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)

Trust yourself and your instincts - you are the expert on your baby! Oh, and everything is a phase by the way, from sleep issues to tantrums to food fussiness, s try not to get too worried.

Every few nights take it in turn with your partner for one of you to get an undisturbed nights sleep in the spare room

I think the thing to remember is that it is your baby,..people offer good advice it is true but also bad advice and often contradictory advice! Listen to your instincts you know your baby better than anybody else.

Trust your instincts - I think that there is no such thing as "making a rod for your own back". If it gets you through the first few months then habits can be broken or changed when you are more confident.

relax keep calm and take help if needed

My advice is simple. Don't be afraid to ask for help and don't be afraid of failing. If your child cries throughout the night, it doesn't mean you are failing or doing anything wrong. All kids are different. If a friend says they had no trouble with their kid, don't expect yours to be the same. Everyone has a different experience with children so never base your expectations on someone else's experience :)

I found that it almost all comes naturally and to go with my instinct. Take goid advise but don't just go by it as everyone is different. As a mum of twins I also always accepted all the help I could get

Trust your instincts and don't be afraid to ask for advice

go with the flow, don't set routines as you get stuck in one too then and always trust your instincts.

Dont worry about what other people think, if you need help? then ask? and if people are doing things different it doesnt mean you are doing it wrong, most of all trust your instincts

Relax and be yourself everything will be fine.

I don't think I can base any useful advice on my experience - it's rather too long ago!

make sure you take time out for you guys your baby is happy when your happy & don't panic because that rubs of on your children, take help when its offered to you there is nothing wrong with needing help.

Try and get a little play with another baby before you have one. Just keep the baby close, let it feed when it wants, get a white noise cuddly toy. Some babies cry/winge a lot and once you are assured that there is nothing serious wrong or things like stray label bothering them, too hot, too cold etc just accept it and try different things - singing, rocking, walking, talking. Try to keep organised but don't worry about unimportant things ie. ironing duvet covers!

Trust your instincts!
Don't put too much pressure on yourself, you're doing a fab job! even if you feel overwhelmed or like theres too much to do.
We can all relate :-) You're never alone!

I helped out at a playgroup - it helped enormously when my first child arrived

Follow what feels right for you and your baby not what everyone else has to say, everyone does things there own way!

I would say be confident there is no wrong or right way to do things you will soon learn what works for you and your baby

There is no right way to do things, just your way!

You will get different advice from midwives, friends, grandparents and the parenting books - everyone will have something to say. Dont panic, do what you think is right but never be afraid to ask for advice if you need it!

And if you dont know something but you feel stupid for not knowing, dont, we all had to learn ourselves! xx

If anyone looks like they are superwoman and can handle anything - they can't - it's a show! No-one is perfect and everyone does things differently - never feel parenting is a competition

join a birth group/online forum where you can share stories and ask opinions with women going through the same stages

sometimes you have to know when to go with your instinct and when to take others advice

best advice i could give is to trust your instincts. you can never be too careful with your little ones health! x

Make mummy friends - in antenatal classes, baby groups or anywhere else. These are the people who will be there to share and understand what you are going through. They are important for your own sanity.

You will be tired, probably a little cranky and more than likely feel like the worlds worst parent but don't panic - we've all been there. Whilst you find your feet and routine do not worry about the housework - just look after yourself and the little one - and don't be ashamed to reach out for help.