One of the greatest joys in a mother’s life is when she holds her baby in her arms for the first time. She is thrilled by the idea of entering the phase of motherhood but is concerned about the impending uncertainties at the same time. No amount of preparation or books or classes make an impact when she is faced with certain situations. It is very important for a new mother to follow her instincts and make peace with the fact that she is learning as she goes and will likely make some mistakes on the way. However, we have outlined a quick guide to help you in this special time in your life. It can help you tackle various aspects of this new phase that will await you as soon as you bring your baby home for the first time.

• Daily care guide

Take care of your baby’s hygiene and overall health. Choose baby massage oil and perform a complete routine to give strength and flexibility to joints. You can refer to various baby massage videos to find what is good.

Cut the nails, yes! Your baby’s nails need cutting just like yours. If left uncut, they can cause injuries t the baby and infections too.

Pay attention to your newborn’s diaper. You do not need to wait for the diaper to get full, before changing. Changing it every hour is a safer option if you want to avoid diaper rashes. Be proactive towards diaper rashes and germ build-up. 

Swaddling is important, dear new moms! This involves wrapping your baby tightly in a soft, comfortable cloth before they sleep. It lulls them into thinking they are safe, warm, and secure, similar to that of their mother’s womb. They sleep longer and feel protected.

While you will learn how to breastfeed in the hospital, be sure not to forget burping them after every feed. The babies need to be burped to avoid gas causing them to spit up which is also the main cause of colic pain. 

Making a nap schedule is also good. From zero to three months, a baby needs about 20 hours of sleep. They are not able to differentiate between day and night as yet. After four months, they tend to get more active and try keeping awake for longer hours. So, track the time your baby usually feels sleepy and encourage them to sleep around that time. It helps better growth and avoids moodiness in babies.

• General changes to cope with

Going out: This is one of the biggest changes you will face after giving birth. Going out will include packing for the baby and carrying a whole heap of bags and stuff you think you will need for your baby. Make sure you plan, carry their diaper bag, and only their essentials depending on the length of your time you plan to be outside.

Vaccinations: Have a vaccination schedule and alerts set so that you never miss one. Talk to your doctor about what to expect after each shot so you can be prepared for them.

Poop: Your baby’s excrement can be a thing of concern in some cases. Sometimes babies do not poop for days when they are completely on breast milk. And some babies that are on formula will pass smelly and differently colored poop. So, do not overanalyze too much. 

There are different opinions regarding what all mothers should do once their baby comes into their lives. The most important thing is to stay calm and trust the advice of trained healthcare specialists. Stay away from the self-taught experts that will have an opinion on everything regarding your newborn. Becoming a mother has its challenges, but the joy that babies bring is unmatchable.