Baby Care: Tips for Stressed Out Parents with a newborn. It doesn’t have to be this hard! Learn how to cope and deal with it with these savvy tips from a mom who has been there!
Being a parent is tough, especially when you don’t know what to do. We have all been there at some point and that is the most important thing to remember. Sometimes it can feel like your entire life has turned into managing bouts of endless crying. Baby care sure can get stressful! It does get better, I promise!
Here are some helpful tips for when you are feeling stressed :
Take a time out:
We all need a time out, even as adults. If you are stressed out, the first line of defence is to walk away. Make sure your child’s immediate needs are met such as being fed and changed. If your child is still upset and you are feeling stressed out, lay your baby in his or her bed and leave the room for 5 minutes to collect your cool. Better yet, if your partner or other family member is available let them take over the baby care while you go for Taking a time out is just as much needed for you as it is for your little bundle of joy.
Listen to music:
It is a scientific fact that music can have a tremendously relaxing effect on our bodies and emotions. The soothing power of music has a unique link to our emotions that trigger stress release and calms the mind and soul. Not only is it good for adults, but it can have the same effect on your child so try listening together.
Sing to your baby:
Like music, singing is proven to have a soothing power like no other form of parenting technique. Singing how you feel, what you want or even a sweet lullaby can lower your heart rate, pulse rate, breathing rate and calm your emotions creating a bond and calmness with your child.
Change the Lighting:
Try lighting candles, dimming the lights or turning the lights out altogether. Lighting can stimulate your little one and dimmer lighting can create a calming and relaxing feeling for both you and baby.
Dance:
Exercise goes hand in hand with music in decreasing stress. While listening to music, dance. Dancing raises your cardio, decreases stress and releases toxins promoting an emotional change that can be felt by you and your little one.
Skin on Skin
Hold your baby skin to skin; this allows the baby to absorb your body heat and can simulate the sounds and feelings of the womb. It is very calming for your little one as they can hear your heartbeat. For parents skin on skin stimulates bonding and promotes attachment and may decrease stress levels. If nothing else your baby will likely stop crying and that is a win.
Taking steps to decrease the stress of baby care will make you a better parent. Parenting is tough, but with these few tips, you will be parenting like a pro!
Elizabeth Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys travelling, developing easy recipes, crafting, taking on diy projects, travelling and saving money!
Mendez
Tuesday 2nd of April 2019
Be extremely careful when changing your baby's diaper. Make sure not to pull his/her feet and slow move from side to side when changing the diaper. Check from time to time whether the diaper is soiled or needs to be changed.
tabletshablet
Saturday 7th of July 2018
I do agree, music always changes a mood. simply love this article.... thanks for this article
Katie
Tuesday 15th of August 2017
Hi there. I was wondering if you have some similar tips for parenting with a toddler and a newborn.
Megan
Thursday 20th of July 2017
I sing to my baby a lot. Good to know it somehow releases my stress. Thanks for your tips.
Beth Bishop
Tuesday 28th of March 2017
If you want to nap but have trouble drifting off, turn off the ringer and make your bedroom as dark as possible. Earplugs can also cut out noises that might keep you up. And don't snooze for long periods of time. "If you nap for more than an hour or so, you'll enter what's called slow-wave sleep," Dr. Kryger explains. "When you wake up during this phase, you'll feel more tired and fuzzy than when you started." Limit your nap to one 30- to 45-minute session a day; that should be enough to help you feel more alert and refreshed.