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There’s no denying that parenthood is challenging! Whether you’re entering motherhood for the first time or learning to parent multiple children, you can expect the journey to be full of uncertainty, excitement, and questions (not forgetting poo explosions).
Kids Planet teams are here to help you through this journey, be it with some helpful advice, a friendly smile, and a safe space for your little one to learn and grow. Here are our top tips for first-time mums and those raising multiple young children.
Becoming a first-time mum is a joyous and transformative experience. As you embark on this remarkable journey, it’s important to be prepared and equipped with the essentials that will help you navigate the early days of motherhood.
While the essentials list is endless, a few key essentials can help during your postpartum period.
Safety: Prioritise the safety and comfort of your baby. Firstly, invest in a reliable car seat to ensure your little one is secure during travel. A sturdy and adjustable crib or bassinet will provide a safe sleeping environment. Finally, a stroller or baby carrier will make outings more convenient and enjoyable – you can choose one that suits your lifestyle and offers good support for your baby.
Clothing and supplies: Nappies are a must-have (and when your child is at Kids Planet, all nappies, wipes, and formula is supplied by us!) For outside of nursery time, whether you choose disposable or cloth, be sure to stock up on an ample supply. Wipes, nappy cream, and changing pads will also come in handy. Baby clothes should be comfortable and easy to change and you can opt for soft onesies, sleepers, and hats to keep your little one cosy. Swaddling blankets can also help soothe and comfort your baby.
Baby well-being: Feeding essentials are crucial. If you plan to breastfeed, invest in a good-quality breast pump, nursing bras, and nursing pads. If you opt for formula, bottles, sterilisers, and formula powder or ready-to-use containers are essential. Some parents also find investing in a reliable thermometer to monitor their baby’s temperature, as well as a nasal aspirator to help clear congestion helpful as well.
Postpartum care essentials: Nursing pads, nipple cream, maternity bras, and comfortable clothing will help you feel more at ease during the postpartum period.
Remember, while these essentials are important, the most crucial element for a first-time mum is love, patience, and support. Trust your instincts, seek guidance when needed, and cherish the incredible bond you will develop with your baby.
The bond between a mother and her baby is a fundamental and profound connection that plays a crucial role in the development and well-being of both individuals.
The importance of this bond cannot be overstated, as it sets the stage for the baby’s emotional, social and cognitive growth. Remember, each mother-baby relationship is unique, so trust your instincts and enjoy the journey of bonding with your little one.
Skin-to-skin contact: The act of holding your baby against your bare chest creates a sense of security and closeness. It not only helps promote bonding, but can also help regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing. Similarly, once you are out and about, using a baby carrier or sling allows you to keep your baby close while going about your daily activities, again, creating a sense of closeness and security.
Engage with them: Babies are comforted by the sound of their mother’s voice. Engage in baby talk, sing lullabies or narrate your daily activities to your baby. This helps them recognise your voice and encourages language development. As your baby grows, engage in age-appropriate activities like peek-a-boo, tickling or playing with toys. Follow their lead, respond to their cues and enjoy the shared experiences.
Take care of yourself: This is one that can be easily forgotten but is so crucial. In order to bond well with your baby, you must be emotionally well-rested. Take time for self-care, rest, and nourishment. When you are relaxed and happy, it positively impacts your interaction with your baby.
If you find it challenging to bond with your baby or feel you may have signs of postnatal depression, don’t hesitate to seek support for this common concern. Talk to your partner, family, or healthcare provider for guidance and assistance.
Managing time with multiple children can be challenging, but with some planning and organisation, you can create a balanced routine.
Establish a routine: Set a daily routine that includes specific times for meals, schoolwork, playtime and bedtime. A consistent schedule can help children know what to expect and reduce chaos.
Create designated spaces: Organise specific areas in your home where children can play, study or engage in activities independently. Having designated spaces helps them know where to find their toys, books, or school supplies, reducing the time spent searching for things.
Use calendars and schedules: Utilise calendars, planners, or smartphone apps to keep track of important dates, appointments, and activities. Share the schedule with your children, so they know what’s coming up and can participate in planning their own activities.
Set aside one-on-one time: Spend individual quality time with each child regularly – it can be as simple as reading a book together or walking. This focused attention helps strengthen the parent-child bond and makes children feel valued.
Remember, every family is unique, and what works for one may not work for another, so experiment with different strategies and find a routine that suits your family’s needs and dynamics.
As mentioned in the above section, one tip for managing time with multiple children includes creating areas in your home where children can play, study or engage in activities independently. This can also apply to enrolling your child in a nursery.
Nurseries can be invaluable in supporting first-time mums by providing expert guidance, early childhood education, social support, and respite care. By offering a nurturing environment for both children and mothers, nurseries help ease the transition into parenthood and contribute to the overall well-being of families.
We’re proud to provide a nurturing and enriching environment for young children while also offering valuable resources and assistance to parents.
A huge thing that nurseries can offer is peace of mind for mothers. Knowing that your child is in capable hands can reduce the anxiety of leaving your child in someone else’s care. We not only provide a safe environment, but we are also proud to be an all-inclusive nursery, meaning that included in our fees are nappies, baby formula and baby wipes, so all you need to do is turn up with your little one and they are sorted for the rest of the day!
We are aware that the choice of enrolling your child in full-time childcare can be pricey. Thankfully the government introduced the ‘30hrs funded childcare’ scheme to help support parents and encourage enrollment of children in nurseries.
At some of our nurseries (Kids Allowed), we have introduced the ‘Your Day, Your Way’ scheme, aimed at giving parents a helping hand when it comes to juggling childcare and work hours, including parents who work unconventional hours (NHS staff, contractors etc.). Parents can choose from either a half-day session which is a morning or afternoon or a full-day session, and these hours can be swapped if need be.
Here at Kids Planet, we recognise that parenthood can be a challenge, especially if you are a first-time parent. Learn more about how we support first-time parents by calling your local Kids Planet nursery.
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