Life is full of equal parts challenge and reward. From study to work and everything in between, there will be trials, and there will be happiness. And parenting fits this frame as well. Raising kids is a joyful, difficult and rewarding process all at once.
And one of the most challenging times is when your baby is brand new. Luckily for you, we’ve put together this helpful list of six tips for making your life easier to manage as a new parent. Read on to discover more.
Get a High Chair
You’ll need to look at some high chairs early on, so your baby can have a spot at the table with you for meals. There are lots of types available for sale, and they are all mostly good. You don’t have to opt for a super fancy one either, save your money and get one that works well for your needs.
Bulk Cook
With a newborn, you will be sleep-deprived. There’s no way around this. Newborns need feeding every two to three hours, so both parents will be up around the clock attending to this. This means that for a while you’ll be making your way through life with a bit of a fuzzy head.
By doing a bulk cook on the weekend, you can conserve your energy through the week. Cook big batches of soup, pasta sauce, curry or other foods that can be easily frozen and reheated. You’ll appreciate how little effort you need to go to mid-week to prepare a meal, and you’ll conserve your energy for other tasks.
Clean as You Go
Gone are the days when you could dedicate a half or a whole day to the chores. Your baby will demand your time and presence, meaning that the housework can slip to the side. To avoid your home descending into mess and chaos, make a habit of quickly cleaning as you go about your day.
You can quickly wipe the benches down between feeds, or vacuum or just do a general tidy up. Take advantage of nap time for this as well, but don’t neglect our next tip either.
Rest When You Can
Again, a newborn is hard work, and you’ll be frequently exhausted. Make sure to rest where and when you can, for instance when your baby is sleeping or is quiet and content.
Take Time Out and Time Together
Each parent needs time apart from the family and the baby for a little while a week. This is so you can each engage in your hobbies or just have a break. And you also need time to devote to your relationship, so try to get baby minded once a week so you can step out and have a date night or day.
Ask for Help
Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for support if you have friends or family nearby. Many people would love a chance to spend time with your new baby, so let them. This way you can get a chance to have a break or head out together, as we suggest above.
Summing Up
Life with a new baby can be challenging, but it is full of rewards too. Get a good high chair, and bulk cook on the weekends to save your energy through the week. Clean as you go to keep the house in order, and rest when and where you can. Make sure to take some time out on your own (for each partner) and have a date night frequently. And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family.
