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)

Don't forget about yourself and your other half. those first couple of months are the perfect opportunity to get into the habit of 'date night' ... Baby sleeps a lot so go out mid week, have a lovely meal together and be a couple. And if you can't get out have a romantic meal at home. Its so easy to drift apart and just become 'Mum'.

I can't remember my mum and Dad EVER doing anything together as a couple like going on date nights. They ended up hating each other and my mum drank herself to death because she lost sight of who she was. Looking after yourself is NOT being selfish (as i have been told before) ... Looking after yourself is looking after your whole family.

Take it one day at a time.... And enjoy. The cliche is so true, they really do grow up too quickly.

Try not to expect too much of yourself and trust your own instincts.Listen to other peoples advice so long as you feel it is right and they are not just pushing their methods on you.Don't worry about housework you can keep that in order when you have found your own routine and are feeling more energetic.Most importantly remember this is all new to you and you will learn as you go along don't worry about what people say you should be doing everyone has their own method and trust your instincts.

speak to other parents about their experiences

trust your instincts

start a routine as early as poss and stick to it

Trust your own instincts and be careful who you ask for advice from. I found particularly with my MIL she gave ridiculous advice even when I didn't ask for it and it made me lack confidence so don't let anyone do that to you. Trust your instincts, if your baby isn't right, it isn't right and don't panic but work through your options until you find something that works. I also find it helps to time limit visitors, its something that I regretted not doing first time around then if you choose for them to stay longer they can but if not you always have a get out car to throw them out of your house.

Try not to google everything but just do what you think is best.

Try out baby groups to meet other mums and pick up tips and advice. The groups also help the little ones become more confident and the one on one bonding time with baby is lovely!

I would say just go with your gut instinct on any worries or concerns you have. Everyone will have tons of advice and opinions but honestly Mum knows best. and RELAX!

Take it one day at a time.

Be as true to your instincts as possible- this is your baby, you know how to parent it

Don't sweat the small stuff. Try to relax and enjoy being a parent.

Don't listen to too much advice, a lot of it is opinions disguised as 'expert advice'. Trust your instincts.

Don't be afraid to ask for help, and remember every baby is different

Trust your instincts, you know your child best.

A top tip for babies with very sore bottoms from nappies.... Separate an egg and dab egg white on the affected area, leave it to dry on then pop a nappy on as normal. It is the only thing that worked on my daughter and she had broken skin too.

Don't be afraid to ask question. Just relax and everything will come naturally never stress out

Trust your instincts. It might seem really scary at first but your gut feeling counts for a lot and is often right :)

My words of advice would be sometimes Babies just cry, it's nothing your doing wrong & leave a contented baby be, always trust your instincts and above all else enjoy every moment, They grow up very quickly.

Believe in your instincts and chat to other mums for advice, like on this forum

You must rememeber you are not super woman , you have just had a huge life changing experience, It takes time to recover. Listen to your body , everyone may pass you on advice, but if it doesn't sound right research it. And just because your mother did it doesn't mean it's right for you and your baby. Be kind to yourself and really do sleep when the baby does, otherwise you will crack up from lack of sleep.Question Health visitors they are just advisory bodies and not god, don't be frightened of them.

Try gently stroking your baby (yes - like if you had a puppy) , it soothes your baby. I used to do this to relax mine and get them off to sleep.

My main advice right now would be not to watch any of these stupid fake videos on breastfeeding shaming! It's more detrimental in my opinion. While you're at it though- don't listen to many people! Be confident that you can do a fab job and each baby is unique. xx

Advice can be helpful when asked for but don't feel you have to listen to everything that you are told - trust your instincts as well. Find a routine that suits you and your baby, don't feel that just because another mum that you know appears to be more on top of things than you that her way of dealing with everything will or should suit you, chances are that she is really in the same boat as you anyway!