Congratulations on your new arrival! Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible and life-changing experience, but it can also be challenging and overwhelming. While the terrible twos and horrible threes are in the distant future, the first year is all about survival mode! In this blog post, we’ll share our top 10 practical and creative tips for surviving the first year with a baby. Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, we hope that these tips will help make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Tip 1: Trust your instincts
One of the most important things you can do as a new parent is to trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone else, and if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t be afraid to seek advice from medical professionals or trusted friends and family, but ultimately, trust your own instincts and do what’s best for your baby.
Tip 2: Prioritise self-care
It’s easy to put your own needs on the back burner when you have a new baby, but taking care of yourself is essential for your own well-being and for your ability to care for your baby. Make time for activities that help you relax and rejuvenate, such as exercise, reading, or taking a long bath. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family or look into a professional in-home service such as ours to assist with cooking, cleaning, or other household chores to give you a little bit of alone time.


Tip 3: Accept help from others
Speaking of asking for help, don’t be afraid to ask as well as accept it when it’s offered. Friends and family members often want to help but may not know how, so be specific about what you need, and don’t be afraid to tell them what would be most helpful. Whether it’s someone to hold the baby while you take a nap, or a meal delivery service to make dinner easier, accepting help can make a huge difference in your day-to-day life.
Tip 4: Get into a routine
Babies and young children all thrive on routine, and establishing a regular schedule right from the beginning can help both you and your baby feel more secure and settled. This doesn’t mean that every day has to be the same, but having a general structure to your day can help you plan your time more effectively and make sure that your baby’s basic needs are met.


Tip 5: Invest in a good baby carrier
A good baby carrier can be a lifesaver, allowing you to keep your baby close while you go about your day. Whether you’re running errands, doing household chores, or simply enjoying a walk, a baby carrier can help you stay hands-free and keep your baby content. There are countless options online so do your research and choose one that suits you best. Many baby stores also offer in-store fitting services to make sure that you select the best carrier for you.
Tip 6: Don't stress about milestones
As a new parent, it’s easy to get caught up in comparing your baby’s development to other babies or worrying about meeting certain milestones. However, every baby is different, and milestones are just general guidelines. If your baby is happy, healthy, and growing, don’t stress about meeting every milestone on time.


Tip 7: Be prepared for the unexpected
Babies can be unpredictable, and no matter how much you plan, there will always be surprises along the way. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a middle-of-the-night feeding frenzy, try to stay flexible and be prepared to adapt to unexpected situations. One thing that is consistent for all babies is the lack of consistency!
Tip 8: Don't be too hard on yourself
Parenting is hard work, and it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough or not doing things right. Remember that you’re doing the best you can, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Cut yourself some slack, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember that you’re still learning too, and every mother all over the world has gone through the same feelings of self-doubt and overwhelm. You’ve got this!


Tip 9: Connect with other parents
Connecting with other parents can be a great way to find support, advice, and camaraderie during the first year of your baby’s life. Joining a local parent group, attending baby and toddler classes, or simply chatting with other parents at the park can help you feel less alone and more connected to your community. When you know you’re not the only one awake and bleary-eyed at 4am it makes you feel that little bit less alone.
Surviving your baby’s first year may not be easy, but with these tips and a little bit of patience, you’ll make it through. Remember to take care of yourself, stay organised, and ask for help when you need it. And most importantly, cherish the time with your little one – but don’t feel pressure to enjoy every little second, it’s completely normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed and exhausted. But before you know it the first year will be over and you’ll be on your way to toddler territory!
At Mum’s Village Coast to Coast, we understand how overwhelming it can be to care for a new baby while keeping up with daily tasks. That’s why we offer our in-home services for whatever your household needs so you can focus on what really matters – your family. Visit our website https://mumsvillagecoasttocoast.com.au to learn more about how we can help make your first year as a parent a little bit easier.