Having a new baby can be hard work (to say the least), and many new parents are overwhelmed with hordes of information from the get-go!
To filter down the advice overload you’ll no doubt be receiving, the Baby Show Wellington has asked seven parenting experts to share their top two tips for new parents – gems of knowledge that will help to make life as a new Mum or Dad a bit easier!
All of these experts will be speaking at the Baby Show Wellington, May 22nd – 24th at TSB Arena.
Jason Shon Bennett: father of four, grandfather, health researcher, best-selling author and international speaker.
Sleep when your baby sleeps in the initial three months whenever you can. Sleep is so important for health, weight, happiness, emotions and longevity.
Eat a plant-based wholefood diet rich in fruits, vegetables and sprouts to ensure vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and plant polyphenols are in your diet (and through your breast milk, baby’s diet) to protect and nurture yourself and your little one through the rocky first year of parenthood.
Kate Meads, The Nappy Lady.
Once the baby is here, take one day at a time – let’s just get through today and then see what tomorrow will bring.
It is time to learn to use the 'N' word….'No' is so hard to say sometimes but you need to get comfortable with saying it.
Jacqui & Nat, co-authors of popular parenting blog, book and podcast “If Only They’d Told Me”.
Accept and ask for help – it’s ok to ask for help. You are not on your own. People understand and WANT to help you.
Cherish the moments – slow down and be present. Time goes so quickly and the little years will be over before you know it. The biggest gift you can give your child is your love and your time. That’s all they want. Time with you.
Sarah Antunovic, from Baby Sleep Consultant.
To help set your newborn up for sleep use a firm, arms down swaddle and play some loud rumbling white noise continuously for all sleeps.
Experiment with lots of ways to get your newborn to sleep, that way you will always have a backup plan ready in case your old methods have stopped working or you are having a tricky day.
Bernetta Billing, Kangatraining postnatal workout expert.
You won’t spoil your baby by holding them – keep them close!
It's normal to not know what you're doing as a parent, listen to your instincts, they're generally right!
Philippa Murphy, Postnatal Educator and author of “BabyCues”.
Seek help if your baby cries inconsolably on a daily basis – it is not normal.
Take time out for yourselves, it makes you a better parent.
Dorothy Waide, the ‘baby whisperer’ from Baby Help
When settling a baby, never do anything in your arms that you can’t replicate in a cot – ideally movements in arms will be small movements on a baby rather than large movements such as walking, rocking or pushing a buggy.
You can’t spoil your baby from holding it all the time – it is called nurturing. When you made your baby you were nurturing each other, then you carried your baby for nine months inside you. For the first 12 weeks, your baby belongs in your arms as much as possible.
Tickets are available now at www.babyshow.co.nz, where you can get the special early bird price of $12 for adults, under 12s are free.