As a new parent you are bound to make mistakes along the way. After all, life is all about learning from them and moving on. But there are some mistakes that you might be making and are not even aware of. Check out our list below of 7 common mistakes new parents make, including some tips to avoid these.
1. Not asking for help
The experience of parenting is thrilling and extremely rewarding, but it can be hectic and overwhelming at times, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. When you visit the doctors or a hospital, take the opportunity to talk to the experts available. Many hospitals have feeding specialists and lactation consultants who can help you with nursing or bottle-feeding. Nurses can also teach you how to hold, burp, change and care for your baby. Also consider getting a close relative, friend, or hiring an assistant for some in-home help after birth.
2. Panicking or stressing over small things
Constantly worrying whenever your newborn spits up, vomits, or cries can prevent you from enjoying the first years of your infant’s life. Babies are more resilient than many parents think, so instead of stressing and making yourself crazy, relax and learn to identify signs that are a legitimate cause for concern.
3. Comparing your baby to others
Every child learns at their own pace, so avoid comparing your kid to others. Instead, celebrate and encourage your child whenever they reach a milestone, and check whether your baby is progressing normally with a pediatrician.
4. Waking your baby up to breastfeed
A common misconception is that breast milk is not thick enough to get a baby through an entire night. But according to WebMD, not only should breastfed babies sleep through the night, this is greatly beneficial to both the health of baby and mom.
5. Neglecting oral health
It is never too early for new parents to consider their newborn’s teeth and oral health. Regularly wipe down their gums gently using a wet gauze, and begin using a soft toothbrush when they turn 1. It is also very important to make sure your child gets sufficient fluoride which helps prevent cavities, and avoid giving an infant milk in bed once their teeth have erupted increase the risk of developing cavities.
6. Overlooking your marriage
New parents often get so caught up with taking care of their newborn that they end up ignoring their marriage. Working on connecting with your spouse as you raise your child is important as weaknesses within a relationship get magnified by having a child. A strong, healthy marriage will also positively affect your little one as they grow up in a stable and loving home.
7. Taking care of yourself
There is a common expression that says you can’t take care of others if you can’t even take care of yourself, so as a new parent don’t forget to also take care of your own physical, mental and emotional health.
Start by making sure you recover well from the process of childbirth, whether you had a natural birth, or c-section, you need lots of rest, water and nutritious food. If you’re feeling holed up at home, take your baby outside for some fresh air. Even just a walk around the block will help to refresh your mind.
