As first-time moms, we try to prepare our best to welcome our precious newborn. Between birthing classes, pregnancy books and unwarranted advice from friends and family, it could be easy to believe you have it all figured out. The issue is that life is amazing at throwing us curveballs–especially when it comes to motherhood. New mom to twins, Zoe Saldana shared one useful tip to get back into shape. Saldana encourages moms to go hiking with your baby. It's a great way to incorporate fitness while enjoying quality time with your baby. Luckily, the MamásLatinas editorial staff has even more genuine parenting consejos to make life with your newborn easier. Breathe easy and get ready to enjoy first-time mommy-hood like a pro.
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Prepare your skin for breastfeeding
"Work on your nipples. If you can, suntan topless. Make sure to rub them with a hard towel after the shower. The goal is to make the skin stronger, because it hurts a lot at the beginning." –Alicia, entertainment editor
Prep milk bottles at night
"If you're not breastfeeding, make sure you prep the bottles at night for the overnight feedings and just refrigerate them. It makes life so much easier when they cry at ungodly hours and you don’t run the risk of putting regular milk in their bottles because you’re sleep deprived. It happened to me before we started doing this." –Yuliana, managing editor
The more onesies, the better
"It's important that you have a lot of onesies and burping clothes. You won't have time to do laundry and they get dirty a lot. You won't regret having your own endless supply."
Take naps with your baby
"Sleep when they sleep the first few weeks. No, for reals, it’ll help you deal with everything so much better." –Yuliana, M.E.
Your laundry detergent matters
"Buy sensitive laundry detergent for the whole family and just do your own laundry with the baby’s, instead of separating everything. I safety pin tiny little socks together so they don’t get lost or get eaten by the sock monster and that helps when washing everything together." –Yuliana, M.E.
Share responsibilities with your partner
"Get your significant other used to helping from day one, even if the job of feeding the baby is all yours because you're nursing. Letting him take care of bathtime or do diaper changes will do much for his bond with baby and will give you time to rest." –Johanna, editor-in-chief
Prep meals ahead of time
"When I did have energy to cook, I’d make way more than we needed and freeze some of it for lunches and dinners later on. Ok, ok, I can’t lie, my mom cooked a lot and I’d ask her to do extra to freeze. We’d also buy tamales from this Salvadorean lady in our building who sold them, like 25 at a time, and we’d freeze most of them. Instant breakfast." –Yuliana, M.E.
Trust your instincts
"Advice from others might be just what you need from time to time, but nothing is quite like what your own corazón de madre is telling you regarding the care of your newborn." *–Johanna, E.I.C.
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You won't have time to shower
"Stock up on dry shampoo, refreshing wipes and gum! You never know when your next shower is going to be or if you even have time to brush your teeth when visitors stop by." –Soe, staff writer
Make your life easier when you can
"Buy baby bottles with a disposable filling bag. You just toss them after every use without having to wash them. They also make disposable bibs. They come in handy!" –Milena, staff writer
