10 New Parent Tips for Navigating Early Parenthood Together

Whether you’re new to motherhood or new to fatherhood it is a good idea to equip yourself with practical tips and advice that can help ease the transition into parenthood. Partners don’t need to feel left out either, there are plenty of ways you can bond with your baby and support your partner so you’re a strong family unit, right from the start. From trusting your instincts to building a supportive network, the following tips for new parents aim to provide practical advice for new parents navigating this new world. 

New parent tip 1: Help in the hospital

At the hospital they’ll often offer support classes for new parents which cover how to change a nappy, bathe a newborn and help your crying baby. This will help you feel like a more confident caregiver for when your baby comes home. Working together will help the load at home. For the breastfeeding parent, it’s a busy schedule alone. Get your partner to take some of the night shift by burping, changing and settling baby after a feed, while you get some well-earned zzzz’s.

If you’re bottle-feeding, then this is a great opportunity for new parents to enjoy shared twilight feeds and encourage parent-baby bonding from the start.

New parent tip 2: Get lots of skin-to-skin contact

Placing your naked baby (apart from nappy) on your bare chest has so many benefits - from regulating baby’s heart rate and temperature, to relaxing them and helping you to bond. A great time for skin-to-skin contact is after you’ve given your baby a bath, first thing in the morning or when you’re settling them back to sleep. You’ll no doubt enjoy the parent-baby bonding as much as they do.

New parent tip 3: Learn your baby’s cues

Look out for early signs of baby hunger cues, nappy change time and tired cues so you can support your baby’s routine before they start crying. Signs for a hungry baby can include sucking on hands, rooting and smacking lips together. Your baby’s tired cues can include yawning, irritability, and a glazed stare.

New parent tip 4: Talk to your newborn

Every word your baby hears helps to develop their language skills and strengthen your relationship with them. So, as well as reading to your baby, give them a running commentary on what you’re doing, no matter how mundane the task might be - “I’m just packing the dishwasher, so our plates are clean”, as well as whispering sweet nothings and telling them how much you love them of course.

New parent tip 5: Build a support network

Everyone needs a solid support system. Support for parents can come from helpful family members and understanding friends to that all-important mum’s group. All of these avenues can offer advice, babysitting and even a much-needed laugh! Beyond that, ensure you have a selection of experts on hand too. Qualified professionals will be able to answer any unique questions you have, easing any worries.

New parent tip 6: Listen to your intuition

As first-time parents, learn to trust your instincts when it comes to your new baby. This instinct, often referred to as motherly or fatherly intuition, is an insightful guide that can help you understand your baby’s needs. You know your baby best, if you sense that something may be amiss - whether it’s unusual sleeping patterns or fussier when he feeds - don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare professional. Acting on these feelings not only helps ensure your baby’s well-being but also helps your confidence as a parent.

New parent tip 7: Make time for self-care

Self-care is so important, for both your mental and physical health. You’re a new parent, but that’s only part of your identity. Keep up a hobby that you enjoyed before your baby came along, whether that’s drawing, playing an instrument or a fitness class. Be kind to yourself and keep reframing that inner monologue into something more positive. You’re not failing; you’re learning. Keep in contact with family and friends you can share the highs and lows of parenting with. It helps to talk through any difficult moments and they might even have their own first time parent tips to offer. Don’t forget to make sure your partner gets some self-care time too! If you had any questions or concerns, seek advice from your healthcare professional.

New parent tip 8: Take care of your relationship

Having a baby is a life-changing experience - and it may not turn out to be the romantic picture of parenthood you had in mind - so it’s more important than ever that as first time parents you are open and honest with each other about how you’re feeling and any strains it’s putting on the relationship. Yes, there may be a new VIP in town, but show each other how much you’re still in love. If you and your partner are feeling like you need more time adjusting to life as the three of you, just say no (politely) to guests when it becomes too much, so they don’t have to. There’s plenty of time for people to see your new addition.

New parent tip 9: Sharing household duties

In the first few weeks after the birth, consider the amount of household chores that need to be outsourced or re-arranged while breastfeeding is established. Organise pre-cooked frozen meals and ready-made snacks be ready for when you get home from hospital. As you get into the rhythm of things, have a chat about how you’ll be sharing parenting and household duties so you’re clear on who’s doing what.

New parent tip 10: Take lots of photos!

The first weeks and months of parenthood may fly by in a blur and your baby changing is every day. Make sure you’re both taking lots of pictures to document it. Whether it’s feeding time, story time, bath time - capture it. It doesn’t have to be styled and posed to post on social media to be a valuable memory for you and your partner to look back on in years to come.