Are you a new mom getting ready to give birth to your first baby? These are the best babies and moms tips to help you thrive during the first thirty days after delivery!
It is nearly impossible to prepare for every little thing but you can anticipate and prepare for quite a bit just from talking to other moms who have been through it before.
In this post you will learn about all things babies and moms including new mom tips, baby tips, baby sleeping and so much more that will help you navigate the first month after birth with confidence.
This post is all about the best tips for babies and moms during the first thirty days.
Babies and Moms Tips
1. The newborn phase doesn’t last forever
Know that you WILL sleep again. The first few weeks can be difficult as you figure out how to care for your new baby while also taking care of yourself and not getting much sleep in the process but like they say: “this too shall pass”. Before you know it, your baby will be sleeping longer and longer stretches and within months sleeping through the night. You can do this mama!
2. Your baby is going to cry and that is normal
Some moms (me included) try to do everrrything and anything to keep their babies from crying when in reality, it is an impossible task. Anticipate crying because it is bound to happen and is your baby’s only way of communicating with you in the beginning.
3. The fourth trimester is no joke
Most women think about pregnancy as being only three trimesters but the fourth trimester, or the first three months postpartum deserve to be talked about too. One of the biggest new mom tips is to make sure you are taking care of YOU too. Nap whenever you can, sit and enjoy the newborn snuggles and do not try to rush back into things. Postpartum recovery is so important!
4. Lower your expectations, and then lower them more
Becoming a new mom can be a huge learning curve and requires an immense amount of grace. You will feel all the emotions at some point: happiness, overwhelm, stress, exhaustion, etc. Taking away the pressure of being the perfect Pinterest mom will really help you enjoy the newborn phase.
5. Ask for help
This is one of my biggest tips when it comes to babies and moms. You absolutely cannot do it all alone. Raising a baby takes a village! Asking for help can look like having someone watch the baby while you shower or nap, your husband picking up takeout for dinner or getting groceries delivered to your house.
6. Take a sleep course
Don’t worry, I am not talking about sleep training or anything like that. There are virtual newborn classes out there (this is the course I swear by) that teach you the basics about baby sleep that can be a total game changer. You can even take a course in the last few weeks of pregnancy if you want to be extra prepared.
7. Use a swaddle
Swaddles are amazing once your baby gets used to them because they mimic the womb. There are so many swaddles out there to choose from but these are my favorite because of the velcro closure. The velcro saves a lot of time and keeps your baby snuggled tightly.
8. Don’t overlook the pacifier
There are conflicting opinions out there about them but they can help calm your baby and help him sleep better.
9. Learn your baby’s cues
Babies cannot tell us what they need or want but they do show us using various physical hand cues for hunger and sleep.
10. Buy a portable sound machine
This is a must for babies and moms! Not only do I recommend having a sound machine where your baby sleeps at home but having a portable sound machine for naps on the go is a GAME CHANGER. This was my go-to portable sound machine when my son was a baby.
11. Teach your newborn night and day
Babies are not born knowing the difference between night and day so you have to teach them. Eventually they will associate darkness with nighttime but until then, make sure the lights are on and blinds are open during the day and it is dark at night.
13. Red Light Trick
Put a red light bulb in the lamp where you will be feeding your baby at night. This will give off just enough light so you can see for a diaper change and feeing but not bright enough to fully wake your baby.
RELATED: How to Simplify Bottle Feedings at Night
14. Use nightlights throughout your house
You will be up at all hours of the night the first few weeks so having nightlights makes it a lot easier to move around your house without needing to turn on bright lights. Stick them in the hallway, bathroom, kitchen or wherever you may need to move about during the night.
15. Sleep sleep sleep
You might roll your eyes when you hear the phrase “sleep when the baby sleeps” but it is so true and so important. Postpartum can be hard and your baby dictates your nighttime sleep so if you can sneak a nap in while your baby naps then do it! The laundry, dishes and any chores can wait.
16. Stock up on zippered sleepers for the first few weeks
Zippers are the way to go, especially for nighttime diaper changes. Snaps take forever to fasten, especially at 2am.
17. Learn the onesie hack
In the event of a blowout or really messy meal, there are little tabs at the top of onesies that make it possible to shimmy it down and off your baby without getting any mess on him. Such a mom win!
18. Set up multiple changing stations
This is especially important when you are newly postpartum. No one wants to be walking up and down the stairs twenty times a day so set up a little cart on the first floor with diapers, wipes, change of clothes, receiving blankets and anything else you think you might need.
19. Size up in diapers for bedtime
As soon as your baby is sleeping a few hour stretches at night, size up in diapers. You will inevitably have to change some wet clothes but going with a bigger diaper for the overnight hours can be a big help.
20. Invest in a baby carrier
As soon as you are feeling up to it, a baby wrap or structured carrier with newborn insert are both great options to hold your baby. It will also allow you to be hands free so you can be doing something else while your baby naps.
21. Download the WonderWeeks app
This app provides so much insight into the mental “leaps” and fussier periods your baby will go through. Your baby’s timeline might not match up identically with the app but the insight it provides is very helpful.
22. Always pack an extra outfit
Your baby will inevitably spit up or have a blowout no matter where you are so it is best to be prepared with an extra outfit for the baby (and for mom). Just trust me on this!
23. Get out of the house
Sunlight and fresh air are great for babies and moms, even if it is just a quick car ride or walk. It is a total mood boost no matter what.
24. Use cloth diapers as burp clothes
And keep them everywhere! This is the most affordable way to buy burp clothes and they work really well.
25. Use a small plastic drawers to store bottle parts
This is a genius tip because it is always so hard to keep all the bottle parts organized. Having small plastic drawers that sit on your counter is perfect for this.
26. Get a good quality baby monitor
There are so many baby monitors out there to choose from so it is important to do your research and read the reviews! Some features parents look for in a monitor is a solid video monitor, multiple cameras, good quality night light and wifi capabilities on a cell phone.
27. Have multiple safe places to put your baby
It might sound silly but when you need a break from snuggling, it is helpful to have a baby lounger, activity mat, crib or pack n play, etc.
28. Have a support system
The newborn days can be a rollercoaster so having people to call, to come over and help and to love on your baby when you need five minutes to shower is so so so important.
29. Breastfeeding might not work
Remember: fed is best. Seek help early on if you are struggling but there are a variety of reasons why nursing your baby might not work and that is ok.
30. Start a routine
It might feel like a big adjustment as a new mom but having a flexible routine will lead to a happier baby. A bedtime routine can be as simple as a bath, lotion, pajamas and a short book before one last bottle.
This post is all about the best tips for babies and moms during the first thirty days.