Picture of new parents kissing their baby

Baby-proofing your relationship: 5 questions you need to ask your partner before having a baby

Baby-proofing your relationship: 5 questions you need to ask your partner before having a baby

Maternal health brand and breastfeeding expert, Lansinoh, offers advice for new parents seeking to remain strong through the trials and tribulations of having a baby

Getting ready for a new baby is special for any new parent – it’s a time full of excitement and hope. However, it is also a time of massive upheaval as there are a lot of changes that parents face when bringing home a new baby. It can be exhausting and challenging, but a time that is filled with joy, and it is important to be prepared for the strain that having children can be on even the strongest of relationships.

Maternal health brand and breastfeeding experts at Lansinoh are offering advice from their extensive experience in supporting new mums for nearly 40 years. They have compiled answers to the top questions they get asked when preparing for a new arrival.

How will you share responsibilities?

Think about everything that needs doing and come up with a proactive plan, make sure to include changing nappies, night-time waking, bath and bedtime. For example, if mum is breastfeeding, could mum’s partner be responsible for getting little one back to sleep? Don’t forget to think about everyday household jobs, such as cooking meals and cleaning. If anyone offers help – always take it.

How will you prepare your finances?

Your finances are going to come under more strain with a new baby, and it’s always good to re-examine your budget, especially if one of you is planning to stay at home. Look at all your outgoings and make sure you both understand what changes and savings need to be made and that you are both happy with the conclusion.

What are your childcare options if you want to return to work?

Start thinking now about your options and what is going to fit best for your family. Whether you decide to look at a nursery, a nanny or a childminder – there are loads of choices for you. Also consider whether there are any members of family or friends who would be available to lend a hand when needed.

What type of parents do you want to be?

It’s easy to get excited and nervous about the arrival of your new baby, and it’s easy to overlook and forget to talk about the type of parent you want to be. Both parents might have different viewpoints when it comes to sleep practices and disciplining your child later down the line – have the talk now to make sure everyone is on the same page.

How will you look after yourselves?

This is arguably the most fundamental thing to think about – it can be a great idea to schedule in time for yourself, or each other to re-connect as a couple. If you’re a single parent, is there anyone that can help you out, even if it’s just giving you an hour to have a bath and relax?

Becca Maberly, author and founder of A Mother Place, pregnancy and postnatal expert, said: “Becoming a parent for the first time is eye-opening. No matter how prepared we think we might be, there will always be surprises around the corner – some wonderful and some more challenging! But keeping an open mind and chatting through potential sources of stress can be really helpful in those first few weeks and months as we adjust to our new role and the expectations that come with it.

“Aiming to share responsibilities, making financial preparations, thinking ahead to career options and childcare and making sure that we have complimentary parenting aspirations and styles are great things to do before your baby arrives. But don’t forget to make plans on how you will continue to take care of yourself after baby’s arrival.”

Things like sleep, housework and socialising can often go out the window when a new-born arrives, so it comes as no surprise that tensions can build between those you are close to.

Relationship struggles are common amongst new parents, and these may extend to friendships, relationship with family as well as your relationship with yourself.

For more information, visit https://lansinoh.com/blogs/birth-prep-recovery/7-questions-to-help-baby-proof-your-relationship