5 Essential Things Every New Parent Needs (That Don’t Cost a Cent)

You’ve got the nursery decked out and you’re prepared with seven different types of pacifiers and bottles and more onesies and swaddling cloths than you know what to do with. But there are a lot of things new parents need to take care of that go way beyond a baby registry.

These essentials don’t cost a cent but are worth their weight in gold.

Acceptance of Help

How many times have friends or neighbors offered to lend a hand, only for you to never actually accept their help?

Instead of trying to juggle everything on your own, the next time someone offers to help, assign them a task. “When someone says ‘Let me know how I can help’ be ready with a list of things that they could do that would actually be helpful,” says Melissa Cohen, LCSW, a therapist in Westfield, New Jersey and founder of the Mommy Bond, an online support group for parents.

“Most mothers of newborns are surprised by how stuck and isolated they feel being home with a baby,” says Cohen. She advises keeping a list of tasks and people you can call for help in moments that you need a hand. And don’t apologize or assume you’re being a burden – just do it.  

“Imagine that you want to get the laundry done while the baby naps, only to find out that you’re out of detergent. If someone has offered to help, reach out to them. They can either bring you some of theirs or pick some up for you,” says Cohen.

A Chance to Catch Your Breath

Or rather, fill your well.

“In early motherhood, we’re often exhausted and think that self-care automatically means sleep or rest,” says Cohen. While that seems like an easy (but improbable) solution, laying down isn’t necessarily what’s going to keep you going. Instead, Cohen says to focus on things that bring your energy up. That means doing things other than housework sometimes.

“Whether that’s chatting with a friend, doing 15 minutes of exercise or listening to your favorite songs and singing every word, it’s these types of positive boosts that will energize you even when you’re sleep deprived,” says Cohen. It's also important to remember your relationship and find small ways to keep the romance alive, as a new baby can be so difficult on a marriage.

For some inspiration, we spoke to a woman who's been dedicating just 13 minutes a day to self-care: her emotional, physical and financial well-being.

Sleep

Babies aren't exactly made to help you get your rest, but you still need to get in sleep. That could mean acing bedtime routines with your kids, or simply bartering with your partner so you can take turns getting the rest you need.

A mom to twins and acquaintance of mine coordinates with her husband to sleep in one morning a week. If that doesn’t pan out, she dips into her stock of ear plugs (which she buys in pairs of 200 on Amazon) and tries to set aside a 15-minute block of complete, sanity-restoring silence a few times a week.

Trusted Child Care

You know the saying, “It takes a village”? Well, it’s time to call on your village—whether that is extended family members, trusted friends or carefully vetted caregivers.

“Shared infant care, also called alloparenting or cooperative breeding, is totally normal,” says David F. Lancy, author of Raising Children: Surprising Insights from Other Cultures. “Think of shared care as a safety net—people who can step up and give you a break when you need it,” he says.

Infants even benefit from multiple caregivers, according to Lancy. “Children learn early to be a social being, attuned to others’ personalities and needs,” he explains. So lose the guilt and call a sitter, stat.

A Well-Stocked Freezer and Pantry

Accept all the casseroles and lasagnas from your neighbors and freeze some for the future. And stock up on frozen, pre-made dinners that are easy to heat and serve.

“When you’re a new parent, the grocery store can seem like it’s on another continent,” says Melanie Pleva, mom to one, who often cooks in bulk on the weekend and stocks her freezer for weeknight meals. “There’s no way you have the concentration to focus on menu planning.”

Well-Laid Plans

You’re a parent now.

There is no better time to get your financial house in order.

“We know we need to set up financial and legal plans but it is easy to put it on the back burner because there’s no immediate need or consequence of waiting,” says Cohen.

She recommends making all the big decisions — creating a will that names your chosen guardians and applying for a life insurance policy — while you’re in your third trimester. Then, open a 529 and start saving for your child within the first six months of the birth and you won’t have to think about it again.

Don't know where to start? We came up with 10 money moves you can make today, to be better off in the future.

Perspective

Even the worst day—full of diapers, unrelenting crying, exhaustion and a million things that you didn’t get done—is only 24 hours.

“Keep in mind that this stage or behavior that is driving you nuts is not permanent,” says Cohen. “So often, moms come to me at their wits end,” she says. “I remind them that everything —teething, sleep regressions, you name it — is temporary.”

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