How to Learn to Be a Parent With a Newborn Baby

With the arrival of your first baby, a significant event occurs as you make the shift into parenthood for the first time. A newborn baby has many needs, some of them challenging with round-the-clock care. The process of learning to be a parent can be both rewarding and stressful, but soon you should feel more confident and secure in your parenting skills.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take a parenting class prior to your baby̵7;s birth to learn the basics of newborn care. Inquire about parenting classes with your healthcare provider, local hospital, community college, education center or local government health services office. You will learn fundamentals such as feeding, diapering and bathing of the newborn, according to the WomensHealth.gov website.

    • 2

      Utilize all support and assistance available from the hospital or birthing center where you give birth. The nursing staff generally strives to teach new parents the basics of newborn care before discharge. Some hospitals offer inpatient classes to new parents as well.

    • 3

      Hire a home-health aide or nanny to provide initial assistance with newborn care after your hospital discharge, advises the Kids Health website. Watch the person you hire perform basic newborn care. As you learn and become more confident, ask the aide or nanny to observe you as you care for the newborn to provide suggestions or feedback.

    • 4

      Strive for a relaxed approach to newborn care as you learn about parenting and get to know your baby. Remember, a newborn is not an expert either, so you can learn along with your baby as you provide care, suggests the Better Health Channel website. Meet your baby̵7;s physical needs by feeding him and keeping him safe and comfortable. Gradually, you will learn your baby̵7;s cues, likes and dislikes by paying attention to how your newborn responds to your care. For example, you may learn that your baby becomes overstimulated and fussy when too much commotion goes on around him, so to keep him content, try to keep his environment calm and quiet.

    • 5

      Realize that parenting involves daily challenges that will test you continually, warns the Mayo Clinic website. Finding time to take care of yourself, care for your baby and complete other tasks will be an ongoing trial. Some days, you may feel more successful than on other days. Commit to providing your baby with the loving care and security she needs every day.

    • 6

      Seek support if you feel overwhelmed with parenting. Talk with your physician about issues. Your physician may be able to assist you or you may receive a referral to speak with a counselor or therapist.

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