Advice for New Parents: 10 Expert Tips for New Families
Becoming a new parent is one of life’s most profound and rewarding experiences. However, it also comes with its unique set of challenges. From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes, the journey of parenthood can feel overwhelming at times. Babies don’t come with a manual, and each child is unique, making the transition into parenthood both exhilarating and daunting.
But fear not, because you’re not alone on this journey. At the Center for Children and Youth, we understand the joys and struggles of new parenthood, which is why we’ve gathered advice for new parents from both our parent readers on social media and our team of parenting experts.
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of your little one or navigating the early stages of parenthood, we’re here to offer you guidance and support. Here are our top 10 tips for new parents to help you navigate this exciting chapter with confidence and joy.
Best Advice for New Parents: Our Top 10 Tips
1. Follow Your Gut
Don’t compare. Trust your gut.—Erin, The Activity Director
There will always be conflicting information … on every topic! The best we can do is hear/learn about both sides and then decide what’s best for our family and what’s in our heart. The biggest trick to motherhood is not feeling guilt or feeling like you have to explain any of the decisions you make.—Ashley, Kindred Roots
We heard so many contradictory guidelines about whether and for how long to let the baby “cry it out” at bedtime. We felt pretty guilty letting our daughter cry at all, but once we tried it, she quickly became a child who could reliably put herself to sleep. We had to learn to trust our own instincts about the right path in our situation.—Suz, Slow Family Online
Some decisions may be black or white, but most should be guided by the parents’ priorities and values rather than the internet or well-meaning friends.—Elisa Magidoff, Director of Parents Place
2. Be Kind to Yourself
Embrace the mess and chaos because no one will remember a clean house or the laundry bring done, but you will remember the fun memories made.—Erin, The Activity Director
Be gentle with yourself.—PJ Library Bay Area
Go for many stroller walks—they’re good for parents and the baby. An added bonus is that babies always sleep better in fresh air.—Kari, Active Kids Club
I initially resisted the advice to “sleep when the baby sleeps” because I thought it would give me more time to get things done. I soon realized that the opportunity to be (semi) rested was the best gift I could give myself.—Suz, Slow Family Online
3. Adjust your Expectations
Learn to be okay with everything taking 10 times longer than before you had kids. Prepare to live with uncertainty and try to be more flexible with your expectations. Be okay with not being okay sometimes.—Tati, MomWifeLadyLife
Try to make peace with your new life and role — as a parent and a co-parent. I heard someone say that it is as if a switch is flipped from “romantic couple” to “tactical team”. My husband’s and my nicknames for each other in those first few weeks were “Feed Bag” and “Chore Boy”. We tried to laugh through our exhaustion about our new roles.—Suz, Slow Family Online
Remember that moms and dads do things differently from each other and that we all want to succeed. Agree on the big things, let the little things go.—Mechele
4. Seek Opportunities to Bond with your Baby and Make Memories
Love them every chance you get. Smile a lot. Stare into their eyes. Cherish every moment.—Daddy And the Baby
Give your kids lots and lots of memories.—Homer
Take all the pictures, and make sure someone takes pics of you too. Write down the things you want to remember.—Erin, The Activity Director
Enjoy every moment you can—even the trying ones. Children grow up too fast, and if you get too concerned about the things that don’t matter you will miss the opportunities to enjoy those that do.—Jane
Sometimes parents get overly excited about the “next” stage of development. Take time to enjoy each growth milestone. —Stephanie Agnew, Assistant Director of Parents Place
5. Find your Tribe
I realized early on that it was important to have a tribe of other new parents, to swap stories about this unique time, and to help with babysitting, meals and chores. Years later, I’m still good friends with many of those people!—Suz, Slow Family Online
Use your village for support—PJ Library Bay Area
Barter for a date night with another family every week.—Mechele
Delegate tasks to willing family and/or friends. If you do not have available local family/friends (to help with grocery shopping, cooking and doing laundry), consider outsourcing these tasks during those first days and weeks.—Elisabeth Stitt, CCY Parent Coach
6. Enlist Expert Help
Take parenting classes beforehand and hire help. I recommend getting training long before the babies are here, and all along their developmental stages.—Carla
I joined a parenting group through Parents Place that helped me and my daughter socialize and get answers to my parenting questions.—Suz, Slow Family Online
7. Get as Much Sleep as Possible
Sleep deprivation is a common challenge for new parents, but getting enough rest is crucial for your physical and mental well-being. Take turns with your partner to handle nighttime feedings and diaper changes, and nap whenever your baby sleeps during the day. Prioritize sleep and accept help from family and friends so you can recharge and be at your best for your baby.
8. Remember: All Babies Cry, It’s Not Always an Emergency
It’s normal for babies to cry, and it doesn’t always indicate a problem. Sometimes, babies cry simply because they’re hungry, tired, or need comfort. Try different soothing techniques like rocking, singing, or swaddling to calm your baby. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s crying patterns.
9. Take Care of Your Spouse (and Yourself!)
Parenthood is a team effort, so don’t forget to prioritize your relationship with your partner. Make time for regular check-ins, date nights, and moments of intimacy to nurture your connection amidst the demands of parenthood. Additionally, remember to take care of yourself by practicing self-care activities like exercise, hobbies, and relaxation techniques. A happy and healthy parent is better equipped to care for their baby.
10. Know that Things will get Easier
The first month seems like one really, really long day. Months 2-3 are pretty rough, but it gets better month after month. Breastfeeding is more challenging than you would think, but that also gets easier over the course of the first few months. Parenting is the hardest but most gratifying work ever.—Tati, MomWifeLadyLife
Remember: this, too, will pass. As exhausting as this phase can feel, it is just a phase. Before you know it, your baby will look up at you and smile … and you’ll realize that those hard first weeks were worth it!—Sheila Norman, CCY Parent Coach
Remember: this, too, will pass. As exhausting as this phase can feel, it is just a phase. Before you know it, your baby will look up at you and smile … and you’ll realize that those hard first weeks were worth it!—Cherie, Parents Place
Final Words of Advice for New Parents
In closing, embarking on the journey of parenthood is undoubtedly a transformative experience filled with both joyous moments and unexpected challenges. As you navigate this new chapter in your life, remember to trust your instincts, be kind to yourself, and adjust your expectations accordingly. Seeking opportunities to bond with your baby, finding support from your tribe, and enlisting expert help when needed are invaluable strategies for thriving as new parents.
With these expert tips and heartfelt advice for new parents, we hope you feel empowered and equipped to embrace the joys and challenges of parenthood with confidence. Remember, each baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Trust in your instincts, cherish the precious moments, and know that with time and patience, things will indeed get easier.
For additional resources and support on all things related to babies, adoption, and more, we invite you to explore our knowledge base or even consider enrolling in our parent coaching programs. Parenthood is a journey best traveled with a supportive community by your side, and we are here to support you every step of the way!