Caring for a newborn is not easy and can be overwhelming especially for first-time parents.  The days and the nights seem to meld together, with you coping with the seemingly endless demands of your baby.  But taking care of your child does not mean neglecting yourself!  

Here are some ways to relax and unwind while looking after your baby. 

Schedule your ‘me’ time.  Make sure to set aside a block of time for yourself.  A 30-minute break will do as you do something to recharge.  Take a relaxing bath, watch TV, go for a quick walk, read a book or meditate – anything is possible except chores and errands!  This time is for you to unwind and not catch up with more responsibilities.   

Express your feelings.  Feeling tired, frustrated or helpless? That’s okay! Navigating through the demands of being a new parent will surely bring about all these emotions. Talk it out with someone. It will help you feel heard and get the support you need.  

It’s okay to ask for help.  You don’t need to do everything by yourself.  Lost about some aspects of child-rearing?  Ask experts or seasoned parents.  Getting behind in chores?  Friends and professionals can take over these tasks, or maybe you can even outsource them to professionals.  The goal is to have enough time and capacity to focus on your baby.  

Set aside time with your partner.  Being too focused on your child may cause you and your partner to neglect each other, putting strain on your relationship.  Just as you schedule your “me time”,  set aside a “we time”.  It doesn’t need to be a grand date; it can be just a quick TV or movie date at home or eating meals together. Try to avoid serious talks during this time together.  You are there to unwind with someone you love, and that works wonders! 

Establish rules and visiting hours.  Well-wishers and those excited to see your baby will surely drop by.  But you don’t have to accommodate everyone all the time.  Create a schedule that works best for you and your child.  It should include the days and times you can accept visitors, the duration of each visit and how many people you can accommodate.  

Take advice with a grain of salt.  Well-meaning friends and family will offer tips and pointers on how to deal with your baby’s needs.  However,  do not stress yourself with others’ standards and expectations.  They may have more experience, but only you can know what’s best for your child.  

Enjoy the moment.  While it may seem that the days and nights are mixing as you deal with your baby’s needs, this pocket of time will pass by so fast. Babies grow and develop day by day and you wouldn’t want to miss any minute of it by being too focused on the tasks instead of the experience of being a first-time parent. 

Final Thoughts

Every parent wants to be the best for their child. However, it is also important to accept that nobody is perfect and that even parents can be a work in progress.