Kids & Family

5 Things for Healdsburg's New Parents to Know

Whether your new baby is royal or not, here are 5 things brand new mothers and fathers should know.

 

It’s a boy!

The Duchess of Cambridge brought a royal baby boy into the world Monday and  in celebration of Kate Middleton’s labor, Patch wants to provide some tips for brand new moms and dads:

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If at first you don’t succeed

Try and try again! There is no secret recipe for becoming the perfect parent, so expect some trial and error. While you are learning what your baby will respond well to – when it comes to getting him or her to sleep, feeding time and even play time – don't be afraid to try different techniques. Practice is paramount – keep trying until you find out what works best.

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Listen to your baby

Your baby will tell you what he or she needs. Instead of forcing a schedule on a newborn, feel out their needs for a couple days. Try eating on-demand as opposed to “every two hours.” You baby is unique and may need to eat more often. Listening to your baby will allow a schedule to develop naturally, making both mother and child happy. 

Don't overexpose

The arrival of a new child is exciting and proud parents can’t wait to show their newborn to the world. While you don’t need to isolate your child after leaving the hospital, avoiding large crowds and lots of other kids may not be a bad idea as your baby’s immune system develops – especially during flu season.

Get some ZZZs

Lack of sleep might be one of the most difficult parts of new motherhood! Bottom line, sleep when your little one does. Even if you just lie down, recharging the battery is extremely important – house chores can wait.

Make sure baby's car seat is properly installed

Your baby's safety comes first and installing a car seat properly may be more difficult than you think. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 75 percent of children are riding in car safety seats that aren't properly installed or don't fit correctly. Contact your local police or fire department to see if they can help you install it. 


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