Parenting is a learning phase for new parents. Since, parenting skills are not innate and they develop gradually, you, as new parent need guidance to learn right methods and ways to understand it. Consequently, following right skills can certainly help you become ‘best parents’ from ‘new parents’ for your little bundle of joy.
Parenting Skills for new mommy
As a new mommy, you have to take up this challenge to be able to take care of your baby and yourself alike, as your baby is entirely dependent on you. Hence, your parenting skills need to be even more careful and adroit to avoid unnecessary stress for yourself and your little one.
1. Diaper duty
You have been collecting diapers for your new family member, days before he/she was born. Your skills as a new mother now come to test as to how adroitly you perform your diaper duty. Your baby will keep you on your toes to change nappies, every second moment for the first few months. Ensure that you have your stock ready to evade any hassles.
You can follow some simple steps to fasten up your diaper duty as a new mommy.
a. Start with removing and discarding the soiled diaper. Gently wipe your baby’s skin using baby wipes. Pat your baby’s skin and apply diaper ointment to prevent diaper rashes.
b. Slide a clean diaper under your baby’s legs while holding them with one hand. Wrap the diaper around your baby safely and fasten it conveniently.
2. Bathing time
Your doctor might have told you about not bathing your baby more than twice or thrice a week, as babies feel cold quite soon. However, sponging your baby would be a better idea to clean him/her. As a new mommy, you may find it difficult to opt for the best place to bathe your little baby, but just remember the bathing time for your baby would be best if it would be safe. Hence, it would be better to get a bathtub for your baby, if your bathroom sink doesn’t appear safe to you.
You can make bathing time for your baby safer and quicker by following some easy steps.
a. Fill your baby’s bathtub with 2 to 3 inches of warm water and place your child immediately in the water so that he/she doesn’t feel cold. Make sure that water is comfortably warm for your baby’s tender skin.
b. Massage your baby’s hair and skin gently using sponge and pouring water continuously by squeezing it from washcloth.
3. Swaddling your bundle of joy
Babies love to swaddle for the first few weeks as they need some time to accustom to the world outside their mother’s womb. Being a mother is a full-time job with no day off. You would like to get some sleep to be able to handle your baby, but babies do not abide by any time constraints. Hence, you need to hone up your skills to get your power nap as and when you get time.
There are few steps to swaddle your baby to keep him/her warm and comfortable and get some comfort for yourself as well.
a. Use a large square blanket of appropriate fabric, place it on the bed in a diamond position and fold the top corner to the center of blanket. Lay your baby on the blanket in a way that his/her head is in level to the top edge. Position your baby’s right arm straight against her side and hold the left side of the blanket from his/her right shoulder and pull it closely down and across his/her body. Then tuck the blanket under his/her back and left bum gently, keeping the blanket stiff.
b. Straighten your baby’s left arm against his/her side and bring the bottom corner of the blanket up. Tuck the corner over his/her left shoulder and upper arm and tauten it. Fold the top of the left side down with a pinch across his/her chest bone and hold it with your left hand. Finally, grab the last free corner and wrap it across your baby’s body tightly, tucking it firmly under his/her back.
In case, you find it a daunting task, fasten it up by purchasing a simple self-fastening swaddling blanket and just wrap your baby in it.
Parenting skills for new daddy
Although fatherhood is not as extensive task as motherhood, but it could intimidate new fathers, making their life a bit worked up. A new dad’s skills need to be practical and pleasant, to welcome the new member who is going to be surprisingly demanding.
1. Patience
Patience is the key to keep yourself calm and composed as a new daddy. Parenting is a difficult job, but it could be learned well only with experience. Hence, be ready to hone up your parenting skills with patience, to be the best daddy. You can ask for help when you think you can’t handle, since venting your emotions is equally important as it is to be patient.
2. Be happy
Fatherhood bestows upon you the responsibility of your little one. A baby is what makes you transform from a ‘guy’ to ‘dad’. This is why you should be happy about this new adventure in your life, since your baby would like to be connected with you as he/she sets out his/her journey as your son/daughter.
3. Playing
Playing indeed is the best therapy to deal with stress. Play with your baby. Be around him/her, as these fun moments will create a strong bonding between you and your baby.
