10 Essential Things to Know Before Having a Newborn

There’s nothing as exciting and emotional as having a child, especially for the first time. When you’re a new first-time parent, things can get a little stressful, though. You’ll have a little person to look after and love, and you’ll want to make sure you’re doing it right.

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, there are a few things to know before having a newborn. By being as informed as possible before they arrive, you’ll avoid yourself getting all worked up and worried when they’re here. If your baby gets here soon, it’s worth diving into them.

Things To Know Before Having A Newborn: 3 Top Picks

1. Don’t Fear The Soft Spot

Your baby’s head will have a soft spot, which lets it pass through your birth canal when they’re being born. While this eventually goes away, there’ll be some time when a part of their head is noticeably softer than the rest. That’s more than enough to make many new parents worried, such as when you’re swaddling them or combing their hair.

You shouldn’t be afraid of this soft spot, though. Instead, be gentle with them and you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Since you’ll be doing this anyway, everything will be okay.

2. Know When To Go To The Doctor

There’ll be plenty of times when you’ll need to take your newborn to the doctor. Even the signs of fever in newborns could be enough to make you concerned. In many cases, though, you might be overreacting a little. Speak to the doctor or midwife on the phone first to see if you should bring your newborn in.

You shouldn’t need to do this constantly. It’s usually a matter of using your best judgment, and everything should work out okay.

3. Dry Skin Is Normal

Your newborn might feel all soft and silky when they first arrive, but it’s possible that could change. In the days and weeks after they’re born, you could find their skin feels relatively dry. You could get stressed about that, as it’s completely different from how they felt at the start.

There’s no cause for alarm with this, though. Dry skin is normal in newborns and you don’t need to do anything about this. In time, you’ll see this dry skin flake off and they’ll be back to feeling like they used to. It might be worth using a hypoallergenic baby lotion when this is happening.

4. Breastfeeding can be challenging

While breastfeeding is natural, it can be challenging for many new moms. It’s important to seek help from a lactation consultant if you’re experiencing difficulties. They can provide you with tips and advice to make breastfeeding more comfortable and effective.

5. Newborns need to sleep a lot

Newborns need a lot of sleep, up to 17 hours a day. It’s important to create a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby. Always place your baby on their back to sleep, and avoid loose bedding or soft objects in the crib.

6. Your baby will cry a lot

Crying is how babies communicate, and your newborn will cry a lot in the first few months of life. It’s important to respond to your baby’s cries promptly and try to soothe them. Remember, crying is normal, and it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.

7. Diapers need to be changed frequently

Newborns go through a lot of diapers, up to 10 or more per day. It’s important to change your baby’s diaper frequently to prevent diaper rash and discomfort.

8. Your baby will have a unique personality

While your baby is still developing, it will begin to show signs of its unique personality. Some babies are more laid back, while others are fussier. It’s important to respond to your baby’s cues and adjust your parenting style accordingly.

9. You don’t need to buy everything new

While it’s tempting to buy all-new baby gear, it’s not always necessary. Many items, such as clothing and toys, can be purchased secondhand or borrowed from friends or family.

10. Self-care is important

Taking care of a newborn can be exhausting, and it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Make time for self-care, whether taking a nap, going for a walk, or practicing relaxation techniques. We have some great tips here.

BONUS – Don’t compare your baby to others

Every baby develops at their own pace, and it’s important not to compare your baby to others. Trust that your baby is growing and developing in their own time, and don’t worry if they don’t hit milestones at the same time as other babies.

Things To Know Before Having A Newborn: Wrapping Up

There are more than a few things to know before having a newborn. While many of these are relatively obvious, some of them aren’t. If you want to avoid any worry and stress while making sure you’re looking after them properly, it’s worth being as informed as possible before your baby gets here.

Pin for later: