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We've put together a list of 55 Hacks and Tricks New Moms need to know to save you time and energy.
As a new mom there are so many questions you'll have and many more things to learn. And any hack or trick that will make your life easier would be welcome news.
We hope these hacks and tips will come in handy and make the first few weeks and months with a baby a lot easier.

breastfeed baby during golden hour
Research shows that uninterrupted contact between a mom and her baby during first 60 minutes of baby's life is important to their growth and development. So hold your baby close during this "golden hour" and try breastfeeding.
get as much skin to skin contact as you can
Immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby is the best way for you to bond with your baby. Ask your healthcare team to place the baby on your chest and conduct their medical assessment while baby is close to you. Also wait at-least an hour before introducing the baby to your family and friends.
let the nurses take the baby to the nursery
Labor can be hard on our bodies. It is definitely overwhelming and tiring. Let the nurses take the baby to the hospital nursery once in a while so they can watch the baby while you take a quick nap. The baby will be in good hands and the nurses will be sure to bring the baby to you when she wakes up.
ask the nurses for help
The nurses have such a wealth of knowledge and experience with newborns. Ask them to show you how to give the baby a bath, postpartum questions or anything else.
take the left over postPArTUM products home
The hospital will provide you with postpartum products you need to recover. When you leave the hospital make sure to take those products with you!
check with your doctor to see if you can get a prescription for a breast pump
So often, moms purchase breast pumps before delivery. However, you just might be able to get a prescription for the pump. If you have issues breastfeeding or getting the baby to latch, ask your doctor if you can get a prescription. It will save you quite a bit of money.

get help from the hospital lactation consultants
As a first time mom, you are not supposed to know the methods and techniques of breast-feeding. Hence, hospitals have lactation consultants to help you with the latch, positioning the baby or any other issues. Most hospitals also have lactation consultants whose services you can continue with, once you are home.
buy a haakaa
Breastfeeding can be a struggle with mastitis, thrush and tongue or lip ties. Something that will make breastfeeding a lot easier is the Haakaa breast pump which suctions your breast and does the work for you as it draws your milk. While you nurse the baby on one side, the Haakaa pump will catch all the leaks from the other side.

keep baby in your room for the first few months
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room sharing for at least the first 6 months though not in the same bed. That way you can hear if the baby is having problems and it reduces the risk of SIDS as well. Also, room sharing makes nighttime feedings so much easier. Get a bassinet or a co-sleeper to keep in your room.


SET UP A PACK & play in the living space
When you are downstairs or in the living room, take the baby with you and use a pack n play for baby to nap. Get one of these pack n plays with a changing table so you don't have to run up and down every time you need to change a diaper.

set up a diaper caddy for your bedroom
Prepare a diaper caddy with all the diapering essentials and keep in your bedroom. That way, you'll have everything you need for a quick diaper change at night. Place another diaper caddy by the pack n play in the living room. The less you have to run around and scramble, the easier it is.
put together a postpartum care kit
We are so deliberate as we gather everything we need for a newborn to be comfortable, but forget that we also need to prepare for the postpartum period. Prepare a postpartum kit beforehand so you'll have everything you need to get comfortable and heal quickly.

set up a nursing caddy
Put together a well stocked nursing caddy with everything you need to make breastfeeding a more pleasant experience for both you and the baby. Stock up on nursing pads, nipple cream, burp cloths, snacks, etc.

prepare freezer meals for the first 3 weeks
The last thing you have time and energy for with a newborn is making dinner. During your nesting period, prepare meals and freeze for the first 3 weeks after birth. When breastfeeding you burn a lot of calories and get hungry often, so be sure to stock up on snacks as well.

place burp clothes everywhere
Babies spit up quite a bit, so place burp clothes where you tend to hang out such as in the living room and in your bedroom.
ask a grandma for help
Do ask your mom or a relative to visit with you for the first few weeks. You'll love having mom to help you during the first few weeks.
ask dad to take paternity leave after family leaves
If your partner gets paid paternity leave, encourage him to take the time off after your family leaves. You'll appreciate having him there when everyone else has left.
take naps whenever the baby is sleeping
When your baby is napping during the day, you should take a nap as well. The housework can wait!
start using the bouncer or swing early on
Yes, we know you want to hold the baby all day long. But you should start using the bouncer and swing early on, not only to give you a little break but also because you don't want the baby to get used to being held all the time.
keep a baby holder in each room
Sometimes you just need to put the baby down so you can have a meal or even go to the bathroom. Perhaps you can place the pack n play in the living room, your bouncer in the bathroom and a bassinet in your bedroom.
drink lots of water
If you are breastfeeding, you should drink a lot of water. Keep a bottle of water by your nursing station all the time.
get baby closet dividers
Keep your baby's clothes organized with these free closet dividers. You'll love knowing exactly what to grab when you are in a hurry.

use velcro swaddles instead of loose blankets
Velcro swaddles are awesome for swaddling the baby without having to mess with loose blankets. They are easy to navigate and helps you swaddle the baby quickly after late night diaper changes.

DITCH THE FANCY OUTFITS AND STICK WITH sleepers and onesies
Infant body suits aka onesies, sleepers and side snap kimonos are must-haves for your baby's wardrobe. They will keep the baby warm and cozy and makes diaper changes easy.
pull the onesies down instead of over the head when changing
Onesies have flaps on either side, to allow you to pull the onesie down the body instead of over the head. When baby has a blowout and has soiled clothes, this is pretty helpful.
download apps to keep track of baby's activities
When you take the baby for wellness checks, you'll be asked about the baby's bowel movements, feedings, etc. Use these awesome apps to keep track of baby's activities.
use a white sound machine
Babies tend to wake up when they hear little noises. A white noise machine is a great tool to soothe fussing and boost sleep.
SET UP A DIAPERING STATION
You'll want all the diapering essentials close to make sure diaper changes are quick, easy and safe.

start a bedtime routine asap
It's never too early to start a bedtime routine for your baby. A bedtime routine such as a bath, a massage followed by breastfeeding, will calm the baby and prepare for a good nights sleep.
don't pick up the baby every time the baby whimpers
Once you are assured that all of the baby's needs are met, you can just let the baby calm down by herself. You could put on the mobile for her and see if she calms down. If she hasn't after 10-15 minutes, do pick her up and soothe her.
choose a backpack diaper bag
When choosing a diaper bag , pick a backpack diaper bag because of the flexibility it offers. Read this Guide to choosing the diaper bag.

always re-stock the diaper bag when you get home from an outing
Once you've returned home from your outing with the baby, please take the time to re-stock your diaper bag. You never know when you'll have to run out in a hurry with the baby in tow.


get a nursing night light
A nursing night light will help you navigate the darkness at night without waking everyone else in the house up.

get two sets of RECHARGEABLE batteries
Keep two sets of rechargeable batteries so the bouncer and swing will always be ready to go when you need it.
use washable changing pad liners
Place a changing pad liner on top of the changing pad and save your changing table cover from poopy messes. You can always toss the liner in the wash and your changing pad cover stays clean.
get a brush to apply diaper cream
Keep your fingers clean and use this wonderful diaper cream brush to to apply cream on your baby's bottom.

invest in a diaper clutch
Use a convenient diaper clutch with a changing mat and space to store wipes, for a quick diaper change on the go.

stock up on the non-baby essentials
We know you'll pick up all of the baby's essentials way before baby is born. But don't forget to stock up your pantry, toiletries, etc as well.
sign up for amazon prime and have things delivered to your door
We love the convenience of having diapers and wipes delivered straight to our front door. Sign up with Amazon Prime for free next day delivery and trial membership.
wait till the baby is sleeping to trim fingernails
Trimming baby's nails can be scary! Wait till the baby is fast asleep to clip his fingernails.
CHANGE BABY'S DIAPER BEFORE NIGH FEEDINGS
Every time you wake up to feed the baby, start by changing the baby's diaper. It will wake the little one up so you can feed him well before putting him down.
keep a clean diaper close by for a quick diaper change
It may seem that every time you remove a diaper, the baby pees all over. Have a clean diaper ready to go to make diaper changes quick.
alleviate gas pains by moving baby's legs
If your baby is fussing because of gas pain, try moving baby's legs as if he is riding a bicycle. Relief is pretty much instantaneous!
get yourself ready
There's so much to do and you are so tired but at least take a five minute shower and get ready every morning no matter what. You are guaranteed to feel much better when you take a moment to yourself and you'll be able to give so much more to the baby.
give yourself some slack
The first few weeks are often a blur to many first time parents. Don't worry about the messy house. Give yourself some slack!
ask for help or accept help
Friends and family often offer to help. Accept the help and be specific about what you would like them to do. Perhaps, a nice hot meal or a hour or two to watch the baby while you get some rest.
try babywearing
Get a baby carrier and try baby wearing. When the baby is in a carrier you can accomplish your chores while knowing baby is safe and happy.
start journaling in a baby memory book
The early months can go by rather quickly. Get a baby memory book to start documenting all of the little details and milestones. Later down the road, you will be so glad you have a book of memories! Here's our exclusive collection of pregnancy planners, pregnancy journals and baby memory books!
tell your partner how you feel
Babies don't come with an instruction manual. At certain times you may feel overwhelmed trying to take care of the baby. Tell your partner how you feel and let him help you take care of the baby.
beat the baby(postpartum) blues
Baby blues are feelings of sadness a mom may start experiencing 2-3 days after baby is born and lasts up to 2 weeks. Get as much rest as you can. Ask your partner, friend or family for help and take time for yourself. Perhaps, you can go out of the house for a bit. If the sad feelings last for more than 2 weeks, tell your provider.
if baby is fussy try giving a massage
A gentle massage can do wonders for your little one. It can help ease baby's tummy troubles, boost muscle development and calm him when he is fussy.

don't hesitate to call your pediatrician if you have a concern
You'll be making many trips to the pediatrician for wellness checks with the baby. But if you have questions or concerns don't hesitate to call the doctors office. Trust your instincts as a mom. Before the baby is born make sure you've interviewed and identified a pediatrician. Read this post on Questions to Ask the Pediatrician to help you pick a pediatrician that fits your needs.
take lots of photos during the early weeks
In the midst of the tiring first few weeks, you must continue to document and take lots of photos. Babies just change so rapidly in the early weeks, you'll want to hold on to each sweet memory.
read the happiest baby on the block
Dr. Harvey Karp's "Happiest Baby on the Block" is a must-read. This book which has sold over a million copies, seeks to transform a crying and colicky baby into one that is happy and calm. We recommend you read this book before giving birth.
watch this amazing video
We were blown away by the video we are sharing below. This video has been viewed over 31 million times on Youtube. It features Dr. Robert Hamilton and he demonstrates how to calm a crying baby. It's under 5 minutes and worth watching!
Having a baby and caring for a newborn can be overwhelming. You 'll just have to learn as you go and you'll get the hang of taking care of a baby. And use these hacks and tricks for new moms to make the first few months with a newborn a bit easier for you!

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Last Updated on September 16, 2020 by Tira Attygalla
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