly! Many veteran parents would advise you to grab sleep whenever you have the opportunity like when your baby is sleeping. JUST SLEEP. Also, other family members or your significant other could help you in this aspect. So when someone reliable offers to look after your baby, seize the chance to get the respite you deserve.
Too Much Baby Stuff Turns out to be Unnecessary.
First time parents tend to get too excited that they would buy every baby stuff they see—bibs, burp clothes, teethers, playpens, strollers, play mats, sleeping hammocks, and the list goes on. Practically speaking, your baby doesn’t really need all of these. Pretty much, babies’ daily routine is actually just sleep, wake up, and cry when hungry. Hence, spare yourself from buying those excessive things and reserve your budget for much more important stuff.
Be Financially Prepared.
In connection to number 5, set aside your money for surprise expenditures that surface when you have an infant. Besides the obvious diaper supplies for your baby, other expenses arise before you even know it such as babysitting costs, medical costs when your child gets sick, and sooner or later, educational expenses, among others.
Things will no longer be the same.
This is quite obvious. As soon as you enter parenthood, your life will not be how it used to be anymore. Everything you do at this time always bears significance to your child. You will have a change of outlook, lifestyle, and values and this will also affect your relationship with those around you, most particularly your partner.
Having a baby is no joke. Thus, remember these seven things so you will somehow be guided in your parenting. There are still much more to these reminders but the bottom-line is that you do your best to play your part and when the going gets rough, never hesitate to seek help.