3 Things Every Parent Needs to Know How to Do

Parenting can be tough but having children is one of the most rewarding things you will ever do. It’s a journey that is filled with ups and downs, learning curves, and challenges, but it’s not a journey you will ever regret.

As part of your parenting journey, you’ll need to learn how to do a wide range of things for your baby. There are several essential skills that you will only perfect after becoming a parent, and the more you practice them, the better you’ll become at doing them.

Below, we have covered three essential things that you need to know how to do as the parent of a baby or very young child. 

Setting Up a Crib

When setting up a nursery for your baby, you’ll need to arrange their crib appropriately, along with a baby monitor. Among the various features to consider is the height of the crib, as this is vital for your and your baby’s safety and comfort.

Setting the crib to the ideal height prevents the risk of your baby falling out and hurting themselves. It also reduces strain on your lower back and potential other injuries.

As a parent, you’ll be changing diapers and comforting your little one multiple times throughout the day and night. A crib with an appropriate height ensures that you can comfortably reach in and pick up your baby without straining your back or arms.

You need to know when to lower crib for maximum safety and legal compliance. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sets guidelines for crib safety, including the height of crib sides.  To adhere to safety regulations, ensure that the height of the crib sides is at least 26 inches from the mattress support base.

Basic First Aid and CPR

Accidents can happen, and, as a parent, knowing how to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies can make all the difference to your baby’s health. You need to know how to stay calm in an emergency situation while taking the necessary action to protect your little one.

Learning basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques equips you with the skills to handle a range of emergencies, such as choking, burns, or cardiac arrest. Being able to perform basic first aid and CPR could be enough to keep your baby alive until emergency medical services arrive at your home.

Nutrition and Health Care

Your baby’s physical health, growth, and development depend largely on proper nutrition and adequate health care. Take time to learn what proper nutrition looks like for a baby, toddler, and young child, so you can cater their diet accordingly.

As they grow, encourage healthy eating habits and set a positive example through your own dietary and lifestyle choices. Take them for regular health check-ups at the doctor’s office, ensure they have all of the required vaccinations, if you go that route, and adhere to hygiene best practices.

Teach your little one about the importance of good hygiene when they’re old enough to understand, so that they can continue healthy habits into the future.