When it comes to being the parent of a newborn, it can be challenging to know if you are taking the best steps for your baby with so much unsolicited advice floating around from friends and family, nevermind countless books giving different variations of what you should be doing! We’ll debunk these 5 newborn parenting myths for you, so you can put your mind at ease.
Self-soothing
Some people pick up their baby from the moment they start to fuss, and some believe in letting your little one ‘cry it out’. This comes from a belief that your baby will be spoiled and will come to expect being lifted and comforted over time. The truth is that your baby will cry for three main reasons at bed or nap time, just as they will at any other time during the day. They are hungry, they need changed or they are simply overtired. For these reasons, you should do your best to comfort your baby by eliminating any of these issues by either feeding or changing them. For overtiredness, it’s important to keep the lights down low as well as your voice so your baby has less stimulation and is able to fall asleep without distraction. If you have tried these methods and notice that your baby has a higher than normal, intense cry that almost sounds like screaming, they could be suffering from colic. Colic can occur from when your baby is 3 weeks old and can be a symptom of indigestion or food allergies such as a cow’s milk allergy. A memorable and easy way to identify if your baby is suffering from colic is the 3-3-3 rule. This means crying for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, for at least 3 weeks. This would not be an instance in which self-soothing will cure any prolonged crying, no matter what the naysayers say! If your baby is suffering from colic, you should first consult your doctor but also consider our Babocush Comfort Cushion to give yourself and your baby relief. So don’t feel guilty about holding your baby, mama, they will only be little for so long - and if you need a break, we’re here to help.
Co-sleeping
Some old school parents may believe that your baby should be in its own room from day one to establish good sleeping habits. However, it is recommended that you keep your baby in your bedroom for the first six months. Not only will this ease your mind to know your baby is beside you, safe, and breathing but there are also extra benefits that include increasing their feelings of security and regulating their own breathing patterns. If deciding to co-sleep with your baby, make sure to seek professional medical advice to ensure that your co-sleeping setup is safe for you, your partner and your baby. Although your baby’s nursery might be decorated to perfection and ready for your bundle of joy to make its debut, hold tight for just a little while longer and enjoy the magic of co-sleeping!
Breast is best
There is a long held belief that breastmilk is best for your baby, but the modern mama knows that what is best for you will also be best for your little one! Some mothers can experience milk supply issues or simply find breastfeeding uncomfortable. In turn, this will produce a fussy baby which only stresses out mom and baby more. Some moms will breastfeed for a few days, a few weeks or only a few months before switching to formula. The important thing to remember is that you should do what is right by you, as ultimately your baby will be safe, healthy and happy either way! If you cannot breastfeed how you want to, or simply don’t enjoy it, there is no judgement here at Babocush.
Colic will ‘go away on its own’
If your baby is suffering from Colic, you may hear or be told that it will simply go away on its own. Whilst the effects of Colic may lessen or reduce with maturity of your baby’s digestive system / discovering a cow’s milk allergy, colic if left untreated or unaided can really disrupt you and your baby’s routine. Aside from the blood-curdling cries of a colic baby rippling through your home and the endless feelings of helplessness, your little one will most likely be distressed and you will be too. Colic can be alleviated to offer your baby relief with medical remedies, but in most cases upset babies just want to be held. This is where our Comfort Cushion saves the day - the internal heartbeat mimics the natural rhythm of you to help soothe your little one and calm their cries so you can recalibrate your momma settings! For use up to 6 months, our Comfort Cushion can help ease you and your baby into the whirlwind that is parenthood.
Baby Routine
We’ve all been there, listening to the mom with the perfect routine for their baby who never cries and sleeps all night, making you feel like a failure. What they won’t tell you though, is that they are one of few! Even if you initially get your baby into a routine, it is likely that this will change (4 month sleep regression, anyone?!). In this instance, routine isn’t necessarily a good thing as it will frequently change throughout your baby’s first few months. So don’t fret if you haven’t got it down to military precision just yet! It is important to remember that every baby is different and no two babies will follow the same routine. You can begin to establish a routine with your baby around the 4 month mark when their sleeping and feeding habits have settled. Until then, enjoy the rollercoaster of a different routine daily!
Tummy Time
Tummy time is one of the newborn parenthood myths that you will want to pay attention to! Although some people may say that tummy time isn’t necessary, it is excellent at helping your baby strengthen their upper body muscles including their neck, back and arms and encourages them to learn to lift their head. This also helps them to begin to navigate learning to walk and in turn will continue to develop their motor skills. Starting tummy time the earliest you can with your baby is better so they become accustomed to the activity. A few minutes a day, a few times a day of tummy time will help them to hold their head up around the 4 month mark. Over time, you can begin to increase the minutes as your baby becomes more confident. Whilst tummy time has plenty of benefits for your baby’s progression, it can also help reduce the possibility of flat head syndrome. Your Babocush Comfort Cushion can also help your baby’s tummy time and will complement your baby’s development.
For more advice on navigating your newborn parenting journey, check out our blogs below;
- Getting to know your newborn baby
- Newborn feeding cues
- The Magic of Newborn Swaddle Blankets
- Newborn babies & sleepless nights
