New Mums and Dads: This Is Your Survival Guide

Congratulations on becoming a new mum or dad! Welcome to the most exciting (and exhausting!) journey of your life. 

As you know by now, the first few years of parenthood aren’t easy. There will be sleepless nights, tantrums, tummy upsets, fevers, sore bottoms, endless nappies, and lots of little boo-boos. At times, you will feel completely overwhelmed, and everyone around you will be giving their ‘advice’ (which may or may not be useful). 

It’s Baby Month here at Bargain Chemist, and we have a tonne of baby products for newborns. We’ve also put together a survival guide to help you deal with the things newborns do (and the things new parents need!)

 

Baby skin care products  

Itchy skin conditions affect one in 10 children under the age of five in New Zealand. One form is cradle cap, which causes scaly, greasy yellow patches to develop on the scalp and face when a baby is a few months old.  Cradle cap is caused by the natural secretion of skin cells after birth, and it doesn’t cause pain or discomfort. But you can support the healing process by using a gentle shampoo on baby's scalp to remove the scaly skin. Mustela Newborn Foam Shampoo For Cradle Cap is made with 95% of natural origin ingredients to support scalp health and minimise excess sebum.
Nappy rash is another skin condition that can give babies (and their parents!) a hard time. Nappy rash affects children aged between 3-15 months, causing redness, dryness, and scaling around baby's bottom. The skin can become painful and treatment from a doctor may be necessary if it doesn’t clear up. It’s important to keep your baby's skin dry as much as possible, wash hands before and after changing, and use a barrier cream. Glow Lab Baby Soothing Nappy Cream contains 15% Zinc Oxide, Coconut Oil and Chamomile to support skin healing and help to minimize irritation.

Baby sleep support

Babies don’t come programmed to sleep through the night! The first year of their life will be a rollercoaster ride of changing sleep patterns as they grow and change. Although most newborns will sleep for around 15-17 hours in every 24-hour period, sometimes it may seem that they don’t sleep at all - while parents feel like they could sleep for a week!

Setting a day-night schedule can help your baby to find their circadian rhythm. You can begin implementing a routine as their sleeping and feeding habits become more consistent, which is usually around three months old. Although their sleep cycles won’t become regular til around the age of six months, it’s helpful to start getting them used to waking, eating, and going to bed at the same time each day. 

Of course, actually getting your baby to fall asleep at bedtime is easier said than done. Make sure they are warm, fed, and dry. For babies under six months, swaddling in soft, lightweight fabric can help them to settle. Rock them gently and sing softly until they become drowsy. You can also try a natural sleep support remedy for babies, like Sanderson Real Sleep Infant. This easy-to-use formula contains botanical and homeopathic extracts with genuine Bach Flower essences to support healthy sleep patterns. 

Baby feeding tips

Schedules go out the window when it comes to feeding a newborn. If they want to feed, they must be fed! Although every baby is different, most breastfed babies will feed about eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period. But this can mean that your baby feeds for anything from 10 minutes to 40 minutes every two hours. Babies fed with formula generally require fewer feedings, but it’s still around six times within a 24-hour period. As your baby grows, their needs and demands will keep changing. There is no ‘normal’ and no set rules - it’s all about figuring what works for the two of you. 

Whether you choose breast or bottle, both are messy jobs. And because a new parent doesn’t have time to clean up all day, grab a few accessories to make feeding time easier. The Pigeon Milk Saver Pump is a food-grade silicone milk saver pump that both supports milk production and collects milk during pumping or latching. The Pigeon MagMag All in One set includes three 

interchangeable tops to match your baby’s transitions from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. 

Newborn tummy upsets

Colic is distressing for both parents and babies. It’s very common, affecting up to 73% of newborns, and usually resolves by the time the baby is around six months old. However, any episode of colic during those six months can cause a lot of stress and worry for parents, especially when it seems like nothing works. 

While it’s not known exactly what causes colic, research suggests a range of factors may be involved: food allergies or sensitivities, gas in the gut, intestinal hormones, poor gut motility, and the simple fact that the gut is still developing. Your paediatrician or Plunket nurse is the best person to consult if your little one’s colic persists. You can also try a bottle with an anti-colic valve such as those in the Philips Avent range. These bottles are clinically researched to minimise colic and discomfort by keeping air away from the baby's tummy.

Probiotics may also help to support your little one’s gut health by providing the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines. Life-Space Probiotic Powder for Baby is suitable for use from birth onwards (or as recommended by your health practitioner) and contains 10 strains of beneficial bacteria to support a healthy digestive system and bowel function. Simply mix into your baby’s normal bottle or breastmilk.

Māmā recovery support

The journey through pregnancy, birth, and beyond is one of the most physically and emotionally demanding experiences of any mum’s life. Tending to your unique needs can feel impossible when there’s a tiny screaming infant demanding every minute of your attention! 

But whether it’s a vaginal birth or a “through the sunroof” birth, there will be parts of māmā that need support. And remember: prioritising your well-being will help you care for your little one.
Viva la Vulva has created an entire range of products to support both preparation and recovery from childbirth. The Healing Perineal Spray contains witch hazel to support postpartum vaginal health by soothing ‘down there’ irritation and tears (ouch!). The Viva La Vulva Breasties are reusable hot and cold therapy packs specifically designed for enlarged, uncomfortable bosoms.
These freezable, microwavable breast pads fit comfortably in your bra and even around a breast pump to support tenderness and discomfort while also supporting milk flow. If you’re preparing for birth or getting over it, check out the amazing Viva La Vulva range at Bargain Chemist.

Remember, newborns aren’t newborns forever - so enjoy this time as much as you can. And no matter what you’ve run out of, we’re bound to have it here at Bargain Chemist. 

Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional