The early days of motherhood are often the most overwhelming. And it’s only natural.
After all, this is an entirely new chapter in your life. You now have a tiny little human to look after. Although this may seem daunting, you will quickly learn to navigate the challenges motherhood throws at you and become a professional in the process.
This being said, it never hurts to have some help by your side. That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide with 8 of our favourite mum hacks that we believe every newbie should know about.
Simplify Everyday Tasks
As a mother to a new born, you’ll soon learn that every minute counts. Therefore, a great way to make up for lost time is by simplifying everyday tasks. The less time you spend getting things done, the more you’ll be able to rest and recover your energy levels.
So, what are some tasks you can simplify? You can meal prep ahead of time and create freezer friendly portions to save time in the kitchen. Similarly, you can create a designated changing station with all your essential products nearby.
Make Time for Selfcare
Your baby will always be your priority. However, it’s equally crucial that you make time for yourself and consider your own needs. If you’re not feeling your best, it will be difficult to deliver your best.
Find little moments throughout the day to recharge or rejuvenate. If you are lucky enough to have friends and family willing to lend a helping hand, don’t hesitate to accept. Take a warm bath or try and take a nap while your baby is also sleeping.
Try White Noise to Relax Your Baby
White noise is a type of sound that occurs when a combination of all different frequencies are put together. This gentle type of sound is said to mimic the environment in the womb and helps babies calm down.
Download an app on your smartphone or search the web for a white noise machine to play in the background as you try to put your baby to sleep. Plus, if you live in a busy household, you can use white noise to drown out other noises and promote a calmer environment.
Create a Strong Support System
There’s no shame in asking for help when needed. Motherhood can be a tough stage of life, especially if you must go through it alone. There are plenty of people going through the same struggles as you, so remember you’re part of a greater shared experience.
Try to create a support network with family and friends. If you’ve recently moved to a new place or you live far from family, don’t hesitate to join a parenting group or online community. These spaces are designed to provide guidance and offer support.
Take Advantage of Baby Wraps
Also known as baby slings, baby wraps are pieces of long fabric used to knot around your chest, hip, or back that helps carry your baby. If you’re not a proud owner of one yet, check out these fashionable summer baby wraps.
Baby wraps are fantastic for both mums and babies. These soft pieces of fabric allow for skin-to-skin contact which your baby will love. For mums, you’ll be able to carry your baby without straining your back. Make sure to experiment with different wrapping techniques until you find the right one.
Embrace the Power of Routine
Humans are creatures of habit, and this is especially evident through the infancy period. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine and sleep schedule will work wonders when trying to get some rest.
We recommend you include activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, and soothing lullaby to help your baby sleep like an angel. Similarly, it’s a good idea to install some blackout blinds as your child will rest the best in a calm, dark, and comfortable environment. As your baby grows, you can change and adapt their routine to suit their needs.
Prioritise Bonding with Your Baby
There’s nothing like the bond you have with your child. Nevertheless, it’s an aspect of your relationship that can always be strengthened. Engage in skin-to-skin contact to increase oxytocin levels, lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and form a strong family bond. Similarly, skin-to-skin contact can help improve the baby’s ability to breastfeed.
Other ways to bond with your new born is by making eye contact and talking or reading to your little one. Contrary to popular belief, bonding isn’t always something that happens overnight. For some mothers, the bond with their baby develops gradually over the first year of their life.
Pack a Portable Changing Mat
You never know where or when you’ll need to change your baby. And not every bathroom is kid friendly. When disaster strikes, you’ll need to find a quick, convenient, and safe way to get your baby cleaned up.
Thankfully, you can purchase a portable changing mat and always store it in your diaper bag. Choose a model that is easy to clean, has pockets for storing wipes and diapers. It should also be compact enough to fit in your changing bag without taking up too much space.
Last but not least, it’s important to remember that motherhood is not always easy. Try to avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone’s journey as a mother is unique and some days will be easier than others. People are always quick to offer plenty of advice, but it’s most important to trust your instincts. What might work for one mother may not be the ideal solution for another.
If you do feel like you need some added help, don’t be afraid to voice your opinion and seek assistance. As we previously noted, there are plenty of support groups both online and in person. Here, you can receive great advice, speak to other mothers in your position, and share your own experience. Hopefully, this guide has illuminated some great tips and tricks to make everyday life all the easier.
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