Essential Parenting Advice for New Moms from HealthPartners Experts
Becoming a mother is an incredible journey, often filled with excitement and a fair amount of fear. You want to do what’s best for your new baby, but as a first-timer, it feels like you’re learning everything on the job—and probably without much sleep. It’s natural to have a ton of questions about what to expect after giving birth, and this need for parenting advice for new moms only grows.
That’s why we’ve put together a treasure trove of real-life parenting advice for new moms from our doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. They care for babies and coach new parents every day. Here are 12 things every new mom should know right from the start.
1. Leaving the hospital can be scary
You’ve just spent a couple of days with your perfect, tiny baby in the hospital, and now they’re sending you home? It’s completely normal to feel sad and scared as you leave the safety net of the hospital and its supportive care team. It will take time to adjust to life at home, but settling into your new parenting routine will help build your confidence.
Parenting advice for new moms: Acknowledge your feelings and talk about them with your partner or nurse. Prepare your car seat ahead of time to give yourself peace of mind for the drive home, and remember that those baby snuggles will do wonders for your spirits.
2. Sometimes babies cry for no reason
Babies often cry when they’re hungry, gassy, or need a new diaper. But sometimes, they cry even when all their needs seem to be met. Crying is how infants communicate; they’re in a brand-new world with unfamiliar sights and sounds. It’s completely normal for babies to cry just for the sake of it sometimes.
Parenting advice for new moms: It’s wired in our DNA to be unsettled by a baby’s cry, but if you’ve tried all the usual things, take a deep breath and offer them comfort and calm. It’s also okay to set your baby down in a safe place for a brief moment to collect yourself. If you have a gut feeling something is off, don’t hesitate to check for a fever or call your baby’s doctor or clinic’s nurse line. They are there to help, and there’s no such thing as a dumb question.
3. Pacifiers are totally okay
Pacifiers can be a hot-button issue, but pediatric experts give moms the green light. They are soothing, help babies self-soothe and practice their sucking reflex, and may even help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until you have an established nursing routine before introducing one.
Parenting advice for new moms: Don’t force a pacifier on your baby if they don’t like it. If you do use one, make sure to clean and sterilize it often, and ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
4. You can’t hold your baby “too much”
You may have heard that holding a baby too much will “spoil” them. This is a myth. Gentle touch is crucial for healthy development, and studies have shown that being responsive and attentive to your child builds trust and strengthens neural connections in their brain. It’s how you build a secure, confident bond.
Parenting advice for new moms: Go ahead and snuggle away! Wear your baby in a carrier while you’re doing chores or just hold them on the couch. This close time is good for both of you. Just remember that it is never safe to co-sleep in the same bed with your baby.
5. Breastfeeding isn’t always easy
Just because breastfeeding is natural doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s different for everyone, and it’s okay if you have roadblocks like a baby who won’t latch, low milk supply, or pain. The pressure to breastfeed can make mothers feel guilty, but the truth is, your choice is a personal one.
Parenting advice for new moms: Don’t hesitate to take advantage of breastfeeding support from the hospital or a lactation consultant. You’re not a failure if you can’t or choose not to breastfeed. The fact that you’re thinking hard about this decision already makes you a great mom.
6. Some babies just don’t sleep well
Babies learn to sleep through the night as part of their development, and every baby is different. Newborns typically wake every 2-3 hours to eat. Sometimes there are other factors, but often, there isn’t a clear reason—some babies just don’t sleep well.
Parenting advice for new moms: Reset your expectations. It’s normal for infants to have short sleep windows. Prioritize your own sleep by napping when the baby naps and letting household chores wait. If you’re bottle-feeding, set up a schedule with your partner so you can each get a good chunk of sleep. If sleep is becoming a struggle, talk to your baby’s doctor.
7. It’s never safe to co-sleep with your baby
It might be tempting to bring your baby into your bed, but the dangers of accidental suffocation, strangulation, or SIDS far outweigh the convenience. The AAP recommends that babies sleep on their backs in their own crib in the same room as you for at least the first six months.
Parenting advice for new moms: No matter how appealing co-sleeping may seem, remember that safe sleep means on their back in their own crib with nothing else in it but a tightly fitted sheet.
8. Most moms experience some form of postpartum baby blues
Nearly 4 in 5 new mothers experience the baby blues, which can look like crying on and off, snapping at your partner, or feeling like you’re not bonding with your baby. These feelings usually begin a few days after delivery and last for a couple of weeks.
Parenting advice for new moms: Your health is a priority, too. Schedule your six-week postpartum appointment and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor sooner if you need to talk about how you’re feeling. Share your feelings with your partner and loved ones. You are not alone, and feeling supported is one of the best ways to get through it.
9. Search engines don’t have all the answers to your questions
The internet can be a powerful learning tool, but it’s not a medical professional. Googling your baby’s symptoms can send you into an unnecessary panic. Most of the time there’s a simple explanation that your doctor can help you figure out.
Parenting advice for new moms: When you use the internet for information, stick to trusted and authoritative sources. For medical information and advice, always look to your child’s doctor. Choose a doctor you feel comfortable talking to so you can discuss any subject that arises.
10. Alternate vaccine schedules are a myth
Childhood vaccination schedules are designed by medical experts with babies’ vulnerable immune systems in mind. So-called “alternative vaccination schedules” have not been scientifically studied and are highly discouraged by the CDC.
Parenting advice for new moms: Talk to your child’s doctor. They will be happy to answer your questions, explain the recommended schedule, and provide you with the research behind it to give you peace of mind.
11. Ask for help early and often—and don’t feel guilty about it
Social media can make motherhood seem effortless, but parenting is beautiful, difficult, exhausting, and messy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.
Parenting advice for new moms: When someone offers to bring over a meal or watch the baby, take them up on it. From your family and friends to your baby’s pediatrician, don’t feel bad about asking for a hand. When people offer to help, they genuinely want to make things easier for you.
12. Trust your maternal instincts
Will you overreact from time to time? Yep. But you’ll be glad you did for the peace of mind. All the advice or parenting books in the world won’t prepare you for everything, but a mother’s instincts are always valid.
Parenting advice for new moms: Trust your gut, mama. You know what’s best for your little one.
It takes a village
As a new parent, you’re absorbing so much information that it’s easy to feel overloaded. Your baby’s doctor knows this, so whenever you need parenting advice for new moms, bring it up at your child’s appointment. They have loads of experience and are happy to offer guidance.
Once you’re a seasoned mom who has seen it all, you might even find yourself sharing some of these insider tips with other first-time parents. After all, it takes a village.
(Psst … here’s where you can learn about state requirements in Minnesota and Wisconsin.)
Also Read :
28 First Birthday Party Ideas Your Kid Will Love
Breastfeeding vs Formula Feeding
Newborn Care Essentials: The Ultimate Guide for New Parents
