When thinking about baby activities, the most important thing is to ensure that whatever activity you do encourages your little one’s development. Additionally, you can supplement the developmental effects of these activities by buying educational toys to go with them. Here is a look at 10 unique baby activity ideas: Exploring textures with jelly This is a simple activity that is perfect for babies who have been introduced to solids. Pop your little one on a high chair and give her some different colored jelly to play with. Just place it on a tray in front of her and she’ll take care of the rest. Playing with jelly is a great sensory activity for babies. What you’ll need: Different colored fruit jelly on a tray. Playing with a cardboard box Need something simple and straightforward? Playing with a cardboard box is exactly that! If you have a cardboard box on hand, you already have the perfect plaything for your little one. Simply pop her in it with some of her favorite toys and let her have a blast! What you’ll need: A cardboard box, preferably one that is large enough to hold her. Reading a book Your little one will never be too young to be read to. Invest in a book that has different colors and textures then let her turn the pages as she touches and feels the textures. Soon, she’ll start having her favorite books! What you’ll need: A colorful book with textured pages. Scrunch up paper There is a reason why babies are more interested in the gift wrapper than the gift on Christmas day. They love the sound of scrunched paper! Giving her a piece of scrunched paper is a great way to pass the time. Just be sure to watch her so she doesn’t eat it! What you’ll need: A sheet of scrunched up paper, and several replacements for when it inevitably falls apart and stops being scrunchy. 5. Playing with a mobile gym set Babies exercise through play. Mobile gyms are perfect for this. They are designed to help develop your baby’s hand-eye coordination as well as her gross and fine motor skills. What you’ll need: This Mobile Gym Educational Toy Set is a great solution if you have been looking for an amazing mobile gym set. It is versatile and provides a lot of variety when it comes to the number of activities your little one will be able to explore with it. It comes with teething keys, plush toys, rattles, and pacifier chains. 6. Active play with a Baby Play Gym Active play gyms are exactly what your little one needs when she becomes mobile and she needs all the practice she can get. When you notice her starting to pull herself up on furniture, she is ready for an active play gym. This will help her perfect her motor skills as she gets ready to learn how to walk. What you’ll need: You cannot go wrong with this Baby Play Gym. Designed to grow with your little one, it is completely handmade using baby-safe materials. It also has removable teethers that your little one will enjoy interacting with. 7. Floor play Floor play is important for younger babies. Instead of carrying your little one in your arms all day, consider putting her down on a comfortable surface every once in a while. When your baby is calm and happy, and all her needs have been met, put her down and set her up with dangling toys above her. Let her engage in independent play for some time. This is great for her cognitive development! What you’ll need: Get her a Baby Play Gym and Bassinet combo. This way, she can engage in floor play while lying down on a comfortable surface and interacting with her toys. It is a great way for her to learn how to play independently. This is a skill that will make your life a lot easier as she grows. You’ll also love that this set comes with removable teethers, is completely handmade with baby-safe materials, and is designed to grow with your little one! 8. Playing with teething toys Babies love teething toys. This is especially true if your little one is at least 4 months old and her first teeth are starting to come in. The toys are designed to soothe their gums as their first teeth start to come in. What you’ll need: Because teething toys are so popular, they come in all sorts of designs. However, few of these designs are more adorable than well-made crotchet versions such as this Crotchet Elephant Teether Set. Most of the pieces in this set are made of wood. The set also comes with rattles, teethers, bracelets, pacifiers, a dummy clip, and more, giving you a lot of value for money. 9. Play with early development educational toys Early development educational toys are toys that have been designed to help boost your little one’s physical or cognitive development. They are often specialized in one area, honing a few skills at a time for your child as she interacts with them. What you’ll need: High-quality early developmental toys such as this cute Baby Foot Baby Teething Toy. Made entirely using baby-safe materials, it comes in an adorable design that looks like a foot. It is comprised of several quirky parts, from moving balls to pull strings to soft press fidgets. It is also very colorful, which pretty much guarantees that your kiddo will have a grand time interacting with it! 10. Playing with rattles Babies love rattles! From an early age (within the first few weeks), you can introduce simple, age-appropriate toys like rattles to your child. Such toys appeal to her budding sense of sight, hearing, and touch. As she interacts with the rattle, she will also get to practice her hand-eye coordination and her gross and fine motor control. What you’ll need: For this activity, we highly recommend using this Rattling Baby Teether Toy. It comes with 360-degree rotation to give your baby hours of endless fun. It also has a colorful design and multiple dangling keys that roll around in hoops. Everything is made using materials that are baby-safe and BPA-free with no harmful chemicals. Playing with it will help soothe your little one’s teething as she also improves her gross and fine motor skills. Final Thoughts Hopefully, with this list, you now have a lot of inspiration on baby activities that you can enjoy with your little one. While at it, it is important not to forget that none of these toys can replace you as her parent. They are only a small part of the equation. So as your little one plays, do not be afraid to get down to her level and have some fun with her, too.

Mindfulness is one of those things that can feel almost impossible to attain when you are a new mom. When you are juggling taking care of your little one, having endless to-do lists, and working, mindfulness is probably the last thing on your mind. Mindfulness is a broad word that simply means being conscious and aware of things. It is a mental state that can be achieved when you focus your awareness on the present moment while at the same time calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and sensations that you feel in your body. It is often used as a therapeutic technique. In this way, mindfulness is a basic human ability that allows you to be fully present and aware of where you are and what you are doing without being overly reactive or overwhelmed with what is going on around you. A lot of people assume that mindfulness and meditation are the same things. Meditation does have a small role to play in the pursuit of mindfulness. However, it is only a small part of it. Mindfulness is more than meditation or silent retreats. It can make its way into your parenting and your daily life. If you have been wondering how to practice mindfulness as a new mom, this guide is exactly what you need. Benefits of mindfulness for moms Before we get to the how let’s first tackle the why. Why should new moms practice mindfulness? What are some of the benefits they stand to get from it? Well, mindfulness can transform your life in a lot of ways. Here are some of them: It can help you learn how to pay attention to the important things in your and your little one’s life It can help you learn how not to take things personally You’ll learn how to speak more purposefully, mean what you say, and show you how to react when things drive you crazy You’ll become a calmer, more rational person It helps improve your sleep, making you feel less fatigued It is a great tool for regulating your emotions It increases your overall happiness and wellbeing How to practice mindfulness as a new mom Now that you have a good understanding of why practicing mindfulness is important, here are a few tips and tricks to help you do it as a new mom: Pay attention to yourself Notice how your body feels and what it needs. Mindfulness is all about having the intention of taking care of yourself. Doing small acts of self-care can have a huge impact on your overall well-being. Examples of such small acts include taking a hot shower while your partner holds the baby, or your partner bringing you a glass of water while you breastfeed. As a new mom, anything that makes you feel more like your old self helps in a big way. Ask yourself, “What can I do to make this better?” This one simple question can change your life. We all have to do with boring, mundane tasks every day. You have to do dishes, do laundry, run errands, and so on. Whenever you have to do something that isn’t a lot of fun, stop and ask yourself how you can make it better. If you are folding some laundry, play your favorite song as you do it. If you are washing dishes, take advantage of the moment and practice some standing meditation. If you are running errands, listen to an audiobook or podcast as you do. There is always something you can do to make every moment in your life just a little better. Come up with your own unique form of mindfulness As mentioned before, mindfulness is more than just meditation and yoga. It is about paying attention to yourself and what your body feels and what your mind is going through. Be fully present in anything that you do; whether it is doing dishes or cooking a meal or walking the dog. Savor the moment and enjoy it, no matter how mundane it is. If you notice your mind racing, acknowledge it, then take a pause and come back to what you are doing. Mindfulness is about being still in the moment, not stopping your mind. Make time for yourself Sometimes, it can feel like it is very hard to find time for yourself. However, if you are intentional about it, you will always be able to make time for yourself. To start, set aside 5 minutes a day for yourself. Mindfulness does not have to be a huge time commitment. Something as simple as taking a quick shower or walking in the sun for 5 minutes will do you a lot of good. Take a pause and breath Sometimes, things can feel overwhelming. You have just become a new mom, there is so much to do, and the world around you is in chaos. All these things can throw you off balance. If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a pause. Then take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Do this four to 5 times to help your mind stabilize and recalibrate. Start slow Mindfulness is a journey. It will take a lot of practice before it becomes a normal part of your life. Be patient. Start slowly by just taking a 5-minute break and breathing. Then gradually increase this time over the next few weeks. Keep a journal Journaling is a hobby that won’t take up much of your time. You can keep a worry journal where you write down the things that worry you. Writing down the things that worry you is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that will significantly ease your anxiety symptoms. It can help you relax. Plus, when you look at the problem from a different perspective, it becomes easier to find solutions for the issues. Final Thoughts Selfcare is extremely important for new moms. Today, mothers often have to work, take care of the home, take care of the kids, and take care of their partners, all on top of the hundreds of other things they need to do daily. It is easy to forget about taking care of your own needs in this equation. The good news is that something as simple as subtly shifting your mindset can go a long way in helping you reset your thinking. When you take advantage of these mindfulness tips, they will help you reduce stress and pay attention to yourself while simultaneously making time for the things you love. Who says moms can’t have it all?

Babies are adorable little things that need a lot of stuff. When you consider how massive the list of essential items that they need can be, buying an appropriate gift for them can be a rather stressful endeavor. That’s why we decided to create this guide. If you have been having a tough time trying to find the perfect gift for that cute baby or toddler in your life, you have come to the right place. Here is our gift shopping guide for babies and toddlers. 1. Baby Sleeper Sack 3PCS Set Baby Sleeper Sack Set are a go-to gift idea for babies and toddlers. Babies grow super fast, and they are always outgrowing their old clothes. Moms and dads everywhere will always appreciate new high-quality sleepers whenever they get them. This guarantees that this gift idea will be an instant hit. Bonus points if they also look super cute! Our recommendation: 3PCS Set Baby Sleeping Bag Bamboo Cotton Sleeping Sack: These sleepers are designed for every baby’s and toddler’s comfort. Made entirely using bamboo cotton, they are super soft and gentle to your baby’s delicate skin. Plus, they are so warm and cozy that your little one will feel like she is wrapped in the softest blanket every time she has them on. 2. Baby Swaddle Blanket 4PCS Set Babies love to be swaddled. It reminds them of when they were in the womb. Wrapping your little one in a warm swaddle blanket is a great way to make her feel loved and comfortable, and to help her go to sleep quicker. Plus, the right swaddle blanket can be used for a whole host of other uses. For example, it can also be used as a changing mat, a nursing cover, a burp cloth, a play mat, a stroller cover, and so much more! Our recommendation: Bamboo Muslin Swaddle Blanket: We adore these swaddle blankets. They come in unisex colors that look equally adorable for both boys and girls. They are also made using the softest cotton and bamboo fiber mix, ensuring that they are always kind to your baby’s sensitive skin. They also come generously large which any parent will absolutely love! 3. Baby Care Bath Set Bathtime is the perfect opportunity for moms and dads to bond with their little angels. Anything that makes this experience easier and more intimate for both the parents and the little ones is a welcome gift idea. Our recommendation: 1set Baby Care Bath Products: Featuring a delightful cotton blanket, beautiful baby headbands, milestone photography props, a baby hair brush, and a cute little crochet rabbit doll, it comes in adorable packaging that makes it easier to gift everything at once. Any parent who receives this gift set will instantly fall in love! 4. Baby Play Gym When your little one starts to become mobile, she needs all the practice she can get. When she starts pulling herself up on furniture or fumbling with random household objects in her hands, you want to help her perfect her gross and fine motor skills. One of the best ways to do this is by using a baby play gym. Our recommendation: 1Set Wooden Rattle Teethers Baby Toys Play Gym Mobile Newborn Sensory Structure: This handmade play gym is designed to grow with your little one. It comes with removable teethers 5. Personalized Wooden Baby Care Gift Set 8PCS Baby care gift sets will always be a hit whether they are given as baby shower gifts or registry gifts. Wooden ones are far superior because wood is a baby-safe material that is BPA free and does not contain any harmful chemicals. Plus, it is a tough yet soft material that babies can chew on to their hearts’ content. Our recommendation: Wooden Baby Care Set: This gift set features two hair brushes, a baby rattle, and a teether set. Every new parent will appreciate the thought that went into buying it! 6. Crotchet Elephant and Teether Set 3PCS Crochet toys are great for babies because they are soft and cute and completely baby-safe, unlike plastic toys. Babies also love wooden teether, especially once their first teeth start coming in between the ages of 0 to 12months. Yours will definitely appreciate this gift. Our recommendation: 1set Baby Rattle Wooden Crochet Elephant Bells Music Teething Bracelet Pacifier Dummy Clips: This set is made using natural wood and wool. This makes it completely baby-safe. It also comes with a bracelet pacifier that’s made using 100% food-grade silicone. When you add that to the fact that there is an adorably cuddly elephant as the cherry on top, it is easy to see why this will instantly become your little one’s favourite toy as soon as she gets her hands on it. 7. Wooden Baby Tableware Set 7PCS Babies may be tiny, but they can also be super destructive. This is especially true when you start weaning them. Glass and most plastics are completely out of the question because they will inevitably find themselves thrown on the floor. The solution is simple: get them wooden tableware that is nearly indestructible! Our recommendation: Baby Bowl Set Featuring a large hidden silicone suction cup at the bottom, this set will stay on the table from the moment you set it down until you choose to take it off. It is designed to prevent little hands from getting too adventurous with them while also promoting independence through self-feeding. Plus, all the cups, bowls, and tableware in this set are made of food-safe and baby-safe wood. This will be the only tableware set you’ll need to buy for your little one! 8. Non-slip Baby Dinner Set 7PCS Silicone is also a great material to use for baby utensils. Not only is it food safe and baby-safe, but it is also latex-free, phthalate-free, and BPA-free. It is also a very hardy material that will not be easily destroyed by your little one’s misadventures, so you can count on any silicone utensils to last a very long time. Our recommendation: 7Pcs/1Set Silicone Baby Feeding Bowl Tableware Waterproof Spoon Non-Slip Crockery: We love this set because it is 100% non-slip. This means your little one will be able to confidently feed using them with minimal messes. This is very important as it will help her build her confidence and independence through self-feeding. Plus, it is a great way to exercise her motor skills and her hand-eye coordination! 9. Baby Mobile Gym and Toy Set 5PCS Babies need to get active whenever they can. With a mobile gym, that is exactly what you get: a chance for your little one to get active. This is why they make such great gift ideas. Our recommendation: Newborn Mobile Gym Educational Toy Set: This set features an adorable blanket with a plush toy, rattles, teethers, a swaddle, and a bib. It makes for a thoughtful gift idea that would be a hit in any baby shower or as a registry or birthday gift. 10. Embroidered Diaper Bag Regular diaper bags can get boring fast. Why not put a twist on it and elevate the look of the plain old diaper bag? With an embroidered diaper bag, you get an artistic take on the original that looks stunning and unique. Plus, the material is so soft and a real pleasure to carry around with you all day. Our recommendation: Cute Bear Flower Embroidery Pattern Baby Beige Cotton Fabric Zipper Diaper Handbag: If you have been looking for a unique diaper bag, this is it. It features delightful embroidery that makes it stand out. It is also a generously large size which means you can comfortably bring all your baby essentials with you every time you head out! Final Thoughts It is easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about the perfect gift to get for a baby or toddler. Not knowing where to start is the main reason why a lot of people end up over shopping and getting stuff that the kiddo ends up never using. Things should be a lot easier for you, though, now that you have this gift shopping guide. Good luck!

For a lot of new moms and dads, shopping for their precious little angel can be a rather stressful experience. It is not uncommon for new parents to have a hard time as they prepare for the arrival of their newborn. The good news is that it does not have to be difficult. With proper preparation, it can even be ridiculously easy. That’s why we decided to prepare this list of all the newborn products new parents will actually use. In this guide, you’ll find a list of exactly what you need along with our top recommendation for each item. Hopefully, this will show you exactly what you need whether you are shopping for your own little one or you are planning to get an amazing gift for a mom-to-be in your life. Let’s dive right in, shall we? Summary Before we get down to the nitty-gritty, here is a quick summary of all the newborn baby products you’ll actually use: Car seat Swaddle Baby carrier Milestone photography props Wipes Baby crib Wipes Warmer Diaper pail Diapers Nursing pillow What Newborn Baby Products Should You Buy? Let’s now take a closer look at each of these baby products, why you’ll need them, and our best recommendation for each one. Car Seat A car seat is a must-have gear that every new parent should invest in. It will come in particularly handy when you travel, whether by car or plane. There are lightweight options, foldable options, multi-functional options, and even traditional bulky versions. The option you go for will depend on you and your little one’s needs. For example, if you often travel by plane, you might want to invest in a lightweight foldable car seat that fits in the overhead compartment. Our top recommendation: We love the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat. It is an innovative car seat that is very easy to use, which means as a new parent, you can confidently use it without worrying about whether or not you are doing the right thing. Additionally, it is designed for your little one’s safety, featuring such features as fire retardant fabrics, side impact protection, and rebound force absorption. This is the only car seat you’ll ever need to buy for your little one. Swaddle For a lot of newborns, swaddling is probably the only way to get them to sleep through the night. It is a great way to ensure that your little one is protected from loose blankets that may cover their faces, increasing the risk of SIDS. It is also one of the best ways to keep your little one’s arms still, preventing startle reflex that may wake her up as she sleeps. Our top recommendation: New parents absolutely love the NewBorn Organic Bamboo Cotton Muslin Swaddle Bedding Cover. When you buy it, it will instantly become the softest swaddle in your collection. This is exactly what you need for your little one’s sensitive skin. It also features beautiful gender-neutral patterns that make them the perfect addition to any nursery. This swaddle is also pretty versatile, and you can use it as a nursing cover, security blanket, burp cloth, car seat cover, or play mat. Baby Carrier A baby carrier is probably the easiest way to always have your little one close to you while also being hands-free at the same time. They allow you to go about your day while your little one stays close to you for her comfort. There are many different types of baby carriers to choose from: from standard carriers that strap around your body to softer versions that give you more freedom on how to position your baby. Again, your choice will depend on you and your little one’s needs. Our top recommendation: If you are planning to only buy one baby carrier, go for the Boppy ComfyFit Hybrid Baby Carrier. It is a beautifully versatile carrier with 3 carrying positions (front face in with legs in a frog position, front face in with legs out, and front face out). You also get a comfortable fit with ergonomic positioning. Plus, it is so easy to use and is completely machine washable, so less hassle overall for new parents! Milestone Photography Props Living with a newborn may feel like a never-ending stream of diaper changes and feedings. However, babies grow up so fast and they change drastically on an almost week-by-week basis. If you are not careful, it is easy to completely miss important milestones! That’s why you need to document everything using photos and videos. And to make each special milestone Instagram-worthy, consider investing in milestone photography props. Our top recommendation: With the Curio Toy Box Co 1Set Baby Milestone Cards Photography Props set, you get several high-quality printed discs that will make documenting all your little one’s milestones a real pleasure. They also make great baby shower gifts! Wipes You probably already know this, but babies go through a ton of diapers and baby wipes during those first few months of life. Whatever wipes you use will come into direct contact with your baby’s sensitive bum. Therefore, it is important to always go for something that is gentle enough not to agitate your little one’s delicate skin. Our recommendation: We highly recommend The Honest Company Classic Wipes. They are 100% plant-based water wipes that are made with over 99% water. This makes them perfect for even the most irritable skin. You’ll also love how large, thick and soft they are! Baby Crib Your little one will sleep for over three-quarters of her day during her first few weeks of life. She will often only wake up to feed or for a diaper change. This is why it is a good idea to invest in a high-quality baby crib for your little munchkin. Ensure that the crib you get is comfortable and safe. Its height should also be convenient enough to allow you to easily reach in to comfort your little one when she needs you. Our top recommendation: We love the Nuna Sena Playard Night. It features a clever zig-zag leg design that allows it to pop open easily into a soft, sturdy environment. You can then refold it with just one hand when your little one is not using it. It also doubles as a play space, allowing you to get more value for money when you buy it! Baby Wipes Warmer Few things are as uncomfortable for your little one as a cold wet wipe on her bum. If you want to deal with less fussiness during diaper changes, a baby wipes warmer is exactly what you need. Our top recommendation: The Munchkin MIST™ Wipe Warmer offers an incredibly simple way to keep your little one’s wipes warm yet moist for easier diaper changes. One of its most innovative features is its misting system, which allows it to release moisture into the wipes every time the lid is closed. Your baby will love how luxurious her diaper changes will be! Diaper Pail All those dirty diapers need to go somewhere, right? Your life as a new parent will be a lot easier when you have a convenient diaper pail beside you during every diaper change. Our top recommendation: You’ll love the Playtex Baby Diaper Genie Elite Diaper Pail System. This innovative diaper pail is designed to control odors, making changing your baby’s diaper a breeze. Get the tallest pail option so that you won’t have to bend at all. It comes with a foot pedal for easy, hygienic, and hands-free use. Diapers While you are going to need a lot of diapers, do not overbuy them before your baby is born. You have no idea what size she will be. Therefore, simply get one pack of newborn size and another pack in a size up. Once your little one gets here, you can stock up on more. Our top recommendation: For diapers, we recommend getting the #1 Pediatrician Recommended Brand, Pampers Swaddlers. They are some of the softest diapers on the market today. They are also designed to lock wetness away from your little one’s skin for up to 12 hours. Nursing Pillow Nursing pillows are designed to help you support your back, shoulders, and neck as you nurse or bottle-feed your little one. They also help support your baby as she feeds. Our top recommendation: The Curio Toy Box Co U-Shaped Nursing Pillow stands out because it seamlessly fits your little one’s body curve. It also has a removable machine-washable cover. With it, you can always count on having the correct feeding posture every time you nurse or bottlefeed your little one. It can also be used as a sleep pillow and to help your baby learn to sit. Final Thoughts While there are many different products for newborns, the ones outlined in this list are ones you will actually get a lot of use out of on a day-to-day basis. Once you know where to start your newborn essentials shopping, doing it becomes an easy, stress-free process. We hope that this guide will help take the headache out of shopping for your little one. Good luck!

Most new parents, especially new moms, find that parenthood is a far cry from what they thought it would be. Your idea of parenthood and the reality of being a parent will likely be two very different things. While it is fulfilling to raise your little ones, it often comes with a lot of challenges. This guide is going to highlight some of the most common challenges of motherhood and being a new parent. It will also include insights on how to deal with each one. The Challenges of Motherhood Motherhood is a learning process. You are discovering more about yourself as you care for your little one. As you overcome challenge after challenge, you learn more about who you are as a person. Here are some of the most common challenges that new moms face and recommendations on how to deal with each one: You feel sore Many changes will happen to your body in the first few weeks after you have your baby, including hemorrhoids, swelling, and tears. Ice packs, a peri bottle, and witch hazel pads can help with some of these, but for the rest, you’ll simply have to be patient with your body as it heals. You can help speed this along by making sure you get enough rest and proper nutrition. Don’t be afraid to ask your partner, family members, or friends for help with the baby and tasks around the house when you feel sore. Don’t push yourself too hard either. You don’t look like yourself It comes as a shock to many women that they’ll still look pregnant even after delivering. It will take time for you to lose the baby weight, so take it easy on yourself. Avoid criticizing your body and instead focus on the amazing thing it just did: creating and birthing a baby! Try to stay positive and keep reminding yourself that your body will bounce back. You’re sleep-deprived Sleep deprivation is inevitable when you have a baby. During those first couple of months, your baby is yet to establish a sleep routine, which means that your sleep schedule will drastically change as well. You’ll feel tired, and this may be accompanied by headaches, irritability, confusion, and depression. To manage a disrupted sleep schedule, make a conscious effort to sleep whenever you can. Breastfeeding can be challenging Breastfeeding is not as easy as you might think. If you choose to breastfeed, several challenges could arise - like lack of milk production, the baby not latching, and painful feedings. If you’re having issues, seek guidance from a lactation consultant or your baby’s pediatrician to lower your likelihood of long-term problems. Bonding with your baby takes time Your little one spends most of his/her time sleeping, pooping, and eating, barely acknowledging your existence. This might make you wonder why you haven’t formed a bond just yet. Take some comfort in knowing that it will take time to get to know each other. For now, focus on providing them with basic needs and lots of love. How New Parents Can Cope With Stress And Anxiety After Having A Baby After the excitement of bringing home your bundle of joy starts to fade into a routine of feedings and diaper changes, it’s not uncommon to experience low moments. While it’s an amazing phase of your life, it can also be tiring and take a toll on your mental health. While there is no perfect solution to handling all the different emotions you’ll experience after you have your baby, here are some things you can do to help manage feelings of postpartum stress and anxiety. Exercise As a new parent, you’re tired - not to mention busy caring for your little one all day long - and adding exercise to your to-do list might not feel ideal. However, it’s important to move your body (after you’re cleared for physical activity by your doctor, of course) to help you work through the stressful feelings as well as to trigger the release of feel-good endorphins in your body. Get plenty of sleep Getting enough sleep during those first few weeks can seem impossible. That said, try your best to get enough rest as it can do wonders for your mental state. Sleep deprivation can heighten feelings of stress and anxiety, as well as cause irritability and low energy. Try to get some rest when your baby sleeps and don’t be afraid to ask for help with the baby while you take naps. Take care of yourself It’s easy to forget to take care of yourself when you just had a baby. You’ll be surprised at how much routine self-care such as a hot shower, a massage, and meditation can provide a much-needed boost to your mood. Remember to breathe If you’re overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, give your baby to your partner or place them in a safe space. Take a moment to stop, take a couple of deep breaths, and try to calm your mind. You’re doing an amazing job, and the difficult moments will pass. Seek professional help Postpartum stress and anxiety affect many new mothers, and there are many successful treatment options. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you’re struggling. As Your Child Grows Believe it or not, your little bundle of joy will not be that little for too long. Babies grow up super fast, and before you know it, you’ll have a toddler in your hands. And as your child grows, so will your parenting style. You’ll often hear that as your kids grow, it’ll get easier. But just how true is this? If you already have a toddler or an older child, you probably already know that it doesn’t get any easier - it’s just different. There are plenty of similarities (the whining, the questioning of everything, the messiness). But there are also stark differences (younger children want to hang on to you all day, but as they grow older, they would rather hang out with their friends than spend time with you). This is to say that parenting is not easier at any point in your journey. As long as you want to be a present, responsible part of your child’s life, you will always have to face challenges and overcome them. But the beauty of it is that you’ll get better at it. The bond you formed with your baby early in life will turn into a close relationship that will last an entire lifetime. And that’s all that matters, isn’t it? Whether you’re raising toddlers or older children or even teenagers, it is important to be a parent and not a friend. Your emotional role as a parent is built on love, affection, and esteem. However, your role as a parent isn’t just emotional - it’s also functional. For younger children, this means feeding, bathing, encouraging listening and cooperation, and generally providing for them. As your little one grows, it means encouraging their independence, setting and enforcing boundaries, and holding them accountable. If you fulfill your emotional role but neglect the functional one, you put your child at risk of not maturing into a responsible adult. Emotional and functional parental roles go hand in hand. It’s not healthy to emphasize one (by trying to be a friend, for example) at the cost of the other. Final Thoughts As you can see, motherhood and being a new parent is full of learning curves. Right from the beginning, you’ll be tossed into a role that has no manual but you are still expected to be good at it. However, the most important thing to remember is that no matter how tough the going might get, you’ll get better at it over time. Take it easy on yourself and enjoy the ride. You’ve got this!