I learned so much from having my first daughter that I felt so much more prepared when having my second.
And I know so many of you could benefit from having some mom tips, whether you’re on your first or fifth- there are always new ways of doing things or new stressors that pop up.
Dive in for some hands-on thoughts to make your journey into motherhood a little smoother.
Key Takeaways
- Give yourself time to adjust to being a mom without comparing your journey to others; each baby and mother are unique.
- Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your baby, not just for personal well-being but also as a foundation for creating a happy environment for your child.
- Balance is key; seek a balance between caring for your baby and taking care of your own needs.
- Celebrate the small victories in your day-to-day life as a mom; each one is significant.
- Recognize that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. It’s okay to ask for help!
- Your journey is yours alone. Avoid comparing yourself to other moms or “Insta moms” and focus on what works best for you and your baby.
- Know that you doing your best makes you a good mother- there is no such thing as a perfect mom; your child will love you for trying your hardest.
Mom Tips
Motherhood unfurls a spectrum of experiences that are as different as the babies we hold. It’s a world where babies cry to communicate, and new moms learn the language of love in every coo.
As you embark on this journey, remember that you’re crafting a family narrative that’s as unique as your little one’s fingerprint.
You’ll run into problems and stress, but those won’t take you down, I promise! I’ll provide you with useful tips to turn challenges into treasured memories so you can focus on the big picture of raising a little human.
1. Take Your Time
As a new parent, it may feel like you’re expected to have an instant manual on how to be a great mom. But nothing is instant when having a baby!
Remember, it’s not a race. Give yourself permission to slow down, take a deep breath, and embrace each moment at your own pace.
Allow yourself the grace to settle into this new life rhythm, finding solace in the fact that with each sleepless night and diaper change, you’re growing into your role, one loving touch at a time.
2. Focus On Creating Happiness
When life feels like a series of gross diapers and nursing, carve out quality time for laughter and cuddles.
Being happy is important for your baby to feel secure, and you must avoid getting swallowed up in sadness.
I felt a little stir-crazy, and I had to make sure that once we got the doctor’s okay, we could go out and get some fresh air to do me some good.
Being able to sit on a picnic blanket and listen to music was something that really lifted my spirits, and it’s still something both my girls look forward to in the summers and springs.
3. Your Baby Won’t Be The Same As Others
Your baby’s first smile, first word, and even their first steps will happen in their own time.
While new moms often look to others for reassurance, remember that your child is writing their own story, with you as their faithful narrator.
I was worried about our second daughter taking longer to crawl and walk, but I put my faith in her that she’d do it at her own pace- her doctor wasn’t worried, so I played the waiting game.
And no doubt, a few weeks after each of her checkups, she had her little butt moving and grooving; and she hadn’t stopped since!
4. Learn About Child Development
From the first three years of rapid growth to the gentle ways you can encourage your baby’s learning, knowledge is power.
Understanding the milestones and early stages of child development can be your compass in the vast parenting landscape when you aren’t sure what to expect.
After reading up on child development from the CDC, I had questions and notes ready at appointments and talked to our pediatrician at length about things.
Yep, I pulled out the big guys and did some studying, but I was a teacher, after all, so are we surprised?
5. Ask For Help
An essential piece of advice for new moms? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone., even as a single mother.
Reach out to fellow moms, friends, or professionals for support. Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on or a helping hand to rock the cradle, allowing others to share your load can be your lifeline.
I’m in Buy Nothing and Mom groups online, and they’re great places to get free things for our kids and families, but there are so many posts of people just asking for help and advice.
Sometimes, it’s just a mom needing some help cleaning up around the house; other times, it’s asking for the digits of a very good babysitter!
6. There’s No Such Thing As Perfect
If you’re pursuing the elusive image of a perfect mom, you might find yourself stuck in a sea of self-doubt.
Embrace imperfection as your life vest.
Whether it’s accepting that breastfeeding might not go as planned or that sometimes, the laundry can wait, it’s all just a phase.
Your entire world has shifted, and with it, your expectations should too. Cut yourself some slack, Mom—normal is overrated, and your best is more than enough.
7. Is It Just The Weepies?
After childbirth, your emotions can be as unpredictable as a newborn’s sleep schedule. It’s common to experience the baby blues, a rollercoaster of joy and tears, as you adjust to your new role.
But if the lows feel like a chasm too deep to climb out of and the anxiety and mood swings seem unending, it might be time to seek help.
Identifying the symptoms of postpartum depression
marks an important step towards regaining your brightness that you can’t reach alone.
There’s no shame here, and I want you to take care of yourself so that you and your child have better times ahead.
8. Plan Important Stuff & Time Alone
In the nurturing nest of motherhood, alone time can seem like a distant dream. But carving out space for alone time is as essential as feeding and cuddling your little one.
I had my husband and both sets of grandparents to help me make time for myself; they made sure I had time to take a nice hot shower or curl up and read a real book without pictures in it.
Remember the things you enjoy, and make them happen—go for a walk alone, sit out in the sunshine alone, whatever you need, it matters!
9. Never Skip Self-Care
Self-care serves as the anchor that stabilizes the vessel of motherhood amid the stormy sea of new parenthood.
I’ve sprinkled this into my list in plenty of ways, like doing things alone and making sure you do things that make you happy.
From taking a brisk walk to nourishing your body with a balanced meal, every act of kindness you show yourself is a ripple of well-being for you and your baby.
10. Be Open To Adjustments
As a novice mother, you’ll discover that adaptability becomes your closest ally. The advice for new parents is clear: be prepared to pivot.
I love the saying- we make plans, but God laughs; so much can change no matter how much we plan! Parenthood is an ever-evolving journey, one that requires patience and openness to change.
I’m a big planner person, and becoming flexible around our girls has helped me let go of stress and pressure to stick to my own thoughts and ideals.
11. Get Sleep & Eat Enough
You can’t give what you don’t have. It’s important to prioritize self-care and replenish your own energy before trying to help others.
So eat, rest, and be merry—for your baby’s best thing is a healthy, energetic you.
For new parents, the pursuit of sleep often dominates their lives, especially when they get little sleep.
I slept whenever the girls were sleeping, and any new mom will get into that habit, I’m sure!
12. Skip Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping might seem like a shortcut to dreamland, but the risks outweigh the convenience. Follow the guidelines: keep your baby close, but not in the same bed!
I love cuddling my girls and it’s so hard to resist the lull of sleep, but the risk of rolling onto them or them falling is all we need to think about to keep awake.
I would rock the girls in the rocking chair for a bit to soothe them, and then I would switch to their rocking bassinet if I wanted to rock them completely to sleep.
13. Recognizing Sicknesses & When to Call the Doctor
As a parent, you develop a sixth sense of your baby’s well-being. Trust your gut and ask questions always!
You’ll learn to recognize the difference between a minor hiccup and a call to the doctor. From fevers to unusual fussiness, learn the signs that signal it’s time to seek professional advice.
In the end, your intuition, coupled with a pediatrician’s expertise, is the best advice and medicine.
14. Encourage Exploration & Curiosity
A child’s curiosity is the seed of growth. Encourage your young kids to explore the world around them, fostering a love for learning that’ll blossom throughout their lives.
Whether it’s through play or everyday interactions, nurturing their inquisitive nature is a gift that keeps on giving, to them and you.
I try not to use ‘be careful’ and the like unless it’s really needed- kids need to be adventurous in healthy ways and learn by doing!
15. Join A Support Group
The proverb, ‘It takes a village,’ is a die-hard part of parenting.
Joining a support group or finding a social circle of other moms can be your sanctuary—a safe place to share, learn, and grow.
I mentioned social media groups, and those are a great way to connect with people for free!
16. Don’t Doom Scroll & Compare Yourself
In this digital era, it’s simple to get caught in the snare of comparing your unfiltered reality to another’s curated highlights.
Resist the urge to doom scroll through other moms’ picture-perfect lives- in reality, we have no clue what they’re really going through, and we are all going through something!
Your parenting journey is unique, and your self-care includes guarding your self-esteem against the illusion of perfection on your feed.
17. Encourage Independence & Bonding With Others
A child’s independence is a beautiful thing to witness. Encourage it, nurture it, and watch in awe as your baby learns to navigate the world.
Likewise, fostering bonds with others lays the foundation for healthy relationships. It’s a parenting practice that reaps benefits for a lifetime.
I tell my girls that we all need our own playtime, reading time, and quiet time. It’s okay for me to be busy with cleanup and say they’ve got to play on their own for a bit.
And it’s okay as they get older to ask to play alone, too!
18. Get Help Around The House
With a new baby, household tasks might appear daunting, like a towering mountain. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or give people tasks when they offer to help out.
Whether it’s a partner, family member, or professional service, sharing the load can give you back precious moments to spend with your little one or just to catch your breath.
Kelan stepped up, tackled the kitchen and bathroom upkeep, had laundry done, and took things off my plate. Things weren’t perfect, but things weren’t so bad!
19. Use Free Printables To Keep Up With Cleaning
Amid the ocean of diapers and baby equipment, maintaining organization can be your saving grace.
Free printables and checklists can help you manage the ebb and flow of household chores, giving you more time to enjoy the cuddles and giggles that fill your days.
FAQs
How can I be a good mom?
Being a good mom isn’t a checklist with dozens of boxes and attributes you need to have; it comes down to love, presence, and doing your best.
It’s the little things—reading a bedtime story, kissing a boo-boo, or just listening—that make a world of difference to help a child grow up happy and secure.
Moms are all navigating the waters, each with their unique style. Be kind to yourself, Mom, and know that your love is the greatest gift you can give your child.
How can I handle being overwhelmed as a mom?
Being overwhelmed is a common challenge for moms. When it knocks on your door, remember that it’s okay to ask for help.
Reach out to friends, family, or professionals, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Taking time for self-care and setting realistic expectations can help keep the tidal wave of tasks at bay.
What’s the best advice you have for a first-time mom?
To the first-time mom: welcome to the adventure of a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you navigate this new journey:
- Trust your instincts
- Remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers
- Lean on your support network
- Don’t shy away from asking for help
- Get more sleep, and eat plenty to sustain yourself!
- If you don’t feel good, talk to your doctor
- Check out mom hacks– anything to make the daily grind easier
Embrace the first few days and weeks with your new baby as a time of learning and love. You’ve got this!
How do I work through the imposter syndrome I feel?
Imposter syndrome can be a shadowy companion for new moms. To bring it into the light, remember:
- Your feelings of doubt are just that—feelings. They don’t define your capabilities.
- Connect with other moms for support and encouragement.
- Celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
- Remember that each day, you’re growing stronger and more confident in your new role.
Is it really possible to be a super mom?
The myth of the perfect mom is just that: a myth! Striving for an impossible standard of perfection can be exhausting and unfulfilling.
Instead, focus on what makes you a great mom. Your children require your love and authenticity, not a superhero cape and superhuman abilities.
Should I be worried about depleted mother syndrome?
Worrying about depleted mother syndrome can add to the stress of new parenting. Remember, it’s natural to feel exhausted by the demands of motherhood.
Acknowledge your feelings, prioritize self-care, and don’t be afraid to seek support. It’s not just about surviving; it’s about thriving for you and your baby.
Final Thoughts
As I wrap up my best mom tips, I hope you feel more confident and comfortable starting your parenting journey.
Motherhood isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience; take your time embracing the beautiful mess that is parenting. You’ve got this!
And when the days are long and the nights are longer, remind yourself that every challenge is just a chapter in the incredible story you’re writing with your child.
Keep my tips close to your heart, and step forward each day with the knowledge that you’re doing an amazing job. Go on, mama! Embrace the journey, love fiercely, and cherish every single moment.
