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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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)

Every parent is different, find what works for you and in the process, relax and don't feel you have to become the perfect parent from day one, it takes time to find your feet.

This is advice I was given: Just do what is best for your baby in that moment. If your baby needs to be rocked or nursed to sleep every single day for a week, just do it. Remember, what works for one baby may not work for another.

I wish I had been told that not every noise is something to worry about . For the first 3 months I could barely sleep as I was up with every slight noise during the night I think that becomes easier as you grow with your baby

Be strong you can do it if things do go wrong its only natural your a first time mum but you will learn in time and you will love learning enjoy them first Moments xx

trust your instincts but dont be afraid to ask for help if you need it

Remember that you are learning as you go along and to trust your instincts which will come naturally.

Listen and make your own choice, don't worry too much, your mother on some occasions is not always right

Trust your instincts and enjoy every minute with your baby, it truly passes by too quickly

Always trust yourself, stay calm and relaxed in all situations baby will too be a nice calm baby. Remember however tough it gets they grow up quick so treasure every single moment day or night, they don't last forever.

Read online forums for tips

I felt that I have to succeed no matter what, the house had to be clean, the washing done and a great dinner on the table. Hind side I should have been more relaxed about everything. The baby period is over so quickly and an immaculate household isn't giving you the time back! I shouldn't have been too proud to take accept help by my family, it's not a competition with yourself to get it all done perfectly.

Dont always feel like you have to stop your baby from crying. Obviously do the usual checks - are they hungry? Do they need changing? Are they in pain? But if all else is okay with your baby it may just be that they need a cry. Comfort them, rock them, sing calmly but dont feel you have to stop it. Sometimes we feel like we have to fix everything and it's an awful amount of pressure. Sometimes all we can do is comfort until it passes.

Follow your instincts and don't pay too much attention to what others tell you. Only you know what's best for you and your baby!

don't think that the health visitor etc is god.They don't always know what is best for your child, ask advice from parents and sites such as mumsnet.I wish i hadn't listened when i felt that my little girl should have water between bottles, the health visitor said no she should be getting all she needs.She got constipated and had an anal fisure, i am positive that if i had gone with my inner feelings she wouldn't have the problems she does now.

The advice I'd wish I'd had was to relax and not worry about anyone else, just trust that you are doing your best things for your baby. I'd also say accept all the help offered - and don't be too proud to ask for help!

Accept that you will not get everything right the first time but as long as your baby is fed when hungry, kept warm when cold, cool when hot and sleeps when tired - you are doing a good job!

If in doubt, seek advice from other mums you know personally or online from forums such as on Mumsnet! But in all honesty - trust your gut instinct and go with your heart. Ask for support when you need it. Your loved ones love you and will want to help you out should you need it. But most of all - make the most of these precious times, they go far too quickly and the most important thing is health & happiness for you and your family.

Always buy your baby's clothing in larger sizes. During the first years they grow so rapidly that their clothing needs replacing before it's worn out.

Get used to handling baby - learn how to hold, handle, carry, caress. this is a precious gift , but don't be frightened of it, He/she relies on you so any nervousness you show will be picked up on by baby. Love your baby but don't be too gooey. It's a small person for whom you have an all-consuming responsibility, but it's not a plaything.

If you use one of the changing mats with a u-shaped barrier around them, have the open end by the baby's head. Put a book under the far end (head end) of the changing table to tip it slightly towards you. Now when baby has a wee while being changed it pools in the mat next to you, keeping baby dry so you don't have to change all their clothes every time.

I am a mum to 5 children, growing up fast now though.So have had a lot of experience :) Being a new mum is so overwhelming, I think if I could do it again i would do it a lot differently! My first 2 children i allowed in my bed to sleep when they couldn't and trust me it is seriously the worst mistake I made, it literally took months and months to get them into their own beds. Generally all my issues I seemed to have was based around bedtimes, if you have a little one that does not sleep like I did, put a ticking clock under the mattress, it really does work!

Take all advice with a pinch of salt and trust your instincts!

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you are feeling down and that you just can't cope, sometimes just talking about your feelings can be a weight lifted.

Handle things IF they happen rather than worrying that they might.

Plan nothing (something will always get in the way) Make sure you sleep whenever you can whether it is day or night. Sleep deprivation always makes any small worries blow up out of proportion. Make sure housework is not your priority. If others offer let them help. If they don't offer then don't be scared to ask for help. Feed, clean cuddle and above all love your baby and try to enjoy. In retrospect it will be such a fleeting moment in your life so make the most of it :)