5 Expert Tips for First-Time Parents

​Having a child is life-changing. Parenthood is a lifelong journey full of challenges, love, and fulfillment. So when you are expecting your first child, feeling apprehensive or nervous about your new responsibilities is normal. After all, it is you as a parent who will now have to look after yourself and the life of another.

Because of this, it is essential to ensure you are fully prepared for your child's birth. After all, parenthood does not always have to be a daunting task. With these tips, you can achieve unbreakable self-confidence and be as good of a parent as possible. ​

1. Childproofing Your Home

The earlier you childproof your home, the better. There are so many potential hazards for very young children in the house. Addressing them as early as possible will make parenting much more straightforward. This is especially true when your child gets more mobile and begins exploring. Here are a few suggestions to get your childproofing process started.

• Safety gates: Great for blocking access to stairs and rooms you don’t want your child entering.
• Outlet covers: Use these on any electrical outlets your child could potentially reach, especially the ones closest to the door. Sometimes it may be a good idea to hide outlets behind furniture. 
• Cabinet locks: There are plenty of ways to lock your cabinets. It’s best to lock away anything with financial or sentimental value.
  
• Anti-tip straps/anchoring devices: Plenty of anchoring devices are around, and most are relatively inexpensive and easy to fit. It is a good idea to use these on any large pieces of exceptionally tall furniture that do not carry much weight. ​

Ensure your childproofing is thorough, and stay vigilant as your child ages. Often children find their way around childproofing as they get older and changes around the house must be made.

2. Buying the Essentials

Preparing for the arrival of the newest addition to the family, to the family can be overwhelming. It is hard to know where to start when a seemingly endless list of baby items is on the market. Buying the essentials early and getting the rest later is always best. Along with diapers, wipes, and clothing, there are a few things any expecting parent will need.

You can find these items secondhand, though it is worth considering whether you want to risk buying damaged goods. Most of these items are designed to keep your child safe and do a better job doing so when they are new.

• Cribs: The best cribs have a firm, tight-fitting mattress and stationary sides. If you are considering buying secondhand, make sure the crib you buy is not missing any slats or is damaged in any other way. After you have made a purchase, it is a good idea to learn when to lower a crib.
• Car seats: When buying a car seat, consider the size of your car and the size of your child. Once again, do not buy a chair that is damaged in any way or involved in any sort of crash. It doesn't matter whether the collision was massive or minor, don’t buy a seat that is potentially compromised.

​3. Connect with Other Parents

Sometimes being a new parent can be isolating. Because of this, it’s good to create your own network of parents for advice and socializing. Joining local parenting groups is always a great idea, not only for you but also for your child. Meeting other parents is often the best way to get your child socializing from an early age. 

Social media platforms can also be a great way to find and connect with other parents. Still, it’s important to remember that not all online advice or information is accurate or reliable.

Connecting with other parents gives you an outlet. A place where people understand what you’re going through. It’s also a valuable pool of information when you come up against things you haven’t faced before or aren’t sure how to tackle. It could be anything from where to get a private assessment for ADHD for your child, whether you should worry about a certain rash, or how to stop kids getting too much screen time. Whatever the topic, other parents are a wealth of valuable information. 

4. Preparing for the Cost

Raising a child can be expensive, with the USDA estimating that parents should expect to spend around an extra $16,000 a year on their kids. Unfortunately, this number only likely will increase in the current market. 

In addition to the essentials like food, clothing, and shelter, there are also expenses like medical bills and childcare to save up for. Create a budget as early as possible and try to stick to it. Save money in the time leading to the due date in order to give yourself added peace of mind. 

You may even want to consider investing in life insurance or creating a college fund. Though it may seem early to do so, planning early on in life will make things so much easier as you get older. 

5. Taking Care of Yourself

Early parenting is physically and mentally demanding, and though you will want to do everything you can to keep your child happy, it is important to try and look after yourself as well. After all, being the best parent requires mental clarity and good health.

Try to make time for rest, exercise, and healthy eating, if you have a partner, try to balance responsibilities between the two of you. If not, try to arrange playdates with other parents or ask for a hand from family or friends. Don’t forget that time your child spends away from you gives them a chance to learn from someone else. 

New parents can develop postnatal depression in the first few months after the birth of their child. If you feel a significant drop in mood after your child’s birth, don’t be scared to reach out to someone. Struggling with parenting is not something to be ashamed of, it is, after all one of the most challenging tasks you’ll ever take on.


Final Thoughts
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience, and being a little overwhelmed initially is normal. To make the transition to parenthood quicker, make sure you plan early and get your house in order. Remember that no one has all the answers and no one is the perfect parent. You’ll for sure make mistakes on the way, but with a little preparation and patience, you’ll find it one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Learn about some diseases. According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 children between ages 3 to 17 will have one or more developmental disabilities. Cerebral palsy is a developmental motor disability that affects movement and posture. It can be caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain. If you have questions about Cerebral Palsy, visit this very useful website: www.cerebralpalsyguide.com