How does everyday life with a baby and a dog work?
When the first baby joins the family, it usually takes a while for all family members to get used to one another. This is especially true for dogs, who until then often received most of the attention. To make sure the transition doesn't cause additional stress during the first exciting months, you can support your dog in the new situation.
During pregnancy:
Occasionally get in touch with friends who have children to accustom your dog to being around children.
Familiarize him with the baby items such as a crib, changing table, and stroller – and teach him that they are off-limits.
When the baby arrives:
Allow your dog his usual retreat such as a basket or blanket – this should also be off-limits to the baby later.
Include your dog from the start in the baby routine – shared cuddle time, walks with the baby, feeding while you hold the baby in your arms.
Treat your dog now and then to a few extra cuddles, so he doesn't feel neglected.
Hang in there — how you can support your child during teething
The joy of the first little teeth is great — but it comes at a price. Not all children have problems with teething, but almost all react to the change. Some are more tearful than usual, have no appetite, or wake up more often at night. Others seem listless, have a slight fever, get red cheeks, or diarrhea. There is no question that teething can be painful and can bother both children and parents alike. But you can try to make this time easier for your baby.
Early childhood support - What is necessary and what is too much?
Optimal support for our children has become a societal mantra that increasingly puts parents under pressure. Many parents wonder whether they should perhaps support their child more.
It sounds unspectacular, but the best support you can give your child is Love and attention. This contributes more and more positively to their personality development than any support program could.
However, that does not mean that you should fundamentally forgo early childhood support: There are many great and worthwhile baby classes and playgroups for toddlers. Such activities are even more enjoyable when you do not prioritize the supposed learning effect, but the time spent together and the fun of new experiences.
Playing with other children
When is it time for the playgroup?
Children need other children. Although not all babies or toddlers show the same interest in other children, regular contact with peers is a good preparation for daycare and kindergarten. Children who have siblings also benefit from occasionally stepping out of the familiar family circle and meeting new faces. For parents, playgroups are a welcome opportunity to get out of the house again and make new contacts.
The term 'Krabbelgruppe' is to be understood more as an umbrella term. Your baby does not have to be able to crawl to take part in such a playgroup. Typically, such groups are offered from about from around six months, e.g. by the city, by nonprofit organizations and maternity hospitals. Many mothers, however, already meet earlier in privately organized groups if they know each other from the neighborhood or from the prenatal course.
Other activities for babies and their parents
In addition to traditional playgroups, there are other groups and courses that may be suitable in the first year with a baby, e.g.:
Breastfeeding groups
PEKiP courses
Baby massage courses
Baby swimming
Baby music classes
Constantly tired?
Tips for short rest breaks in everyday life with a baby
Shared midday nap: In the first months your baby sleeps a lot during the day – take the opportunity to get some rest yourself.
Exercise: Not a rest break in the strict sense, but movement in the fresh air gives a new boost to get through the day.
Eating in peace: A balanced meal quickly refills your energy reserves. But only if there's enough time and leisure to eat. A fruit salad or vegetable soup can be prepared easily – and when the baby is asleep, you can enjoy it mindfully and without distraction.
Sleep in once in a while: Treat yourselves to a mini break every now and then: Mom or Dad can occasionally spend the night away and really sleep in, while the other parent stays at home with the baby.
Well connected
To cope with everyday life with a baby and a toddler, you sometimes need a little support. This applies to the little everyday tasks, such as shopping or collecting them from nursery.
Even more important, however, is being able to share experiences and to sometimes get a bit of backing when you're unsure. A well-functioning network of family, friends and/or other mothers is worth its weight in gold. Often baby classes, the postnatal recovery course or the first playgroup also bring new contacts with like-minded mothers.
Flashpoints - Core parenting controversies
An African proverb says it takes a whole village to raise a child. Sometimes, however, it is more than enough when family members and acquaintances contribute to the child's upbringing. The 'classics' of child-rearing regularly provoke discussion, particularly between younger and older generations.
You can't stop people offering advice and pointed remarks on these topics. But you can save a great deal of energy by keeping calm and not getting drawn into arguments. Trust in your abilities as a mother or father – your child will also benefit from that self-confidence.
