10 Tips for Looking Great with your Newborn Baby
Isn't it time to look great again?
Having a newborn baby is no excuse for looking terrible.
New motherhood means many changes, but only you can decide if neglecting your appearance will be one of them. It's not just about the extra weight. You are at home all the time with a little baby and it is just so easy to let yourself go. Lack of sleep, fluctuating hormones and a crazy schedule mean your priorities may have totally changed. But you will be getting out more and more as you get used to your new life. Don't you want to look your best when you show the world your new baby?
Our 10 Tips will keep you looking great, day after day, through one of the most challenging times in your life.
- Get rid of your maternity clothes. Now.
Yes, your hips are still as big as a water buffalo. And your tummy may look like your baby hasn't come out yet. But this is no excuse to wear those clothes a single day longer. Anything with an empress waistline or an elastic inlay has to go. The last time those clothes looked charming was in your 24th week and that is a long, long time ago. So just put them in a bag right now and give them away. Nothing else fits? Then order a stylish pair of pants, a dress and some tops in the size you wear now-- not the size you hope to wear soon. The investment in your appearance will be well worth it and it will cheer you up to have something new.
- Get a haircut
It's time for a fresh new look after the long pregnancy. A great cut and smart colour can really do wonders for your appearance. Make it clear to your stylist that you need a do that can look great fast, because you may not always have the time for complicated styling. How to manage the appointment? Have a good friend come with you to hold your baby. It isn't as difficult as you might think! You can even nurse your little one while you are getting styled. Also, some stylists will make home visits, so ask your salon if that would be a possibility.
- Nurse your baby.
Breastfeeding is not just the single best nourishment for your little one. It is also the single fastest way to lose those pregnancy pounds. You can keep eating whatever you want and you will lose weight like never before. Enjoy it! Plus, nursing keeps your hormones in balance, so you feel better, too.
- Walk outside.
Getting outdoors and doing light exercise is a great way to get into shape. Walking is the easiest way to ensure that you are beginning to rebuild your pre-pregnancy condition. And the fresh air is excellent for you and your baby!
- Take care of your skin.
It doesn't matter how little time you have, there is always time to wash and care for your skin. Your hormones are running havoc after the birth and that can lead to bad skin. You may find that the needs of your skin have changed since the pregnancy, so be alert if there is a need for less moisturizer, more cleansing etc. If you are unsure then get an appointment with a competent cosmetician and have her help you out.
- A little makeup goes a long way.
You won't have time for long makeup sessions anymore, but that is no reason why you should neglect it entirely. A light layer of fresh foundation, some mascara and lipgloss can make such a difference. And don't think makeup is only for when you go out to meet your mummy friends at the baby cafe. You partner will be pleased to come home and find you looking your best in your new role as mother, too.
- Don't give up your purse!
Many new mothers make this mistake. The diaper bag on the pram becomes their most prominent accessory and this is never a good thing, no matter how cute it is. Every stylish woman needs a purse with all of the essentials in it that she needed before: cosmetics, cell phone, ipod, organizer, etc. Many fashionable mums discover that they do not even need a diaper bag at all. Why not just pop a couple of diapers and some mini-wipes into your Kelly bag and leave it at that? Only nursing moms can get away with this, though, since all that bottle equipment takes up a lot of space.
- Get a nursing apron.
As you may have noticed, we do believe that breastfeeding is best for many reasons. But that doesn't mean it looks best. Don't fool yourself into thinking that it is “natural” so people should understand. This is not about what other people think, it is about you! Pulling out your nipples in public is just not attractive no matter what your midwife tells you. A nursing apron gives you the time to help your baby latch on properly and creates a special private place for only you and your baby, wherever you are. Plus, one nursing apron is a lot cheaper than all of those special breastfeeding clothes. You know the ones with all of the hidden pockets and flaps? Your money is better spent on something more stylish instead.
- Put on those heels!
Only the most fashion conscious of us wore our heels during pregnancy. And even the stars give up after the 30th week. But now is the time to get them out again or buy some new ones. Nothing makes for instant glamour more than a pair of high heels. If you aren't ready for dresses yet, no problem. Just pair up high-fashion boots with pants. You'll feel better, you'll walk better and you'll look terrific.
- Avoid ugly baby carriers.
Carrying your baby is a great way to stay close and keep her happy. And it can be so convenient not having to push a pram everywhere you go. But wearing your baby does not mean you have to abandon all sense of style! Great swathes of Nepali cloth will make you look like you just got out of a home birthing class. Even worse, they add width and bulk around your waist and hips where you need it least.
What about the new padded baby carriers? Well, are you really the kind of woman who carries a sports backpack downtown? No? Then your baby carrier should not look like one either. There are other options. For example, slings are a great, stylish way to carrry your baby and they fit in your purse, too.
