Top 10 Parenting Tips For A First Time Mom

We understand how difficult it is to be a mom, and even more a first-time mom! You want what’s best for your baby - from car seat covers to diapers, but the information out there can be overwhelming. Sure, you can find articles on the best infant car seat or a step-by-step tutorial on how to select a stroller cover for winter to keep your baby warm, but new mamas need to know this more than anything - you will always know what is best for your own baby. Go ahead and select your favorite pattern for your baby’s car seat cover and register for five different brands of sleep sacks if that helps you feel more prepared. This article won’t give you those types of recommendations.

Our team of mamas put together the following 10 tips that they swear by or wish they would’ve known when they were a first-time mama. We wanted to help those mamas that need that extra push, help, or reminder.

1. Be a good role model - your little one is always watching and you teach them through your example daily.
2. Love them and show them through action - give them a tangible expression and connect affirming words of love to it.
3. Reflect on your own childhood - the first five years are formative in each of our lives. Do the work to look back and learn from your own experience.
4. Pay attention to yourself first so you can be there for them fully. Caring for yourself isn’t selfish, it is protecting your ability to be present for your loved ones.
5. Let others help you--you're going to need it sometimes and that's normal! The early days are long and exhausting. You will not be able to do it on your own. Having someone to vacuum your living room, run a load of dishes, or take a shift with your newborn will be life giving. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.
6. Set parenting goals. You will be surprised how fast your baby grows up. What type of parent do you want to be? Having some goals will help guide you when you encounter some difficult choices. 
7. Stick to an early bedtime. We promise - you’ll thank us for that one. Little ones need their sleep and you need some kid-free time to decompress. It’s a win-win.
8. It's okay to say "no" so they learn boundaries. “No” is not restrictive, it’s actually freeing and helps you to say “yes” to the things that really matter. Practice boundaries early on so that your child understands that.
9. Be ready for sick days! Your baby is going to get sick. It doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong, just be ready to be flexible. 
10. Follow your instinct- no one knows your child better than you! Don’t be afraid to speak up. You will work with many professionals over the years - teachers, doctors, etc. - but you will know your child best.

When your baby grows up, chances are that they won’t remember the color of their nursery or ask you the process you took to select their infant car seat cover. Sure, they can see pictures, but what they will remember is your love. Mama, you’re going to be amazing. You are not alone in your feelings. We all feel stressed, overwhelmed, scared, even isolated at times. Your feelings are valid and they matter!