If you have a new baby! Congratulations!! You might be a first-time mom, a parent of six children, or an adoptive parent. How do you really enjoy your child? Here are some tips for caring for mom, dad, and baby so they are able to enjoy the first months of life.

Personal Story

I remember when I had my newborns. I was tired! I did not know how to get everything done. I had to give myself a lot of grace because I had a lot to learn about being a mother, taking time to enjoy my baby, and letting some good activities in my life go away for a time. I have learned a few tips to help moms relax and enjoy the newborn in her life.

Tips for Caring the Mom

Taking care of yourself and having post-partum support is important.

• Do not try to do everything you did before the baby’s birth.
• A woman would do well to develop a network of support before she goes into labor.Do not hesitate to ask for help when feeling overwhelmed. Obtain the help of your husband, family, friends, or church in the days immediately following the baby’s birth.
• Consume a healthy diet that is full of nutrient-rich foods. Eat at regular intervals throughout the day to have the energy needed to take care of yourself and your baby.
• For good breastfeeding, the mom needs to take in the nutrients you and the baby needs or your body will provide them from your own stores. Some helpful foods are salmon, lean beef, eggs, legumes, leafy greens, blueberries, oranges, brown rice, whole wheat bread, and dairy products.
• Water intake is especially important because dehydration is an energy drain and water is needed to make an adequate milk supply.
• Get enough rest. Create a sleep routine. Work toward a goal of sleeping a full four to five hours at a time. Eventually the baby will sleep longer and so will you!
• Progressive relaxation techniques might be helpful in your sleep routine.
• Spend time with your other children.
• Take pictures to record these precious moments in your family history.
• Enjoy getting out for walks alone or as a family.
• Enjoy cuddling with your little one.

For both parents, taking care of yourself is important to help you have energy to care for your baby.

Tips for Caring for the Newborn

Baby care involves meeting a few basic needs.

• Breast milk, which is the best, or formula are the only food the baby needs.
• The baby needs to stay warm and comfortable, dressed appropriately for the weather.
• The baby’s diapers, preferably cloth and free from chemicals and fragrances, should be changed as soon as they are wet or soiled to prevent diaper rash.
• Infants need to be cleaned every other day in warm water with non-detergent baby soap.
• Babies need to sleep many hours each day.
• Infants need to be held, talked to, and sung to.
• Crying is how infants “talk” to their parents. They cry when they are hungry, angry, sick, in pain, or have a wet diaper.
• Babies need regular medical visits for monitoring their growth and development.

When the baby is properly cared for, he is content, and parents are better able to care for themselves.

Action

If you have a new baby, please try a few of these tips and enjoy cuddling with your new baby. Time with a newborn is short, so please enjoy it!

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What tips do you have to help you enjoying a new baby?