One of the most important job titles people may have in their lifetime is ‘mom’ or ‘dad.’ While there may be no manual or orientation to prepare one for this new role, we have come to offer some advice for first-time parents to better prepare for the journey and experiences that come ahead. Becoming a parent can feel scary, especially if it’s your first child. At Dreamland, we get it. We’ve been in the shoes of new parenthood and are here to help. Keep reading as we uncover some of the best baby advice and hacks for parents to navigate what is to come.
Our Tips for First-Time Parents
What do you say to a new parent?
Perhaps you’re a friend or family member of soon to be new parents and wondering what words of wisdom you can offer. While some parents may seek advice from loved ones, sometimes it’s best to keep it simple if you’re unsure what to say. You can express your happiness for the new parents, congratulate them on their new baby, and express how excited you are to play a role in that child’s life. New parents will need all the support that they can get, and by ensuring they feel supported can mean much more than words.
What is some good baby advice?
As we just mentioned, support is key. One of the best pieces of baby advice for new parents is to accept help, including asking for help when you need it. Taking time for yourself will benefit your entire family as you will be able to be your best self when you care for yourself too. It will be important to remind yourself along the way that you are learning and that things will get easier as you adjust to new parent life. With a new baby, sleep may be scarce, but it’s so important for mom, dad, and baby. Advising new parents to establish a sleep routine early on is good advice. Furthermore, clue them in on using a weighted sleep sack or swaddle to help get the baby to sleep faster, and keep them sleeping longer.
What qualities make a good parent?
From varying parenting styles to differing personalities, no one parent will be the same- and that is okay. Here are some qualities that can make good parenting seem a bit more seamless.
Nurturing and Supportive: Being nurturing, showing love, and being supported are all things that parents do that make children feel as if they have a safe place. Starting even in infancy, the bond you share with your little one is apparent when they seek you for comfort in times of distress.
Patience: Be patient, especially with yourself, as much as you are your little one. You will both experience new things, new developmental stages, and navigate new norms. When you are patient with yourself, your reactions may become more thoughtful versus quick and brash.
Lead by example: Display behaviors that you would like your child to embody. Role models are important for children as they shape who they will become, what values they hold, and behavioral characteristics they take through life.
What do first-time parents struggle with the most?
One of the most tried and true forms of advice for new parents is to get sleep when your baby is sleeping. This can be easier said than done, especially with a fussy baby. First-time parents undoubtedly struggle most with the exhaustion that comes from the lack of sleep that they experience. Finding ways to keep your baby feeling calm will allow them to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. So, just how do you execute this? The secret is Dreamland weighted swaddles, sleep sacks, and blankets. With our safety certified weighted sleeping products, your baby will feel relaxed and calm, allowing you both to get the sleep that is so deserved. When you can provide your little ones the best sleep possible, you provide yourself the opportunity for better sleep. Good sleep results in much happier and even healthier families.
Shop Dreamland Baby Sleep Sacks & Swaddles
What should a first-time parent do?
If you’re reading this blog, you or someone you love is already starting to prepare for parenthood. Reading and researching can help parents-to-be understand some of the things that can be expected. While preparation helps, you will soon come to find out that parenthood is all about rolling with the punches. Things may not always go as planned, and it is from those moments that you become a stronger parent. Trust in yourself that you will navigate parenthood to the best of your availability, you’ve got this.
What do you need as a first-time parent?
Every first-time parent will need support. Support can come in many forms, from people to products. One of the must have new parent items will be a Dreamland weighted sleep swaddle. The easy-to-use swaddle band makes first-time parents swaddling a breeze, eliminating the struggle of learning to swaddle with a crying newborn. With its evenly distributed weight from the baby’s shoulders to toes, your newborn will be safe, secure, and relaxed as they head into a peaceful sleep.
As your baby transitions to different sleep needs, the swaddle can be adjusted in three ways: both arms in, one arm in, or both arms out. No matter the option, your little one will feel like they are wrapped in a hug—what better way to fall asleep?
For a baby who has transitioned out of the need for a swaddle, our weighted sleep sack will provide your baby that same comfort without any arm restriction. Perfect for babies who can sit, roll over, or stand. Both our swaddle and the sleep sack were designed with a two way zipper, making those middle of the night diaper changes much less of a hassle.
Some final words of wisdom for new parents:
As you have read and will experience soon, parenting can come with unexpected challenges and will require some rolling with the punches. Being patient and kind to yourself is a must as you navigate these new norms. When it comes to sleep, new sleep schedules and lack of sleep are a big part of adjusting to life with a baby. Doing what you can to help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer will help your whole family be happier and healthier. When you are happier and healthier, you become even more capable to handle all that parenthood may bring. Dreamland’s weighted sleeping products are just what you need to help your baby feel relaxed and calm to help them sleep soundly. Your family deserves nights of sound sleep and we are here to help!
