These are the things every new parent should know

Becoming a new parent is completely overwhelming. Between taking courses, decorating nurseries, and making lists upon lists of potential names, there’s just so much to do. Of course, creating a baby registry will help get you some necessities, but there are some things every new parent needs to know that you just won’t find on a registry. Keep reading to find some of our best advice for new parents.

Don’t buy clothes with buttons. Period.

Let’s say it again for the people in the back: Don’t but clothes with buttons. Newborns poop…a lot. Though your stash of diapers is likely going strong, they’re not going to save you at 2 a.m. when you’re bleary-eyed and fighting through 20 buttons on a onesie. Make sure your baby’s clothes are easy to take on and off. Opt for snap-ons, or better yet, zippers. Trust us.

Schedule all visits

We get it—the arrival of a newborn is exciting and chances are your family and friends will be very eager to meet your little one the second they’re born. But once your baby is here, the last thing you’re going to want as exhausted new parents is a swarm of visitors bursting through your front door. It’s stressful and overbearing, not to mention disruptive to your very new and unfamiliar routine.

Ask friends and family to text or call before dropping by, and try to keep visits to 30 minutes or less. There’s also no shame in putting them to work once they arrive. Do you need lunch? Ask them to pick it up on their way. Got a sink full of dirty dishes? Not for long! Your guests should expect—and be happy—to lend a helping hand when they stop by.

Stock each room with water bottles

Listen, we know you’re tired of hearing about how important it is to stay hydrated, but this is very true for new moms—especially those who are breastfeeding. Save yourself the trouble of trying to remember where you last left your water bottle and stock one in every room. You’ll thank us later.

Add multiple baby carriers to your registry

Whether you’re stepping out for a walk or are attempting to get things done around the house, babywearing is a super convenient way to carry your little one around. You’ll want to invest in a few different ones (or throw a couple of options on your registry), and here’s why. First of all, there are a lot of styles to choose from and you won’t really know what kind you (and your baby) will like best. Try a few options to see what is the most comfortable for you and your partner. You might be team BRAND and they might be team BRAND, so you might as well have one of each.

Also, let’s not forget our earlier point about babies and poop. It’s probably a safe bet to have an extra carrier on hand in case of any unfortunate blowouts.

Include a meal delivery service on your registry

We’re just going to be honest with you—cooking and meal prep is likely going to be low on your list of things you want to do in the days and weeks after bringing your baby home. Enter meal delivery kits. You’ll feel like you’re eating a balanced meal without any of the hassle. The best part? You can enjoy less time in the kitchen and more time with your little bundle of joy.

While we’re talking about registries, don’t forget to add "Sophie the Giraffe" 

If you know, you know.

Keep track of recalled baby items

We don’t want to scare you but it’s important to stay updated with recalled products to help keep your little one safe. Sometimes items you purchased to prep for baby’s arrival—or gifts from well-meaning family and friends—end up on a recall list. Take these recalls seriously. Create a Google doc to help you keep track and subscribe to your government’s consumer product safety reports so you’re always in the loop.

Join a new parent group chat

You already know that stepping into your new role as a parent is really stressful, and you’re going to have a lot of questions. How much should a newborn be sleeping? Are they eating enough? What is that rash? Is poo supposed to be that colour? It’s truly never ending and it can cause a lot of anxiety, so joining a group chat with other new parents is a great way to help manage some of those anxieties—and you’re guaranteed to have someone to talk to during that 3 a.m. wake up calls.