First-Time Parents

Rahul and Priya bring their newborn home and navigate the joys and challenges of becoming first-time parents.

Meanings in Rahul, Priya, Baby, Pediatrician

Key words and phrases

newborna baby that has just been bornThe newborn slept most of the day.

pediatriciana doctor who treats childrenThey took the baby to the pediatrician for a check-up.

feedinggiving food or milk to a babyFeeding the baby takes up most of the night.

sleepless nighta night with little or no sleepThey had many sleepless nights in the first month.

lullabya soft song sung to help a baby sleepPriya sang a lullaby to calm the baby.

exhaustedextremely tiredBoth new parents felt exhausted but happy.

take turnsto do something one after another, sharing a taskThey took turns waking up at night.

milestonean important stage in a baby's developmentThe baby's first smile was a special milestone.

overwhelmedfeeling like there is too much to handleShe felt a little overwhelmed in the first week.

bonda close connection between peopleRahul felt an instant bond with his daughter.

swaddleto wrap a baby snugly in a cloth or blanketPriya learned how to swaddle the baby properly.

burpto help a baby release trapped air after feedingRahul gently pats the baby's back to burp her.

diaper rashskin irritation on a baby caused by a wet or dirty diaperThey apply cream to prevent diaper rash.

colicfrequent, prolonged crying in a healthy baby, often in the eveningsThe baby had colic and cried for hours every evening.

vaccinationan injection given to protect a baby from diseasesThe baby's first vaccination is due this month.

criba small bed with high sides for a baby to sleep inThey set up the crib in their bedroom.

refluxwhen a baby brings up milk after feedingThe doctor said mild reflux is common in newborns.

postpartumrelating to the period after childbirthPriya is still recovering during the postpartum period.

instincta natural tendency to act or feel a certain way without thinkingTrust your parenting instinct, Rahul told himself.

routinea fixed, regular pattern of activitiesThey slowly built a feeding and sleeping routine.

Useful sentences

Ask How was the baby's first night at home?
Answer It was a sleepless night, but so worth it.
Ask Should we take turns feeding her at night?
Answer Yes, that will help us both get some rest.
Ask When is our first appointment with the pediatrician?
Answer It's scheduled for next Tuesday.
Ask Are you feeling overwhelmed?
Answer A bit, but we're learning together.
Ask Did she reach any new milestone this week?
Answer Yes, she smiled for the first time!
Ask Have you started a bedtime routine yet?
Answer Yes, a warm bath followed by a lullaby works well.
Ask Don't forget to burp her after every feed.
Answer I always do, otherwise she gets fussy.
Ask Is it normal for her to have mild reflux?
Answer The pediatrician said it's common and will pass soon.
Ask When is her next vaccination due?
Answer Next Monday, for the second dose.
Ask Should we swaddle her before putting her in the crib tonight?
Answer Yes, it usually helps her settle into a deeper sleep.

Dialogue

RahulI think she's finally asleep. That was a long feeding.

PriyaI'm exhausted, but I wouldn't trade this for anything.

RahulLet's take turns tonight so you can rest a little.

PriyaThank you. I still can't believe we're parents now.

RahulNeither can I. I already feel such a strong bond with her.

PriyaMe too. This is just the beginning of our journey.

RahulShould we set up the crib in our room so it's easier to check on her?

PriyaGood idea. And let's start building a proper feeding routine too.

RahulTrust our instinct, my mother always says. We'll figure it out together.

PriyaExactly. One milestone at a time.

Common mistakes

Saying "We are becoming tired" instead of "We are exhausted" (use the stronger, more natural word "exhausted" for extreme tiredness).
Saying "Baby is taking milk" instead of "The baby is feeding" or "We are feeding the baby."
Saying "We changed our turns" instead of "We took turns" (use "take turns," not "change turns").
Saying "cover the baby tightly" instead of "swaddle the baby" (use the specific word "swaddle" for wrapping a baby snugly).
Saying "make the baby burp" instead of "burp the baby" ("burp" is used directly as a verb with the baby as its object).
Saying "the baby has gas pain" for prolonged crying instead of "the baby has colic," the correct term for frequent, prolonged crying in a healthy baby.

Quick quiz

1. What do you call a doctor who treats children?

2. Complete: "The baby's first smile was a special ___."

3. What word means extremely tired?

4. What does "swaddle" mean?

5. Complete: "Rahul gently pats the baby's back to ___ her."

6. Frequent, prolonged crying in a healthy baby, often in the evenings, is called ___.

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