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)

Not to worry that what you're doing is wrong, or what other people think! You're doing as good a job as anyone else and your children are happy and healthy and that you're doing your very best. Remembering that will get you through the tough times!

Just go with your instincts

Be accepting of all the help that is offered to you, whether that be cooking a meal or taking the baby out in the pram for half an hour, being a new mum and dad can be challenging but very rewarding.

Take all the advice that will come your way on board. Some will be solicited, some unsolicited. Then walk away from it all and do what feels right for you and your gut instinct.

Don't be afraid to ask for advice but do not do anything that feels wrong to you as a parent just because somebody else tells you that's the done thing - you'll get to know your baby quickly and instinct just takes over in my experience. You get more confident every day and although there are often setbacks there is very little that is insurmountable.
Go with it!

Believe in yourself, trust your instincts and don't let others tell you they know better.

Don't spend lots of money on baby clothing. Ask friends/family for items they aren't using and don't be afraid of second hand shops or online selling groups (there are loads on facebook). Your child will grow so much faster than you can imagine - esp. in the first year. It's better value to invest the money in their education or family holidays :-)

Buy lots of bibs! I never had enough as my kids needed theirs changed like 10 times a day

The best advise is to sleep when you can and accept peoples offer of help :)

keep it simple! I feel there is nothing worse than seeing babies in designer trainers when really they should have nothing on their feet to help the growth. My advice is keep your money, invest it into savings instead.

Accept that you'll make mistakes. Don't be embarrassed to ask for information or help - ask your own mum, GP and Health Visitor etc. but remember to trust your own instincts too! Sleep whenever baby does and expect to have to deal with lots and lots of s**t from birth and for at least the next 18 years. PS At least try to look as if you're enjoying the experience, even if it feels like you have the mother of all permanent hangovers!

My first piece of advice would be to always follow your gut instinct - you know your child best. Then I would say:
-muslin cloths are essential
-breastfeeding is really hard and hurts! Cabbage leaves ease the pain strangely
-dont buy everything before your baby is born. People will buy you lots and you can buy as you go along. I bought way too much stuff and wasted so much money
-it will be hard for the first few months, a complete change in lifestyle. BUT...it does get easier :)

If you have a new arrival, don't buy too many new clothes as they will grow out of them very quickly

There's no such thing as a perfect parent. If the kid is alive and being cared for then you are doing the right thing. That's all that matters.

Also, if the baby just won't stop crying for no reason at all (you've checked everything) and you are going insane, it is OK to put the baby in a safe place and step away for a few minutes to calm down. It's probably better than throwing the baby out of the window! And when you go back, you will be calmer and the baby will sense that and will be more likely to calm down themselves.

Stick to your instinct and please stop comparing to others. Everyone is different.

Don't be in such a rush to buy lots of cute outfits for your newborn - you will get heaps bought for you! They grow so quickly and its lovely to keep them in cute white sleepsuits in the early days. Easier to change them too!

always, always trust your own instincts

don't worry too much about schedules and don't read too many books...they might make you worry

Find and read the book called 'baby whisperer' by tracey hogg, it is a fantastic read as she agrees that all babies are different and helps you cope with certain personalities

Definitely follow your instincts and don't always feel you need to 'follow the book.'
You know your baby better than anyone and do what you think is best.

Believe in yourself and your parent skills. Confidence comes with time but love and care will take you a long way.

Join groups and listen to all opinions, that doesn't mean you have to follow the advice, do your research and do what's best for you both

Relax! Keeping the baby alive is the most important thing and everything else is secondary.

Listen to your instinct, you know best. What works for some parents might not work for you, so try and not be worried about being the parent of the year, you won't be, but you'll be the best parent you could ever be for your children.

My advice would be, it get's a little bit easier every day-AND no parent is perfect!