First-time parents have a lot going on; they’re preparing to take care of another human being for at least 18 years and need to ensure that person’s safety and security. They’re also responsible for preparing this tiny human for life and the many ups and downs that lie ahead. When looking at a newborn baby, it’s often difficult to see the bigger picture, but as parents, it’s necessary to think beyond the current moment.
In this boot camp parents guide, we’ll offer valuable guidance and tips so you, as a parent, can be as prepared as possible for your new role. Whether your child is yet to be born or has just been born, the advice shared here will help you ensure your home is safe and that you’re taking the right steps in taking care of your child.
We recommend that you use this boot camp parents guide for direction and build on it as you learn more and get more comfortable in your role as a parent.
Research Daycares In Your Area
These days, most parents have to work, and some of them even have two jobs to earn enough money so they can take care of their families. If you have to work, daycare is going to be the best place for your child. There are many horror stories out there about how children are neglected and even abused at daycare. To avoid stressing about such situations, we recommend that you look up every childcare daycare center in your area and find out more about them. Ask around and talk to other parents who use the center and make sure it’s the right place for your child.
Set Up The Crib and Changing Table
Setting up your baby’s new room is going to be one of the first things you do, which is why it’s one of the first things we discuss in our boot camp parents guide. You’ll have to get a crib and changing table that is durable and secure, and it has to be the right color too. Although the color is secondary, you must be certain your child will be safe when sleeping or when you’re using the changing table. If you’ve bought furniture that needs to be assembled and don’t know how or where to get started, you could locate a furniture assembly service to lend a helping hand, if there’s one in your area.
Stay On Course Of Routine Check-Ups for Mom
It can be easy for new mothers to neglect themselves and worry more about their children than themselves. This is a mistake, so we had to make sure we talked about self-care in this boot camp parents guide. Your child needs you, but they need you to take care of yourself so you’re healthy and happy and can give them all the attention they need. A sickly or unhappy mom won’t be able to provide for everything her child needs, even if she wants to and tries her very best. So, if you have any medical check-ups, dental exams, psychological appointments, or similar care-related tasks, don’t skip them. The same goes for dads; take care of yourself so you can take care of your family!
Buy A Safe Crib Mattress
Unless you’re going to spoil your child and let them sleep in your bed (not recommended!), you have to make sure the mattress you’ve got for the crib is safe and comfortable. It would be best to visit several local mattress stores and compare their mattresses until you find the right one. These mattresses can be a little bit expensive, but when it comes to your baby, you shouldn’t be scared to pay more to ensure their safety and happiness. A breathable mattress made of organic materials is going to be your best bet, so look out for that.
Focus on Bonding
While you’re preparing the physical environment for your child, keep their emotional and mental health in mind as well. We recommend that you dedicate time to bonding with your baby so you can create a deep, true connection. This emotional link will help your baby develop as they should, and it makes the parenting experience more fun and rewarding for you as well. This boot camp parents guide wants all parents everywhere to spend skin-to-skin time with their babies and cradle them lovingly. Bonding is a wonderful experience! Keep in mind that you shouldn’t be wearing scented lotions or perfumes (or expose yourself to cigarette smoke) during these times because it can make the experience uncomfortable for your baby.
Look Into Setting Up a Trust Fund For Your Child
Your child’s future is very important, and you need to start preparing for it as soon as you know you’re going to be a parent. One of the best ways to financially look out for your child is by having a dedicated trust fund for them. You’ll likely have to talk to professional financial advisors on how to set up a trust fund and keep it in order until your child needs it. A trust fund can come in useful if something happens to you and your young child needs to be taken care of.
Take Advantage of Insurance Benefits
Insurance is wonderful when other things in your life go wrong. Make sure you’ve got decent insurance policies that will make your life easier in case of difficult situations or emergencies. Don’t skip over this and think you’ll be fine and don’t have to plan ahead; life has a way of unexpectedly messing things up exactly when you don’t expect it. Update your current insurance policies as soon as your child is born so they can benefit as well.
Lean On Your OBGYN For Advice
Before your baby is born, you should visit a local OB-GYN you trust so you can have a professional with experience to advise you on your health while you’re pregnant. You can lean on this person to help you make sure your body is well taken care of and prepared to deal with a baby. While you’re at it, you should also make the most of prenatal care services that will teach you more about being a parent and how to become the best mother or father you can be. Having a child is a big responsibility and no person on earth is born ready and knows exactly what to do.
Be Patient
One of the most important pieces of advice we can share in our boot camp parents guide is that patience is essential. Things can get rough, especially if you’re suddenly not getting all the sleep you used to and your child is constantly needing attention. Just be patient. Difficult situations like teething and problematic sleeping schedules will eventually pass and you’ll move on to other experiences with your child. The first few years with your child will go by very quickly, so don’t rush it, and be patient. Patience is a virtue that every parent should try to embrace, or at least get acquainted with.
Ensure Your Home Is Ready for Crawling
It’s crucial that you have your home prepared for your baby’s arrival and their time growing up. There are many things you’ll need to sort out, such as baby-proofing every possible hazard in and around the house, making sure the stairs aren’t accessible, and so on. You should also have your home as clean as possible, especially when your child reaches the age when they’re moving around via crawling and eventually walking. Thorough carpet cleaning and daily sweeping is essential, as well as general cleanliness.
Look At Local Pediatrication Options
You may already have a family doctor who is looking after you, but babies have specific needs and should visit an experienced pediatrician. You’ll likely be visiting the pediatrician often to sort out vaccinations and other important shots, so finding one you can trust will make things a lot easier. Also, if your child ever gets really sick, you’ll feel more assured that they’re in good hands if you’ve formed a relationship with the doctor treating them.
Set Up a Wardrobe For Your Bundle Of Joy
Our boot camp parents guide isn’t just about the difficulties and serious things you’ll have to prepare for as a new parent, there are more lighthearted and joyful things to get ready for as well. One such thing is the wardrobe you need to set up for your baby. Most new parents go all out and buy all the cute clothes and shoes they can find, and this is great, but where will you store them? Get a good wardrobe with lots of space for all the clothing.
Pro Tip: Your child is going to grow very quickly, so rather than spending a lot of money at expensive shops, rather buy second hand clothing that is still in good condition. Spend the money on more important things, like proper baby shampoo and so on.
Have an Open Mind
Don’t expect everything to go smoothly, and don’t expect the kind of experiences you see others have to apply to you and your child. Have an open mind so you can handle things as they come without disappointment or stress. Be adaptable and just focus on giving your child a loving home. Don’t try to take care of everything at once, either. You’re only human and all new parents have to learn some things as they go. Sure, this boot camp parents guide will prepare you, but nothing is set in stone!
Play Together
While it’s important to prepare and be ready for everything you could possibly experience as a new parent, it’s also important to not forget to have fun. Playing with your child will help them develop skills naturally and make them feel loved. Plus, playing does wonders for a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
Be Ready to Communicate
You may not have to worry about communication when your baby is just a few days old, but as they grow up, you’ll have to refine your communication skills. Teaching your child about life and how to express feelings is an essential part of being a parent. If you need to, learn how to communicate.
Never Compare
If there’s one thing that this boot camp parents guide wants to emphasize, it’s that you should never compare your child to another child. Every child is different and special in their own way, and comparing them to others will make them feel terrible. There is no ‘good baby’ or ‘bad baby’, only babies who experience and react to things differently.
Trust Your Instincts
You may not have a lot of confidence in your own parenting skills, but sometimes trusting your own gut feeling or instincts is exactly the right thing to do. There isn’t really a manual for how to raise a child, but you’ll sometimes feel that a specific decision is the right one, and it could very well be. For example, if you want to use a breast pump rather than feeding your child in public, that’s your decision. If you feel that your child isn’t reacting as they should to something, examine the situation because you could be right. Of course, always be logical when it comes to your instincts!
Cherish Your Relationship
Before you know it, your child will be too big for your arms, then too busy to spend time with you, and eventually they’ll have their own life. Life goes by far quicker than it should, so cherish the relationship you have with your children and never pass on the opportunity to spend time with them.
Ask For Help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, especially at first. New parents often feel pressured to get things right, but it’s okay not to know what to do. Turn to your friends and family if you don’t know what to do!
Whether you’re going to be a mother or a father, the advice shared in our boot camp parents guide will help you prepare properly. You’ll be able to lay the groundwork for success and be better equipped so you can give your child the best chance at a healthy, happy life. Good luck!
