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Caring for a new baby
Having a baby means big changes. The first weeks will be tiring as you:
- learn how to care for your baby
- get used to what your baby needs.
Becoming a parent can change your:
- sleep
- mood
- relationships
- lifestyle
- identity.
Things you can do
Share tasks with your partner
Talking calmly with your partner is one of the keys to helping each other get used to the new role of parenting.
Each parent will have their own way of parenting. Try to be supportive and encouraging because everyone is learning a new role.
Make time as a couple so you can connect regularly. It may seem difficult but even talking for 15-minute every day can make a big difference.
The What Were We Thinking? parenting program has some online conversation starter worksheets called About Mums and Dads Worksheets. http://www.whatwerewethinking.org.au/
Be organised but flexible
Plan what you can to keep some order but be realistic. You can’t plan for everything. Your baby may be sick or need changing just as you are about to leave the house. These things happen. You need to be kind, not harsh, with yourself and your family.
Some cultures encourage mothers to stay at home after the baby is born. It is best if you can get help and support in the early months. This may be from family, friends, neighbours, a mother’s group, cultural organisations or by making time for regular calls with family living overseas.
Ask your partner and family to help with this and other things like:
- shopping
- meal preparation
- cleaning and laundry.
Accept help
Accept help from family and friends – and you can also ask for help – whether it’s for meals, doing things around the house, shopping, or to give you a break to shower or rest.
Connect with other parents
Making friends with other parents is helpful. Being able to chat, laugh and watch and learn from each other will help support you on your parenting journey.
Staying alone as a parent is not good for you or your baby.
Dad roles have changed dramatically over the last 40 years. Getting support from other dads can be helpful.
The Better Dads website may be useful. http://betterdads.com/
Ask for help
There are many support services available and you are encouraged to access them. You and your baby’s health and wellbeing matters.
See our useful contacts list on the home page for links to support services and additional help.
Sleep and rest when possible
Try to rest when your baby sleeps.
Sharing the baby’s care
The transition to becoming a family is a joyful experience but it can also be physically and emotionally stressful on you and your partner.
Your partner and family can share the baby’s care by:
- taking care of the baby for small breaks
- placing the baby on your partner’s chest for skin-to-skin contact
- bathing and massaging the baby
- changing the baby’s nappy
- cuddling and settling
- carrying the baby in a sling or carrier
- putting the baby on their tummy (tummy time)
- singing, reading and talking with your baby.
All these activities will help your partner and family members bond with the baby. Don’t worry if they do things differently. these differences in handling baby can have a positive effect on your baby's growth and development.
