You are invited to experience a day in the life with a newborn baby through the eyes of pediatric occupational therapist and mother of three, Emma Hubbard. In this informative video, Emma shares her complete feeding schedule, nap routine, and even the morning wake-up trick for better overnight sleep with her 3-week-old baby. You’ll learn about handling spit-ups, stopping tears during baths, and the game-changing prep for overnight feeds. Follow along to get a realistic glimpse into the life of a newborn baby and gain valuable insights from an experienced mom.
Throughout the video, Emma offers practical tips and tricks that she has learned from her personal experience as a parent. From debunking common myths about burping babies to promoting longer sleep stretches with a simple nap routine, Emma’s expertise shines through as she navigates the challenges and joys of caring for a newborn. With a focus on sharing her knowledge in a friendly and approachable manner, Emma invites you to join her on this journey of parenthood and learn more about the daily life with a new baby.
Morning
Starting the day with your newborn baby can set the tone for the rest of the day. Establishing a morning routine can help create a sense of structure and predictability for both you and your little one. You might start by changing your baby’s diaper and getting them ready for the day. Then, it’s time for their first feeding of the morning. This feeding could also be an opportunity for some bonding time with your baby as you gaze into their eyes while they feed.
After the feeding session, engaging in playtime activities with your newborn can be a great way to stimulate their senses and provide some entertainment. Whether it’s making funny faces, talking to them in a soothing voice, or introducing them to new toys, interactive play can help with your baby’s development and keep them engaged in the morning.
Mid Morning
As the morning progresses, your baby will likely need to have their diaper changed once again. Changing diapers frequently is essential to keep your baby clean, dry, and comfortable. After changing their diaper, consider engaging in tummy time exercises with your baby. Tummy time can help strengthen your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles and promote healthy development.
Following tummy time, your baby may start to show signs of tiredness and may be ready for a nap. Sleep is crucial for a newborn’s growth and development, so creating a soothing environment for your baby to nap in can help them relax and drift off to sleep peacefully.
Afternoon
Lunchtime with your baby can be a fun and interactive experience. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding your baby in a calm and relaxed environment can help make mealtime enjoyable for both of you. After lunch, consider taking your baby for a walk outside. The fresh air and change of scenery can be stimulating for your baby and provide an opportunity for you to get some light exercise.
Bonding activities with your baby in the afternoon can include reading books, singing songs, or simply cuddling together. Building a strong bond with your baby through positive interactions can help foster trust and security in your relationship.
Evening
As the day transitions into evening, it’s time to start preparing for bedtime. Establishing a calming bedtime routine can help signal to your baby that it’s time to wind down and get ready for sleep. This routine could include a warm bath, gentle massage, and reading a bedtime story.
Throughout the night, your baby will likely wake up for feeding sessions. It’s important to have a nighttime feeding schedule that aligns with your baby’s needs and promotes healthy sleep patterns. Comforting a fussy baby during nighttime wake-ups can involve soothing techniques such as gentle rocking, swaddling, or singing softly to them.
Overnight
Overnight care for your newborn may involve changing their diaper as needed to keep them clean and dry. Dream feeding, where you feed your baby without fully waking them, can be a helpful technique to ensure they’re getting adequate nutrition throughout the night. Dealing with night wake-ups may require patience and a calm demeanor to help settle your baby back to sleep.
Handling Spit-ups
Babies often have spitting up episodes, especially after feedings. Having strategies in place for managing spit-ups can involve using burp cloths to catch any mess and changing your baby’s outfits multiple times a day if needed. By staying prepared and having the necessary supplies on hand, you can handle spit-ups with ease.
Nap Routine
Establishing a consistent nap routine can help regulate your baby’s sleep patterns and promote longer naps. Creating a sleep-friendly environment for naps by dimming the lights, playing white noise, and using a comfortable crib or bassinet can help your baby relax and fall asleep easier. Tips for helping your baby nap longer include ensuring they are well-fed, burped, and in a calm and quiet environment.
Bath Time
Bath time is an essential part of your baby’s daily routine. Choosing the right baby bath products that are gentle on your baby’s skin and safe to use can ensure a positive bathing experience. Making bath time enjoyable for your baby can involve using toys, singing songs, and maintaining a warm water temperature. Ensuring your baby’s safety during bath time by never leaving them unattended and supporting their head and neck during the bath can help prevent accidents.
Prepping for Overnight Feeds
Setting up a feeding station near your bed can make overnight feeds more convenient and accessible. Staying organized with supplies such as diapers, wipes, and nursing pillows can streamline the feeding process during the night. Using a nursing pillow for comfort during nighttime feeds can help you and your baby stay comfortable and relaxed during feedings.
Seeking Professional Advice
It’s essential to know when to consult a pediatrician for any concerns or questions you may have about your baby’s health. Likewise, seeking help for postpartum issues or concerns is important for your well-being as a new parent. Finding support from lactation consultants or baby sleep specialists can provide valuable guidance and reassurance as you navigate the challenges of caring for a newborn.
By following these routines and strategies, you can create a nurturing and supportive environment for your newborn baby and yourself as you adjust to life with a new family member. Remember to trust your instincts, seek help when needed, and cherish these precious moments with your little one.