Being a new parent comes with a multitude of challenges, and with these challenges comes fears.

Am I doing the right thing?

Am I doing things correctly?

What does this mean?

PS - the all new content hub for new parents at Nutricia can help ease your worries about your baby and new parent life.

Here are five common fears every new parent has and the strategies you can use to be the best new parent you can be. 

Is My Baby Getting Enough Sleep?

Sleep is an important part of life, for both you and your newborn baby. If your baby has a lack of sleep then so will you, as you will be up attending to their needs. Lack of sleep is a totally normal and common part of new parenthood that is inescapable but can be managed. 

Bedtime Routine 

Creating a bedtime routine for your baby can help ease them into sleep, hopefully allowing them to have a decent uninterrupted sleep. 

  1. Take them for a walk because movement is good for babies, and if they are under 6 months old hold them in a sling while you walk 
  2. Give them a warm bath or soothing massage to help them relax and initiate downtime 
  3. Lay them down at the same time every day in a cosy environment with no distractions

Comfort 

Comfort is key for babies, so ensure they are dressed appropriately for bed (i.e. don’t dress them in ill-fitting clothes they will be uncomfortable in); check their temperature and if they have a stuffy nose; ensure there are no nasal irritants like excess dust or harsh fragrances around as their noses are very sensitive. For the first few months have their cot next to your bed so you can attend to them quickly and begin establishing secure connections with them. 

Why Is My Baby Crying? 

Crying is the most common worry of parents, following lack of sleep. Babies crying is normal, with heightened activity peaking around the 6-8 week mark.

Babies communicate their needs to us through crying, so more often than not they are letting us know they are hungry, sleepy, or need a nappy change.

Respond to their needs and if they are still unsettled try to reduce the stimulation around the baby by placing them in a quiet, dimmed room.

Cuddle them, pat their back, play white noise or relaxing music, and take them for a walk if needed.

If they seem inconsolable check their temperature and consult a healthcare practitioner if they have a fever. 

Is My Baby’s Poop Normal?

Before you have children, baby poop will not be on your list of things to think about let alone worry about. It isn’t until you hear the term ‘black poop’ that makes you scared!

Don’t fret though, babies are known to have many different stool colours.

But how can you tell when it’s normal or if they need medical assistance? Here is our colour cheat sheet:

  • Black: Normal for the first few days, known of meconium. Seek advice if it lasts longer than a week. 
  • Mustard Yellow: Normal. 
  • Bright Yellow: Possibly diarrhea, monitor symptoms and contact doctor if persists.
  • Orange or Red: Possibly caused by dark-red coloured foods and drinks, however could be a sign of infection or blood in the stool, in which case contact the doctor. 
  • Dark Green: Common, especially when babies are eating dark green foods such as spinach and peas. 
  • White or Grey: Not normal, contact your doctor.

Their bowel movements should gradually become looser and yellow within the first few days, but if it is excessively runny then it could be a sign of diarrhea. Babies normally move their bowels once a day, or even up to 8 times per day, but this can change depending on their diet and liquid consumption. 

Is My Home A Safe Environment?

We have all heard of child proof homes or child proofing houses, but what does this mean? 

Making sure your environment is safe for your little one to roam freely and not harm themselves in the process.

This requires spacial adaptation so injuries are prevented.

When childproofing your home, start where your baby will be spending most of its time because it is an overwhelming task to do all at once. It is also recommended you do this at least three months before birth, so the space is ready to go for your new bub without this added stress. 

Also, the earlier you rearrange your home, the more time you have to adapt to it too and get used to using baby gates and cabinet securers.

Here are some tips to follow:

  • Secure furniture and television 
  • Be careful of window cords, reinstall if necessary 
  • Use baby gates around the house to secure areas, not just for the top and bottom of stairs and fireplaces 
  • Do not have candles or matches lying around 
  • Place photo frames up high 
  • Cover power strips or hide them behind furniture 
  • If you have glass furniture like coffee tables, make sure they’re tempered and shatter-proof 
  • Use corner guards for furniture to protect the sharp edges 
  • Use cabinet securers like locks or latches, especially for lower cabinets and drawers in the kitchen and bathrooms 
  • Make sure appliances are not accessible
  • Have a water thermometer to check bath temperature to avoid scalding 
  • Keep the toilet seat down or implement a toilet seat lock 
  • Have your medicine and alcohol in high cabinets out of reach 

Click here for more safety tips for other areas inside and outside the home.  

Am I Meeting My Child’s Emotional Needs?

Responding to the emotional needs of your newborn is challenging, and it also impacts your own emotional state and needs. Ensure you and your baby get enough support and rest during this new and transitional time.

When you become a parent, it is normal for you to grieve the life you used to have while simultaneously being grateful for the new chapter you are embarking on. Take time for yourself to still do some things you enjoy while looking after your little one, as they respond to how you present yourself to them.

Be sensitive to their needs and attend to them in a timely manner to help construct healthy attachments and feelings of safety and security.

The more warm, loving and responsive you are to them, the better they respond to you and the better you feel in return.

Over time you will learn your child’s cues - when they smile at you, smile back; when they cry, soothe; and when hungry, feed them.

It seems simple but responding positively has a big impact on them. The more ‘face time’ you have with your child helps meet their emotional needs too, as they learn who you are and become more comfortable around you. When they turn away from you they might be overstimulated and need a rest. 

At the end of the day it is important to trust your instincts. You know your baby the best and have the tools needed to love and care for them accordingly.

FYI, this article was a content collaboration with Nutricia Australia. As per the MAIF Agreement, breast milk is best for babies and a healthy diet is important for breastfeeding. A decision not to breastfeed, or partial bottle feed, may reduce milk supply making it difficult to reverse. Consider the cost and social impact of feeding methods. Use formula as directed, as improper use can affect baby’s health.