Doing anything your first time can be a little scary. Especially when it comes to parenting. The life you had before your baby was born, has not prepared you for what is yet to come. The first year of your child’s life is a whirlwind of emotions. In that first year, you can feel happy, sad, and most of all anxious while watching your baby grow. To ease those first-year jitters and concerns, keep reading to find out the best advice to keep in mind during your first year of parenting.
Get Enough Sleep
Being a new parent is an exhausting task. Keeping up with the house, work, and your typical daily activities can be tiring enough, but when you add a hungry newborn on top of it, you can be spread a bit thin.
As tempting as it is to stay up all night watching your baby sleep, you should be getting sleep too. What your baby needs the most is a parent who can be alert and interactive as possible. Try cosleeping, not only does it allow you and your child to be on the same schedule, but it can also boost your baby’s development. Both you and your baby are benefiting from sleeping together!
Willingly Take Any Help
As a first-time parent, you are not expected to know it all. No one does. The first year of your first child is a learning experience for you as a parent. That being said, it is perfectly fine if you need a break. If someone offers you help, accept it.
Whether your family or friends want to help you with household tasks or take care of the baby for a few hours, take them up on their offer. Take their kindness as a way to give yourself a break; run some errands, read a book or take a walk. You can even take the chance to connect with other new moms. Receiving help allows you to recharge and come back to your home feeling better than ever.
Don’t Forget About Your Significant Other
It is true that your first year as a parent will no doubt be incredibly busy. However, this does not mean that you have to neglect your relationship. It is incredibly important to continue to develop and prosper your relationship.
At least once a month plan out a date night for the two of you to bond over. Don’t have the time or money to go out? Plan an at-home date night. It does not matter what the two of you do, as long as you are doing something together.
By the end of the first year, you will be able to look back and laugh at yourself for worrying over nothing. Keeping this advice in mind during your first year of parenting will provide you with ease and help you continue your journey as a parent.