By Rishma Lalani,
Owner of Itsabelly LLC, www.itsa-belly.com, Baby Concierge & Planning Services for New and Expectant Parents

Congratulations – you’re having a baby! Learning about your new arrival brings an onset of many emotions from the initial excitement and happiness to anxiety and confusion as the time gets closer to bring baby home.

Amidst all the planning and preparation here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind:

1. Plan and Develop a Support System

· May consist of your spouse, parents, other family, friends, baby planners and doulas.
· Consider a division of “labour” schedule. Decide ahead of time who is responsible for tasks such cooking, cleaning and laundry.

2. Save Money on Baby Products

· Consider your lifestyle, where/when/what type of activities you plan to do with your baby in order to determine what type of gear and/or products to purchase and what may/may not be necessary.

3. You Can’t Spoil a Baby

· Infants typically do not develop manipulation skills until after 6 months. Newborns need to feel loved, secure and re-assured that their basic needs are being met.

4. Mark Your Calendar for the 6 week and 3 month Milestones

· The first 6 weeks are a whirlwind of healing for the mother and feeding/changing/soothing on demand for the newborn.
· Around the 3 month mark is when baby’s eating and sleeping patterns become more predictable. This will enable you to start establishing some simple routines.

5. Establish a Schedule

· Babies are creatures of habit – identify a routine – an order of eat/activity/sleep/personal time.
· A schedule doesn’t mean things have to happen at the exact same time everyday – it means consistency and some predictability about what to expect next.

6. Rest/Take Time for Yourself

· Even if you don’t follow the “sleep when the baby” sleeps advice, it is important to relax/rest everyday in order to have the energy to be the best parent you can be.

7. Manage Your Expectations

· Every mother/father/baby is different so give yourselves the time to figure what works best for your family.

8. Bond with Your Baby

· Aside from the feedings and diaper changes, take time to bond with your baby, this is a precious moment in your lives and it goes by very fast. Talk to each other, play with each other – cherish each other.

9. Loose Control

· Allow others to help with household chores, meals and taking care of the baby.
· Don’t sweat the small stuff. As long as you are meeting your and your baby’s needs, it’s ok if the dishes and laundry don’t get done today.

10. Trust Your Instincts

· As well planned and researched you are as a parent; one of the most useful tools you have is yourself. Do not underestimate the value of your instinct.