you and

your baby

Get to know your health visitor - in the early months she’ll be
a fantastic resource. As well as checking your little one’s
development, she’s your link to a whole world that it pays to
become part of. Go as often as you can to the baby-weighing
clinics and breastfeeding groups. You’ll get advice and
reassurance that you’re both doing well, and you’ll get to
meet other new mums living nearby.

Until you’ve had your six-week check (eight weeks in some
areas), you won’t be given the all-clear to do any proper exercise.
You can still push the pushchair though, and it’s a good idea to
get some fresh air on a daily basis. Try shopping locally every
day - as well as being more environmentally friendly, your body
will benefit from the walking.

Much as you love cuddling your baby, it’s a good idea to invest in a bouncing cradle so you can put
her down even when she's awake for a few minutes. They are suitable from birth and come with
straps, so she’ll be secure, and many have toys and rocking or vibrating motions. Just be careful
not to overuse it, and never leave your little one unattended.

It takes time to adjust to having another person to get ready for the outdoors. Have your
changing bag permanently stocked and ready to go by the front door, and practice putting the
pushchair up and down on your own before your partner goes back to work.

If you find you’re missing adult company, why not catch up with everyone from your antenatal
course? The same goes when you meet other new mums at the baby clinic - don’t be shy
about suggesting a coffee, as they're probably feeling just the same.

as well as
checking your
little one's
development,
your health
visitor is your link to a whole world that it pays to become part of

survival tips