16 Essential Parenting Tips That Have Truly Made Me a Better Mom

Hi, I’m Ann, and I have a nine-month-old daughter named Ellie. While I’ve been navigating this parenting journey for a bit now, I’m still a relatively new mom.

Since announcing my pregnancy, I’ve been inundated with endless advice on child-rearing. If you’re a parent, you can probably relate! A lot of this advice has been annoying or downright unhelpful, but some nuggets of wisdom have truly resonated with me and helped me become a better mom. Here are some of the best pieces of advice I’ve received during my first almost-year of parenthood.

The Best Advice That Has Helped Me

Stay calm, because your baby can read you like a book. My husband and I were fortunate to have a baby nurse during the first few weeks of Ellie’s life. The nurse could calm Ellie down even when I struggled to do the same. She explained that babies are incredibly perceptive and can pick up on your emotions. If you’re not calm, your baby won’t be either. Taking this to heart, I learned to steady myself when Ellie was upset. This made a significant difference in how quickly she would settle down.
When things get tough, remind yourself that you’ll miss these days. In the throes of newborn life, it’s hard to imagine you’ll ever miss the sleepless nights and constant feedings. But as many mothers told me, it’s true. Now that Ellie is nine months old and sleeping through the night, I already miss the moments when she would fall asleep in my arms. Parenthood is full of fleeting moments, and it’s important to cherish them.
Every baby and mother is different, so don’t compare your baby (or yourself!) to others. There are countless parenting styles and methods, and what works for one family may not work for another. I learned to stop comparing myself and Ellie to others and to embrace our unique journey. Whether it’s sleep routines, feeding methods, or developmental milestones, every baby and mother are different.
When people offer you help, take it. As someone who prides herself on being independent, accepting help was a challenge. However, in those overwhelming early weeks, accepting help with household tasks or baby care made a world of difference. It’s okay to lean on others and take time for yourself.
Don’t buy a ton of baby gear in advance. Despite being a planner, I realized that many baby items I bought in advance went unused. Babies have preferences, and it’s best to wait and see what works for your baby before investing in a lot of gear.
Fed is best! There’s a lot of pressure around breastfeeding, but the most important thing is that your baby is fed, whether that’s through breastfeeding or formula. I breastfed for six months because it worked for us, but supplementing with formula also helped us during tough times.
Birth probably won’t go according to your plan, and that is OK. I was advised to be flexible with my birth plan, which helped me prepare for any outcome. Childbirth, like many aspects of parenting, is unpredictable, and it’s important to trust your medical team and go with the flow.
Give yourself grace. The postpartum period can be tough. I reminded myself to be kind to myself, to rest, and to allow time to recover. It’s okay to take it easy and focus on adjusting to your new life as a mom.
You don’t need all the fancy, new, high-tech baby products. While high-tech baby products can be helpful, they’re not essential. Simple, classic baby items often work just as well, if not better, than their more expensive counterparts.
Always pack multiple changes of clothes. Babies have a knack for making messes at the most inconvenient times. Packing extra clothes for Ellie became a must for any outing.
Never ignore your intuition as a parent. As I got to know Ellie, I learned to trust my instincts. Mothers have a unique bond with their babies, and it’s important to follow your gut when it comes to your child’s needs.
Don’t be afraid of your baby crying in public. Babies cry, and that’s okay. People are generally understanding, and it’s important not to let the fear of a tantrum prevent you from going out and enjoying life.
Keep telling yourself that everything is just a phase. Parenthood is full of phases, and no matter how challenging a particular phase may seem, it will pass. This mindset helped me stay positive and patient through tough times.
Recognize that you will sleep again. Sleep deprivation is tough, but it won’t last forever. Babies eventually learn to sleep through the night, and you’ll get your rest again.
Remind yourself that by the time your kid goes to Kindergarten, they’ll be walking. Developmental milestones can cause a lot of anxiety, but every baby develops at their own pace. There’s no need to rush or worry; your child will reach these milestones in their own time.
Take the advice that works for you, and leave the rest. Parenting advice is abundant, but not all of it will suit your family. Take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Trust yourself to know what’s best for you and your baby.