A Guide for First-Time Parents in 2025 – Best Advice

Congratulations on becoming a parent. You have successfully created another human being. Well done. But that was only one part, ye toh bus trailer tha, picture abhi baki hai. Now you have to raise that screaming, kicking bundle of joy to become a polite, well-spoken, and mildly-curious adolescent. Do you begin by teaching your little one how to walk and talk? Good luck if you think they’re even going to listen to you.

We aren’t going to pretend it’s easy raising a newborn baby. It’s not. Remember what a snotty, naughty, obstinate little brat you used to be? Why should your children be any different? Well, they are. Every child is special - in a good way. Every child has his/her USP and is different from the other. The trick is to identify what makes your child tick, and then go with the flow.

Babies are delightful, but they don’t really listen, do they? And how do you even make them stop crying? How do you distinguish between sleep-cry, hungry-cry, and change-my-diaper-cry?? Suddenly you are drowning in questions and hospital bills. That’s why you need us - we’re here to help, not with the bills though. This is a guide for first-time parents, who aren’t too confident in their parenting skills.

When it comes to parenting, knowledge and instincts are your only ally. Especially if you are a first-time parent, so we’ll start from the top.

Bringing the baby back home:

So, you’ve met your baby for the first time once he/she is out of the incubator, and the doctor tells you what you’ve been waiting for—permission to take your baby home. There are a bunch of things to do before you can bring your child home. But since we’re friends, here’s a checklist to make your life a little less stressful.

Bringing your baby home - checklist

• Sanitize EVERYTHING!
• Make sure mother and baby are together in the same room.
• The crib should be close to the bed.
• Keep toys in the crib.
• Stock up on diapers and clothes.
• Baby toiletries like gentle baby wash, and diaper cream.

Seek help if you need it:

If you feel overwhelmed, it’s always better to seek help especially if you are a first-time expectant parent. Relatives and friends with children are a great option. But, remember, anyone who is handling the child has to be up to date on their vaccines - this is sacrosanct and non-negotiable. You can limit your visitors, guilt-free. Remember - be vigilant and be careful. It is, your baby.

Essential items and nursery setup:

Your baby needs a suitable environment, one that is plush, comfortable and conducive to growth. When it comes to populating the nursery with toys, remember, that these won’t be of use a year later so be judicious with your purchases.

Keep it simple:

Babies are simple, - you just need a few essentials. Ensure the crib has top rails that are sturdy and won’t collapse like your New Year’s resolution. Next, you need a firm, flat mattress that fits in this crib, two pairs of soft cotton sheets, and a plastic sheet. Stock up on some diapers because your baby doesn’t have much handle over the bladder.

Newborn feeding basics:

Breastfeeding is perhaps the most important and most overlooked part of parenting. Among the South Asian countries, India holds the lowest rank in breastfeeding practices, with only 44 per cent of women being able to breastfeed their babies within one hour of delivery. This is because many women don’t know how to breastfeed, or feel ashamed of breastfeeding in public - this needs to change. Breastfeeding is the cornerstone of your infant’s development so do not shy away from it just because you feel shy.

Know your breast milk:

Breast milk doesn’t just appear magically. It does so in different stages. Each stage has been designed by nature to fit the exact needs of a baby. First comes the thick, yellowy or sometimes clear substance called Colostrum. It is an important blend of proteins, vitamins and minerals that can help build up the baby’s immune system. After this comes Transitional milk which is something like milk mixed with a different set of elements. It contains lactose, fat and calories. Finally, there is mature milk - thin and white and sometimes even with a bluish tinge. It has fat and other nutrients - just what your baby needs.

Two weeks postpartum, the mother’s body starts to produce what we call Mature milk. It contains fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It also contains bioactive components like enzymes, hormones, and immune factors.

When the baby starts to feed, the body releases Foremilk, a watery substance to quench the thirst, but after that, the rich Hindmilk starts to flow. It has been proven that mother’s milk is the best health supplement for children in their infancy.

Sleep patterns and establishing routines:

Let’s get one thing straight - you will never sleep soundly, again. However, attempting to do so is fully recommended. Don’t worry if your little angel wakes up screaming at 3 am - it’s all part of the game of parenthood. A baby’s sleep cycle is as unpredictable as Tinder’s algorithm. As of now though, a newborn will sleep in short bursts of 2-3 hours between feedings, irrespective of whether it is night or day.

Newborn health and well-being:

Immediately after birth, some important issues like breastfeeding initiation, ensuring a warm environment and umbilical cord care make a huge difference to a baby's health. Ensure you monitor weight gain, and growth or detect any anomalies. Immunizations help prevent ailments by strengthening the immune system. A healthy baby is a happy baby.

SIDS - your worst nightmare:

For optimal growth and brain development please breastfeed the baby for the first six months. Keep the environment safe - and reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). In India, many children have fallen prey to SIDS - More than 90% of all SIDS deaths occur before six months of age while 72% of SIDS deaths occur in months 1–4. Never, ever, shake your infant, no matter what they’ve done. Leave all the moving and shaking for yourself, on the weekend, with your friends, if you are left with any.

Common challenges:

You don’t get an instruction manual with a newborn. That is why first-time parents struggle. You don’t need one (apart from this one of course). Firstly, babies cry - it’s how they communicate. Don’t dispel crying as a mere temper tantrum - your baby is actually trying to tell you something.

Another challenge is sleep deprivation, as newborns wake up frequently through the night for feeding and comfort. Cuddle them and reassure them, so that they go back to sleep. In the early years, the lack of sleep will get to you and there will be days when you’ll feel you are running out of patience. But just remember that patience is one thing you will need the most to give the child the right kind of upbringing.

Teamwork is the best:

Soothing a crying baby can be difficult - does your baby want milk, sleep, some love, or something else entirely, you have to figure it out yourself. Then there are health concerns like colic, and diaper rash that demand prompt attention and care. With a little help, you can navigate these initial stages effectively, thus becoming an ace parent who has everything under control, sort of.

Bonding with your newborn:

Bonding with your baby as a first-time parent is vital. No, we’re not talking about cracking open a cold one with your infant. Begin by carefully holding your baby close to yourself - this promotes warmth and a sense of security. Cooing into their ears or talking softly and reassuring them. Gentle touches, cuddling, and massages can help strengthen your bond.

Build trust, slowly:

Show them that they can trust you. Eye contact takes time to establish but it fosters understanding. Working parents - you might need to take some time off, especially in the initial stages. Find out about maternity or paternity leave from your workplace. Maternity and paternity leave is compulsorily given, though the latter is just 15 days, officially. Find out how you can avail of the same so you can spend time bonding with your baby.

Baby-proofing your home:

Baby-proof your house so your baby does not face any nasty accidents. Secure furniture and heavy items that tend to topple over. Cover electrical sockets with safety plugs and use gates at stairs and doorways. Ensure your baby stays far away from toxic chemicals or other harmful substances.

Sharp corners are a threat as well- soften them. Install safety latches on all doors and windows. With a baby, it’s constant vigilance - to make sure they don’t hurt themselves. No safety gear is more active than vigilant parents so grow your Spidey sense and start your superhero journey.

Developmental milestones in the first year:

In the first year as first-time parents, be ready for a lot of development for your baby. From rolling over, sitting without assistance, crawling, standing using support, and finally walking. They hone their cognitive abilities like recognizing a friendly face, responding to their names, imitating our gestures etc. Such expressions, while being delightful, are very important because they mark the beginning of a lifetime of facial expressions and emotional development.

Communicate more:

The very first sound that the baby makes will be a babbling, gurgling noise. From there, they go on to simple instructions and begin speaking and gesticulating a little. During the first year, they track objects using their eyes, explore textures with their hands, respond to sounds, explore their surroundings, and develop their tastes and preferences. As always, communication is key so keep that channel open between you and your baby.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself:

While parenting is extremely rewarding, it can also leave you with a fair bit of tension and anxiety especially if you are a first-time parent. All those sleepless nights, constant vigilance and intense focus ought to create some swollen nerves. Practice deep breathing to soothe your frayed nerves. Once you have a baby, a hundred relatives will crawl out of the woodwork, so accept their help and delegate tasks so your load gets lessened. So you should start connecting with them again. Also, ensure you eat well and stay hydrated. Enjoy the simple pleasures of life like a short walk or a warm bath.

Financial Planning:

Once you bring a child into this world, financial planning becomes imperative. You need to earmark funds to ensure stability and preparedness. Take stock of current expenses and draft out a budget that accounts for all the new post-delivery expenses like diapers, healthcare and childcare.

And finally, put some funds aside for a rainy day - you never know when you might need them. Financial planning goes a long way in ensuring your newborn’s future is secure, by all means necessary. Time to channel the inner Sharan Hegde.

Save for your newborn:

Saving for your newborn is basically building up a corpus, exclusively for them. Make sure all insurance policies are renewed and updated. Invest in a fund for your child that can mature once they turn 18. Get a financial advisor to help with a comprehensive plan that is in line with your family’s financial goals. Money is a precious commodity and not saving it is preparing yourself for financial disaster.

Budgeting for baby’s expenses:

Put aside funds for regular items by estimating based on average monthly usage. Take into account medical expenses like vaccinations and check-ups. Put aside funds for a nanny. You might need one especially if both you and your partner go to work and the baby has to be by themselves.

Put away money for future use:

Earmark savings for long-term needs like education. Babies grow really fast - consider resale or thrift options for clothing and toys to save money. Babies grow at the speed of light - don’t buy expensive clothes or shoes for them because they’re going to outgrow them, like tomorrow. Prioritize important items and delay non-priority purchases so you maintain financial stability while providing for your baby’s well-being.

Understanding maternity/paternity leave benefits:

In India, maternity and paternity leave benefits ensure new parents have the support they need. Usually, maternity leave spans 26 weeks with full pay and can start up to eight weeks preceding childbirth. This comes under the Maternity Benefit Act 1961, applicable to all companies. Paternity leave varies - some companies give 5-7 days while government employees get up to 15 days, not the best and we know. As first time parents, you will be entitled to maternity leave and paternity leave. Find out more about it and how you can maximize your benefits.

Health insurance considerations:

Health insurance is indispensable for financial security. Make sure the infant is covered under a family health insurance policy within a few weeks from birth. Seek out policies offering coverage for vaccines, hospitalization or outpatient care, especially for infants. See if the policy accounts for congenital disorders and pre-existing conditions so you can circumvent unexpected medical expenses.

Get your infant covered:

Compare policies vis-a-vis premium costs, coverage limits and network hospitals so you can choose the best option. Once you zero down on a policy, get your infant covered under it for any emergencies. In India, for infants, you have two options - the Family Floater Policy which covers all family members, including the baby, and Maternity Insurance that covers the mother and baby for up to 60 days post-delivery.

Birth Certificate:

In India, every newborn gets two things, a cheek-squeeze from literally everyone and a birth certificate. It is an administrative process that is compulsory by law. Municipal authorities or panchayats usually issue this certificate, which serves as official proof of the child’s birth, recording vital information like date of birth, time and place of birth together with the names of parents. It plays an important role in establishing citizenship, identity and eligibility for government services and rights throughout the lifespan of the child. Ensure you get the birth certificate. Failing to do so is putting your baby at a disadvantage later in life.

• How to obtain a birth certificate : A birth certificate won’t materialize magically once your baby is born. You have to procure it. To obtain this certificate, submit a prescribed application form usually within 21 days of the birth, supported by documents like hospital records. In case registration is delayed, additional procedures might be required.

A birth certificate validates the child’s existence and facilitates access to education, healthcare and legal protections, thereby cementing its importance in the bureaucratic and societal fabric of our country. In other words - a birth certificate is indispensable.

Childcare options and planning for the future:

Negotiating childcare options and planning for the future requires parents to adopt a multifaceted approach thanks to cultural, economic and social dynamics. Families usually depend on a mix of extended family support, community-based care and professional services. Grandparents play an important role in childcare, by facilitating a nurturing environment while the parents are away at work. However, thanks to urbanization and changing family structures, the demand for daycare centers, preschools and professional nannies has skyrocketed.

Find ideal daycare:

Urban areas have a slew of daycare facilities right from informal neighborhood setups to structured early learning centers. While choosing childcare services, families often take some factors into account like closeness to the home or workplace, quality of care provided, safety measures and educational philosophies. Next comes financial planning for childcare which involves assessing costs against household budgets and trying out government subsidies or employer-provided benefits. Our economy is constantly growing, ensuring that the landscape for childcare continues to transform.

Building a support network:

Creating a strong support system for a newborn is absolutely vital for their well-being and development, especially if you are a first-time parent. Family plays a crucial role, in providing love, stability and care. Immediate family members offer practical assistance with daily tasks, making sure that the baby’s needs are met and encouraging a nurturing environment. And of course, it goes without saying - we’re here for you. No really. We are.

Tell your friends:

Friends can offer emotional support to new parents, sharing advice and experiences. Healthcare professionals like lactation consultants and pediatricians provide expert guidance on the infant’s health and growth milestones. You have parenting classes and support groups that offer vital resources for learning and connecting with others facing similar challenges. Rely on community resources like childcare services and local parent networks.

Joining parenting groups and online communities:

Don’t be an introvert - go join an online parenting support group or community especially if you are a first-time parent. Apart from offering support, these platforms foster camaraderie with fellow parents who can empathize with the unique situation of bringing up a newborn in India. The internet, for whatever it’s worth, can give you a safe space for asking questions, sharing experiences and seeking guidance on a myriad range of topics. Once again, this is right up our street, so you’ll be home when you’re with us.

Communities provide solidarity:

Communities offer a sense of solidarity and togetherness so parents feel less isolated in their journey. In India, particular groups cater to regional and cultural nuances, offering local tidbits on traditions, and baby care practices and assessing local resources like childcare options and healthcare services. Parents, by engaging in these communities can learn from each other’s experiences, gain confidence and build lasting connections.

Ask for help when you need it:

There’s no harm in doing so, especially when it comes to your baby’s health and development. Listen to your paediatrician - for they play a vital role in monitoring your baby’s growth, providing vaccines and diagnosing medical conditions. They also give you great advice on feeding, sleeping patterns and overall well-being, helping new parents navigate the challenges of infancy.

Consult lactation consultants:

They can help with breastfeeding challenges, providing support to ensure both mother and baby are comfortable. There are also psychologists and counsellors who specialize in postpartum mental health, so you get support if you’re suffering from anxiety, depression or adjustment issues post-childbirth.

Dealing with postpartum depression:

Here, we would like to take a minute to talk about postpartum depression. These are strong feelings of sadness and tiredness that last a long time after giving birth. These feelings make it very hard for you to care for yourself or your child. Postpartum depression can happen anytime and to anyone, post-childbirth. It often begins within one to three weeks of having a baby. It requires treatment to get better.

Get in touch with intervention specialists:

They are valuable resources, especially for babies facing developmental delays or disabilities. They provide assessments, strategies and therapies so the child’s cognitive, motor and social skills are enhanced from an early age. By seeking professional assistance, parents can address concerns, receive tailored support and ensure that their newborn has the best possible start in life.

Useful Resources

Apps for tracking baby’s developmental milestones- In today’s technologically advanced age, it is easy to track your baby’s developmental milestones using an app. TimeHut allows you to make your child’s memories permanent. TimeHut gives you a secure and safe space to store pictures, audio, video and diaries. Capture each moment of your child and this app will organize these moments chronologically.

Local parenting classes and workshops - Time to go back to the drawing board - with a parenting class or workshop. This is a prescription if you’re a first-time parent or you aren’t completely confident about your parental abilities. Classes allow you to network with other fellow suffering beings - we’re kidding. Network and compare notes on bringing up your infant. Getting different perspectives is always helpful.

Well, preparations begin even before you bring your baby home - you need to baby-proof your home, ensuring there are no sharp corners or edges that the baby can get hurt. After you do that, it’s time to bring your baby home, a time for celebration. Parenthood is a wonderful journey, and we’re here by your side through our guide for first time parents, as you discover what a joy it is to raise someone you can call your own.