Having a newborn is hard during the best of times, especially if it’s your firstborn and you have next to no experience with babies. With lockdown in effect in many places around the globe, you may be under even more pressure than usual. That’s because you won’t be able to use family members for help. Sure, they will be a phone call away, but they won’t be able to impart any direct knowledge or simply give you a break. Keeping your home ready for the baby’s arrival is one thing, but there are other steps you can take to give you the best chance of a smooth, low-stress transition during this time.
Get The Equipment Well In Advance
With the huge amount of people furloughed and out of work, it can be hard to make the right purchases. Make sure you get everything you need now and out of the way. It might be expensive doing it all at once, but if a financial crisis or recession hits you may be worse off. Get the items when you can. Get your crib or bassinet, look for your stroller, and start building a collection of clothes. You need to ensure you have the right items, so do your research. Also, don’t just buy without measuring and making sure they are the right fit for your home. By getting what you need in advance, you can put your mind at ease and also avoid any shortage due to businesses closing, etc.
Deep Clean
You will want to scrub your house down before the newborn arrives. This is usually done anyway, but you need to be extra careful with Covid-19 on the loose. Clean every surface and item, paying special attention to the baby’s nursery and play area. You also need to clean off everything you’ve brought home from the hospital. Babies don’t have the developed immune system of the rest of us, so they are more susceptible to germs.
It’s also important to be careful when you’re inviting new people to see the newborn. Make sure they are not sick and insist they don’t get too close. You will probably also want them to wear a mask and to wash their hands upon arrival. If you go out, thoroughly wash your hands when you get home before touching the infant. Be careful with your clothes, too. Hopefully, COVID will soon die down and we will get back to normal, but for now safety comes first.
Establish A Healthy Routine
Routines can help you as much as the baby. Try to get out for a daily walk since the fresh air and being around nature can help you feel happier and calmer, plus the exercise will help boost your mood and keep you healthy. Take the family along with you or enjoy the quiet break. Strap on a baby carrier or grab the stroller for a walk around your neighborhood or a nearby park. Of course, babies love sleeping in their stroller, so it’s a great time to catch up on your calls while your baby naps.
A routine is also important when it comes to feeding your newborn. An established routine means you can plan your day around most meals instead of having to drop everything and do it whenever the baby wants. Be sure to establish a clear feeding routine right away; otherwise, it can be harder to implement later on.
Use Technology
Take advantage of all kinds of technology platforms-such as Facetime, Zoom, and others-to allow your baby to see the faces of loved ones. Everyone will love seeing the baby and it will allow your baby to be introduced to relatives even from a distance. In addition, babies benefit from hearing new sounds and voices. If you’re unable to use any of these tech tools, then a simple phone call on speaker will do the job. Exposing your little one to new voices will only be good for them and it might also give you a little break while they are entertained for a short while.
How are you adjusting to a new baby during this time?
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