How to Make Your New Baby Feel Right at Home
Depends on what one means by “home.” 
Your newborn’s previous address was insulated against sound, wind gusts, sudden movements, and bright lights. He never knew hunger — instead he enjoyed a steady and constant supply of nutrition. He drifted in and out of a blissful haze of napping, stretching, napping some more.
Compared to that personal paradise, life on the outside can be challenging. Your child now has to learn the complex processes of experiencing needs, alerting you about the needs, then waiting to see what happens.
Your baby will also take on some of the self-care task of regulation. When excessive stimulation intrudes, he will attempt to shut out the stimuli by turning away, withdrawing, becoming irritable, or even crying or sleeping. He will show his appreciation for your efforts to soothe him by quieting when you comfort him.
Parents can lessen baby’s stress by observing the cues of overstimulation. Maintain a household environment that is easy on the senses. Keep the daily care routines easy for your baby to predict. Within a few weeks, you’ll be able to notice that your infant reacts when he sees the bottle or breast.
Setting aside time for meaningful interactions will make a difference, too. By 3 months of age, your child will show excitement by increasing the movements of arm and legs when he recognizes a toy that he enjoys.
Your careful parenting work will pay off. Signs that your newborn is becoming a settled baby (12 to 16 weeks postpartum for babies carried to term):
- Communication evolves from cries and cues to purposeful, joyful conversations. Favorite sounds abound.
- Multitasking. He will be able to nurse and reach for a hand to hold.
- He will like to see your familiar face. He’ll enjoy exchanging smiles, too.
- Baby develops hobbies, like nibbling on his feet or making saliva bubbles.
- He learns to fall asleep more independently.
- Temperament becomes more consistent.
Within a year, baby will become toddler. A toddler who can wave “bye-bye”, imitate you, respond to phrases with actions, and know when to say “mama” or “dada.” He’ll be a fully functioning member of the place you all call home.
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Carly Jennings | Parenting Skills | 
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