Parenting Advice For New Parents

Congratulations, you're a new parent! Whether this tiny human was meticulously planned or came as a wonderful surprise, nothing can truly prepare you for the massive life upheaval of parenthood. With the beautiful newborn joy also comes stress, fatigue, and a million questions about how to properly care for this fragile little being. As an experienced parent myself, I'm here to share some hard-won wisdom to help make this transition smoother. Here is my parenting advice for new moms and dads.

The Fourth Trimester Is Real

You've made it through those 9 long months of pregnancy, labor, and delivery - now the real work begins! The "fourth trimester" refers to the first 3 months of a baby's life. During this time, your newborn is adjusting to life outside the womb while you're adjusting to life as a parent. It's an intense period of learning and finding your groove.

Newborns cry a lot, wake frequently to feed, and need constant comfort and care. This makes the fourth trimester extremely taxing, especially for the birthing parent physically recovering. My advice? Realistic expectations, teamwork, and lots of asking for help are key to surviving this phase. Lower all standards except caring for the baby - everything else can wait. Don't be afraid to accept meals, housecleaning services, or parent relief from loved ones. Sleep whenever possible, even if just Cat napping between feedings. Make sure both parents are pulling equal weight, even if one is breastfeeding. Most of all, know that this phase is temporary and the intense neediness won't last forever.

Embrace the Chaos and Uncertainty

As a new parent, you'll quickly realize how little control you actually have. Babies are unpredictable, ever-changing tiny tornados. The simplest tasks become complex military operations when done with a newborn in tow. Rigid schedules and plans are futile - babies decide when they'll eat, sleep, and need attention.

My advice is to let go of any ideals of having a perfectly behaved baby or maintaining your pre-parent life and routines. Rigidity will only cause frustration and disappointment. Be flexible, open and willing to change course constantly. Appreciate moments of peace and quiet, but don't be thrown when chaos inevitably returns in 3...2...1...

Surviving on Little Sleep

In the early months, broken sleep becomes a way of life. Newborns need to eat around the clock, every 2-3 hours. Even if you're a world-class napper, fragmented sleep is simply exhausting. My advice is to first acknowledge and accept that you'll be chronically sleep deprived for a while - it's okay, it's temporary and part of the deal.

To preserve your sanity, follow good sleep habits when possible. Keep nighttime bottles, diapers and feeding supplies in one spot to avoid excessive walking around in the wee hours. Split the night wakings between parents, with one person doing feedings while the other sleeps a stretch. Nap when the baby naps. Catch a very occasional full night's sleep by having a loved one take a feed or two. Getting adequate help and support during this phase is crucial so you don't burn out. If you're truly struggling, sleep deprivation can make already intense emotions worse - don't be afraid to ask for professional help or a referral to a therapist or support group.

Soothing a Fussy Baby

Some babies are naturally calm while others are fussier, but all newborns have bouts of intense, inconsolable crying that can make the most seasoned parent feel helpless. When your baby is wailing and you've tried every soothing trick in the book, my advice is simple - stay calm, keep trying, and remember that this too shall pass.

First, rule out the obvious needs - feed, burp, clean diaper, check for hair tourniquets, etc. Next cycle through your soothing methods - rocking, bouncing, shushing, pacifier, baby wearing, warm bath. If nothing works after going through the list repeatedly, take a break by putting baby in a safe space like a crib and walk away for a few minutes. Regroup by taking deep breaths, getting a drink of water - calm begets calm. Then dive back in with renewed patience. Constant crying is incredibly hard on frazzled nerves, but remember it's not an eternal state and you'll get to the bottom of it. If all else fails, crying won't permanently harm the baby so long as all needs are met. Just keep trying and it will eventually pass.

Finding Balance

With a new baby comes a host of new responsibilities and roles. Days become an endless cycle of feeding, burping, changing diapers, soothing, and attempting to squeeze in the basics like eating and bathing yourself. It's easy to lose your sense of self amid the blurred days and hyper focus on the infant. You're not just a parent now - you're also a partner, friend, employee, sibling, and individual with your own needs.

My advice is to be intentional about finding small pockets of self-care and identity balancing from the start. Savor a solo walk around the neighborhood while your partner has baby, enjoy an uninterrupted quiet bath a few times per week, opt for a streaming workout during naptime, reach out to see friends occasionally. Continue engaging in hobbies and interests that are separate from your new role. When possible, plan a no-baby date night with your partner every so often. Most of all, remind yourself of who you are beyond being "mom" or "dad". You matter as an individual, not just as a parent.

Let Go of Guilt

If I could give new parents only one piece of advice, it would be this: Let go of parental guilt once and for all. Nothing saps your energy and joy more than constantly feeling guilty or like you're failing at some invisible standard. Newsflash - guilt is inevitable when you have kids, but it's also useless and counterproductive. You'll feel guilty over going back to work, not going back to work, sleep training, not sleep training, using formula, breastfeeding in public...the list is endless.

My advice? When you start feeling guilty, pause and examine it objectively. Are you doing what you believe is truly best for your child to the best of your ability with the resources you have? Are your actions rooted in unconditional love to care for this little human? If so, let the guilt go. You'll inevitably make choices others critique or don't agree with. Not everyone will understand your family's particular dynamic or challenges. That's okay. Trust your instincts, do what works for you, and drop the guilt - it doesn't serve you or your child.

Parenting is beautiful and rewarding, but the early months can feel like a relentless cycle of thankless tasks. You're laying the foundation and finding your bearings. My advice? Take it one day at a time, ask for help, and ride the waves of chaos until it becomes your new normal. Be patient, flexible, and realize that perfect parenting is a myth - all you can do is love your child fiercely through the ups and downs. You've got this!