Establishing Routines and Managing Challenges

Creating a flexible routine

Newborns don’t have guides; they appreciate routines. Flexibility is still essential. Be aware of your baby’s natural behaviour–such as when they’re hungry, tired or giddy–and plan your schedule around these patterns. A study has shown that routine provides predictability, reduces anxiety, and builds confidence in your ability to care for your child.

Include cuddle time, tummy time, and soft music. The stomach is crucial to building your child’s shoulder and neck muscles and keeping flat spots off the head. While routines can help predict the future, remember to have fun with those spontaneous smiles and hugs that come unexpectedly — they’re lovely.

Addressing Common Challenges

It’s natural to experience occasional hiccups while parenting. Sleep deprivation? Check. Colic? Have you experienced it? Feeling overwhelmed? Daily. But don’t worry, solutions exist. You might reduce sleep loss if you master napping while your child naps. Short naps boost your child’s mood and alertness. The most critical thing is to seek help.

Your support system serves a purpose, so asking for help is acceptable.

There are strategies to ease colicky babies’ distress, which affects between 10 and 40 per cent of infants. By pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp, a child with colicky babies can succeed by using the “5 S’s” approach (swaddling, stomach position, side/side shushing, swinging and sucking).

Swaddling recreates the womb’s snug environment, while side or stomach positioning eases discomfort. Shushing, or making a ‘shhh’ sound, provides a soothing white noise. Swinging and sucking provides comfort and reassurance to babies, mimicking the movement and sounds they experienced in the womb. This method soothes and calms a fussy baby, leading to less crying and more restful sleep.

Remember, many of these challenges are temporary and can be overcome with patience, time, and love. Use online resources or join support groups in your community where experienced parents share insightful stories and practical advice. You’re not alone on this journey, and with the proper support, you can navigate these challenges and find joy in parenting. This reassurance will make you feel hopeful and resilient in the face of challenges.