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)

Do what you feel is right for you and your baby. All babies are different (even your own children are different from each other) so different things work for different babies. Above all else, chill, they will be fine and you will be fine so go with it.

Relax - a mother's instinct will tell you what your child needs and when. For example - if you think your child is ill and needs to see a doctor then go. You'll more than likely be right.

I was given a funny piece of advice once which was there are three main points you need to remember. 1) Show your baby all the love you can in hugs, facial expressions and voice. 2) keep one end as clean as possible and feed the other end. 3) All babies are different and you will find complete strangers giving you advice along with family members etc, Smile politely but in the end you know your baby best and your way could be better.

i was always told never to be scared to ask for advice, so this is what i do, and because most mums i know didnt get an instruction booklet with there kids, we all help each other out as best we can, and the best thing i can suggest, is that if in doubt go with your own instincts, as your maternal link with yr child gives you that head start to decide whats best.

Don't be scared of asking advice, try to be organised as possible this always helped me!
I found it very handy to have the nappies and wipes at the ready for after night feeds, try and have a nap in the afternoon when baby does.
Relax and enjoy being a new mummy don't stress

Sleep when you can, listen to kindly given advice but choose your own way, enjoy them whilst they are young as they soon grow, mistakes happen do not fret, relax and enjoy! :)

Enjoy the time you have as it goes too quick. Just remember that not everyone enjoys being a parent at first so don't worry if you feel like that, it will grow on you as you get more confident.
Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it and accept off ers of help from friends and family.
Your baby doesn't need designer items and will be quite happy in second hand things.

I think new parents have such high expectations and plans, and expect too much of themselves. Then its upsetting if you can't keep up and maintain the high standards you hoped for. Just try to relax and enjoy the time you have with your children as thats the most important thing. Doesn't matter if the house is messy, or you've not managed to get dressed! Do what you can when you can and don't worry!

Very simply - NOBODY expects you can do it all so don't beat yourself up when the house isn't sparkling and you've not cooked a proper meal from scratch, it's okay!

You know your baby best, you will start to work out what is right and wrong through instinct! Remember that everyone doubts themselves as parents in the early stages - everyone! If anyone tells you otherwise, they are lying! You are on a journey and will learn faster than you can imagine!

Listen to advice but then find out what works for you. Don't get too stressed everyone makes mistakes!

Read the instructions but always go with your own instinct

Don't be afraid to ask for advice, but on the flip side, don't be afraid to ignore advice and go with your gut instinct. Most of all, relax!

I would advise them to listen to all advise given but then pick and choose which they want to put into action. Even medical professionals give differing advise so they should go with what feels right to them!

Try and get out - every morning and afternoon if you can even if it's just a little walk to the park, you'll feel so much better!

try not to get too stressed, the new baby will pick up on this, also don't be too afraid to take or ask for advise it will help you

Trust your instinct - you will be surprised how often you are right. Relax and enjoy your baby - and remember being a Mum is not a competitive sport though many people try to turn it in to that! What other people say about their baby's sleep pattern, contentedness, etc. often need to be taken with a large pinch of salt because they are often saying what they think they should be saying.

You're doing better than you think you are! Even if you haven't brushed your hair, are covered in poo and rocking a screaming newborn!

If you are using any medication, and especially if using nurofen with a paracetamol preparation or if treating more than one family member, then sellotape an a4 sheet to the kitchen counter and write down who had what when. Too easy to muddle it up otherwise.

Do what you feel is right

Don't listen to every piece of advice people tell you - no two children are the same so what worked for one may well not work with yours!

Attend the classes prior to birth so you have the opportunity to meet other new parents who will understand your feelings which will help your confidence. Health visitors, & other professionals are there to help, & will not think you stupid for raising concerns, or asking questions. Mother nature is wonderful & gives everyone a gut instinct which if followed is usually not far wrong.

As wonderful as being a mum is it is scary and tiring but you will be absolutely fine. Follow your instincts dont be afraid to ask for advice from anyone after all they were first time mums once and know how you feel and take any help you can xx

take one day at a time, if offered help take it, sleep when baby sleeps, wish i had done that!

Listen to advice but trust your instincts, nobody knows your baby better than you.

I do not think there is anything to say to a first time mum to be to boost their confidence. Just try to relax and enjoy being with your baby, confidence comes with time.