First-time excitement

Having your first child can be both the most amazing and scariest feeling at the same time. Get to know some tips so you can sail through this new experience comfortably

The feeling of finding out that you are carrying a life inside you is like no other. The miracles of pregnancy and childbirth are wonderful parts of life. At the same time, for first-time mothers, there is bound to be a sense of fear and anxiety about what is to come. It seems like there is so much to do before the baby comes! But don't worry, you will have a helping hand with this. Babyshop, the one-stop-shop for all of a mother and child's needs has been serving three generations of parents for over 50 years, gaining expertise and developing the best quality products for parents and children. When it comes to maternity and newborn care, Babyshop is here to fulfil your needs. Read on for some tips on how to have a stress-free pregnancy.

     

Stay active

While you are expecting, staying active will really help your general health. Take a specialised pregnancy exercise class or walk at least 15 to 20 minutes every day at a moderate pace, in shaded areas or indoors.

Eat healthy

When you're eating for two you will get the occasional crazy craving, but try to stick to a healthy balanced diet. Make sure it is a folate-rich diet. These foods include cereals, lentils, oranges, orange juice and asparagus. Make sure. To hydrate more while expecting

Go on a shopping spree

This time is also a perfect excuse to indulge in a little shopping for yourself. As your bump grows, so will the rest of your body. Enhance that pregnancy glow with some signature looks from Babyshop. The store has an exclusive line 'love mum' just for maternity wear and care. With these stylish pieces, every expecting mother will always feel confident and bold. You can also shop from the Babyshop website from the comfort of your home to avoid being vulnerable to germs as well.

Make a checklist

Getting organised is a sure-fire way of relieving any stress about being prepared for the baby. Create a checklist of everything that you need to keep a newborn baby healthy and happy. Here are some items you will need once your bundle of joy is here:

Diapering: Whether cloth or disposable, plan on changing diapers around 70 to 90 a week in the beginning, and from the sixth week, around 50 changes a week. You'll need a changing table or portable pad for the baby to lie on while changing, diapering wipes or soft washcloths dipped in warm water, powder to soak up moisture, a place to dispose of soiled diapers, and a diaper rash ointment or cream. Make sure you have all these supplies within reach so you won't have to leave the little one unattended. For easy portability, invest in an all-inclusive diaper bag.

Dining and feeding: Two necessities; burp cloths and bibs. Lots of them. Generally, it's recommended that you feed your baby whenever they are hungry, around every two to three hours. Even while you're breastfeeding, you will need bottles and nipples to use with the milk that you pump. For cleaning, get a dedicated bottle brush, dishwasher basket and mild soap. If you are not breastfeeding, you'll need formula and an accurate measuring cup. After feeding, make sure that you burp your baby either over your shoulder or lap. Try different techniques to see what works best, and keep the baby in an upright position to avoid spit-up.

Bedtime: If you're going to use a crib, look for a waterproof mattress pad with crib sheets on top. You'll need one quilted mattress pad, a few waterproof pads, and at least two crib sheets and lightweight blankets. Don't invest in anything heavy as that can suffocate the child. If you prefer to start small, you can use a bassinet or three-sided crib.

You can also invest in a swaddle for your child, which prevents them from flailing their arms and legs, which can potentially cause them to wake up. A swaddle keeps the baby cosy and warm until their internal thermostat eventually kicks in.

   

Bath time: Giving your newborn a bath is an intimate activity and a great bonding time. You can either bathe them in a baby bathtub or give them a sponge bath. A bath two or three times a week in the first year is fine. More frequent bathing may be drying to the skin. Be gentle in the first few baths. Measure the water's temperature before you begin. Keep a small washcloth, mild unscented baby soap and tearless shampoo and a soft brush to stimulate the baby's scalp handy. Afterwards, massage baby oil into the babies skin to keep it soft and supple. After the bath, wrap your baby in a towel immediately, making sure to cover his or her head. Baby towels with hoods are great for keeping a freshly washed baby warm.

Clothing: Start with six onesies, five infant nightgowns, three large receiving blankets to swaddle the baby, two cardigans, hats, and three to four pairs of socks or booties. Some parents like to buy several sleepers or stretch suits that zip up the front.

My Baby Expert

As part of its all-inclusive experience, Babyshop offers specialised service catering to expecting parents. If you are becoming a parent and wondering 'Sleepsuits or swaddle cloths?' or 'What's the right temperature for a bath?', do not fret. Babyshop's 'My Baby Expert' is a comforting guide in the miraculous path of pregnancy, maternity and childbirth. Ask questions and be assigned a personal shopping expert to help you purchase everything you need before your baby arrives. Babyshop is just the store you need to pick the best for your little one.

Checkout Babyshop stores now or shop online at www.babyshopstores.com to select from a wide range of products for your little bundle of joy