Help, how do I deal with a newborn???
During your first pregnancy, there’s a good chance you have no idea what it is you need to know once baby arrives. Sometimes, that even rings true for second pregnancies, especially if there’s been a bit of a gap between them. Today, we’re going to look at a few things you can think about in advance to help make getting through that newborn stage a little bit easier.
Nappy Stations
Nappies. Diapers. Disposable. Reusable. Whatever you call them, and whichever type you go for, you’re going to be using them a lot. For that reason, one thing you can think about setting up prior to baby arriving is a nappy station. This is something you can do whether you’re using a changing table or if you’re going to use a changing mat on the floor. You’ll need to make sure you have everything you’ll need close to hand. Keep it well-stocked with fresh nappies. Putting the new ones at the back so you’re rotating your stash makes it less likely you’ll end up with a stockpile of too-small nappies at the back, which means you can avoid waste. Other things you’ll need are a barrier cream (great for preventing nappy rash – or treating it if it does arrive), wipes (both wet and dry so you can clean and pat dry), and somewhere to throw your used wipes (especially if you’re going the reusable route). It’s also a good idea to have a couple of changes of clothes with you before you start changing your little one’s nappy – especially when they’re tiny, it’s not altogether uncommon for them to have an accident mid-change, and this can very much include the nice new set of clothes you had laid out! There may be other items you’ll learn you need close to hand (and it’s especially important when you’re using a changing table to make sure you don’t need to leave baby alone while they’re up high), and you can add each of these as you figure out what they are. Not everyone’s nappy station will look the same, but most will need these core parts, so they’re a good foundation from which to start.
Nappy-Free Time
While we’re on the subject of nappies, did you know that having some time free from their nappy can be great for our little ones’ skin? This is especially true for babies who are prone to nappy rash. By giving them time without a nappy, their skin has time to breathe. This can be of great benefit to preventing and treating nappy rash. But there’s more to having some time out of the nappy than just dealing with the rash – benefits can range from helping improve their gross motor skills, as there is no bulky nappy getting in the way of their hip movements, to cutting down on the number of nappies you get through in a day, to just having something fun, as a lot of babies love the freedom. So, how do you do nappy-free time? Make sure the floor is clean, with no potential choking hazards left lying around. Put a towel or special waterproof baby mat under them – your floors will thank you afterwards – and let them explore. The best time is immediately after a change, as they’ll be freshly cleaned and (hopefully) less likely to have an accident – though that may still happen anyway, hence the towel. You can even combine this with tummy time! As for how long? Pretty much as long as you are both happy. In those first days, this might only be for a few minutes and only while you’re still holding them. As they grow, however, and their awake windows get longer, this time can be extended. If you’re ever concerned or have questions, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare professional. They can look at your specific circumstances and guide you.
White Noise
You may have heard this tip before, and it’s a handy one to keep in mind. While it can be tempting to keep things as silent as possible when baby is sleeping, this can often have the unintended consequence of leaving them unable to sleep unless it is silent. When used correctly, white noise can help babies become used to sleeping no matter what is happening around them – leaving you able to do other things while they’re having their nap. There are many white noise makers on the market; check out the reviews before you buy, as not all devices are made equal. It’s also important to remember not to have the sound too loud or too close to baby. It should be kept at least two metres away from them, and in general, the lowest setting on your machine should be more than loud enough – babies have extremely delicate ears, and protecting their hearing is essential.
Of course, it’s also good to remember that, just like everything else, this isn’t a panacea. Some babies will not respond well, while others may love having one running as they drift off to sleep. Just like dummies and similar items, your child’s preferences will play a role in whether white noise will be effective or not. And, again, like dummies, you may need to wean them off needing one, which you’ll need to keep in mind when deciding whether or not to use one.
Dealing With the Dreaded ‘Poo Explosion’
Did you know that onesies don’t have to be lifted up from the bottom when taking them off? If you have a look at the neck, you’ll see some overlapping of the layers. This is partly to deal with bub’s head, but it also means when you have one of those middle-of-the-night explosions, you can instead pull the onesie down over their shoulders, thereby keeping their head clean and clear without any issue. And chances are you’re going to have at least one of these feared experiences. By being able to pull the onesie down, you’ll have less to clean up and should hopefully reduce the chances of leaks as you get things ready for rinsing and soaking once you’ve got your little one clean and dry again.
There are almost as many different tips out there for the newborn stage as there are mums – so have a hunt around to find various bits of advice to help ease your way through these oftentimes confusing first few weeks. These few tips here only just scratch the surface of things you might find helpful, but they’ll serve as a good starting point. For those parents who have already been through it, what other tips for dealing with the newborn stage did you find most helpful for your own circumstances?