Mumsnet users share the things they wish they'd known as a first time parent with ALDI Mamia

[YanaMumsnet]

This sponsored discussion is now closed.

With a lot to learn and a complete change in lifestyle, becoming a parent for the first time can feel overwhelming. Learning from the experiences of seasoned parents can make things a little bit less scary, so ALDI Mamia would like to hear about the things you wish you’d known as a first time parent, and would share as tips for those expecting their first child.

Here’s what ALDI Mamia has to say: “The goal of our award-winning Mamia range is to help mums navigate all stages of their baby’s first years. One way we do that is by making our amazing, top-quality nappies affordable for families. But now we need you! This is your chance to help future first-time mums by sharing all the things you’ve learnt over the years. Maybe you’ll pick up some new tips for you next one while you’re at it.”

Do you wish you’d been warned beforehand about how emotional the experience would be? Is there anything you wish you’d been told you didn’t really need? Perhaps you wish you’d been told of the things you could save money on without compromising quality for your baby? Is there anything you’ve learned since your children were born that would have been helpful while you were expecting?

Whatever you wish you’d known as a first time parent, share it on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 ALDI voucher.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Insight Terms and Conditions apply

[TheClitterati]

You don't need to buy half the baby stuff you might think.

Aldi nappies are excellent.

Enjoy the baby stage while it lasts.

[HomeEdRocks18]

That babygrows are meant to be pulled downward to take them off!
Much easier than trying to get it up and over a cranky baby's head

[Krazynights34]

That not every birth goes according to plan and there’s only one way to live... take each day as it comes (plans go out the window once Children arrive)

[JS06]

I wish I'd known that people sometimes stretch the truth when talking about their own babies - I recall hearing of folk with miracle babies who slept through the night from early on. I felt I was somehow failing and was doing something wrong with my own babies.

[Pegase]

Wish I'd known about the fourth trimester and enjoyed the baby cuddles more in first few months

[tobypercy]

Babies aren't meant to sleep through the first night or two! We thought we were onto a winner but actually he was jaundiced :-(
(Midwife spotted it on day 2, all was well in the end)

[duggerlugs]

To sleep when you can or tag with your partner...your old life and patterns just aren't the same.

You won't need half the stuff you think you need.

If breastfeeding drink water and before dress and sleeps make sure you have what you need around you.

Always be prepared with good, snacks, nappies and changes when out and about.

Rest, take advice from those you trust but act on your instincts.. Mum knows!

[EmanResu7]

I wish I had known that the brand doesn't matter. Your baby doesn't know if she is wearing a branded outfit, sleeping in this season's cot or being pushed along in the latest hi-tech pram. In fact, if the safety rating is good and the materials are good quality, the rest is nonsense. They grow out of everything so fast, and when I look back to my first baby I cannot remember what the top of the range pram even looked like. But I do remember that he was only in it for a few months, and pound for pound, that makes his first wheels more expensive than my first car!

[duck22]

If they don't sleep through the night you are not a bad mum or doing anything wrong, they work it out at their own pace. Its not a competition. As for a two year old who doesn't eat dont stress its a phase. My ate nothing now he is 5 and I can't feed him fast enough...hes also gone from being fussy to a really good eater.

[MrsMaglev]

Relax and try to trust your instincts. Everybody has an opinion on how to parent your baby but you'll know them best.

No instincts? Don't freak out! It comes with time as you get to know each other. As long as everybody is fed, watered and has been sleeping then generally you'll be fine. The sleep stuff can be a tall order!