Common Challenges Faced By Unprepared First Time Parents
The idea of becoming a parent is always exciting. You will joyfully announce the news to everyone and start picking the baby’s name while fantasizing about and planning your baby’s future. The majority of parents will be more involved in buying baby’s gadgets and clothes instead of looking at how to deal with a baby. Unprepared first-time parents will be shocked by the number of baby-related challenges they need to overcome, which most probably will burst their bubble.
If you are a parent-to-be, here are the main challenges you need to expect and learn how to overcome.
Sleep Deprivation
First-time parents and their new baby might sleep deprived in the first couple of weeks. Babies have hectic sleeping patterns up until they reach an age where they will learn how to sleep and soothe themselves. Thus, parents’ sleep will be affected, leading to mood swings, impatience, and depression. To prevent that, you’re going to have to adapt your routine in a way that allows you to get rest whenever the baby sleeps, and also think about is a family member or friend helping out so that you can have shifts.
Babies can take hours to sleep, but those who have tried the white noise machine in their babies’ room, swore that it helps them sleep faster, longer, and better. The white noise machine will block out noises from entering the baby’s room and helps in calming the baby.
Constant Crying
You should never get shocked with how much a baby cry owing to the fact that it is their only way to communicate. They cry for all sorts of reasons, but studies showed that they will most likely be crying out of hunger, since they have tiny stomachs, it does not take long before it gets empty. However, 10% of babies are found to be prone to colics. These babies burst out crying even if all their demands are met.
You need to work on your patience when babies cry to best resolve the situation. Always remember babies will always cry, and there is no reason to get embarrassed or frustrated.
Keep an eye out for your baby to best understand her/his needs. Start by checking their diapers and feeding schedules. Sometimes they will cry because of stomach aches or needing to burp, or because the diaper is too tight.
Clinging Babies
Newborns will find comfort in their parents’ arms. Babies grow fast and it is fascinating how they learn to be independent; however, some babies cannot stay away from their parents, especially breastfeeding babies, always touching their mothers and needing attention.
Those are referred to as “cling-ons.” They will most probably drive their parents crazy. But be patient and try a different method each time. It will end soon with them growing up and going to school.
Exhaustion
Parents will experience for their first time a new level of exhaustion and emotional drainage. The labor, delivery process, and taking the responsibility of a tiny creature is overwhelming. But you have to cherish all those moments; they are completely worth it and it will pass very quickly.
Having a new baby is a miracle and super joyful if you know how to overcome the mentioned challenges effectively and calmly. Being prepared for what you will face will make your life easier and will give you peace of mind to enjoy your loved ones.