By: Gail E. Kirkland
First-time parents make perfect targets. Targets for unsolicited advice. Targets for sales and marketing. Targets for gadgets and gizmos. So how’s a first-time parent to weed through the deluge of Internet information, baby blogs, Pinterest, magazines, apps, well-meaning friends and family? What about those who are recent first-time parents? Their surprising advice might just be worth considering—and following. Read on . . .
1. Sign up for the childbirth classes at the hospital. Attend as a couple.
2. Within two weeks after the birth, get out of the house, either during the day or in the evening as a couple. It’s important to build in some “away” time, even if it is a brief outing.
3. Don’t overstock with bottles, pacifiers, etc. When trying out bottles, start with the simpler version first. Find out what works best with your baby. Generally, whatever you think you will use, you likely will not. For bigger baby equipment like swings and bouncers, think about borrowing first to be sure your newborn will actually like that variety before you purchase it.
4. Buy more onesies and zip-up footed sleepers than other items of clothing. Buy more socks than you think you’ll need; you go through them quickly.
5. Find a way to soothe your baby—rocking, swaddling, swinging, using pacifiers, turning on sound machines. Above all, be flexible.
6. Don’t overload your brain with too many advice books. Choose one and stick with it. Avoid the temptation to Google everything; it tends to make you paranoid. Find the path that works best for you and your baby regarding a schedule. Don’t force it.
7. Never wake a sleeping baby. Sleep when the baby sleeps. Don’t feel bad about it. Pick up your baby when he or she cries; the bonding and comforting trump spoiling. You’ll quickly learn to distinguish between the need to pick up and comfort versus the need to simply give a gentle pat to lull him or her back to sleep.
8. Be patient with your spouse. Dad is doing the best he can; allow him to figure out how to do what needs to be done. Avoid constant overcorrection of his technique.
9. Accept all the help you can get those first few weeks—seriously.
10. Start reading to your baby early. It pays big benefits. It’s never too early start.
Bonus: If you have a pet, bring a blankie or item from the hospital with the baby’s smell to the dog or cat to ensure a smooth adjustment. And don’t underestimate the benefits of a good app for babies. For example, some apps create white noise which can be used in the car while traveling.