'The 7 things I'd tell any parent navigating the newborn fog.'

The good thing about parenting jargon is that it’s generally pretty self-explanatory. 

Helicopter parents: they hover overhead.

Free range parenting: think chickens, but children.

iParenting, Threenagers, Velcro babies and Poonamis. You know what they’re about.

Sometimes the names cause a physical response (see: Niplash), but one term that truly captured the feeling for me is The Newborn Fog.

The Newborn Fog refers to those weeks after birth when life is just a haze of postpartum emotions, physical exhaustion, and total overwhelm at all the newness in your life. Oh, and you have to care for a helpless baby too and you’re not really able to sleep. Who decided that was a good combo? 

Listen to Hello Bump, where Jessie and Luca take us through what the first four months of parenting were really like. SPOILER: things were not as they expected. Post continues below.

For me, the "fog" lasted about six weeks but when you’re in it, it feels like it’ll go forever. The only thing that helped was sage advice from experienced parents who’d made it to the other side. Now I’m three kids in, it’s time to pay it forward. Here are the 7 things I tell any parent navigating the newborn fog.

You’re obsessed with poo, and that’s normal.

Most of your conversations in the early days are about nappies and their contents. With my first baby I even went as far as tracking every output and input in a fancy app. You don’t need to go that far, around six very wet nappies a day means you’re on the right track. 

One thing that does make a huge difference is a good-quality nappy because the last thing you need are leaks or nappy rash. I had Huggies Newborn Nappies with me while in hospital with my first baby and it’s been my go-to ever since. They are the only nappy with a clinically proven zinc oxide enriched layer that protects delicate skin against irritation and maintains healthy skin pH. This classic brand is still the number 1 choice of Australian Hospitals and endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives.

Image: Supplied.

I also really like the Huggies 99% Purified Water Wipes for nappy changes. They’re super gentle on skin, which is important when you’re wiping a little bottom up to 12 times a day. 

You need to tag out, often.

Parenting should be a team sport, but I prefer to run it like a relay, rather than a soccer match. We don’t all need to be on the pitch at the same time. As nice as it is to do things together, you need a break. How often? Every single day during those early newborn days. Trust me, it’s essential for your mental health. 

Designate alone time every day for each parent to do… well… whatever they want. Go for a walk, get out of the house, meet a friend. These only need to be small moments but the key is that you’re not responsible for anyone else during this time. 

Yes, it’s too early to sleep train.

In the sleep-deprived chaos of the newborn fog it’s normal to crave structure. Terms like “sleep schedule” and “sleep training” are deliciously tempting. But take it from someone who’s been there three times (and an entire body of actual scientific research), don’t try and sleep train before four months. They’re just not ready.

This doesn’t mean you can’t create some sense of routine. With my second and third babies, I introduced soothing techniques from day one to help them form sleep associations. I’m not saying it’s THE solution, but both girls are amazing sleepers. 

Every baby is unique, but my kit includes an old iPhone with rain noise, these blackout blinds (for cot naps) or this portable blackout pram cover (when we are on-the-go), gentle rocking using this Rockit and swaddling. My six-year-old still gets sleepy when the rain noise goes on.

A shower is not self-care.

At my six-week check with baby number one, the midwife asked me “What are you doing for self-care”? I told her I loved having a shower and sometimes I’d even leave the baby with my husband and go to Coles on my own.

“Those are chores,” she replied, “and showering is basic hygiene."

Brutal. But accurate. 

I can’t tell you what self-care looks like for you — everyone is different. I think we can all agree that parenting is tough, so we deserve treats and, at the very least, new pyjamas and a trip to the hairdresser.

You might get ‘touched out’, but it’ll pass.

Feeling 'touched out' is when you crave personal space due to constant physical contact with your baby. It's normal, super common and doesn't make you a bad parent (or bad partner) if yours suddenly gives you the ick. The feeling will pass. 

When I get touched out I need to give the baby to someone else (when I’m not feeding). Having a shower is a great reset. If we’re alone I’ll pop her in the pram and go for a walk. It’s also important to let your partner know you need physical space and that a hug from them might not be the comfort it usually is.

Shop second-hand, if you can.

You’re going to late-night online shopping. 

A lot. 

It’s tempting to buy anything and everything that might help you navigate the newborn era. You don’t need to buy everything new, as you’ll only need most things for a few months. Start with second-hand items from Facebook Marketplace and cross-check with Google to make sure they meet safety standards — you’ll save a ton of money. 

The depreciation is crazy on new items like prams, bassinets and toys, but I’ve been able to resell items I purchased second-hand for a pretty decent price. A win for the environment and my bank account.

Tired babies don’t act like tired adults.

Unlike big people, tired babies may become more active or fussy. Every baby is different but I look for signs like jerky movement, rubbing eyes, yawning, or irritability as indicators it's time for sleep. Newborns sleep all the time, so half an hour of awake time might be your max. Recognising the signs can help prevent over-tiredness, making it easier to settle your baby to sleep.

Have you navigated the newborn fog? Share your tips in the comments section below. 

Shop Huggies Newborn Nappies and Huggies 99% Purified Water Wipes from your local supermarket.

Feature Image: Supplied.

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