When you become a parent, especially the first time, everybody who has ever had kids wants to impart their wisdom on you.
Between your doctors, parenting books, the in-laws and friends who have children – there’s a lot to take in.
Some of the advice is very niche, too. So much so that you’re not really sure if it’s right or not.
Here, we’re going back to basics. These are five top tips you can count on.
Accept All the Help Available
You might think you can handle everything just fine. And you probably can, to an extent.
But you’ll quickly realise being a parent is a lot harder than you think. No matter how many times people say it, you can’t prepare for the lack of sleep you’ll be getting.
So accept help whenever it’s offered.
Whether someone wants to give advice, give you a hand, or buy you a little something that might help.
If you keep turning down assistance, eventually people will stop offering it. And even if things are going smoothly for a bit, you’ll soo wish you had at least one extra pair of hands.
Sleep When They Sleep
Again, it’s a piece of advice that has become so common that you almost start to ignore it. But don’t.
Sleep is as valuable as actual money for parents. You’ll have good nights and bad nights, and there’s no way to escape it.
If you’re tired, and your baby is asleep, then go to bed. Even if it’s only for an hour or so, and even if it’s one o’clock in the afternoon.
You might not get all you need, but that hour will give you that extra bit of energy you need to get through the day.
Prepare for Everything You Don’t Know How to Do
Some new parents mistakenly think they can wing it a little.
But you’ll feel a lot more confident in doing baby-related stuff if you prepare yourself. We’re talking about things like feeding, changing and bathing.
Obviously it’s a little hard to practice these things before your child arrives.
But if you read everything you can, and ask questions of people you know, you’ll be in position to get off to a good start.
Once you’ve done each of these things a few times, you’ll get the hang of it. You will be an expert by the time baby number two arrives!
Treasure These Moments
It’s become a bit of a cliche, but it’s really important to treasure this time with your child.
At that age they grow incredibly quickly. No two weeks are the same, they’re always developing and learning new things.
You won’t experience anything like those first few days again. You’ll have other, more wonderful experiences, but they’re all unique.
So make the most of them. Spend your time just with family and friends. Take plenty of pictures.
Even in the most frustrating moments, remember how special this time is.
Start Looking at Childcare Options Early
It’s never too early to start looking at childcare options.
In the UK, we’re lucky that new parents have a fair amount of paid maternity leave – but at some point most will go back to work.
So, what happens to your child?
Well, Shine happens to offer an incredible childcare service – and we’d be delighted to welcome your little ones.
Ofsted has approved our nurseries in Leeds, Huddersfield and Oldham as “Outstanding”.
90% of our childcare practitioners are qualified (the rest are training to become qualified), professional, and loved by the children at our nurseries.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us.