Bumblebeebaby Blog From one Mother to another - 5 Top Tips [Newborn]

The overwhelming feeling that sets in when you become a Mom (or Dad) for the first time is something that cannot be taught or preached ... It's an emotion reserved just for you ... There are certain 'more practical' aspects to your role that soon become second nature but more often than not ... these are the things that are passed down from family and friends...We would like to share 5 of our Top Tips with you ...1. Shop till you drop OR NOT: By all means, apply this principal/ practice to every other aspect of your consumable rituals .. but when it comes to shopping for your newborn .. there is really very little you need. Major furniture/ travel systems aside ... grab yourself a Cot/ Mosses basket [forget the pretty/ frilly/ cute bumpers - they are not safe]; basic vests/ babygros; muslin (breathable) swaddles [can be used as sheets, blankets, sun shades - the list is endless]; nappies + wipes [or cotton wool]; baby sling or carrier [you will never again appreciate the use of both your hands - simultaneously] and that is about it ... Feeding consideration - depending on whether you choose to breast or bottle feed ... your shopping list will change accordingly. If you choose to breast feed and question whether you will have the confidence to feed in public, no need to panic, grab yourself one of these ... BBB Peek-a-Boo Nursing Wrap. Now you are sorted!2. Sleeping Baby: Your baby should be placed in his/ her cot* with his/ her feet firmly against the base of the bed so that the toes are touching the end of the cot. Your baby should also be placed on his/ her back with no soft toys, heavy loose blankets [baby sleeping bags are a great and safe option] or sleep positioning aids. As mentioned, cot bumpers are a no no ... by all means accessorise your nursery as you wish however 'dress' their cot with one factor in mind ... their safety.3. Bath Time: It is not uncommon to wait up to 10 days or so, post birth to bath your baby for the first time... It is often recommended not to bath your baby immediately post birth as babies are born with a natural skin protectant [vernix - white, kind of looks like wavy cream cheese]. This amazing substance also has immunity properties and lives up to being the best moisturiser. Amniotic fluid, which bathed the baby before birth has the ability to provide some extra resistance to infection as well, so the longer it remains on the skin, the better for baby. When it comes to bathing your baby ... again ... less is more ... JUST water is ideal! 4. Human Talons: Don't be surprised if your little one is born with a healthy set of long finger nails ... especially if they are term (38+ weeks). The nail bed/ nail is incredibly soft and therefore the best way to keep them trim is to gently nibble/ bite the nail to shorten them. Babies tend to scratch their faces so its a good idea to keep their nails short and neat. Hand mittens (or little socks) are a good option to avoid facial scratches [yours and theirs].5. Touch, Read and Talk: So your baby has finally arrived and whilst your mind is swimming with reams of information, instructions and heaps of uncertainty ... don't forget [sleep deprivation will ensure you do ... ] to stick to the basics. Even at this incredibly young age babies respond to your touch and the sound of your voice more than you will know. Take time to talk to your little one ... discuss your day, tell them about their family, verbalise your day as you wobble through it ... If you run out of things to say ... read a book to them ... Steal every cuddle you can - you are NOT spoiling your child. There is no such thing as indulging in love ! We would love to hear from you ... What are your top tips for new Moms and Dads?The BumbleBeeBaby Team.