Top Tips for New & Expectant Parents
Being a newborn baby photographer I of course work with mostly new parents. Becoming a new parent is life altering. There are so many joyful moments and the true experience of unconditional love. There are however the hard times with it. The sleepless nights, the constant feeding and changing etc. It can be very overwhelming. I can guarantee all new parents have experienced this overwhelm in the early days. So I put a request out to my social media followers to tell me the best advice they got and would recommend to new parents. See some of the responses below along with my own tips!
Accept help when it is offered! This could be anything from holding the baby so you can eat or sleep to allowing someone to assist with chores. Tiredness really does make the smallest tasks feel incredibly hard so take the help where you can to alleviate some of the pressure
If you have older children, get them a gift from the baby. I had one ready in my hospital bag, a mini playmobil set for the new baby to give my son in the hospital. He loved it! It made him feel special and thought of in that moment too
Bonding with your baby. Not everyone feels that instant connection and that is perfectly normal! Sometimes it takes a little longer. Things to help the connection along are skin-to-skin time with your baby, singing to them or just talking to them
Feeling overwhelmed or baby simply won’t settle? Get outside! I lost count how many times I would go for walks with my baby in the stroller and the fresh air would calm them and they’d fall straight to sleep. A short walk and fresh air does wonders for parents too. It really is a great stress reliever
Communicate with your partner. Parenting can be a lot for both parents. It is important to say how you are feeling and if you are in need of more support. Do not expect your partner to be a mind reader. Equally, try to understand how your partner may be feeling and how you can best support them during this life changing time
Must have items: Lots of Muslins! More than you think you’ll need
Feeding pillow
Snotsucker for when baby gets them horrible colds that make it hard to feed
Sleepsuits with built in mittens on the sleeveA great Newborn Baby Photographer ;) of course. This time goes so fast and it is such a huge moment in your life. Capturing baby in the first couple of weeks is something you will not regret! Of course if you are local to Stevenage, Hertfordshire area then send me a message :)
