Looking for Tips on Bringing a New Baby Home?
There are many things that I wish I could have done over with my first born child after I came home from the hospital. I tried to be a super woman, and had an idea in my head about how the first couple of days at home should have been like. I wanted everything to be perfect, and such is life, nothing ever goes according to plan.
Well thankfully I had a ton of family around who helped me A LOT and by the time I had my second little one, I knew better what to expect.
Everyone’s situation is different, however here is a little bit of my mommy wisdom and Ten Tips For Moms Who Are Bringing A New Baby Home:
First, turn off the doorbell or put up a sign that says knock please. There is nothing worse than getting your little one to sleep to only have them woken up two minutes later. Also turn off the ringer on the telephone. This makes for a happy baby and mom.
Second, if you have animals, before baby comes home, wrap a baby doll in a blanket that the new baby has been using. Let the animals smell it so they can get used to the new baby’s scent. Slowly introduce your animals to the baby, and don’t be afraid to crate your animals or have a friend take them for a couple days until things have settled down. And of course, never leave the baby unattended with the animals.
Third, if friends offer to do a Meal Train for you, accept it. Again, you should be getting your rest and spending time with your little one. Having to cook a meal should be the last thing you need to worry about. Your friends wouldn’t ask, unless they really wanted to do it, and most of the meals can be made to be put directly into the oven and cooked ready to serve.
Fourth, sleep when your baby sleeps. It is only natural to want to clean your house, return emails, or call your friends, but you have just went through labor and not to mention some of you have had major surgery, so your body needs to rest. All those things can wait.
Fifth, did I mention that the cleaning can wait? Well it can until one of your friends or family asks if you need help with the housework. Of course you will say yes and direct them to the nearest load of laundry or to the vacuum cleaner. Make sure cleaning products are easily accessible and keep things like antibacterial wipes next to the bathroom and kitchen sink.
Sixth, ask visitors to stay away if they think they might be sick. Also, keep antibacterial hand wash right at the front door so as soon as visitors enter they can disinfect. Make sure you limit your visitors and limit the visits to adults in the beginning to keep germs down in your home.
Seventh, put baby changing stations, including a change of clothes in the rooms you will be spending the most time in. That way you already have everything you need to change your little ones diaper quickly and avoid any unnecessary accidents.
Eighth, do not stress out if you are having difficulty with breast feeding. We all are new to this in the beginning and may need a little help. Make sure you consult with your Doctor as well as a lactation consultant before you leave the hospital and follow-up with him or her if you have any questions. Also, if you are concerned about whether your baby is getting enough to eat, don’t be afraid to go into the Doctors office before your next visit for a weight check.
Ninth, after about a week, you may want to get out of the house by yourself or with your spouse, and if Grandma and Grandpa volunteered to take care of the baby, get out for a little bit. It will be nice to have some adult interaction and a little time to with your loved one.
And finally, keep a camera near by. You would be surprised how babies change so quickly. Time flies, and later you can take a look back at all the baby dreams, funny expressions, and Mommy and Daddy moments and realize, well that wasn’t so hard.
I hope those of you that are expecting can use these Tips on Bringing a New Baby Home and for those of you who have been there and done it, I hope you can appreciate it as well.
Carlee @ FLL
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