It’s not easy being a parent, especially if you are going to be a parent for the first time. Becoming a parent is full of surprises, and no one can prepare enough for the newborn to arrive. You have probably gathered information about parenting from articles, blogs, and books or parenting forums, and you would still be filled with anxiety before giving birth to a child. Anxiety is natural before pregnancy, but for some, becoming pregnant isn’t so easy. Before you decide to conceive a child, give yourself some extra time. Try to relax and make yourself cool, calm and collected, because becoming a parent isn’t going to be a bed of roses.

Parenting a newborn baby can be a challenging task for first time parent. As parents, we always try to do the right thing. We need to take precaution, and avoid making any mistakes. Our slightest mistake as a parent can become serious. Our mistakes while raising our children into adulthood may negatively affect their development and future. Many times, we make mistakes because we have misconceptions about parenting a child. Many of the mistakes made also arise from little or no knowledge about parenting, or poor judgment. We all learn the art of parenting through experience.

Here are the top ten points about becoming a first time parent

Follow the tips given below, and your journey through parenthood will be a lot easier.

1. Respond to your child’s cry

baby-360207_1280Your baby can only communicate through crying. So when your baby cries, it means that your baby needs you. Be responsive to your child’s cry, and try to find out what your baby needs. Being there when your baby cries will give your baby a sense of security.

2. Give your child love

It is a misconception that you can spoil a child if you give it too much love. People also say that if you pick up your child every time he or she cries, you are going to spoil the baby. Actually the opposite is true. What spoils your child is your lack of attention, and things your child receives as a substitute to your love and attention.

3. Breast feed for two years

baby-228422_1920Many mothers believe that you only need to breast feed until your child has teeth, or when he or she starts eating solid food, or when the mother starts to work again. However, The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond. Not all mothers want to nurse for that long, and some babies tend self wean. Working mothers can choose to breast feed at certain times of the day, and partially feed their babies.

4. Start feeding solid food at 6 months

When your baby reaches the age of six months, you may start introducing solid foods into their daily diet. It is recommended that you feed your baby exclusively breast milk for the first six months.

5. Listen to your doctor’s advice but use your judgment too

Hoact21Your doctor can give you sound advice on parenting, diseases, disciplines, feeding and nutrition, and advice on medical issues concerning your child. Follow your doctor’s advice, but do your own research as well. Look for second opinions as well to make sure that you don’t make a mistake by becoming an overprotective mother. Many doctors would recommend formula supplements, if the babies are at 50th percentile on the growth chart. So almost 50% of all babies are recommended to feed some kind of formula supplements. Your doctor is not always an expert on parenting

6. Safely sleep with your child

Many mothers have the misconception that sleeping with their child could be dangerous. Recent studies show that co-sleeping with your baby can be safe if you implement several safety rules. Sleeping with your baby can be safer than putting the baby in a crib.

7. Re-enforce your child’s positive behavior

beautiful four year old drawing a houseYou should always lay down certain rules for your child which they must obey and abide by. The firmer you are with these rules, the more respect your child will have towards you, no matter how much your child hates these rules. Eating, sleeping, and doing all other things at fixed time will also tell your child what you expect from him or her, and what your child should do next. Discipline does not mean punishing your child, but teaching and reinforcing your child’s positive behaviors.

8. Obesity is going to be a problem

The biggest health problem that the child’s generation will be facing today and in the future is obesity. Fat will have the most negative impacts on a child’s health as the new generations of babies grow into young adults. Develop good eating habits and start feeding your child a healthy diet from the very beginning, and stop their chances of obesity from childhood.

9. Connect with nature

girl with laptop on grassWhen we were growing up, we played in the fields and played with nature by rolling in the grass and playing in the dirt. We learned about nature by becoming a part of it. Let your children play freely and connect more often with them in nature. Playing on the computer and playing organized sports will not allow them to connect with the nature as they are growing up.

10. Secure your child in a car seat

Car seat safety for a baby isn’t child’s play. If you are planning to travel with your baby in your car, use a rear facing car seat for your infant until your baby reaches the age of 1 year or 22 pounds. Some mothers are tempted to use front facing car seats, but do not make that mistake. The longer you use a rear facing car seat that fits your baby correctly, the safer your child will be in a car. Avoid common mistakes regarding car seat safety.

baby-20607_1920Your baby is precious and should receive maximum care to ensure proper growth and development. Check with your doctor for proper guidance for raising your child. Get parenting tips and advice from experts regularly and at our site especially if your child needs special care, was born premature, has breathing difficulties or other health concerns. Please visit our sites regularly for more tips and advice.

P.S – Please leave your comments below at the comment box, and don’t forget to share.

Source: Balanced Life Team

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