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The days leading to childbirth are filled with excitement and joy as well as fear and anxiety. Often during this period, would-be mothers spend their time learning as much about childbirth and parenting as they can. Once they welcome their little bundle of joy into their lives, they often utilize the skills and knowledge they have learnt earlier in giving their little one the best care in the world.
You’re probably lying if you say that you had it all figured out as a new parent. No matter how many books, magazines, mommy blogs, and medical websites you’ve read to gather all information about raising a newborn, when the time comes, you are bound to freak out. There’s a learning curve to being a parent, and it’s okay if you don’t know what to do right away as a new parent. You’re bound to make a few mistakes, and that’s natural. The good thing is that you’re not alone — every parent makes mistakes, and that doesn’t make you a bad parent. We are here to list the top eight mistakes new parents make, so scroll below to find out:
1. Not Letting Your Infant Cry
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One of the most dreadful and painful sounds a parent hears is the sound of their little one crying. It’s heartbreaking when your baby cries — we agree! But it’s also okay to allow them to cry it out. Sometimes your infant might cry even when they are well-fed, clean, and rested. But guess what? That’s just a part of being a baby. So don’t freak out every time they cry!
2. Panicking Over Everything
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Sure, it’s a huge responsibility to raise a newborn. The constant worry and wonderment of if you’re doing your parenting job right are natural. You want your baby to be safe, healthy, and comfortable because they depend on you entirely. Therefore, you do everything to take care of them well. However, sometimes, new parents start to panic about every little thing their baby does. Vomiting, bowel movements, crying, spitting up, eating habits, and even sleep patterns. It’s important to remember that babies are resilient, more than you think they are. So talk to your pediatrician before you begin to worry too much. Most often than not, your baby is fine!
3. Taking A Fever Lightly
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When you have a temperature of around 100 ℉, you consider it a “mild fever”. But if your baby has the same temperature, it is usually considered a medical emergency by most pediatricians. Your baby’s temperature control regulator is not yet fully developed (1). Therefore if your newborn (three months or lesser) has a temperature that’s 100.4 ℉ or higher, take them to the nearest emergency room immediately!
4. Car Seat Installation
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A car seat is a vital accessory that you need to invest in once you have a baby. Purchase a car seat that is certified safe and comfortable for your little one. Ensure that it’s free from any possible danger or health hazard. Car seats usually come with installation instructions — follow them religiously so your baby can drive in the car with you safely, comfortably, and happily.
5. Neglecting Oral Care
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Oral and dental care are areas which get neglected the most when it comes to healthcare. Often we give the dentist a visit only when the condition has taken a turn for the worse, which could have been avoided if care was taken at an earlier stage. It’s crucial to maintain good oral care, even for infants! When you follow proper oral hygiene from birth, it prevents decay and cavities and promotes healthy gum and teeth health. Always clean your baby’s gums after feeding — do this after every feeding. Speak to your infant’s doctor to know the safe practices of cleaning your baby’s teeth, and do not neglect it.
6. Taking Parenting Advice From Anyone Or Anything
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Your parents raised you, and they know a lot about parenting that you can learn from. But that doesn’t mean that you blindly follow them. Take help from your parents (if you’re lucky enough to have them around) but always ensure you do your due diligence before incorporating the advice you receive. Practice this method not just with your parents but with anyone other than your doctor. It’s best to avoid trusting anyone or anything about parenting advice.
7. Fighting Too Much In Front Of Your Baby
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It’s no easy feat to be a new parent. The dynamics between your partner and you change drastically, and that’s something you cannot deny. Even during those particularly annoying days when all you want to do is yell at each other, remember not to do it in front of your baby. Your baby might not fully understand what’s happening, but they’ll surely pick up on the negativity. So, be mindful and aware of spreading happy vibes around your little one.
8. Ignoring Your Marriage
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Sure, the dynamics of your relationship are bound to change after your family goes from two to three. But that doesn’t mean that you should neglect your marriage. It might be difficult but make time to rekindle the spark in your marriage. Stay united in love and get through the tough days together. You have a tiny human entirely dependent on you, so unless you and your partner are in a strong relationship, you cannot give your baby the best of both of you.
No matter how many sources you accumulate your knowledge from, ultimately it’s your own experience raising your child that will give you the most confidence. And during the course, you will discover so many new things you probably never even imagined you would. Parenting is a real challenge, especially when you’re doing it for the first time. It’s natural to make mistakes along the way, so don’t beat yourself up over it. Learn from your errors and do better the next time. It’s’ the only way to become the best parent your children can have. How many of these parenting mistakes could you relate to? Let us know in the comments below!
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