Bringing Your Baby Home
April 27, 2009
Bringing the baby home is the first major event as a parent, after the birth of your baby. It is also the first event in which the entire family participates, including yourself as the parents and your baby as the new member of the family.
A newborn baby brings with it hope and a sense of freshness to your lives. You will want this first journey with your newborn to be as perfect as possible. To ensure that this is the case, follow some of the advice listed below.
Leaving the Hospital
• The first step is to ensure that the baby and mother are comfortable. Loose fitting clothes or dresses with elastic bands or drawstrings are recommended for mothers as she most certainly will not be able to fit into her pre-pregnancy wardrobe.
• The baby can be dressed as per the weather; a cotton T-shirt and diaper will do for warm weather. If it is winter, wrap him up in woolen overalls and bundle him up in a blanket. A cap is also recommended. The general rule of thumb is to keep it simple. Complicated outfits will be uncomfortable and make the journey unpleasant.
• It is important that you follow the doctor’s advice about all matters, everything from bathing, to feed timings, burping, and when the next checkup should occur. Do your homework and make sure you know as much as possible before you leave the hospital.
In the Car
• An infant car seat is very important for the safety of the child. It is not safe to cradle the baby in your arms or lap. He could be jerked out of your arms and pass through the dashboard. Even if no serious injury were to occur, stopping hastily or braking suddenly could jolt the baby. The car seat should be purchased and installed before the journey. If you have rented a car, get a car with a car seat included.
• The drive should be gentle and smooth. Do not rush to your destination. You waited nine months to get your darling into this world, and you have him for a lifetime. So taking an extra five to ten minutes to get to your destination is not a big deal.
Initial Nervousness
• It is natural to be nervous, especially if you are first-time parents. At times you will be elated, and at other times fearful. This is to be expected because a baby brings a huge change in your life.
• Most first time mothers are fascinated by the baby. They forget their husbands, who are relegated to the background. It is normal and, dare I say, a primitive instinct. The baby is helpless and too tiny to look after itself. Fathers should not sulk. Once the child gets a bit older, things will return to normal.
• At first, your life will revolve around the baby’s schedule; the feedings, its naptime, its bath. You should accept this fact and adjust your lifestyle accordingly to ensure that you do not miss the little joys and different milestones of development.
• Babies wail a lot; they always do during the first few weeks. So do not panic. It should diminish within a couple of weeks.
At Home
• If you have other children, do not neglect them. Involve them in the caring of the baby. It will create a bond between the siblings.
• Pets are normally protective of infants, but just to be on the safe side, give your pet your baby’s blanket to smell and play with. This will familiarize your pet with the baby, and create a bond between the two.
• Take it easy for the first few days. Avoid inviting guests over, and catch up on sleep and rest. You need to recover your health and sleep before you can take care of others.
Really very very useful tips for all parents. After my sister delivered a baby she and her husband were extremely nervous. At first I didn’t understand the reason, but now I see. It’s really a great change and you need some time for recovering.
Great tips, being a mother is a very rewarding thing!