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MNHQ

Tell us something you wish you knew when you became a new parent - £200 Boots voucher to be won

172 replies

MaddyMumsnet · 16/08/2023 09:19

We totally get that raising a little one can be a roller-coaster. Ever wish you had a secret guide to navigate this adventure? We want to know what you wish you knew earlier, whether it be your go to products or life changing tips…

  • Post your products/stories/challenges/tips in the thread below to be entered into a prize draw
  • One lucky MNer will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice.
Here’s what Boots has to say: “The new parent & baby event is back at Boots! Welcome yourself to parenthood with incredible offers and expert advice. Whether you’re restocking your changing bag, looking for a new car seat or trying to get your little one to sleep, Boots has products and advice to support you along your journey. You can also enjoy 8 Advantage Card points for every £1 spent on Baby when you join Boots Parenting Club*

*T&Cs apply. For full terms and condition, please visit here”

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Insight T&Cs apply

OP posts:
Pinkywoo · 20/08/2023 19:18

I wish someone had warned me that newborns lose most of their hair, I thought something was wrong with him!

Myyearmytime · 20/08/2023 19:28

I wish the Internet was thing when mine where babies. But I did learn how to use message boads when my boy got juvenile arthritis. I was not alone..

TheIsleOfTheLost · 20/08/2023 19:44

That your baby won't fit what "the book" says and every book will tell you yhat theirs is the only possible way. Ignore the books and go with your instinct.

MarbleWalk · 20/08/2023 20:00

You are doing great, just keep breathing and you will get there...

Teapleasebobb · 20/08/2023 20:02

Keep a range of vests and babygrows in bigger sizes as it tends to sneak up on you when they move on to the next size! I remember having to do a dash to the supermarkets for 6-12 month clothes as all of a sudden dc had a growth spurt.

LondonLovie · 20/08/2023 20:05

There is no rush. Not ready to venture into a cafe on your own? No rush. You and baby not ready for them to be in their own room? No rush. Everyone else is potty training? No rush. You can set your own pace. No rush.

ImustLearn2Cook · 21/08/2023 12:56

Justhereforaibu1 · 20/08/2023 18:56

I misread this as the top bit were your meals now you have children but all became clear and very familiar 😂.I used to love cooking, now I despise it with a passion, we've just tucked into a mix of nuggets, fish fingers and chips...again

Show quote history

Omg, I feel the same way. I used to love cooking. Now, it such a chore, not fun at all.

I wonder how common it really is.

YukoandHiro · 21/08/2023 12:59

I wish I'd had the confidence to trust my own instincts. I knew deep down my first child was in pain and unhappy but everyone just kept telling me that being a mum is hard and babies cry. When we got to weaning it turned out she had multiple allergies and she carries an epi pen.
When my second had allergies too all the doctors and health visitors listened immediately - the change in attitude towards me because I wasn't a FTM was astonishing

Twicemother · 21/08/2023 18:43

One is more then enough.

Everything.

Perfect.

2nd time, you still don't know anything about parenting, babies, or how to do it right as each one really is different!

JacCharlton · 21/08/2023 19:18

Don't spend a fortune on baby clothes which only fit for a few weeks - save your cash and buy second had - I spent sooo much on 'little outfits' and baby trainers - trying to keep up with other mums TBH - could have spent my money more wisely

Wish44 · 21/08/2023 19:41

Ohhhhh so many things….I wish that I had known that it would all be ok. That’s so long as you are trying and working at it that’s all you can do and that the love grows and grows.

SmallestInTheClass · 21/08/2023 19:45

The night sweats after you've given birth are normal. You may need to change sheets multiple time in the first few days. Have clean ones and nightwear on standby and ask someone to change the bed for you.

Mummy2mybear · 21/08/2023 19:53

Buying baby clothes 0-3 Months is not always the best idea, especially if you are gifted outfits you can go a bit over the top they will soon be out of them. 3-6 Months plus will last you longer i remember having so many grows/outfits unworn with tags i gifted them on. They don't stay little for long.

Mummy2mybear · 21/08/2023 19:58

If you are using a breast pump/breast feeding its good to invest and buy a reputable brand. (Check reviews) I wasted money and so much time on this they are like gold a good one will really help in my personal experience a good breast pump is hard to come by do your research before commiting it will save you so much time and upset x

OctopusWave · 21/08/2023 19:59

My go to products are: for baby, the Tommee Tippee Ollie the Owl, all my babies loved white noise and this was perfect, and for Mum is definitely gigantic comfy knickers for after birth (and beyond)!

Tangfastic91 · 21/08/2023 21:05

You know your body, some midwives may not take you seriously as a first timer when you tell them what's happening, make them listen! (from a mum of 1 who had a 2hr active labour and almost gave birth in the corridor - and I've heard many similar stories).

Get the sleep - doesn't matter when, how, who, or why - just do whatever gets everyone the most sleep.

Most importantly: trust the mamma gut. Google is great if you want a general idea or some solidarity from others in the same situation, but guidance is guidance and not the law.

TrumpetOfTheMatriarchy · 21/08/2023 21:10

Small kids cannot make a drink last for a whole car journey but will neck the lot and then need a wee on a long stretch of motorway. I solved this by freezing drinks before long journeys, makes 'em last longer and cuts down on the immediate full bladder. I am a bloody genius.
Also, DO NOT start a Christmas tradition of putting stocking on their beds, because when they wake up ay 3am they rip the lot open, eat all the chocolate and will not go back to sleep. Put the stockings downstairs for a decent time in the morning nd getting them back to sleep after a shockingly early predawn wake up is a lot easier. You can even say the big FC has not been yet...

ScarletWitchM · 21/08/2023 21:21

I wish I’d known more about them growing up than just being told about the baby and toddler years. I felt very prepared for 0-3 but there is no support or information for how to get pre-schools / schools, how to entertain them etc and it’s worse when they are older. Too little information is give about having children, rather than just having babies

Sleepybumble · 21/08/2023 22:14

Be really kind to yourself, and trust yourself

biscuitcat · 21/08/2023 22:22

So many excellent tips here!

It's so important to look after yourself too - oxygen mask theory. I feel so much better if I've eaten fruit and veg, had a shower and got dressed properly, put my make up on, etc., and I'm better at parenting for it as I don't feel like I only exist for other people.

kagerou · 21/08/2023 22:45

The main thing I wish someone had told me before having my baby is that asking for help is not weakness and no one will think less of you as a parent for doing so

Product wise I think the baby electronic nail file is one of the best things ever invented

strawberryblue · 21/08/2023 22:47

That you can survive on very little sleep 😴

MamaBear54321 · 21/08/2023 23:10

What may work for one baby may not work for yours and Its okay if your winging it your still doing a great job . No book will ever be able to tell you how to love and take care of your children just you can do that ( stacking away my useless x5 books that i thought would be helpful ) . If someone offer unsolicited advice you dont have to act on that you do what is best for you and your child . 💗

HobNobAddict · 22/08/2023 11:54

I wish I'd had known about the contractions that happen after your 2nd birth which I didn't have after my 1st - was so scary - until my midwife advised what they were - (after listening to my other symptoms)

FranticHare · 22/08/2023 12:10

Every day is a new day. Yesterday may have been shit - it doesn't mean that today will be.

Baby groups arent for babies, they are for the parents to meet and make friends with people going through the same stage in life as you are. Go, make the friends - then leave the group if you want to!

Get out each day - even just for a quick walk - makes all the difference to mental health.

Say thank you to all the advice given - then ignore most of it.

And say NO to visitors if you are not up for them. Especially very pushy SIL's... That one maybe more personal...