The first year of your child’s life is one brimming with possibilities and magic. It is when you watch your little one blossom into its first steps and words, and an era of transformation. With a little help from ImmunifyMe, tackle the first year of your child with a little more joy and a little less doubt. Here are 8 things to keep in mind as you dive into your baby’s first year:
Be A Hands-on Parent
There is nothing as joyful and rewarding as being involved in the process that welcomes your child into this world. We believe that it is absolutely important to be there for every moment, the good and the bad, to witness the first gummy smiles and the first tummy ache, delighting in the beauty of the human being you have created.
Bonding with your little one begins from when they’re still in your womb. Plus, it has been scientifically proven that children begin to recognize their parents’ faces from the age of 3 months. Not only will these moments be special to look forward to in the future, but being involved and attentive will enable you to forge a much stronger connection with your child. Trust us, your presence in the formative years, it matters!
Your baby’s first year is your first year as a new parent as well. Enjoy the journey by taking things one at a time.
Patience Is Key
A homecoming for a child is a delightful occasion, but it doesn’t take too long for your little one to turn into a fussy houseguest. Practicing the art of patience is a long-term skill that can come in handy for you in these times. Recognize that your tiny tot’s first year as a child is also your first year as a parent. Fulfill your own and your partner’s needs as much as possible. Try to understand their doubts and reservations, and try to practice compassion, even when things may get frustrating.
Prepare For Major Changes
If your house looked straight out of a furniture brochure before a baby, trust us when we say that it won’t last long. A baby in the house automatically means unwashed hair, mountains of laundry that await folding, furniture that needs baby-proofing, and a general state of chaos. But most of this chaos can be handled with a little prep, some before the birth of the baby and some after the baby is born.
Even small things could go a long way. For instance, arranging a nursery and/or a crib, baby-proofing your furniture as your kids start crawling, and arranging a workable schedule for household chores and grocery runs. Through it all, you must maintain ample communication with your partner about your needs. Reading about and preparing for these changes can go a long way in preserving your sanity once the baby arrives. It can also help you cope with the many other changes coming your way!
Understanding Your Baby
Taking care of a baby is a language that one needs to master, and the more patient and practicing you are, the better parent you will be! Each child is different and comes with its own set of challenges and peaks. It might take a while for you to differentiate between your child’s hungry cry and sleepy cry, and to test what works best for a funny tummy. But, a keen eye and willingness to be consistent might make this whole process a lot easier than it may initially seem.
Remember, your baby may not be able to say words yet. But they are always attempting to speak to you, in whatever way they can. Recognizing their grunts and growls and smiles of happiness is a long-term project, but it is attainable and so very worth it!
Feeding Your Baby
It is considered ideal for your baby to consume nothing but breast milk for the first 4-5 months of their life. Not only does breast milk contain all the vitamins, proteins, and fat that a baby requires but it is also more easily digestible than formula. But mothers who cannot produce breast milk, owing to a variety of reasons, don’t need to worry! Many mothers depend on formula to supplement their children’s nutritional requirements.
Introduce solid food gradually into your kid’s diet in small quantities and single varieties as this change must be incorporated gently. Dry-rice infant cereal followed with mashed vegetables, and meat/eggs at a later stage is the appropriate way to go. Remember to keep from feeding your baby honey or cow’s milk until at least a year, and make sure to consult a reliable pediatrician before you transition your baby’s diet.
Pay special attention to your baby’s diet in the first year.
Baby’s First Year Immunizations
Most kids say their first word somewhere between 10-14 months. They take their first step around the same time. But they take their first shots much earlier. A guide to your baby’s first year would not be complete without mentioning your baby’s immunizations. Babies receive their first vaccinations at birth itself, which only goes to show you how crucial they are. As your baby grows into its first milestones, you have to keep track of its vaccination schedule.
Not just for your baby’s first year, but you also need to keep track of your child’s immunizations at least till their early adolescence. This is essential for your baby’s body to immunize itself against some deadly and life-threatening diseases. Thankfully, you can make use of an app like ImmunifyMe to come to your aid. Not only will this make your life a lot more stress-free, but it will also provide a comprehensive medical record of your child. You or your partner can easily refer to it in case of emergencies.
Work-Baby Balance
We understand that not every parent can afford/want to give up working for more than a year after the baby arrives. Most parents tend to go back to work a few months after the birth of their baby. While detaching your presence from their lives for a brief period every day is tough, it can also be made slightly easier with some smart thinking and prior research.
Employing the services of a reliable babysitter, good formula that works for your baby, and investing in a good breast pump are few things you could arrange for. Looking for mechanisms to improve your relationship even though you are away, might help you avoid the guilt of not being present! Remember, it is never a sin to choose to work.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Stress Disorder (PSD) is a physiological and mental illness that kicks in with some mothers soon after the baby arrives. It affects the mother’s motivation, physical and mental health, and puts a disproportionate amount of weight and misery on them, debilitating them completely. The often joyous occasion of childbirth is converted, for these women, into an unpleasant, burdening experience.
But not every woman affected by PSD has to suffer alone and in silence. Asking for help when you need it and seeking the advice of professionals at an early stage can alleviate the symptoms. Better yet, it can reintroduce the beauty of motherhood into their lives once again. Here, the onus lies on the partner and the family of the affected woman. They need to lend their support and not shut their symptoms out as ‘bad parenting’ or ‘just hormones.’
Take time and enjoy all the specials in your baby’s first year.
Conclusion
This guide to your baby’s first year will remain just a guide, while you still hold the reins. But trusting in your parental instinct and depending on each other will help you loads. Another thing that can help is the ImmunifyMe app. It provides vaccination reminders, real-time record keeping, digital prescription, milestone tracking, customized nutrition plans, and overall growth analysis of the child – leaving one less thing for you to worry about!
FAQs On Your Baby’s First Year
What Babies Should Not Eat In The First Year?
There are several things babies shouldn’t eat in their first year. These include hot dogs, nuts, seeds, round candies, popcorn, hard, raw fruits and vegetables, grapes, or peanut butter. These foods aren’t safe and may cause your child to choke. You can start giving your child these foods at the age of 3 or 4. Also avoid giving your baby honey since it could carry a potentially dangerous bacterial strain.
Is 4 Months Too Early For Baby Food?
Although you can start slowly introducing your baby to baby food at 4 months, you should ideally wait a bit. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents to wait until the baby is at least 6 months old to introduce solids.
Can Eggs Be Given To Babies?
Yes, you can give your baby eggs, especially since they’re a source of protein and are simple to make. Speak to your pediatrician about whether you can give your baby both, the yolk and the white. You could try to puree a hard-boiled egg or use a scrambled egg for easier consumption, and maybe also add in a little breastmilk.
What Do Babies Need In The First Year?
Some of the things that parents need for their infant’s first year are:
- Onesies
- Pants, for crisp days and cold months
- Shoes and socks
- Hats
- Coats
- Pajamas and Sleepers