Share your tips on life with a new baby with Philips Avent and you could win £300! NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

At Philips Avent breastpumps they understand the importance of preparing to become a parent and the need for a product you can rely on, therefore they'd love to hear your top tips on coping with a new baby - on everything from cooking, looking after yourself and getting out of the house to establishing sleeping and feeding patterns. What things helped you through those first weeks/months? And if you could share any advice with expectant parents, what would it be?

Here’s what Philips Avent say, “our range of breastpumps help new families feel comfortable and relaxed when expressing. We know life certainly is never the same again once you become a parent for the first time. For such a small bundle, babies can take up a lot of time, energy and emotions. How can you prepare yourself for the huge changes welcoming a new baby involves? And is it possible to?".

Add your top tips below and you'll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher for John Lewis.

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

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PS: Do check out loads of advice and support on the MN pages sponsored by Avent on preparing for life with a newborn here

Get out and see family and friends, you need help from everyone and sometimes going to see someone they notice if your struggling and more than willing to help out

Don't shut yourself off from the world. As difficult as that may seem!

Enjoy it!!! Snuggle that bundle of joy and treasure every second of it because you never know if it will be your only one (speaking from experience). Trust in your instincts and accept help if you're feeling knackered.

Take a nap when baby sleeps during the day, you'll need your energy!

House work will be there tomorrow,If friends offer any help take It
If you want to stay In pyjamas all day then do so
cherish every moment as they grow up so quickly

Listen to all the advice you are given but choose whats best for you and don't feel pressured or guilty about it

Sleep when baby sleeps, be happy with a messy house and get as much help as you can, don't be afraid to ask.

Trust your instinct, do what seems right at the time - and that can change from day to day. Be kind to yourself!

Accept help when it's offered. My mum kindly made lots of meals and froze them for us, which was a lifeline. We didn't realise quite how unprepared we were!

People genuinely want to help, so enjoy those early days concentrating on your baby.

Give lots of cuddles and trust your instincts

Take family up on the offer of looking after the baby even if it's just for an hour. You'll be grateful for the rest

Sleep whenever you get a chance. Accept offers of help. Don't fret over breastfeeding of it's not working for you.

Be kind to yourself. I had so many expectations about what it would be like, what kind of mum I wanted to be, all the things I wanted to do with my baby, etc.

I'm getting there slowly now and it is brilliant but just couldn't reach my own high expectations in those early weeks and gave myself a hard time.

Slow down, listen to your baby and be patient for everything to fall into place because it will.

Hand the baby around to other people from the start. It seems to make them less clingy when they get that little bit older. Also bottle feeding is great for allowing other family members to bond with the baby.

If visitors ask if you need anything, don't be afraid to say yes and ask them to do some errands or chores if you need it. Oh and get out and about so life isn't all about the baby. You'll both benefit , mentally and physically, from a daily blast of fresh air.

trust your own instincts, look after yourself and your baby and everything else can wait!

Have muslins around the house - available to snatch up easily when baby inevitably throws up. Same goes for wipes as they get a bit bigger.

Try Aldi for nappies and wipes - wish I did this with my 1st - would have saved a ton and they are as good as the expensive brands.

Not for everyone but if you can learn to breastfeed lying down on your side you dont end up so sleep deprived. I can dose away happily with my dd (and did with my ds) and I always wake up in the exact same position. Just be sure there are no covers near babys head.

If having your 2nd baby Id definitely recommend a sling - preferably a stretchy band type. Invaluable with a toddler and allows you to do nursery drop offs, washing, make lunch/breakfast/dinner etc.

listen to others, but listen to your heart. You may have not been a parent before but your baby is new to this as well

Everything is a phase is something I try and remind myself of when things are tough. Especially teething & sleeping!

limit visitors in first few weeks and ask them to make the tea

Don't feel guilty about saying no when people ask to come round - you are on minimal sleep, readjusting to your new life and they won't be offended if you put back their visit a week.

take all the help that's offered

Listen to all the advice, thank the people giving it and then choose the advice that suits you best!

rest when your baby sleeps, don't worry to much about housework, washing etc

White noise is worth trying when you want to help your baby sleep.

Prepare lots of freezer meals before your baby arrives so that you don't need to worrying about cooking from scratch in the early days.

Every baby is different, so don't compare.

1.Always trust your instinct Mummy and Daddy always know best
2.Try and remain calm and relaxed as its amazing what your baby can pick up on

1. Always sleep when your baby does if you don’t you will be exhausted
2. Breast is best but if you cant breast feed don't get down sometimes a bottle is more convenient for some families
3. Don’t do too much after birth it’s a major thing and your body needs time to recover
4. Dummies are great to soothe a baby and if people frown upon ignore them

7.If your not ready for visitors just let them know they will understand

1. Always seek advice from midwifes or health visitors if you are unsure about anything

9.Your baby grows so quick so enjoy every moment 10. Give yourself a pat on the back everyday as being a Mummy or Daddy is the most rewarding but hardest job in the world