Share your advice for first time parents to help build their confidence with Nurofen for Children - £300 voucher prize draw! NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

Research by Nurofen for Children shows that, on average, it takes a first time mum an average of six months to feel confident as a parent(i). With that in mind, they'd like to know what words of wisdom you'd pass down to a first time mum to boost their confidence.

Here's what Nurofen for Children says, "Becoming a mum is a wonderful life changing experience, and a huge learning curve. Nurofen for Children understands seeking advice from other mums is an important part of feeling confident in the decisions you make for your new baby, so we’d love to know your best advice for other first-time mums".

Maybe you'd share something your own parents told you that helped when you were embarking on parenthood. Or something you wish you'd been told when you were a new parent. You might have a nugget of advice that you think would really make a difference, and we're eager to hear it.

Everyone who posts on this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one mumsnetter will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher!

Thanks

MNHQ

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-Competition closes at midnight on Thursday 21st January 2016
-Entries posted after the closing date will not be considered
-One winner will be chosen from all winning entries
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-The prize is £300 Love2Shop vouchers
-Full terms and conditions here

Nurofen for Children 3 months to 9 years Orange / Strawberry. Nurofen for Children Orange / Strawberry 3 months to 12 years (weighing over 5kg). Contains Ibuprofen. For relief of fever. Always read the label.

(i) Survey of 2,000 mums by One Poll, commissioned by Nurofen for Children (October 2013)

Nobody is perfect but work together with your partner so you are a team

Whatever you do don't bring baby into your bed. Mine are now 1 and 2 and all 4 of us share a bed!

Trust yourself! Don't let other peoples 'well meaning' advice or input sway you :)

Let baby lead, they know what they need and want and when they are ready for the next thing. Keep calm and enjoy your child! Welcome to motherhood

My advice would be the same as my Health Visitor gave me, if you are worried about anything with your baby and want to see the doctor don't let anyone put you off. If asked is it really important, reply with confidence Yes it is to me! This gave me as a new mum so much confidence, also I would say trust your instincts you know a lot more than you think you do. And finally don't forget your Mum and Nan they have so much experience.

Don't be afraid to ask for advice from other mums about what really works or is worth investing in before you go and buy things you will never use but think you need; up to date experience from other new mums is priceless.

If feel scared, nervous and out of your depth it's ok don't be afraid to speak to your Health Visitor or your GP about your mental health, you'll feel better for having the conversation and sharing it. They can help you.

Go with what your gut say's..1st time parenting is hard but magical all the same, Never compare to other kids the same age as we are all different, do what makes you and LO happy. Join parent/toddler groups they are a great help and can keep you sane on the hard days live, learn, be happy and enjoy every minute with your precious bundle

Your instinct is normally right. Go with how you feel and what you think. Also it's normal to feel tired and emotional and worry if your doing things properly, it does get easier. There is no right or wrong way for most things and do what makes you and the baby happy, everyone has their opinions but only yours matter to your baby X

Trust your instincts other women may have children but they don't have your child and you know your child best. Also remember that babyhood goes so fast and no matter how hard and exhausting those early years are they will not be forever.

Trust your instincts other women may have children but they don't have your child and you know your child best. Also remember that babyhood goes so fast and no matter how hard and exhausting those early years are they will not be forever.

accept help and advice but ultimately, relax, take a step back, be patient, trust your own judgement and everything will be fine

I'm expecting my first baby in March, and this is the advice I am giving to myself:
Everyone will have an opinion on what you should do and how you should raise your child. By all means, listen to the opinions of others, but trust your own instincts too, and don't put too much pressure on yourself to be a perfect parent. There is no such thing!

Always go with your gut...instinct really hasn't failed me yet!! Never worry that people will think you are a worrier, over fussy etc...you know your child better than anyone else and it's always better t be safe than sorry!

I've given the same advice to all my friends who have had babies after me. Don't become overwhelmed with breastfeeding. If you are struggling to get your baby to feed from you successfully it is not the end of the world if you have to give them some formula milk. A happy mum helps make a happy baby and stressing over milk supply is not something you need along with all the other worries.

if you need to ask for help, if help is given accept gratefully

if you need help ask, if help is given accept gratefully

Please don't get bullied into breast feeding if it really isn't right or isn't working for you - you will be anxious and miserable and that will rub off on your precious little one. A happy Mummy means a much happier and more contented baby. It took me six awful weeks to have the strength and courage to do this and tainted my first few weeks of motherhood.

With no real training, passing no exams, having no qualifications you will know instinctively what to do for the best for your baby - trust yourself, you are an amazing Mummy!

Trust your instinct. There any many different ways to be a good parent; don't judge and don't let others judge you

Everyone will tell you how hard it is, but as soon as you have your baby in your arms instinct will kick in and you'll just know. Make sure you take help when offered and remember to look after yourself to. I found the forums to be incredibly helpful and I tried to go to baby groups too.

I wish I had known what an overwhelming feeling of responsibility that comes over you when you bring your new born home for the first time, you are suddenly drowning yourself in fears of sudden infant death syndrome, of letting anyone who may be sick near your child, of meningitis, of people's pets, making the milk wrong....everything! My advice would be to take everyday as it comes, don't be afraid to admit that you're scared of any/all of thes things, listen to the midwives, listen to family and friends advice but don't be obligated to follow all the advice you receive. No new parent is perfect but what you can be perfect at is asking for help when it all gets too much.

my mum always told me to accept help (but i do think she just wanted lots of time with her grandchild) lol

Definitely trust your own instincts, work together, help each other and work around your baby. Every baby and family is different so what works for one doesn't necessarily work for another.

With a lot of things there is no right way, you just need to have confidence that you are doing things the right way for you

trust your own instincts dont let people put doubt in your mind