After nine long months, your sweet baby has arrived. The car seat is safely attached and your little one strapped in. You smile and realize you are a family; all three of you are heading for home. Most first time parents are blissfully oblivious about the changes that are about to occur.
And Baby Makes Three
Your new life as a family is thrilling; it’s an ecstatically happy time. It’s also an exhausting one. Start off right by working together to care for your new baby. Take turns resting and don’t be shy about accepting all those genuinely sincere offers to help. Accept the fact that your life is different—infinitely better, but different. A great deal of your personal, previously free, time will be spent nurturing and caring for this new life.
Planning Takes Center Stage
Spontaneity may seem to be a thing of the past, leaving you both feeling as if even the simplest of activities needs staging. Trips are now planned around feeding and nap schedules. Make quick trips and outings possible by implementing the following suggestions:
- Always have a fully packed diaper bag. Just grab it and go next time the three of you have a chance to get out.
- Keep the stroller in the trunk.
- Be ready to go the minute your baby nods off or finishes eating.
Don’t be tempted to get caught up with household tasks while your baby naps. Nap right along with the baby. You can get a lot done by letting your little one sit in a seat or by placing them in a sling or carrier.
Have fun! You are a family now.