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

[YanaMumsnet]

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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

Two things :

A) expect the first 6/8 weeks to be awful. Just such a shock to the system and it felt like my whole world was upside down. But it got better. And just because you cry a bit and get low it doesn't automatically mean you have pnd it might just pass.

B) how much joy the baby brings. It's made my life and my wider family happier and closer.

You can pull a poopy vest down over their bodies rather than over the head and getting poop in their hair!!

That you can take a vest off by taking it down over the shoulders to avoid getting any poo on your baby's head!

That even from birth babies are actually little people who already have things they like or dislike - I sort of expected that they'd just be a generic 'baby' and get preferences as they got bigger but both of mine knew their own mind from birth!

You need to buy so much less than you expect. Things like nappy bins and Moses baskets end up being used for such a small amount of time.

That baby socks are the stupidest invention. They never stay on, even mid winter, and you will get judgy glares from randoms for not covering your child properly.

Also that your instinct is better than any book. My kids did not do as described in the books and both in different ways.

How tired and lonely I'd feel . Literally all world is changes and you need to change your priorities and the baby come first and his needs. I have learn that buying expensive branded nappies doesn't mean they are better until I discover Aldi Mamia nappies for far less cost. I can save more of money now and they offer better protection for baby.

That nipple shields are a thing and can be used when the baby just won't latch. I was so close to giving up after 5days when someone suggested trying them - game changer! I am now a year into my breastfeeding journey after using them for the first few months.

You will be gifted more clothes than you will ever use so try and resist buying too much!
Eat and sleep are your priorities, plenty of time to socialise when you feel human again!!

After 2 children and several years of midwifery I learned on mumsnet that you could take a baby’s vest off downwards rather than trying to get a vest dripping with poo off over its head!

That despite what certain books/ people say, some babies won't sleep for 10+ hours a day! And they might not sleep in their moses basket , cot or pram either - they might want to be you the whole time!

And that you don't need much of the baby items / products that are available such as a nappy bin or presenting blanket!

I wish I'd known you could takes vest down rather than up after poo explosions. I would also know now not to sweat the small stuff and that less 'stuff' is ok!

That you should start doing pelvic floor exercises before pregnancy! But if you didn't, especially if you had a virginal birth, start doing them now, regardless of what stage you are at. Even if you're currently post pregnancy with older children, start doing them now. One day your pelvic floor will be fine, the next it's packed it's bags and disappeared!

That the day your milk comes in, you will feel emotions like never before. You'll cry most of the day, with love, emotion and pure exhausted-ness!!

That doing things your way is ok and you don’t need to be perfect to be a good parent! Also that you don’t need to spend a fortune on stuff - it’s mostly the same stuff and you pay a premium on a brand name!

I wish I'd known that not all snot suckers are equal! I had a rubbish one with my first and not having a clear nose caused all sorts of issues feeding and sleeping. Round 2 I bought a better one and what a difference!
I wish someone had told me that I don't need a fancy changing table - 99% of changes are done on the floor!

Don’t buy a video monitor, it’ll only make you obsessed... if they need you’ll they’ll cry and an audio monitor definitely tells you that!

To pack plenty for the hospital. I normally pack plenty but during delivery, I had some complications and had to stay 4 nights in the hospital and had to keep sending DH to collect things from home.

Also, I tried very hard to breastfeed and if I could turn back time, I wish I just gave more formula to DS as he was clearly hungry and I was too busy trying to get him to latch properly so he could stimulate my supply. I did give him those ready made bottles but I was too fixed on stimulating my milk supply and was constantly expressing colostrum in syringes and feeding him that too.

Please take naps when the baby sleeps as you may get carried away updating people on WhatsApp and posting pictures on social media and realise you have spent over an hour when you could have slept or if you have domestic chores, please don't prioritise that over a well needed nap that will charge you for the night feeds and cuddles.

That older nappy brands aren't always better than newer ones and that the Aldi nursing chair would be a life (and back!) saver whilst breastfeeding

That cute outfits for newborns are pointless and a ball ache. Sleepsuits for the the first 6 weeks are sooo much easier!

Oh and that it's ok to say no to visitors!

Everyone will be fine. Love that baby, make sure his tummy is full (of whatever you're able to give him, formula is fine!). Make sure he's loved and the rest will fall into place.
Accept the help you need early on if you're struggling it doesn't make you a bad mum.
Enjoy his perfect little self. Even just a few months down the line you'll have an incredible little person but he won't want to cuddle in all day anymore so don't waste that time fretting away.

That it is boring. Oh gosh, it's so boring. But having in there as soon your little one develops the most amazing personality and they become your little shadow!

That you slide a baby out of a vest post poonami from the shoulders down.., you do not need to lint it over their head smearing poop everywhere

To take every offer of help! Even if it's so,it's done offering to make you a cup of tea. People genuinely want to help