Advice for New Parents & Parents To Be

Getting ready for a new baby can be overwhelming. There is so much to prepare for, things to buy, books to read, rooms to arrange. All that on top of growing a little human inside your belly can be exhausting! And when baby does arrive, your needs are often pushed to the side as you focus 100% of your energy on raising this beautiful new human to be happy and healthy. But it is so important to also take the time to be kind to yourself and look after your wellbeing as parents too.

We asked our community of parents what their top tips were for parents-to-be and new parents in those early weeks when your little one finally arrives.

Read all the suggestions and ideas below.

Prioritise yourself and your family, and don't feel guilty for it.

Fresh air does wonders in the first days/weeks. Take a moment each day for some fresh air, even it is just out to the mailbox, opening your window or walking around your garden.

Be kind to yourself by nourishing your body with food and water. Keep a water bottle within arms reach at all times, and snacks near your favourite comfy spots. When baby falls asleep in your arms and you just can't bare to move and risk waking them, you'll be glad you kept the water and snacks close by!

Let people help you. They’re offering because they want to! When someone asks 'is there anything I can do?' say yes! I'd love a shower, I forgot about the washing in the machine that needs hanging out, I'd love a takeaway coffee, I just don't know what to cook for dinner tonight...

If someone wants to help you, but you don’t know what you need. Ask for meals for your freezer. They’ll be more than happy to. You could even share this Freezer Meals article around and see who takes the bait!

Motherhood is easier when you’re well fed – snacks, snacks and more snacks. And meals, meals and more meals for the freezer.

Trust your instincts, they're usually right. Stay off Dr. Google if you can!

It is okay to say no to visitors if you don’t feel up to it

Realising that aside from caring for your newborn, sometimes having a shower and getting dressed is your biggest achievement for the day and that's ok!

It is okay to acknowledge that being a Mum is a tough gig. It is hard but rewarding.

Keep an eye on your mental health, always reach out to someone if you are feeling down. Don't do this alone, please reach out to a friend, family member, local GP or contact an online support service.

If you don't already have one, create a mum gang! It is so important to have people to turn to and support you who are going through the exact same thing as you. Advice, coffee dates, walks through the park, sharing rants and tears (there will be some!) Join some local baby groups, go to Baby Rhyme Time at your local library, join a Mainly Music community group, or look for Facebook groups who have babies due at the same time as you. We have some great support groups on Facebook too which you can find below that are run by expert moderators who can help answer all the questions you have on parenting!

Get a low light night light for the bedroom. This will come in handy for all the wake ups overnight.

Be gentle on yourself. You've just grown a human!

And…..a tip for friends and those people wanting to help a friend who is a new Mum. Don’t just say “Let me know if you need anything, or if I can help”, be specific. Instead say……
“Hey, I’m dropping a meal on your doorstep, there is a cake there too – eat the whole thing.”
“Let me come round for half an hour to fold your washing and make you a cup of tea.”
“I’m going to come around and hold baby while you have a hot shower”.
Saying "Let me know if you need anything" is nice, but a lot of new parents probably won’t.

Above all else, be kind to yourself and don't do it alone. There is a reason why they say it takes a village to raise a child.

Our free support groups and social pages are linked below for more help and advice from our trained experts and other parents like you in our Sleep Store community.

Take care x

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