The first six months of a baby’s life are crucial. They’re also downright scary for first-time parents. Between the stress, the lack of sleep, and the unknowns that come with raising your first child, those first six months can be daunting for anyone. If you’ve just welcomed a baby into your home or you’re expecting, then use this guide to help you understand the key areas that will help keep your baby happy and healthy.
Make Sleeptime Comfortable for Everyone
Infants need a lot of sleep, and parents have a lot to do. With that in mind, one of the best ways to make sure that everyone ends up happy is to invest in multiple sleeping tools. The crib and the stroller are two must-have items, but if you think you’re good to go from there, think again. You’ll want to have an on-the-go crib option that lets your baby sleep safely and comfortably in any room. An all-natural moses basket can do just the trick. Since it’s so lightweight and the materials are breathable, your baby will be very comfortable during their nap, and you can bring them from room to room with you without extra effort.
Simplify Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is critical to a baby’s health and immune system, and almost every baby will need to breastfeed unless there are health complications until they’re at least six months old, if not older. This is a long time holding your baby, and it’ll only get harder to do the older they get. To make things more comfortable, try out the different breastfeeding positions. Some are very easy and straightforward, like breastfeeding when sitting down. You can also breastfeed lying down on a bed.
To make breastfeeding more comfortable, no matter your position, consider getting nursing pillows. These work to support your infant so that they’re in the right position while they breastfeed. Correct positioning is good for your health, too, since it encourages even distribution of your milk. Incorrect positioning can actually lead to blockages, which would require medical intervention to remove.
Slowly Introduce Them To the World
Your baby might not talk or even seem like they spend that much time awake, but they’re absorbing their world like a sponge. It’s important to introduce them to as much of the world as you can, within reason. Reading to them is a great way to introduce words and sounds. If you and your partner speak more than one language, then start using that language around your baby immediately.
You’ll also want to play games with your infant to help them develop spatial awareness and logical reasoning skills.
Minimize Contact
Your baby’s immune system is still very weak, which is why you’ll need to limit contact to a close circle of friends and family. If anyone is sick, then they have to wait until they’re better before visiting. Once the six months are passed, and your baby is up to date on their vaccines, then you can start expanding your circle and bring your baby to social events with more people. If you can, try to avoid plane travel. Not only is the pressure very painful, but planes are key carriers of diseases since the air is so dry and people tend to get dehydrated.