Still, some people get intimidated and they freak out during the preparation. You need a ton of stuff, you must take care of many things. Things might go a bit chaotic and messy if you don’t care. There will be moments when you feel nervous or exhausted, discouraged or worried. However, if you intend to become the best parent there is, you will have to arm yourself with as much information as you can, so you can know what to expect and what you should do to make things last well.
The basics
While expecting a child, you’ll get countless tips on how to prepare a diaper, how to feed a baby, what clothing you’ll need, which feeding bottles are the best, which type of strollers fits your needs, etc. For the arrival of the baby, it’s simply impossible to get everything at the beginning primarily due to the limited amount of money, but also because it’s difficult to remember every little detail. We divided the basics into three most important categories from the start: feeding, clothing and transportation. Let’s start from the beginning:
Feeding
Feeding time is of the utmost importance. Many mothers bottle-feed their babies, whether it be their choice or they are prevented from breastfeeding. However, this way of feeding a newborn also can be turned into a bonding ritual for fathers as well. When they get used to feeding, babies develop a strong sucking force which might put them in danger of colic. There are baby bottles that help with colic and mimic the movement, flow and natural feeling that helps wth transition to artificial breastfeeding. Do the research and decide which to choose, how many, what shape, etc. Also, in the transition from the breast to baby bottle, the father can be of great help which further strengthens the bond between him and the baby, so moms, let them enjoy it!
Clothing
The choice of clothes for the baby is fun, especially for the first baby and many parents will agree that this is one of the most interesting parts of parenting. We all love to dress children according to our taste and often, parents dress style is also transmitted to their children later on. Be practical! While it is very exciting to buy clothes for the baby, do not overdo that. Having a baby means a lot of costs and additional expenses for parents. While some items may seem irresistible to you, try to choose what is best and safest for your child. Have the temperature, baby skin sensitivity and clothing quality into consideration besides the price and size. One thing is certain: babies grow fast and they quickly outgrow the clothes.
Transportation
One of the biggest items required for babies is certainly a stroller. Without them, every longer walk, retention outside the house or going to a restaurant would be unthinkable. Therefore, choosing a right stroller can be a challenging task, in particular with those with a limited budget and especially if you have a situation like on the image; a young toddler and an infant. Some moms & dads get double-lucky right from the start and a double stroller is a necessity for them. The market is currently filled with dozen models of strollers, so the first thing you should ask yourself is: What strollers are necessary for my baby? How and when will I use the stroller? How many children do I plan to ride in this stroller? The rule is simple: the longer you plan to use this stroller – the more investment is required. Once you have selected the type and model, go for a test ride, it’s important to try the stroller. Next, we’ll have special sections only for future moms and dads, to help you guys get over the period of anticipation and preparing.
Future Moms
Dear future moms, congratulations on the fantastic news! Just the thought of holding your baby in your arms is incredibly overwhelming and exciting, isn’t it? Giving birth is the most important event in your life and at the same time, one of the most challenging. While motherhood is an incredible experience, it brings some tremendous changes and you must be prepared for many things to come. Remember, the most important aspect is that during the “sweet anticipation” you must take care of yourself and your health and by doing that you are taking care of your baby simultaneously. Here’s what you should pay special attention.
Visit a doctor
The first thing you’ll need to do when you see a positive test is to see a doctor who will help you through the course of pregnancy. It would be wise to write everything that would be useful on paper: your blood type, when was your last cycle, history of chronic diseases, or anything else you think might be relevant.
Vitamins intake
If you have not already taken prenatal vitamins, now it’s time to start. This especially refers to folic acid, which is crucial while trying to get pregnant and during the first period of pregnancy. During the first quarter, avoid vitamin A and retinol since they are not safe for the baby. Also, a lack of vitamin C and omega three fatty acids can reflect badly on your teeth and gums. Therefore, you must ensure that you get enough of these nutrients through food.
Food variety
Most people claim that pregnant women should eat for two, which is, according to nutritionists, far from the truth. The fact is, the quality of food that you consume is much more important than the quantity. Avoid big fish, inadequately cooked meat, raw sprouts, soft cheeses. That way you’ll reduce the risk of food poisoning. It doesn’t always hurt to have healthy snacks in the house, such as various fruit, nuts, yogurt, etc.
Future dads, don’t panic
Even though men do not want to admit, the period of adaptation to the fact that they will become parents, is perhaps even harder for them than for women. In addition to visible changes, hiding behind a facade of confidence is sensitive, sometimes timid, to a guy who is preparing for a new role. We are all familiar with the symptoms that bother future moms: insomnia, mood swings, morning sickness, but according to some studies, as many as 90 percent of future fathers also experience maternity torment. They have an overwhelming desire for a particular food, sometimes overwhelming emotions, changeable desire for sex, etc.
Mood swings
During a woman’s pregnancy, many men are also experiencing an emotional rollercoaster. Just the thought of being a father totally changes their life, so if you are thinking intensely about the tasks that are ahead of you, it is not surprising that you will be balancing between sadness, happiness and nervousness or at the times overwhelming gentleness. Future dads can have hormonal disbalances just like future moms, which might seem unnatural and strange. The stress can overwhelm you, but in these moments, you need to calm down and start thinking about your life in general. Think about the good things in your life and the amazing period that you’re having right now. Your purpose in this period is to ease the mom’s life as much as possible by doing house chores, making her feel comfortable and helping her go through the mood swings. During the second trimester, you might experience a huge growth of your lady’s libido or a total indifferentness. Regardless of the outcome, do your role responsibly and help her. You’ll have a babymoon or a dry season.
Enjoy yourself
The miracle of life is getting close and you’re getting a new family member. Rejoice, and enjoy the fact that you’ll soon become a proud parent. Everything will sort itself out. It always does.
