Things you wish you'd known with a newborn!

[surprisearrival]

Hey; Posted another question somewhere else and someone said to repost here;
SO! I've just had a baby; but didn't know I was pregnant until a week or so before she arrived; and then thought I was just a few weeks gone. So I haven't had the 9 months to prepare/read books etc and am getting a bit worried I'm not doing things right! Was wondering if some of you could please give us your "top tips" for being a new Mum, what "things" we actually need, what are nice to have, and what are just going to end up in the loft! I'm a single parent too but have a lot of support from my family!
Many thanks x

Don't feel guilty about cuddles. Ignore everyone who tells you you are spoiling her and making a rod for your back. Co sleep if you want to. I second the moby wraps, they are absolutely fab and the best for getting baby to sleep (you won't spoil her or ruin any self settling ability). And congrats on a lovely surprise!

Agree you can't spoil a newborn, it still makes me go all goose bumpy when i remember all those lovely cuddles.

Also, the worst vice is advice. I read far too many books, listened to too many different views, tried to force routine way too soon etc. As soon as i started following DS's lead i enjoyed him so much more and things fell into place. It's a cliche, but trust your own instinct!