Going through the process of adopting a baby? Feeling terrified at the very thought of actually bringing that bundle of joy home? If the answer to those questions is yes, you’ll be glad to hear that what you’re feeling is completely normal and even expected of first-time adoptive parents. This also means there are plenty of tips for fighting those fears, many of which involve advice on what to do with your baby during the first day after you’ve brought them into their new home. Here is a list of some of the best of those tips!
1. Expect your baby to be out of sorts.
It’s your first day home and the baby is fussy no matter what you do. Instead of feeling terrified about it, try to accept the fact that it’s probably going to be natural for a little while – you won’t be the only one out of sorts. You can expect the baby to have trouble sleeping, crying all the time, and may refuse to eat or eat too little. Isolate each problem as it arises, all the while saying to yourself that it’s only the first day and that it won’t take the baby that long to adjust.
2. Ask the members of your family for help.
Suddenly becoming a parent doesn’t mean you need to know everything there is about raising a child. And there will be plenty of things you’ll find confusing at first. This is why many people ask their parents or other members of their family to lend them a hand, at least in the beginning. If you don’t have anyone who knows what they’re doing when it comes to babies, ask them to help you around the house instead.
3. Spend as much time with the baby as possible.
The first days you spend with your baby are very important, especially in terms of bonding and establishing trust. This is why you need to spend as much time with the baby as possible. If the baby is crying, do your best to provide comfort and a sense of security. This can easily be done simply by kissing and caressing the newborn, as well as cuddling up and reading a book out loud so that they start getting familiar with the sound of your voice.
4. Start a routine right away.
Babies and toddlers care for routine, and it’s never too early to start providing them with it. Your child will never feel more secure when they know what to expect from you. So set up a schedule as soon as you bring your baby home, and do your best to stick to it, especially when it comes to feeding, nap times and cuddling.
5. Keep track of your moods.
Keeping yourself in check is a big part of making your baby happy. Since bringing them home for the first time means a huge change for you too, it’s important to keep track of your moods. It’s normal to feel exhaustion, sadness and hopelessness, but it’s equally important to understand those feelings, even if it means seeking professional help.
