Advice for New Parents: Everything You Need to Know

What to Expect When You’re Expecting is probably one of the most popular reads for new parents. But is one book enough to teach you everything about parenting? Probably not.

If you’re feeling unsure of what lies ahead, it’s a good thing that many parents have walked this path before you and have invaluable advice to offer. Explore essential advice for new parents, so you and your little one can enjoy this journey as much as possible.

Embrace the Learning Curve

Becoming a parent for the first time is like playing a role-playing game. Expect the unexpected, even when you have cheat codes! Becoming a parent is like signing up to be a student again. Expect something new every day, even on days when you don't want to learn. You might even get overwhelmed, or feel inadequate. And this comes with being a parent. Nobody learns to drive in a single day, and the best advice for new moms and dads is to not expect to be a fantastic parent from day 1. Expect a learning curve, and remember that there's always room for mistakes. Every experience - both positive and challenging - offers room for growth and happiness.

Allow Time to Yourself

Caring for a newborn is demanding, no doubt. But advice for new parents; it's okay to give time to yourself. Being a perfect parent might be all the rage on Instagram, but that's not how real life works. When you don't look after your well-being, you're bound to have mood swings and feel inadequate as a parent. Take time to do things you love, so you can be there for your child fully too.

Have a Support System

An important piece of advice for new moms specifically: don’t expect to do everything alone, without support. Becoming a new parent is one of the most eye-opening experiences in life, and it’s not something you should have to struggle with alone.

Building a strong support system can make all the difference in your parenting journey. Spend time with those who offer encouragement, assistance, and non-judgemental support. It could be trusted friends, family members, or fellow parents who offer a shoulder to lean on when times get challenging.

Trust Your Gut

This might not sound like advice for new parents, but never dismiss a gut feeling. As a new parent, there’s no doubt that you’re going to get a ton of advice. From books, experts, and even well-meaning people in your life. And while it’s important to get that guidance, it’s equally as important to trust your instincts and intuition too.

You know your child better than anyone else and will be spending more time with them than anyone else will. What works for one family may not work for another. So while all other advice for new parents may be rooted in research, history, and tradition, don’t forget to do what feels right for you and your baby.

Practice Patience

You might already be thinking that you're pretty patient, but a baby will test that patience on a whole new level. A baby's schedule can be unpredictable, to put it mildly. And all that knowledge about getting them to stick to a schedule might actually not work. Advice for new parents: know that their crying, fussing, and refusal to sleep might have nothing to do with your parenting. They are normal signs of infancy. Consider using baby equipment like a hip baby carrier to help soothe your baby. But don't take it personally if they seem to be fussy no matter what you do.

Share the Load

Parenthood can pose a new set of challenges for even the most seasoned partners. It can put your relationship to the test at times, but other times, reveals beautiful moments that you’d rather not share with anyone else. During times when you feel misunderstood or alone, it’s important to communicate with your partner.

Take time to talk about parenting values, expectations, and concerns with your partner. Share the load - work together to divide responsibilities, offer each other support, and make decisions for your family. A united front strengthens your bond as parents, today and always, and this is foolproof advice for new parents that should always be followed.

Be Flexible

Flexibility is critical when caring for a newborn, as plans can often change at a moment’s notice. Embrace unpredictability as a parent, and be willing to adapt to new situations. Whether it’s by adjusting your daily routine, trying different parenting strategies, or seeking alternative solutions. Flexibility will help you be a better parent while stressing less, and if you’re becoming a parent for the first time, flexibility will help you have fewer expectations from yourself as well.

Look for Professional Help When Needed

Struggling alone can make you feel on edge, helpless, and lost. When it comes to advice for new parents, knowing when to look for professional help isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s the best decision you can make to keep your little family happy and safe. Struggling with postpartum depression, breastfeeding, or sleeping alone isn’t a sign of being strong. Ultimately, it can impact your whole family, and looking for guidance or support can be instrumental during these times. So don’t suffer in silence–this is specifically advice for new moms, and reach out when you feel like something is wrong.

Invest in Quality Baby Items

From having a hip seat baby carrier that keeps your baby comfortable at all times to having a baby mobile to keep them entertained, there’s no shortage of baby items you can buy. It’s important to invest in quality items that keep your baby safe, and you might need to do a bit of research to find a product that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s best to buy baby products from companies that are vetted by fellow parents and experts, so you know exactly what to expect. Even something as basic as a wooden high chair may require an ergonomic design and functionality for your baby, and looking through testimonials can be a good way to gauge whether you should buy it or not.

Love Parenting for All That It Is

There’s a ton of advice for new parents, and it can be hard sifting through it all. And when it comes to baby equipment; well, there’s an endless amount of research you could do and still be unsure. But at Abiie®, our high-quality and innovative products have been a hit with parents and babies for years. Our modern aesthetic ensures that your baby equipment doesn’t look out of place, and many of our products like the Beyond Junior Y High Chair actually grow as your baby grows. Invest in quality, sustainability, and most importantly, comfort for your child. Shop Abiie® today.