Being a first-time mother is one of the most nerve-wracking things you will ever be. All of a sudden, you have been entrusted to care for this tiny, helpless human, who you love more than you realized was possible. Everyone from friends and family to strangers is telling you what to do and making you doubt everything you’ve already done. You’re filled with excitement, fear, love, guilt, and you are generally exhausted all of the time.
When trying to learn how to keep your baby happy and healthy, it is vital to remember that your baby will feed off your energy, so when you are happy, they will be overall happier. Remember — your happiness matters. Here are some tips to help you both stay healthy and happy.
Make the best decisions for your baby.
You know what is best for you and your baby. You decide if you will stay home or go back to work, breastfeed or formula feed, use cloth diapers or disposable diapers, start with fruits or start with vegetables. Despite everyone telling you what is best for you and your baby, only you know what the right answer is for both of you. When you decide what you want to do, research what you need to make it most comfortable for you. For example, if you will be primarily breastfeeding, buy yourself a comfortable nursing pillow so that you can enjoy that time with your little one. If you are going to pump, invest in a high-quality pumping bra like the ones carried by Simple Wishes. Buying a good pumping bra will make pumping much easier and more convenient. There are so many uncomfortable things about pumping, your pumping bra shouldn’t be one of them. If you are strictly going to bottle feed, find bottles that will help reduce air consumption. Less air means less spit-up.
Get more exercise regularly.
Both you and your baby need exercise, fresh air, and sunshine. You will feel better while bonding with your baby. You will both sleep better and feel be healthier overall and more alert thanks to adequate amounts of sun and fresh air. Walk with your baby every day. If you don’t live somewhere where you can walk outside year-round, find indoor places where you can walk. While you won’t be getting all the fresh air and sunshine, the exercise will still help both of you. Read up on jogging stroller comparisons, and invest in a comfortable and reliable jogging stroller. If you aren’t jogging just yet or never plan to jog, jogging strollers are more comfortable to maneuver and walk with on uneven surfaces like trails or bumpy sidewalks. An active parent is a happier parent, so consider a jogging stroller, which can make being active more convenient for you.
Follow health recommendations
In your baby’s first year, you may feel overwhelmed by the multitude of doctor’s appointments needed. However, many things do need testing. For example, a newborn hearing screening is vital because it is highly challenging to detect a hearing problem in a newborn otherwise. The sooner a hearing problem is diagnosed, the sooner corrective actions and ears intervention services can be implemented to ensure your baby develops the speaking skills they will need throughout life. Hearing Health USA is committed to everyone living their best life, which includes communicating with others clearly and effectively. They take your baby’s hearing health very seriously and have clinics throughout the country.
Don’t forget about your mental health.
First-time mothers often suffer from postpartum depression, anxiety, fear, guilt, exhaustion, and a variety of other contributors to mental health problems. Having a child is no small feat, and mothers often think that they should feel nothing but joy. The reality is you may feel a combination of positive and negative emotions that change frequently. Take care of yourself, and it will directly contribute to the health and happiness of your baby. Find people to talk to, see a therapist, tell your doctor how you feel, take breaks, and ask for help. This advice may sound easier said than done, but your mental health is critical so don’t take it lightly.
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