Six Things Every New Parent Must Do

Bringing a sweet little angel into the world is a blessing. It is extremely rewarding and tough at the same time to be a new parent. You want to do everything right and provide to the best of your abilities. As their sweet smiles mesmerise you, there are few things that you need to keep in mind to ensure their well-being.

Here is a little guide to help you with the wonderful world of parenting.

##1) Sanitise

Sanitise as if your baby’s life depends on it (it does!). This includes everything the baby touches – toys, pacifiers, soothers, any utensil, bottles, etc. Ensure their environment is spick and span. An infant has a very low immune system and can succumb to illnesses very easily. Ensure anyone who is even mildly sick stays away from the baby. Your baby’s health comes first – educate everyone about the need for sanitisation.

##2) Breastfeed

Breast milk is the best food for your child. It is healthy, safe, easily digested and packed with every nutrient your baby needs for growth in its crucial first six months. The benefits of breast milk go even beyond – it helps build the immune system to protect against diseases, is known to protect against cancer and diabetes in later life and develops the brain. On the emotional side, the baby bonds with the mom better. This is why it is recommended only to breastfeed the baby in the first six months.

##3) Distribute responsibilities

It is understandable that you want to do everything by yourself for your precious child, but it can get very exhausting. They say, ‘It takes a village to raise a baby’, and it is the absolute truth. Build your village – whether it is your partner, in-laws, parents, hired help. Distribute responsibilities well so that no one feels the burnout. Grandparents will be more than willing to pitch in. Ensure you, as a new parent, to get as much rest/sleep as possible.

##4) Create an online memory box

We live in a world of camera phones and iPads. Take plenty of photos and videos. You don’t have to put them on social media if you have privacy concerns. What you can do instead is create an email id for your child and keep emailing these pictures and videos, with small sweet notes to this email id. Not only will this be a priceless memory capsule, but it can also be a great 18th birthday gift for your child. Just hand over the username and password to them.

##5) Baby proof the house

Once your bundle of joy starts moving around, you will have to make changes around the house. This will be a wonderful stage as you see them crawl, hold on to things to climb up and start walking. Move away furniture with sharp edges, keep glass and other precarious items out of their reach. Baby-proof drawers, doors, bathrooms, so they do not injure themselves. Put a soft carpet or bedding in their play area. And remember to keep a constant eye on them!

##6) Health insurance

A dreaded aspect of parenting is dealing with ailments. It’s an unavoidable part and parcel of raising a child. You will have to plan to ensure the best care for your precious little one. Invest in a good health insurance plan for your kid that will cover common sicknesses and, God forbid, any other illnesses. If you haven’t already, this is the time to buy health insurance coverage for yourself and your family.

Think ahead, recruit help and get ready – it’s going to be a beautiful journey!