It’s a Baby Thing: Adjusting to Life as a New Parent
Becoming a parent is a feeling like no other. While you stare into the eyes of your newly born child, your heart might feel like it could burst with joy. Moments of bliss with your child are endless, although they are sometimes accompanied by feelings of exhaustion.
This article will explore three ways you can adjust to life as a new parent. After all, caring for a child is challenging, and we can all benefit from a piece of advice or two.
Stay connected with the outside world
Caring for a baby is an all-consuming experience, and parenting is one of the most important jobs of your life. As you strive to be the best version of yourself, it is easy to lose contact with the outside world.
Staying connected can be difficult. According to an international study, 32% of new parents can begin to feel lonely. Considering your new priorities include changing nappies, we can see how you may feel disassociated from your pre-parenting social life.
To battle feelings of isolation, new parents can join online communities. The power of community is undeniable, and speaking to someone who understands your current situation is important. Whether you’re wanting to have a friendly chat or ask for advice around bottle feeding, it is encouraging to know you’re not alone.
If this sounds like the right choice for you, there are lots of apps you can download on your mobile phone or tablet. Peanut is designed to help women navigate motherhood. The app, which is available on iOS and Android, is ideal for women of all ages and backgrounds.
In addition to Peanut, there are apps specifically for fathers. The Dad AF app launched in 2019 and has been downloaded 85,000 times. This is a great way for new parents to connect with people going through the same experiences. We all need someone to talk to, both mothers and fathers alike.
Find ways to relax and unwind
Being a parent is a full-time occupation. Even if you enjoy caring for your child, sometimes it can be overwhelming. To maintain your mental health, it is important for new parents to relax and unwind. This varies between parents, so take the time to find what works for you.
Exercise is important for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing. In fact, walking can release endorphins. This is a chemical that boosts our mood and increase feelings of positivity. A leisurely stroll in the outdoors is a great way for new parents to take a moment to relax. You can even bring your child in a baby pushchair and enjoy the fresh air together.
Encourage your baby to sleep
It’s no secret: bedtime can be stressful for new parents. Babies can be hesitant to sleep, and staying awake for hours on end can be tiresome. If you’re struggling with this, there are lots of techniques you can try to encourage your child to sleep.
Music has the ability to make us feel a number of ways, from happy to sad or from energetic to tired. Classical music is a great way to encourage babies to sleep. Calming lullabies and soothing string instruments can help settle little ones down for a rest, whether it is midday or midnight.
A consistent level of background noise is also beneficial for your child. These can be common household noises, from the sound of the tumble dryer to running water. You can also invest in a white noise machine, which emits a frequency similar to television static.
These are some of the ways you can adjust to being a new parent. The experience, although full of twists and turns, is extremely rewarding. If you’re struggling with your newfound parenthood, know that you’re not alone. There are online communities to join, relaxing walks to undertake, and calming sounds to listen to. Which piece of advice would you recommend for other new parents?
Sources
https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/family-life/parenting/mum-friends-app/
https://www.eatthis.com/news-does-walking-improve-memory/
https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/mood/baby/music-babies/
https://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/baby/sleep/white-noise-baby/
Article credit - Baby Thingz (https://www.babythingz.com/).
Cover photo By FatCamera on Canva
