Becoming a parent for the first time is a whirlwind of events. From carrying your baby to giving birth, your body does an incredible job at sustaining you and your child. Then, there’s after giving birth. Handling change and adjusting to this new way of life is a challenge. Fear not though Mama, with the right tools and mindset you are going to do wonders for your babe. For instance, if you need a good dentist for your child, call the dentist in las vegas.

Here’s our rundown of 15 ways to get a headstart in parenthood:

1. Where is your baby going to sleep?

Now that you have your due date, there’s a lot to figure out like where your baby is going to sleep. Fortunately, humanity knows a thing or two about parenthood. We’ve been doing it for thousands of years after all!

According to the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), baby’s shouldn’t be in their own rooms until they are at least 6 months old - better at 12 months. When babies are close by, the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is reduced. Also, it allows you to hear your little one’s feeding cues. If you intent to breastfeed, having your babe close by will help both of you. 

Moses baskets, cribs, side-along cots and nursery rooms are all part of the deal. But which one is right for you?

2. Hospital bag

Giving birth is no small task! Being prepared ahead of your due date with a well-packed hospital bag will make your transition into parenthood much easier. 

Try and pack the essentials as a minimum:

• Basic toiletries for yourself, such as toothbrush, shower gel, shampoo 

• TENS machine

• Spare clothes, underwear and pyjamas

• Baby clothes, muslins, nappies

• Small snacks to give you energy, such as jelly babies or flapjack squares

• Nursing bra and lanolin

Most hospitals will have towels and basic toiletries if you need them. So, don’t overthink it!

3. Nursing & maternity clothes

If you are planning on breastfeeding, investing in a good nursing bra ahead of your babe’s arrival will give you a good start. As you’ve probably realised, as your baby grows, so does your body! So get measured around the 34 week mark to get the best fit. 

Maternity clothes are no longer boring and frumpy either. So, shop around to find the best style that suits you! 

4. Clothes!

From nappies, wipes and cotton wool to babygrows and cute outfits, having essential clothes in your little one’s wardrobe before they arrive will make life so much easier once they are here! 

Try and keep age-appropriate clothes more accessible than ones that are for later. This will help keep things organised when washing takes over your life!

5. Nappy/changing station

Investing in a changing station or a hessian box to store all your nappies and accessories in will make changing your babe less stressful. You can keep everything you need in one place, and be able to keep on top of your supplies. There’s nothing worse than running out of nappies in your time of need!

6. Storage

Storage is a perfect solution to organising your little one’s bedroom. Not only will clothes, toys and other accessories have there own place, you can keep things tidy. 

Investing in storage solutions early on will give you a good head start for when things get more challenging. 

7. Nutrition for you

Adjusting to parenthood is challenging. Remembering to give yourself time to heal, sleep and even eat often goes on the backburner when you have a newborn. So, be kind to yourself!

Investing in a healthy snack delivery service or getting a family or friend to make you the odd meal will do wonders for your health and wellbeing. Taking additional supplements will replenish nutrients lost from childbirth and breastfeeding too. 

8. Buggy boards

It would be wrong to assume that everyone reading this article is a first time parent. Growing families need to adapt too! Buggy boards are a great way to make the school run and going to the shop more convenient and less stressful for you and your children. 

With a range of stand-on boards, sit-on boards and scooter options available, buggy boards have revolutionised life for parents on the go. Your child can hop on board safely between your arms as you push your newborn, or for the more adventurous child, scoot alongside you. 

9. Never be afraid to ask for help

Those first few months is a whirlwind of emotions. You are getting to know a whole new person that is always there. Sleep has never been so precious and showering is no longer a high priority. When friends and family want to help, let them! Even Superman doesn’t always work alone!

10.Protect your relationship

Children change the dynamic of a spouse’s relationship to you. New parents often feel like ships passing in the night, and finding time to be together is few and far between. 

Make sure to protect your relationship. Find time in the quiet moments, when your little one’s are asleep to spend quality time with your loved one. When Grandma wants to spend time with your babe, let her. It takes a village to raise a child after all.

11.Teething and toothbrushing

It’s never too early to introduce toothbrushing! From the moment your babe has their first feed, sugars from breastmilk or formula are swirled around their gums and later teeth. 

Using a soft damp cloth, or special baby dental wipes, gently pass over your babe’s gums to remove any bacteria and debris. As soon as that first tooth appears, introduce a soft headed toothbrush. 

As more teeth appear, you can think about an electric toothbrush to remove more plaque than a standard brush. Whatever you do, make it fun! Before you know it, you’ve built a routine.

Dentists recommend that children brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes. 

12.Books, books and more books

What better way to spend time with your child, than sharing a good book! Reading to your child from day one will encourage good communication and language skills. It will also open up your little one’s imagination and understanding of the world. Get reading!

13.A better nights sleep

Separation anxiety is a real thing. As your child develops and grows they may find sleeping in their own room difficult. Investing in a weighted blanket will not only encourage a deeper and longer nights sleep, but your little one will feel safe and secure. 

The deep pressure stimulates the feeling of a warm hug, which instantly causes your body to relax. Sounds lovely doesn’t it? 

14.Plan a trip away

Adapting to life with a new born doesn’t have to keep you homebound! Planning a trip away will boost your family’s morale and give you time away from the next together. 

15.Time for you

Lastly, make time for you. Your partner, friends and family can cope for a couple of hours if you need a time out. Take a walk, have a coffee with a friend or a pamper sesh. 

Whatever you do, never feel alone. Parenthood can be incredibly lonely and having a good support network around you is one of the best things you can do!