<h2>1. Is your baby getting the right amount of sleep during the day and night?</h2><p>Daytime naps are the secret ingredient to better sleep at night. It might seem counterintuitive, but <strong>babies who don’t nap enough during the day often have an even harder time falling and staying asleep at night</strong>. Poor nighttime sleep can also lead to oversleeping during the day—and the cycle continues. A consistent sleep schedule tailored to your baby’s needs can help break this pattern.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Try an app like </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps</i></a><i> to know exactly when and how often your baby should sleep.&nbsp;</i></p><hr><h2>2. Do you have a consistent bedtime routine?</h2><p>A predictable and calming bedtime routine is key to making bedtime easier and quicker. Start early to help your baby wind down by dimming the lights and slowing the pace.<strong> Follow the same steps every evening</strong>: maybe a bath, saying goodnight to stuffed animals, reading a book, singing a lullaby, putting on pajamas, giving a gentle massage, or offering a warm bottle. The routine signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Over time, this repetition will help your baby relax automatically.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Play the same bedtime music every night </i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=1ef670a7cd79409c"><i>(we love this Spotify playlist!</i></a><i>), and your baby will associate the songs with sleep.</i></p><hr><h2>3. Is your baby showing sleepy cues?</h2><p>Creating a calm environment can make it easier to spot when your baby is ready for sleep (though we know keeping playtime calm isn’t always simple!). Watch for sleepy cues, and <strong>start the bedtime process as soon as you see them</strong>.</p><p>Common sleepy cues can be:</p><ul><li>Rubbing their eyes</li><li>Slight redness around the eyes or eyebrows</li><li>Yawning</li><li>Becoming quieter</li><li>Lying down on the floor</li><li>Wanting extra cuddles</li></ul><p>Make sure most of the bedtime routine is already done by this point.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Starting too late or extending the routine can lead to overtiredness, making it harder for your baby to settle down. Begin winding down at the right time, wait for those sleepy cues, and then head to bed!</i></p><hr><h2>4. Are you putting your baby to bed at the right time?</h2><p>Finding the sweet spot for bedtime isn’t always easy. Research shows that babies tend to sleep longer—and better!—when they’re put to bed earlier in the evening. Many parents mistakenly keep their children awake longer, thinking it will tire them out, but this often backfires and leads to an overtired, fussy baby. Most young children naturally fall asleep <strong>between 6:30 and 7:30 PM</strong>.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Not sure what time works best for your baby? Try the </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>BabyNaps app</i></a><i> for a personalized sleep schedule.</i></p><hr><h2>5. Is your baby’s diaper dry all night?</h2><p>A wet or uncomfortable diaper can disrupt sleep. Experiment with different brands to find one that keeps your baby dry and comfy all night. If you need to change a diaper during the night, <strong>use a soft nightlight to avoid fully waking your baby</strong>. As your child grows, a familiar light can also provide comfort in a dark room.</p><hr><h2>6. Is the bedroom cool and quiet?</h2><p>Babies often sleep better in a cool room. Overheating can disturb their sleep, so <strong>aim to keep the temperature around 18°C (65°F)</strong>. Dress your baby in cozy pajamas with feet and use a light blanket or sleeping bag to keep them comfortable. If your baby tends to kick off the covers, <strong>a wearable sleep sack is a great solution</strong>. White noise can also help mask disruptive sounds and create a calm sleep environment.</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Check out </i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=58042f14829d4cc6"><i>our favorite white noise playlist on Spotify</i></a><i>!</i></p><hr><h2>7. Is it dark? Like, really dark?</h2><p>Even the smallest sliver of light can signal to your baby that it’s morning. Invest in <strong>blackout curtains to make the room completely dark</strong>. If light still seeps in, add a blanket over the curtains. Total darkness is your goal—embrace it!</p><hr><h2>8. Is the sleeping space cozy?</h2><p>Newborns love environments that <strong>mimic the womb</strong>: snug, secure, and surrounded by soft edges. A <strong>baby nest or snug sleeping are</strong>a can provide the comfort they need. For older babies, making the sleep space inviting is key—think favorite stuffed animals, a gentle nightlight, or even starting the night in your bed if that’s what works.</p><hr><h2>9. Is your baby full?</h2><p>For newborns, hunger is a big factor in wakefulness. A full tummy can help your baby sleep longer stretches. <strong>Try offering a dream feed</strong> (a quick feed while they’re half-asleep) before you head to bed yourself.&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> For babies eating solid food, a small bowl of porridge before bedtime can work wonders.</i></p><hr><h2>10. Does your baby fall asleep without too much help from you?</h2><p>Newborns often need rocking or cuddling to fall asleep, but as they grow, it’s helpful to gradually reduce this assistance. If your baby learns to self-soothe, they’re <strong>more likely to fall back asleep on their own during the night</strong> (which is a game-changer for everyone!).</p><p><i><strong>👉 SLEEP TIP:</strong> Check out </i><a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd"><i>the step-by-step guide to teaching your baby to fall asleep independently in BabyNaps app</i></a><i>—without tears.</i></p><hr><h2>11. Does your baby fall asleep in the same place they’ll sleep all night?</h2><p>Research shows that <strong>babies sleep better when they fall asleep in the same spot where they’ll spend the night</strong>. During light sleep cycles, they often “check” their surroundings. If something feels different, like being moved from your arms to the crib, they’re more likely to wake up fully.</p><hr><h2>12. Is your baby getting enough closeness?</h2><p>Every baby is different—some thrive with lots of closeness, while others prefer more space. <strong>Finding a balance that works for both you and your baby is important</strong>. If your baby feels secure knowing you’re nearby, it may reduce nighttime wake-ups.</p><p><strong>Suggestions to try:</strong></p><ul><li>Keep the crib close to your bed so you can soothe your baby without getting up.</li><li>Use a mattress on the floor next to the crib for easier nighttime comforting.</li><li>Try a rocking bassinet or crib attachments that gently sway.</li></ul><p>And remember: Babies under 3 months should have their own sleeping space to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).</p><hr><h2>Bonus: Do you have realistic expectations?</h2><p>If you’re hoping to sleep like you did pre-baby, you might feel disappointed. <strong>Night wakings are normal, especially in the first year. </strong>Most children continue to wake occasionally until age 3 (!!), and many sleep in their parents’ bed well into their school years. Accepting these realities can help you feel more at peace with the ups and downs of baby sleep ❤️</p>

Sleep is a top priority for every tired parent. Here are 12 common reasons why your baby struggles to sleep through the night or keeps waking up—and practical solutions to help your whole family get the rest you need.

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Here are 12 common reasons why your baby struggles to sleep through the night or keeps waking up.

12 reasons why your baby isn't sleeping through the night (and how to fix it!)

<h2>1. Is Your Baby Really Awake?</h2><p>Let’s dive into the fascinating world of newborn sleep cycles. Unlike adults, who spend about 20% of their sleep in REM (dream sleep), newborns spend nearly 50% of their sleep in this stage. <strong>During REM, your baby might wiggle, whimper, suck on their fingers, or even briefly open their eyes, making it seem like they’re awake.</strong></p><p>Here’s the trick:<strong> wait a few minutes before intervening.</strong> If they settle back into sleep on their own, congratulations—you’ve just helped them begin learning to connect sleep cycles!</p><hr><h2>2. Feed, Feed, Feed!</h2><p>A well-fed baby sleeps better—simple as that. <strong>Make sure your baby gets a full feed before sleep, whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula.</strong> Keep them awake during feeding (try gently tickling their feet!) so they take in enough. A full tummy increases the chances of longer, more restful sleep.</p><hr><h2>3. White Noise Is Your Best Friend</h2><p>Newborns are used to constant sounds from their time in the womb. <strong>Rhythmic noises like a humming fan, a washing machine, or white noise apps can be incredibly soothing.</strong> If you don’t have access to appliances, try streaming white noise tracks on platforms like Spotify (<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=5f53ccb00437425a">here's our favorite playlist!</a>).</p><hr><h2>4. Babies Love a Snug Sleep Space</h2><p>Newborns feel safe and secure when they’re snug, just like in the womb.<strong> A baby nest or a tightly rolled towel placed around the crib or stroller can help replicate that cozy feeling. </strong>If your baby loves falling asleep in your arms, you’re not alone! Once they’re asleep, learn how to gently transition them to their crib.</p><hr><h2>5. Nighttime Is for Sleeping</h2><p>Invest in blackout curtains—they’re a lifesaver! Keep your baby’s room dark and quiet at night, while making the daytime brighter and livelier. This helps establish their circadian rhythm. <strong>Darkness signals your baby’s brain that it’s time to sleep</strong>. If you’re parenting during summer, blocking out the long daylight hours is especially important.</p><h2>6. Keep the Room Cool</h2><p>Both adults and<strong> babies sleep better in a room set to around 16-18°C (60-65°F)</strong>. Avoid heavy blankets—opt for a lightweight blanket or a sleep sack paired with comfortable pajamas. For little ones who tend to kick off their covers, a sleep sack is a game changer (plus, it makes nighttime diaper changes easier!).b</p><h2>7. Establish a Simple Routine</h2><p>Newborns thrive on repetition. Even simple routines—like a warm bath, a diaper change, a gentle massage, or playing the same lullaby—help your baby recognize bedtime cues. Over time, these<strong> rituals signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.</strong> Start small and build as they grow.</p><h2>8. Try a Gentle Face Massage</h2><p>A soothing face massage can work wonders. Using your thumbs, gently stroke your baby’s face:</p><ul><li>From the eyebrows to the temples</li><li>Over the cheeks from the nose outward</li><li>Along the chin toward the ears</li></ul><p>Repeat each motion three times to help your baby relax and drift off to sleep.</p><h2>9. Watch Those Wake Windows</h2><p>Newborns sleep a <i>lot</i>. They usually stay awake for only 30 minutes to 1 hour before needing another nap. It’s tempting to keep them awake longer in hopes they’ll sleep better—but this often backfires, leaving them overtired and fussy. Pay attention to their "awake window" to avoid meltdowns.&nbsp;</p><p>Need help keeping track of those tricky wake windows? The <a href="https://nimble.li/p9lgo6zd">BabyNaps app </a>provides personalized sleep schedules tailored to your baby’s age, helping you nail the perfect timing for naps and avoid overtiredness.</p><h2>10. Carry, Rock, Bounce!</h2><p>After months of rocking around in the womb, newborns are soothed by motion. <strong>A baby carrier or sling is a lifesaver for calming them down—and it keeps your hands free! </strong>Sit on a yoga ball and bounce, or gently rock them to sleep without wearing yourself out pacing the room.</p><h2>11. Keep Nighttime Changes Minimal</h2><p>While frequent diaper changes are a must for some newborns, you don’t need to change every wet diaper during the night. If you do need to change them, <strong>keep the lighting dim and avoid stimulating your baby. </strong>Opt for pajamas with easy zippers to make diaper changes quick and disruption-free.</p><hr><h3><strong>BONUS: </strong>Share the Nights!</h3><p>Newborns don’t follow a typical sleep schedule, and you’ll have to adapt for the first few months. If you have a partner, <strong>taking turns at night is a lifesaver</strong>. If you’re parenting solo, lean on family or friends for support. This stage is tough, but you’ll get through it—one night at a time. ♥</p>

Are you a new parent searching for ways to help your newborn sleep better? You're not alone—and we’ve got you covered! Here are 11 must-know tips to help your little one (and you!) get a bit more rest.

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Are you a new parent searching for ways to help your newborn sleep better? Here are 11 must-know tips to help your little one (and you!) get a bit more rest.

Newborn Baby? 11 Sleep Tips Every Tired Parent MUST Know!

Newborn baby? 11 sleep hacks every tired parent MUST know!

<h2>Nurturing Curiosity</h2><p>“Babies are <strong>naturally curious about food</strong>, and this is something we should embrace. What I didn’t realize as a new parent is that children enter a phase called neophobia at around two years old. This is when they become cautious or even picky about unfamiliar foods. <strong>By starting early with first tastes and texture exploration, you can help lay the groundwork for a more adventurous eater</strong>,” says Ann Fernholm, science journalist and author of “The Big Book on Children and Food”, co-written with speech therapist Kajsa Lamm.</p><p>“Eating is often taken for granted, but it’s actually<strong> one of the most complex skills our bodies perform</strong>. Just like learning to walk or ride a bike, eating involves practice and support,” explains Kajsa Lamm.</p><hr><h1><strong>TIP 1:</strong> Let Your Baby’s Appetite Guide the Start</h1><p>Every child develops at their own pace. When your baby begins to show interest in food, that’s your cue to gently start introducing them to new tastes.</p><h2>Start Small: First Tastes, Not Full Meals</h2><p>Think of these early feeding experiences as <strong>an introduction to taste rather than nourishment</strong>. A small dollop of purée on your finger is enough to get started. This allows your baby’s tongue to practice new movements while keeping the experience simple and enjoyable.&nbsp;</p><p>If you choose to use a spoon, ensure it’s small and flat, as your baby’s motor skills to handle a deeper spoon are not fully developed yet. <strong>Breast milk or formula will still be your baby’s primary source of nutrition </strong>during this phase.</p><p><i><strong>TIP!</strong> A silicone spoon can be a gentle and practical option for first-time tasters.</i></p><h2>Oral Motor Skills: Why They Matter</h2><p>“Try swallowing food without the ability to move your tongue from side to side—it’s nearly impossible. <strong>Babies need to develop the ability to move their tongues laterally to handle food effectively.</strong> This requires practice and time,” says Kajsa Lamm.</p><p>Developing these motor skills is a gradual process, with significant progress typically seen around three to four years of age.</p><hr><h2><strong>TIP 2: </strong>Babies Can Taste (Almost) Everything</h2><p>Babies don’t have preconceived notions of what’s “good” or “bad.” A grimace doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the taste—it’s just new to them! With a few exceptions (see below), <strong>babies under one year can try many of the same flavors you enjoy.</strong></p><h2>Let Them Mimic You</h2><p>“You are your baby’s role model for exploring the world of flavors. <strong>Take a bite yourself and show them how fun and delicious it is. </strong>Babies love to imitate, and this can make the experience exciting for them. If they hesitate, simply try again another day,” advises Lamm.</p><h2>Make Vegetables a Staple</h2><p>"Broaden their palate by including bitter, sour, and complex flavors like broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, and beans. Research suggests that<strong> introducing these tastes early increases the likelihood of acceptance and enjoyment later in life.</strong>"</p><h2>Forget the ‘One Flavor at a Time’ Rule</h2><p>Who wants to eat the same thing every day? Not babies! <strong>Studies suggest that offering a variety of flavors increases openness to trying new foods</strong>—and this openness can last into adulthood. Choosing flavors the whole family enjoys can also make mealtimes easier and less chaotic.</p><h2>Sample Two-Week Menu for First Tastes</h2><p><strong>Week 1:</strong></p><ul><li>Day 1: Carrot and avocado</li><li>Day 2: Sweet potato and peas</li><li>Day 3: Avocado and banana</li><li>Day 4: Carrot, broccoli, and potato</li><li>Day 5: Cauliflower and green beans</li><li>Day 6: Sweet potato and broccoli</li><li>Day 7: Avocado and pear</li></ul><p><strong>Week 2:</strong></p><ul><li>Day 1: Banana mashed with peanut butter</li><li>Day 2: Turnip and apple</li><li>Day 3: Broccoli, carrot, and sweet potato</li><li>Day 4: Green peas and mashed potato</li><li>Day 5: Avocado, carrot, and cauliflower</li><li>Day 6: Pear, banana, and broccoli</li><li>Day 7: Sweet potato and broccoli</li></ul><h2>Practice Makes Perfect</h2><p>Don’t be discouraged if your baby makes a face or spits out a new food. This is normal! <strong>It often takes up to 10 tries before a baby accepts a new taste. </strong>Stay positive, smile, and keep offering new foods.</p><p><i><strong>TIP!</strong> Consider using a mesh feeder so your baby can explore fruits and vegetables without choking.</i></p><h2>The Salt Warning: Don’t Worry Too Much</h2><p>Babies between 4–6 months eat very small amounts of food, so the salt content in their first tastes isn’t a big concern. It’s fine to mash vegetables with unsalted butter or oil. As their intake increases, <strong>avoid adding extra salt to home-cooked meals</strong>.</p><hr><h2>TIP 3: Moving from Purées to Textures</h2><p>By six months of age, most babies are ready to explore textures and begin chewing. Introduce soft, manageable pieces of food to help them practice.</p><h2>Keep It Safe</h2><p>Make sure food is either<strong> large enough to gnaw on or small and soft enough to prevent choking</strong>. Slowly but surely, your baby will develop the skills to handle different textures.</p><p><strong>Try this to start with larger pieces of food:&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li>A large boiled broccoli tree to hold and gnaw on</li><li>Fish, meat or chicken patties cut into small pieces</li><li>Crumbled feta cheese</li><li>Ripe pear in small pieces</li><li>Avocado</li><li>Boiled egg</li></ul><hr><h2>Foods to Avoid for Babies</h2><ul><li>Honey</li><li>Unpasteurized milk</li><li>Green potatoes or potato skins</li><li>Spinach and other leafy greens (in large amounts)</li><li>Foods high in added sugar</li><li>Rice cakes and rice drinks (due to arsenic traces)</li></ul><hr><h2>Takeaway: Create a Lifelong Love for Food</h2><p>By introducing a variety of first tastes early on, you help your baby develop a positive relationship with food. Keep mealtimes relaxed, enjoy the process, and remember that every baby is unique. With patience and consistency, you’ll set the stage for healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.</p><hr><p><i>The information provided in this text is based on expert interviews and official recommendations, such as those from the Swedish National Food Agency. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical or nutritional advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pediatrician if you have specific concerns about your child’s diet or health.</i></p>

What is it? How much? And when?! Introducing solid food to your baby comes with many questions. Here, we provide insights into first tastes, how to start, and why introducing real food early is an important step in your baby’s development.

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Time for first tastes? Everything you need to know about your baby’s first solid food! 

<h1>BREASTFEEDING &amp; BOTTLE FEEDING</h1><h2>How to start breastfeeding</h2><p>Ouch! It is not uncommon (no, quite the opposite!) for breastfeeding to be both time-consuming and painful in the beginning. For those who want to breastfeed, skin-to-skin immediately after birth is the best start. Within a few hours, most babies find their way to the breast. The first few days can be tough as your nipples get used to it (!!), the milk production kicks in and the baby gets a good grip on your nipple. One tip is not to leave the maternity ward without breastfeeding working properly. If things go wrong - ask for help! Often, tricks that allow the baby to get a better grip can help.</p><h2>If you want to bottle feed</h2><p>If you know before you give birth that you want to bottle feed your baby, it's a good idea to find out which formula you want to use and bring a bottle to the hospital. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, skin-to-skin is a cozy and good start to the bond between you as a parent and your baby. Let your baby show hunger signs and then give the bottle. No stress!</p><h2>How do I know my baby is hungry?</h2><p>A good guideline is to simply let your baby eat as often as they want. Some common signs that your baby is getting hungry include moving their head and mouth, sucking on their fingers, or 'buffering' with their face to the breast. It's easier to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby before he or she has time to start crying, so look out for the signs your baby makes.&nbsp;</p><h2>How much should my newborn baby eat?</h2><p>Babies should eat until they are full and satisfied, which for newborns usually means they stop actively sucking. They often fall asleep at the breast or bottle. If your baby doesn't finish the whole bottle (check the packaging to see how much you should do), pour out what's left.&nbsp;</p><hr><h1>SLEEP FOR NEWBORNS</h1><h2>How much does a newborn baby sleep in the first month?</h2><p>Before having a baby, you've probably been told that newborns do nothing but sleep for the first few days, preferably 14-17 hours a day. The problem with newborns is not the amount of sleep, but the fact that they sleep, eat, and are awake – whether it's day or night. Some will sleep for 3 hours, others will only slumber for 20 minutes at a time. Try not to think too much about how it will be: babies are different and you just have to accept and go with the flow.&nbsp;</p><h2>More importantly, how do you put a newborn baby to sleep?!</h2><ul><li><strong>In a babynest:</strong> babies like to have defined edges around them. It simply reminds them of their time in the womb. A babynest is great or a tightly rolled towel as a border around your baby.</li><li><strong>In your arms:</strong> your baby is used to being cradled inside her tummy as her mother walks around. Carrying your baby against your chest calms your baby, and he or she will also hear your heartbeat. A baby carrier frees your hands and prevents back pain.</li><li><strong>Buffing your baby's bottom:</strong> gently and rhythmically buffing your baby's bottom while carrying them in a sling is an almost magical trick.</li><li><strong>Rocking:</strong> you have already understood from this list that babies like movement and rocking. Many babies, therefore, settle more easily when the bed is rocking.</li><li><strong>In a stroller:</strong> yes, falling asleep in the fresh air and feeling the vibrations of the stroller is a golden recipe for sleep!&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Using white noise</strong>: inside the belly, your baby has been used to constant noise. Therefore, our quiet and calm daily life often has the opposite effect when it comes to a baby's sleep. Start a white noise playlist for babies (<a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0ZQci2UFcHFavAKYfBTIB7?si=6d9cf67da93f47a3">here's our favorite on Spotify!</a>) and your baby will probably sleep better and deeper.</li><li><strong>Feed before sleep</strong>: for your newborn baby, a full stomach is essential for good sleep. So get into the habit of breastfeeding properly or giving a bottle right before sleep time.</li></ul><p><i>TIP! Newborns can grunt, make noises, and whine in their sleep. Research shows that we as parents are often quick to react to any sound the baby makes, thus waking the baby unnecessarily. So here's a tip: wait a few minutes when your baby makes noises at night, and see if they can settle down again.</i></p><hr><h1>DIAPER CHANGES AND OTHER PRACTICALITIES</h1><h2>How often should I change the diaper?</h2><p>One thing that is not easy to know as a new first-time parent is how often to change the diaper. On average, a baby pees every 20 minutes, but since it's such a small amount, you don't need to change the diaper every time. Every 2-3 hours is usually enough. However, a poopy diaper should be changed as soon as possible.</p><h2>Ehh... black poop?!</h2><p>Yep. Your baby's first poop is called meconium and is tough and green-black. In the beginning, they often poop after each meal, and the stool then turns yellow or green-yellow.&nbsp;</p><h2>How often should I wash and bathe my newborn?</h2><p>It's a good idea to wash your newborn with a soft, damp washcloth for the first few days. Then pat dry. This is the easiest way to avoid irritating your baby's skin. After that, your baby can be bathed once or twice a week. Some babies LOVE bathing, then you can do it more often if the skin doesn't get too dry. Remember to have lukewarm water, and to hold your baby firmly. A few drops of oil are good for moisturizing the skin, but be aware that the baby can easily become slippery like an eel!</p><h2>Those little nails, should they be cut?</h2><p>Newborn babies can have really long nails. But they are soft, and in the beginning it's best to gently tear them off so you don't accidentally cut the skin. One tip is to cut them when your baby is asleep.</p><h2>Umbilical cord stump - what to do with it?</h2><p>The cord stump usually falls off within two weeks. It rarely gets infected, although it can smell a bit. This is a sign that it will soon come off. It is normal for the edge of the belly button to be a little red when the stump falls off. If there is some blood or fluid, you can clean it with a cloth (dipped in lukewarm water), and then pat it dry with a clean cloth.&nbsp;</p><hr><h1>5 TIPS FOR A MORE COMFORTABLE START WITH YOUR NEWBORN</h1><h2><br>1. Your mood - yes, it can go up a little... and down a lot!</h2><p>During pregnancy, you're encouraged by the idea that you'll be in a state of total bliss immediately after giving birth. But it is more common for the new mother to feel extra tired, sore, and weepy from hormones during the first few days at home. There's a lot to take care of: feedings, naps, 118 diaper changes, and knowing what every cry means. In other words, it's perfectly normal to be overjoyed, exhausted, in love, worried, and confused all at the same time.</p><h2>2. The baby will be just as cute in a couple of weeks</h2><p>It's okay to say no to visits. Really! Or just see those closest to you. Your baby will be just as adorable in a couple of weeks. As parents, you will have had time to get to know your new family member and enjoy the visit more.&nbsp;</p><h2>3."Well, just read the manual!"</h2><p>As a new parent, it's easy to wonder how everyone else manages this so brilliantly. What course did they take to learn how to put a baby to sleep or what every cry means? The answer is: everyone is as confused as you are. Don't think otherwise. And there's no magic formula - each baby comes with its own instruction book. Soon you will become an expert on the instructions for your baby.</p><h2>4. Food in the freezer - but only food that can be eaten with one hand!</h2><p>"The time at home with a newborn baby is the time of small bites", according to a midwife at the parent training course. And that's right - when you're marathon feeding and rocking a baby, a hot meal is often not a priority. Even though a full stomach, and thus extra energy, is super important. Things you can eat with one hand work perfectly!</p><h2>5. Choose who you listen to</h2><p>As a new parent, you will be attacked by well-meaning advice. Being told "He's probably hungry" every time your baby cries is classic - as if you hadn't thought of it yourself (or would deny your baby food for that matter). Choose a few people to listen to - and see the advice as <i>one way</i> to solve a problem. It doesn't necessarily mean it's<i> your way</i>. Let others advice pass you by with an "Oh, that's what <i>you</i> did!".</p><h2>6. Carry, carry, carry!</h2><p>Newborn babies love being close to their parents. They are used to lying in their mother's stomach and following her movements. A baby carrier or sling is similar to this and is therefore often loved by newborns. The sling or baby carrier allows your baby to be close to you, rock rhythmically, and hear your heartbeat. It's a lifesaver when your baby has trouble settling down. It also saves your back and leaves your hands free!</p><hr><h2>And don't forget to breathe, breathe... and breathe!</h2><p>There will be times when you wonder what you've gotten yourself into. Perhaps in the middle of a late-night screaming marathon, or rocking a baby who never wants to settle down. When both you and your baby are crying and you want to give up, there's only one thing to do. Breathe and start again. Breathe again. You will make it. ❤️<br>&nbsp;</p>

This is the ultimate guide for new parents with the essentials for the first time at home with a baby. You'll learn everything from how newborns sleep best to how to manage diaper changes and avoid screaming and panic. Let's go!

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The survival guide for new parents - EVERYTHING you need to know about newborn babies!

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Check out our collection of articles covering babies aged 0-6 months. Get expert advice on everything related to sleep, breastfeeding, diaper changes - basically, everything concerning our newborn.

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Create YOUR sleep plan – perfectly tailored for your baby!