First-Time Parent: 7 Things You Should Know

Are you about to become a first-time parent, but you’re filled with anxiety rather than excitement?

It’s normal to worry since this is something you’ve never done before and it’s important to get it right.

That’s why it’s a good idea to get some parenting advice to help you through those first few hurdles.

We’ve collected the top things all new parents should know to help you embark on your parenting journey. Check them out down below!

Strengthen Your Muscles

Your newborn won’t weigh much at first, but after holding them for many hours throughout the day, your muscles will start to ache. As the baby grows, this only gets more difficult.

One of the best parenting strategies is to start bulking up your muscles well before the due date arrives. This gives you ample time to strengthen your arms, back, and core for lengthy baby-holding sessions.

With stronger muscles, you’ll be able to put all of your focus on your little one and never worry about being in pain or dropping them. Plus, you’ll look great, too!

Read Parenting Books

To prepare yourself before your little one arrives, read as many baby and parenting books as possible.

The more knowledge you have in your toolbox, the better off you’ll be during an emergency. They’re also a great resource to fall back on whenever you have a sudden question or concern.

The best parenting books are the ones that shine a new light on the subject or ones that make you feel like you’re reading about real situations.

Find a tone that makes you feel comfortable. This way, you’ll absorb the information better and enjoy reading the book at the same time.

Make sure to find books on a wide variety of topics so that you have a general idea of how to tackle anything that comes your way.

Find Time for Yourself

As a new parent, you’ll spend a lot of your time devoted to your baby, but we all need time to relax. Pushing yourself too hard without a break will only cause you unnecessary stress.

The best times for this are when the baby is sound asleep or when someone else can take watch for a little while.

You’ll want the kind of entertainment that allows you to pause at any moment and take care of the baby if they start getting fussy.

Movies, music, and TV shows are all perfect choices for this. Podcasts are also a great choice. Make sure to search for podcasts that talk about positive parenting solutions and ways to boost your mental well-being.

Don’t Buy Too Many Clothes

As you’re preparing for the arrival of your newborn, it’ll be tempting to look through all of the adorable outfits and decide to buy them all.

Your baby needs that penguin onesie in all the cute colors and nothing will convince you otherwise.

While it’s good to enjoy the process of finding clothes for your baby, be careful not to go overboard. Your little one won’t be little forever, and first-time parents are often startled by how quickly their baby outgrows the handpicked selection of clothes.

Instead, pick out a handful of your favorite outfits and then wait. Once you get into the groove of your new routine as a parent, it’ll be easier to tell how many outfits your baby needs.

It’s better to save your money to buy new clothes as your child grows rather than to own a big pile of adorable outfits that no longer fit.

Encourage Visitor Cleanliness

Getting through a pandemic with a new child won’t be easy. However, even without COVID taking over the world, it’s always important for parents to ask their guests to wash and sanitize their hands before holding the baby.

Your newborn’s immune system is still developing and any new shock to the system could lead to a difficult cold or other illnesses. You don’t want to introduce any bacteria to the baby before they’re ready to handle it.

To avoid all of this, always make sure to ask your guests to sanitize their hands. It’ll keep both you and your baby safe!

Prepare For Changes in Your Social Life

Have you ever had a friend who seemed to disappear after they had a baby? Don’t be shocked when you end up doing the same. It’s not easy for parents to find time away from their kids to indulge in parties or get-togethers.

You’ll want to let your friends know beforehand that it’s nothing personal. Take longer breaks from seeing your friends to start conditioning yourself before the baby arrives. This way, it’ll be less of an emotional shock when you need to cancel plans in the future.

However, keep in mind that it’s not bad parenting to want a social life. You deserve a break and a life of your own so make sure to give yourself time to get out of the house and enjoy yourself. It’ll help you destress and give you more energy for the days to come.

Ask For Help When Necessary

There’s no shame in asking others for help. As a parent, you might think that you need to have all of the answers but the truth is that you’re still human. Asking for help is the best way to get through rough times.

Don’t hesitate to ask a friend or family member to come over if you need help juggling work, cleaning the house, and caring for a newborn. No one thinks less of you for it and most people are more than happy to help.

We all need a helping hand sometimes!

Take Classes to Become the Best First-Time Parent

For some people, reading a list is enough, but other times it’s better to have an interactive environment when learning new material.

A place where you can ask specific questions and learn from people who know what they’re doing. That’s why parenting classes are such an invaluable tool for a first-time parent.

It’s the best way to boost your confidence before the due date. 

If you’re on the looking out for some expert advice, make sure to check out our parent mentoring opportunities!

Final Thoughts On Becoming A Parent

Now that you’ve read through our top tips for new parents, it’s time to put them into action! Every baby is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your little one.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or another trusted source.