7 things new mums need to know

New mums rejoice! Your new bub is here! It’s an amazing thing, isn’t it? I think most not-so-new mums will tell you that it is, but also that it’s definitely worth doing your research and stocking up on a few essentials before your bundle of joy arrives.

It’s also important that you look after yourself, too – and trying to find the time to do that can be daunting. The trick is to be organised and aware of what to expect – and lucky you, we’ve disclosed seven very important things new mums need to know, below…

TIP NEW MUMS NEED TO KNOW #1: You will be very, very tired

That may seem a little obvious, but it’s good to know and accept that you will be tired – a lot. You’ll probably look pretty tired too, but you don’t need to accept that. There are a few ways you can correct your dark under eye circles and puffy peepers that come hand in hand with a severe lack of sleep. All you need are a hard-working duo that both treat your dark, puffy eye issues and cover them pretty convincingly. We recommend: Sukin Antioxidant Eye Serum teamed with Revlon ColorStay® Under Eye Concealer with SoftFlex™.

TIP NEW MUMS NEED TO KNOW #2: Your bub has different cries

Sometimes when your baby cries, it’s for a different reason than the cry you dealt with 10 minutes earlier. The trick is to figure out what each cry means. If you’ve fed your bub, changed their nappy and even burped them not too long ago, you may want to take a closer look at their toosh. Nappy rash doesn’t have to look obvious, but it happens to almost all babies at one time or another. Play it safe and apply a soothing nappy rash balm after every nappy change to ensure your baby is kept as comfortable as possible. We recommend: Curash Medicated Nappy Rash Cream.

TIP NEW MUMS NEED TO KNOW #3: It pays to be prepared

Sometimes bubs are plagued with issues you didn’t even know they could be facing. Not so obvious issues such as cradle cap are big surprises for first-time mums. It definitely pays to be aware and prepared for issues like this, long before they actually arise. Try massaging your bub’s scalp with a product like Botáni’s Olivéne Balm, which is non-greasy, petroleum jelly and nut free, and can help to calm and soothe annoying, itchy cradle cap.

TIP NEW MUMS NEED TO KNOW #4: Your baby could have sensitive skin

Not sure about what you should be using on your baby’s skin? While most baby products are gentle and fine to use, it’s always a safe bet to go down the natural product route if you think you’re bub might have sensitive or easily-irritated skin. Try using products like WOTNOT Baby Bath & Massage Oil, Natural Instinct Baby Bath Wash and GAIA Natural Baby Baby Moisturiser at bath time to ensure soft, smooth and ultimately soothed skin.

TIP NEW MUMS NEED TO KNOW #5: There are ways you can help them to sleep

Getting your little one off to sleep can be quite a task – but that’s to be expected when they’re very new and without a routine. What you should be aware of is that there are products that you can use to help send your baby into a deep slumber. Johnson's® baby Bedtime Bath® and Bedtime Lotion™ are formulated with NATURALCALM™ essences, which is made of a unique blend of gentle ingredients and soothing aromas that when used as part of a bedtime routine are clinically proven to help get your bub off to sleep.

TIP NEW MUMS NEED TO KNOW #6: If you’re stressed, your baby might be too

Babies are very aware of their surroundings and tend to mimic the way you’re feeling. It’s for this reason that it’s imperative that you create a calm and stress-free environment to keep your baby happy and to protect your own sanity, too. Make sure you regularly take the time out to treat yourself to a pampering footbath or luxurious bubble bath (and get hubby to mind the bub!) and then treat your baby to a nourishing, calming bath using products such as Billie Goat Soap’s Billie Baby Bath Soak. This pampering bath soak contains a combination of Australian goat’s milk and colloidal oatmeal that produces a soak ideal for nappy rash, heat rash or irritated skin. Follow it up with Urban Rituelle Mumma & Bubba Organics Calm Balm and the added jojoba, rosehip and evening primrose oils will help send your baby (and you) into a cool, calm and utterly content state.

TIP NEW MUMS NEED TO KNOW #7: You can get your pre-baby body back

Unfortunately once bub has come it’s out the window with those ‘but I’m craving it’ excuses. Likewise, you’ll probably want to pick up some regular exercise and begin to get your body back into shape. Not too quickly though – it’s important not to stress your body and push yourself too far. When it comes to pregnancy side effects such as dry skin and stretch marks, those can be treated almost straight away. Simply stock up with a nourishing body oil such as Lanolips Lovely Lanolin Herbal Treatment Body Oil and treat your stretch marks daily with a rich, moisturising body cream that helps to activate the reduction of stretch marks. Taking these steps will make the exercise and diet effects seem all the more worth it. We recommend: Biotherm Biovergetures Anti Stretch Mark Cream.