Surviving the First Three Months With Your New Baby: A New Parent's Guide

You've embarked on one of life's greatest adventures – parenthood. The first three months with a new baby can be a real whirlwind of emotions, challenges, and sleepless nights. Here's a survival guide to help you navigate through the rollercoaster ride of the first three months with your little one:

1. Try To Embrace the Chaos: The first three months, often referred to as the "fourth trimester," can be chaotic and overwhelming as you adjust to your new role as a parent and get to know your baby. Embrace the chaos, and remember that it's okay not to have all the answers. Trust your instincts and take things one day at a time.

2. Prioritise Self-Care: Amidst the demands of caring for a newborn, don't forget to prioritise small moments self-care. Take breaks when you can, optimise your sleep (try not to doom-scroll when you could be catching up on sleep- we've all been there), and ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup, so be sure to take care of yourself too.

3. Accept Help: Don't be afraid to accept help from others. Whether it's a home-cooked meal, assistance with household chores, or simply someone to hold the baby while you take a shower, it's ok to say yes. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child, and there's no shame in leaning on your support network.

4. Establish a Routine: While newborns can't adhere to a strict schedule, establishing a loose routine can help provide structure and predictability for both you and your baby. Set up a feeding area (with snacks and water for you), and try to get outside once a day if you can. 

5. Practice Patience: Parenthood is a journey filled with moments of joy, frustration, and everything in between. Practice patience with yourself and your baby as you both learn and grow together. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is parenting.

6. Seek Support: Join parenting groups, attend local support groups, or connect with other new parents online. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of fellow parents who understand what you're going through can provide invaluable support, camaraderie, and reassurance.

7. Trust Your Instincts: As a new parent, you'll receive a lot of advice – some solicited, some unsolicited. While it's essential to seek guidance from trusted sources, ultimately, trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your baby. You know your baby best.

8. Celebrate Milestones: Take the time to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small, during the first three months. Whether it's the first smile, the first coo, or the first time your baby sleeps through the night (hallelujah!), cherish these moments and celebrate the journey of parenthood.

9. Practice Flexibility: Parenthood requires flexibility and adaptability, as plans often go out the window when you have a newborn in the house. Be prepared to go with the flow, adjust your expectations, give yourself way more time to do anything as you navigate the unpredictable world of parenthood.

10. Try To Remember That It's Just A Phase: Amidst the challenges and exhaustion of the first three months, try to savour the precious moments and cherish the bond you're building with your baby. 

Dear new parent, you're doing an amazing job. The first three months may be tough, but remember, you are resilient, you are capable, and you are not alone. Take it one day at a time, lean on your support network, and cherish moments with your precious little one when you can. You've got this! 

If you feel you are struggling, do call your health visitor or GP to chat it through with them, there's so much support around, but sometimes you just need a little help to access it. Take care x