how do i become a first time parent

Here are 14 tips for first-time parents.

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How can I prepare for becoming a parent?

Becoming a parent brings about a series of changes in the life of a person. Preparing for the transition to parenthood includes changes in life roles and taking steps to manage such changes. New or expectant parents and others can prepare for parenthood by considering skills, tasks, experiences and resources that can assist in becoming a parent.

What are some simple first-time parenting tips?

Read below for simple first-time parenting tips that you can easily tailor to your lifestyle during your baby’s first year! Babies typically don’t get very dirty, so luckily a thorough cleaning isn’t necessary! But just because the process isn’t thorough doesn’t mean it can’t be stressful. What soap do you use? Is the water too hot?

Why do you need a first-time parent checklist?

Having a first-time parent checklist in your back pocket will help you remember the basics and help you enjoy every precious moment during the first year with your new bundle of joy!

How does becoming a parent change a person's life?

Becoming a parent brings about a series of changes in the life of a person. Preparing for the transition to parenthood includes changes in life roles and taking steps to manage such changes.

What are the different types of parenting styles?

What to do if you are not breastfeeding?

What to do when you think you might get hungry while breastfeeding?

Is it necessary to paralyze a newborn?

Is every child different from every parent?

Is it scary to be a parent?

Is it important to feed your child over and over?

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About this website

How hard is it to be a first time parent?

Being a parent to a new baby can be hard. The joy you get from coos and cuddles is mixed in with the hard work of infant care. It's normal to feel frustrated and exhausted. If your baby cries all the time or won't sleep, parenting is even harder.

What do first time parents struggle with the most?

Here's a look at the most common new-parent conflicts and how to deal with them.Hurdle #1: No time for “us” ... Hurdle #2: Sleep deprivation. ... Hurdle #3: No sex. ... Hurdle #4: Clashing parenting styles. ... Hurdle #5: So much to do.

What should every first time parent know?

Here are a few basics to remember:Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. ... Support your baby's head and neck. ... Never shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. ... Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat.More items...

What is the best way to be a first time mum?

Eat well and keep hydrated. Try to eat at least one nourishing meal and don't forget your five-a-day fruit and vegetables!Sleep when the baby is asleep. ... Establish a morning routine. ... Look good, feel good. ... Exercise and fresh air. ... Cook easy meals. ... It's okay not to be okay. ... Sharing is caring.More items...

What is the hardest thing about being a new parent?

These Are the 10 Hardest Things about Being a New MomSleep. The first few weeks were a blur. ... You Will Still Look Pregnant. You will still look pregnant after you give birth. ... Advice. Everyone will have advice for you. ... Dealing with Mom-Shamers. ... Intimacy. ... Visitors. ... Guilt. ... You will be sore.More items...•

What is the most stressful age to parent?

The majority of parents with adult kids agree ages of 0 to 4 were the most stressful, and 29 percent say age 3 was the most difficult time for them.

How do I prepare myself for motherhood?

How to Emotionally Prepare for ParenthoodDon't have unrealistic parental expectations. Repeat after us…. ... Get ready to slow down. Take it from us you'll be doing everything at a much slower speed! ... Practice self-care while pregnant. ... Have a think about parenting duties. ... Gather up your support network now.

What do you do with a newborn all day?

You may prefer that your day-to-day activities follow what your newborn does....Cuddling and playingmaking eye contact, smiling and talking.singing nursery rhymes.taking your baby for a walk.reading or telling them a story.making faces.blowing raspberries.

What should you not do with a newborn?

It's inevitable you won't do everything just right, but read on and you can cross these common mistakes off your list.Car seat safety. ... Back to sleep. ... Not feeding on demand. ... Not burping baby properly. ... Failing to pre-burp. ... Mistakes in mixing formula or breastfeeding. ... Not enough tummy time. ... Under- or overreacting to a fever.More items...•

What is the best age to become a mum?

In the online survey of 2,210 women, the majority (42%) said that the ideal time to become a mom and still have a career is between the ages of 25 and 29, citing that it's enough time to establish a career and financial security (33%) and because it's more likely that the woman and her partner will be ready to become ...

What age are first time moms?

The latest U.S. Census Bureau figures show that, for the first time, the average age of women giving birth is now 30 in the U.S., the highest on record.

How do first time moms survive?

13 tips for surviving the first month of motherhoodDon't feel pressure to entertain when people visit! ... Don't worry about your house being messy or feeling like you need to constantly pick it up. ... Coffee, Netflix and baby swings are your new best friends. ... Prepare and freeze as many meals as you can ahead of time.More items...•

What is the biggest struggle for parents?

The Evolution of Parenting: Five Biggest Challenges Faced by Parents TodayBalancing family and career.Being afraid to say 'NO'A culture of blame.Ensuring children receive a quality education.Overload of information.

What were are the 3 biggest challenges as a parent?

What Are Some of The Most Common Parenting Challenges?Scarcity of Time. One of the most imperative parenting challenges that many parents face today is the scarcity of time. ... Failure in Imparting Moral Values. ... Imbalanced life. ... Lack of Emotional Bonding.

What is the hardest thing for a parent?

Challenging Parenting Issues: 5 of the Hardest Things Parents...How To Parent the Child You Have, Not the Child You Wish You Had. ... How To Let Your Child Experience the Pain of Natural Consequences. ... How To Face Judgment, Shame, and Blame From Others. ... Coping When Your Child Says “I Hate You, Mom!” ... How To Let Go.

What are some challenges that new parents have?

Among these familiar challenges shared by many first-time parents are exhaustion, an adjustment in lifestyle, and personal health and/or relationship issues. While being aware of these struggles can be nerve-racking, it is something inevitable when a couple or an individual becomes a parent.

14 Tips for First-Time Parents - First Things First

Please note: First Things First, Inc. and the materials and information contained herein are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical, psychological, or mental health advice or diagnosis and may not be used for such purposes.

What to expect from a first time parent?

As a first-time parent, you are probably highly motivated to raise your child well. Since your child does not come with an “owner’s manual,” you rely on friends, family, books, the internet and your own ideas about what is appropriate and what to expect from your child.

What do babies do best with?

Babies do best with calm, confident parents. It gives them a sense of security, serenity and peace. Sleep when the baby sleeps. No child will remember whether the house was clean or whether the laundry was in drawers or a pile on the couch, but they will remember that you played with them and spent time with them.

What is good parenting?

Good parenting means figuring out the routines, techniques, and activities that keep you and your family and healthy. Having a first-time parent checklist in your back pocket will help you remember the basics and help you enjoy every precious moment during the first year with your new bundle of joy!

How to build trust in a baby?

Make loving eye contact during bottle feeding. Especially in the first three months, respond to every cry to build trust.

Why is bonding important for a new parent?

Bonding with your baby is one of the most exciting parts of being a new parent! In fact, studies show early bonding improves your child’s future relationships. Bonding differs with every family, so don’t be alarmed if the process is taking longer than you anticipated.

What age can a baby eat finger food?

9-12 Months: Baby can eat finger food and has more control of hands. 12 Months: Baby can stand on their own. 12 Months: Baby can say simple words like “mama” and “dada”. 9-17 Months: Baby’s first steps. So there you have it! A list of tips for new parents that can be tailored to fit your new family’s needs.

How to help a baby sleep during the first year?

Understand how much sleep your baby needs throughout their first year. Encourage more daytime feedings to reduce number of nighttime feedings. Create a structured pre-sleep routine, as babies thrive on structure and predictability. Limit the length of naps to 2-2.5 hours during the day so nighttime sleep comes easier.

What temperature should a baby be in?

In temperatures over 75 degrees Fahrenheit, keep your baby in one layer more than you are wearing. If going into the sun, cover your baby with long sleeves and pants made of lightweight material. Always keep a blanket on hand for an extra level of warmth just in case a new environment is unknown.

How to dress a baby?

Avoid clothes that have ribbons or buttons that can cause tangling or choking hazards. For dressing and undressing, work slowly and with care to avoid twisting, pulling, and snagging . Dress your baby while they are on a flat, secure surface.

What to do after birth?

For in-home help, you might want to hire a baby nurse, postpartum doula, or a responsible neighborhood teen to help you for a short time after the birth. Your doctor or the hospital can help you find information about in-home help, and might make a referral to home health agencies. Relatives and friends often want to help too.

What is the best technique for a newborn?

Proper swaddling keeps a baby's arms close to the body while allowing for some movement of the legs.

What do you need to clean a baby?

You'll need: a clean diaper. fasteners (if cloth prefold diapers are used) diaper ointment. diaper wipes (or a container of warm water and a clean washcloth or cotton balls) After each bowel movement or if the diaper is wet, lay your baby on his or her back and remove the dirty diaper.

What are some ways to stimulate a baby's hearing?

Your baby will probably also love listening to music. Baby rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate your infant's hearing. If your little one is being fussy, try singing, reciting poetry and nursery rhymes, or reading aloud as you sway or rock your baby gently in a chair.

How to support a newborn?

Support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down. Never shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and even death.

How to handle a newborn?

Here are a few basics to remember: Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don't have a strong immune system yet, so they're at risk for infection.

Do relatives want to help?

Relatives and friends often want to help too . Even if you disagree on certain things, don't dismiss their experience. But if you don't feel up to having guests or you have other concerns, don't feel guilty about placing restrictions on visitors.

What are some lessons to remember for your own growth and development in becoming a parent?

Here are some useful lessons to remember for your own growth and development in becoming a parent: • Your anxiety about parenting reflects how you will manage a child’s distress. Children need to feel a parent’s patience and personal confidence. See yourself as a parent and develop your skills.

What should new parents expect?

New parents should expect and plan to adjust to these role changes in their life and relationships. You may be spending much less time in the “worker” role and much more time in the “parent” role. Or you may find yourself thinking less about your “partner” role and spending more time worrying about your “parent” role.

What is the importance of being an expectant mother?

Perhaps even more important for those becoming parents is to think about and prepare for the mental and emotional changes or challenges that occur when a child is born.

What is the association for prenatal and perinatal psychology and health?

• The Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH) focuses on birth psychology. Birth psychology refers to understanding the mental and emotional issues involved in pregnancy, prenatal development and the process of becoming a parent. The organization has many resources.

Why is raising a child important?

• Sense of family – Children often help create a new sense of family connection among family members. • Personal growth – Parenthood provides the opportunity to guide, teach and pass on values to the next generation.

How to raise a child?

Develop a positive approach toward raising a child and look for positive things to appreciate each day. • Develop practices that will carry over to your interaction with your child, such as playing music, singing softly or speaking to your child.

Can you compare the job of parenting to other jobs?

We can compare the job of parenting to other jobs. If you apply for a job, you are expected to develop specific skills related to the job. What skills do you need in parenting? What can you do to prepare you for the job? Use Activity 2 to explore the process of preparing for the job of parenting.

Parenthood can feel daunting when you're just starting out

Of course, that´s normal. You´ve never done it before! But don't live with regrets.

Be smart, don't wait - Become more certain in your child's upbringing. Start now with access to the answers of the questions most first-time parents are constantly asking themselves

The youngest years are the most important in the development of your child.

How Will Being a First-Time Parent Affect my Relationship?

As more of your time is devoted to this new extension of yourself, your new state of normalcy just might not allow enough hours in a day to do what you once did.

How Will Being a First-Time Parent Affect the Way I Live My Life?

Along with changing the dynamics of your relationship, the first few months of parenting can be challenging and disorderly to the flow of your life in general.

Counseling Helps to Establish a Healthy Dialogue between New Parents

First-Time Parent Counseling creates an environment that helps you and your partner be open with and understanding of each other. Disagreements, miscommunications, and fights fundamentally come from a place of misperception, which makes clear communication incredibly important to the re-establishment of a healthy relationship.

What do kids need from their parents?

What they need, though, is essential: Love, emotional security, conversation, validation, responsibilities, time outside, and opportunities to play and learn. Parents who can focus their attention on these baseline goals and avoid getting caught up in the minutiae of measuring minutes on screens or dictating which shirt gets worn to preschool, will find that they and their children will enjoy each other more, and that their kids will more quickly become comfortable with their own selves.

How to avoid conflict with parents?

To avoid conflict, a parent should observe what a child is involved in before demanding that they move away from it. It’s often helpful to talk to a child about what they’re doing, and even join them for a time, before requesting that they move on to a necessary task.

Should Your Narcissistic Parents Have Access to Your Kids?

Here's how narcissistic grandparents really affect their grandchildren.

Why don't kids cooperate with their parents?

There are reasons why younger kids don’t always cooperate with a parent’s requests, even if the parent doesn’t immediately recognize them as good reasons . A child deeply engaged with play, for example, may resist being called away to get dressed or come to dinner. To avoid conflict, a parent should observe what a child is involved in before demanding that they move away from it. It’s often helpful to talk to a child about what they’re doing, and even join them for a time, before requesting that they move on to a necessary task. Just five minutes of such “sensitive caregiving” can not only avoid resistance but help a child become better able to develop social competence.

How to bond with children emotionally?

Daily routines, and regular rituals, can be a powerful way to bond with children and help them feel emotionally secure. Time spent each day reading together, listening to music, going outside, performing a simple chore, and especially a positive interaction to start the day and open time at bedtime to review the day and say goodnight, research finds, helps kids establish a stable, positive emotional outlook.

Is there a right way to be a good parent?

There is no one right way to be a good parent, although there are many proven ways to be a flawed one, such as abuse, neglect, or overindulgence. A key challenge is resisting the urge to manage, guide, or control kids at all times, but research suggests that parents who give their children room to explore, grow, and, importantly, fail, ...

Should parents control their children?

It shouldn’t be. Many parents believe they should control children at all times, directing them to fit their own vision of what type of person they should become. Such parents may be shocked and angered when children resist such pushing, leading to power struggles and potentially years of conflict. Parents who instead focus on baseline expectations and standards for responsibility and routines, and stick to them, while working to understand their children’s temperament and emotional needs, can form a connection with their kids and work with them to discover and pursue their own interests.

What are the different types of parenting styles?

And there are so many different styles out there: helicopter parenting, attachment parenting. How can you possibly know which of these types of parenting best fits you and your lifestyle until you’re in the situation?

What to do if you are not breastfeeding?

If you’re not breastfeeding, grab yourself an extra-large coffee to help you slog through it. If you are breastfeeding, ask your partner or a family member to help out so that when you get home, you can take that well-deserved nap. And the parenting adage of “sleep when the baby sleeps” cannot be stressed enough.

What to do when you think you might get hungry while breastfeeding?

Don’t forget to grab yourself a drink to stay hydrated, so you can keep making that precious milk, and a snack if you think you might get hungry, and you suspect the feeding session will go on for a while. And if you are a parent who's partner is breastfeeding– offer support constantly!

Is it necessary to paralyze a newborn?

That’s the surest way to paralyze yourself, and it’s not necessary.

Is every child different from every parent?

But the truth is, every child is different, and every parent is different. While certain skills work for one person, they might not necessarily work for another person – and that’s okay! The key is discovering what works best for you and your child, and if that means going against what you always thought you would do as a parent, so be it…and everyone does it with at least one thing or another.

Is it scary to be a parent?

When you’re going to be a parent for the very first time, it is understandably a scary process. You’re constantly looking online for insight into what people think is good vs. bad. You’re reading all the books, and reading every piece of advice that websites have to give.

Is it important to feed your child over and over?

At first it can be scary, but once you’re in the habit every day of feeding them over and over again, it becomes less of an obligation and more a duty of love and devotion. Yes, they're solely dependent on you as their parent, but that’s not what becomes important.