There's nothing quite like a newborn. The snuggles, the sweet newborn smell, the spirit they bring. It's all so blissful. Until it's not. There's also crying (not just from the baby), so many feedings and diaper changes, post partum healing, and zombie like sleep exhaustion. Throw in some hormone shifts and you could easily feel something far from the "newborn bliss" some Moms talk about.
I've gathered tips from our Quinn St. community of Moms on how to not just survive, but THRIVE during the newborn stage.
1. Say YES to help.
It can be hard to ask or even accept help. But now is the time to get over it and let others be there for you. When someone volunteers or asks how they can help, be clear about what you need! It takes a village and that starts now.
2. Let go of ALL expectations.
Your priorities right now are to care for your baby and yourself. That's it. Obviously there are other things that you need to do, but if you can focus on those two priorities, you'll enjoy the newborn stage much more.
3. Let things WAIT.
Yes, that means dishes, laundry, cleaning, etc. See #1.
4. Get out of the house EVERYDAY.
It can be sitting on your porch or going for a drive. You'll be surprised how much fresh air and change of scenery will do for your mental state.
5. Invest in a sleep course.
You'd think after my 4th baby, I would have the newborn sleep thing down, but I invested in a sleep course and it was worth EVERY penny. Establishing good sleep habits early on (we're not talking about sleep training yet) can make the biggest difference during the newborn stage.
6. Lots of SNUGGLES and skin to skin time.
Skin to skin has calming benefits for you too. This will help ground you and bond with your sweet baby.
Now here are our favorite must have newborn products to make the newborn stage a little bit easier!
This is our #1 must have newborn product. It is a GAME-CHANGER. Extremely cozy for baby and so easy for you. Makes diaper changes a breeze! Just tie and untie. No fuss. Once you try it, you won't want to put your baby in anything else!
Newborns love to be wrapped up cozy and tight because it mimics the womb and also calms their startle reflex. Our bamboo stretchy swaddle is silky soft, breathable and has all the benefits of bamboo: hypo-allergenic, thermo-regulating, and will wash up like new every time. It'll be love at first swaddle.
