7 Ways to Welcome Your Hunny Home
Ironically, a key part of welcoming Baby home is making things as much like his old home – the womb. These top tips will make the transition home easier for you and your newborn.
Swaddle Sense
Swaddling keeps your guy or girl bundled up burrito-style to not only keep them warm but also make them feel soothed – close to how they felt when they were in the womb. By keeping their limbs confined, it helps prevent the Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, from abruptly scaring them. The act of swaddling can also help reduce the risk of SIDS as swaddled babies are generally placed on their backs in the bassinet or crib – something that can put everyone’s mind at ease. Swaddling blankets are available in heavier or lightweight fabrics and should be chosen depending on the season or temperature of your home.
Sound Advice
While inside the womb, your baby was surrounded by rather loud noise that consists of a vibrating rumble combined with mom’s heartbeat. Traditionally we may try to tiptoe around infants but playing some white noise at a soft or even moderate volume in the background can actually help soothe Baby and encourage them to sleep because it reminds them of their time in utero.
Move it!
Your child is still getting adjusted to being outside of the womb, so a comforting way to welcome her into the world is to simulate the movements she felt prior to birth. Whether she enjoys spending time in her infant swing, being bounced on an exercise ball while secure in your arms, or even being taken for a drive, these are motions that will remind her of that comfy and cozy time in the womb which can offer great peace of mind to babies.
Fine-tune the Temperature
It’s suggested that your baby acclimates to the standard temperature of your home as opposed to changing it for them, within reason of course. While you may have turned up the heat for your child’s arrival home, now is the time to begin lowering the temperature by 1 degree each day until you hit your magic number on the thermostat. Your cutie will appreciate the slow adjustment – even if he can’t quite express it to you just yet.
Keep Baby Close
Holding Baby offers a connection like no other, but constant carrying can also be exhausting and make it difficult to get things done. Free up your arms a bit while holding your child near to your heart by wearing them in a sling or front carrier. In this way your kiddo can hear your heartbeat and feel your warmth while allowing you the opportunity to do some light housework, run an errand or even, dare we say, eat a meal! Babies take to different carriers so ask friends if you can “test drive” theirs to find out which one yours likes the best.
Spoil Your Sweetie
There truly is no such thing as spoiling your newborn so shower that baby with as much love and affection as possible. At this stage, don’t worry about holding your little one too much and certainly pick her up when she cries. After spending nine months in the warm and cozy confines of the womb, being thrust out into the world is overwhelming, so any chance you have to offer reassurance that you’re there to love and care for her will help make her feel safe and secure. Plus, as other parents will tell you, these early days go by quickly, so any opportunity to create special bonding moments should be embraced.
Accept Help
And finally, a tip just for Mom: Accepting help from close and trusted family members and friends is the best way for new moms and dads to get much-needed rest. To be the best mommy or daddy you can be, you must get some sleep. While this can often feel impossible given how frequently Baby needs to eat, among other daily activities, don’t be too proud to ask for or accept help from loved ones. This will give them a chance to create a special bond with your little one and give you the peace of mind that your infant is being cared for while you catch some zzz’s.
