Top 5 Useful Tips For First-Time Parents

First-time parents, congratulations! You have a lot to be excited about. There are a lot of emotions, excitement and unknowns that come with being first-time parents. But I am here to assure you: There is nothing better. Join me as I provide my top 10 useful tips for first-time parents.

1. First-time parents must establish a night time routine

During the first few weeks, all bets are off. There will be little sleep. You will both have to work as a team during the night. But after a few months, work on a night time routine. What does this look like? It’s different for everyone. Whether you are raising twins or a singleton, your night time routine will set the stage for future success.

Feed your baby. Give them a bath. Read a book. Sing a few songs. Lay them down.

It’s okay if it’s short and sweet. But keep to that routine. Stick with it.

The more you stick to a night time routine, the more your baby will thank you and sleep through the night! And as a disclaimer, do yourself a favor and as your baby gets a little older, try out these Zipadee-Zip Transition Swaddles. These were a lifesaver for all three of our kids and helped them sleep through the night!

2. Do what works for you and your family

I know I have said it before, but I’ll say it again because it’s so important. As parents, you have to do what works for you and your family. You are going to hear a lot of different opinions from your friends and family. But every situation is different. Every baby is different.

Does your baby sleep better in your room right now? Great!

Does your baby sleep better in a separate room? Great!

Do you breastfeed? Great!

Do you feed your baby using formula? Great!

You get what I’m saying yet? Do what works for your baby. Do what makes you and your spouse happy and feel comfortable in raising your first child together.

3. First-time parents should plan to be flexible

Whatever you do, don’t get frustrated when things don’t go your way. You need to plan to be flexible.

For us, it always happens when we are heading out the door to an event. A poopy diaper. It’s inevitable.

It’s easy to get discouraged in those moments. But be flexible and don’t be hard on yourself. Things will definitely not always go as planned and that’s when you have to pivot as parents.

If your baby isn’t napping well, try and then try again some more. Be flexible with different options and remember it’s not always a “one size fits all” approach!

4. Take a nap when your baby is napping

I cannot stress this one enough. If you’re home with your baby and your baby falls asleep at 9:33 am, then you better be laying down and resting with your baby! It seems silly. You just had breakfast and now you’re taking a nap.

I mean, it does sound amazing now that you mention it.

Take the nap.

Remember, early on in those first few months, your baby will be crying during the night and you will lose a lot of sleep during the night.

So you need to be creative and get your sleep in when you can during the day. This is easier said than done, but try it out and let me know what you think!

5. Remember that all babies cry

Parents, don’t forget that you are doing your absolute best. As first-time parents, it can be discouraging when your baby is crying and you’re trying everything in the books.

But they’re still crying.

Remember that all babies will cry. It’s how God created us. It’s the beauty of having a baby. Sometimes the baby just wants a cuddle. Your baby will cry. And that’s okay. That’s just your baby trying to communicate with you!