Bringing a newborn baby into your home is one of the most exciting, rewarding, and challenging things you will ever experience. Life will never be the same. The early days—and nights—are when the real work begins.
You’ll be on diaper-changing duty, there will be lots of feeding and diaper changes, and that means lots of laundry to do. Most new parents feel exhausted. It takes a while to get into the swing of things and learn what to expect when caring for your baby.
But the good news is you don’t have to figure everything out by yourself. There are great tips and tricks that can make life with a newborn easier for you and your little one. Here are some newborn life hacks that you may find useful.
How To Make Life With A Newborn Easier
1. Set Up a Routine (But Be Flexible)
Newborns (0-3 months) thrive on routines and repetition. This is the best way for them to learn and understand the world around them. In the womb, it’s 24/7 predictable, so a newborn will need to adjust to a new, sometimes unpredictable environment with different patterns and schedules.
You won’t have a daily schedule for a few weeks or even months. You’ll adjust and adapt to your newborn baby as you go.
Try to do at least one or two things the same way each day at the same time, like a bedtime bath or post-lunch walk, to keep some semblance of routine for your little one.
Related: 5 Ways to Be an Organized Mom
2. Accept Help (And Ask for It!)
For first-time parents, it can be difficult to accept help. You may want to do everything by yourself. However, accept all the help you can get. Your friends and family are likely eager to lend a hand. They can help with everything from bringing over a home-cooked meal to cleaning the floors.
If a friend or family member offers to help, don’t feel obligated to decline. Help with cleaning or running errands for a few hours a day can go a long way. It will help you catch up on some much-needed rest and recharge your energy.
Set up a meal train with your friends and family. Easy access to meals in the first few weeks will be a lifesaver.
3. Take Advantage of Naptime (For Both of You)
Newborns sleep a lot, and when they do, it’s the best feeling in the world. When your newborn naps, make sure to nap with them. If you need to get things done, go ahead and do them, but if possible, try to rest when they sleep.
Sleep deprivation is real. You’re going to be bone-tired for a few months. As soon as your little one falls asleep, make sure you catch a few winks too.
If you can’t nap during the day, sleep while your baby sleeps. You’ll at least feel more rested, even if it’s only for a few hours.
Related: 10 Benefits of Co-Sleeping with Your Baby
4. Keep Baby Gear Simple
Your baby won’t need as much as you think. Sure, baby stores will tempt you with tons of different gear and accessories, but you’ll end up using a small fraction of what you purchase. Stick to the basics: diapers, wipes, clothes, a safe place to sleep (like a crib or bassinet), and a few bottles.
A few pairs of onesies, some socks, and blankets will do for clothes during the first few months.
Pro Tip: Opt for simple, comfortable gear, like a good baby carrier and a stroller. Fewer items mean less cleaning and less for you to worry about.
5. Focus on Bonding and Skin-to-Skin Contact
One of the best things you can do to make life with your newborn easier is to bond with them. Skin-to-skin contact is a great way to promote bonding. It brings out many health benefits and helps calm and regulate your baby.
Skin-to-skin contact calms the nervous system and releases oxytocin, a stress-regulating hormone in the body. Your baby will also be soothed by the constant and rhythmic motion of your heartbeat. Hold your baby close, take a few minutes to yourself to rest, breathe, and enjoy being with your little one. This creates a calming environment for your newborn and helps you relax too.
Make sure to get as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. This is one of the best ways to bond with your newborn.
Related: 10 Diaper Bag Essentials Checklist For Newborn
6. Manage Expectations and Be Kind to Yourself
Expectations can be tough to manage, but you’ll need to be realistic about what you can achieve each day. The first few months will be tough, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Don’t expect to cook gourmet meals every day, and don’t expect the house to be sparkling clean.
Allow yourself some time to rest, take a shower, or do whatever you can. Set goals that you can achieve, like resting for 30 minutes while the baby is sleeping or taking a shower.
Don’t feel guilty about asking for help or taking time for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so self-care is essential.
7. Simplify Breastfeeding (or Bottle-Feeding)
If you are breastfeeding, you’ll want to make it as easy and quick as possible. Find a comfortable place to feed and use a pillow or breastfeeding chair. This will help you hold your baby and make breastfeeding easier on your back.
Have a bottle of water and some snacks by your side to stay hydrated and energized. For bottle-feeding, you can prepare your bottles in advance, making nighttime feedings a little smoother. A bottle warmer or easy access to bottles will save time.
As long as your baby is getting the nutrition they need, try not to stress over the feeding process. Relax and go with the flow.
Related: How to Survive Breastfeeding at Night
8. Limit Visitors and Social Obligations
When your newborn comes home, you’ll likely want to show off your bundle of joy. While visitors can be exciting, it’s important to limit them and see friends when you’re ready. Newborns are tiring, and you will both need to rest. This means you’ll have limited time and energy for social obligations.
Don’t worry about disappointing family or friends if you have to turn down an invitation. Take the time to bond with your little one as a family.
Be clear with family and friends and tell them you need your space. It’s better to set clear expectations than to feel overwhelmed later.
9. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Did you know that postpartum recovery is a real thing? If you had a C-section or vaginal delivery, your body needs time to heal. Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated.
If you can, try light exercise or stretches to help with any aches or pains. Gentle movement will help improve your energy and mood as you recover.
Consult your doctor if you’re unsure about how to manage postpartum pain or exhaustion.
Related: 8 Natural Benefits of Breastfeeding for Mom and Baby
10. Trust Your Instincts
Trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. It’s okay to ask for help and advice, but remember that you’re the expert when it comes to your baby.
Family and friends might offer all kinds of advice, but at the end of the day, you should follow your gut. Parenting isn’t a perfect science. There’s no one-size-fits-all rulebook. It’s about listening to your baby and to yourself, adjusting as you go.
Every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Follow your own journey and do what feels right for you and your baby.
Final Thoughts
Life with a newborn is hard work, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. There’s no way to be fully prepared for the hard work ahead, but by using these newborn life hacks, it can be a little easier for both you and your little one.
With patience, self-care, and a little help from those around you, you’ll navigate this transition more smoothly and confidently. Remember, you’ve got this—one day at a time.
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