Becoming a new mom can be both exciting and scary. There are so many firsts when it comes to having a baby and lots of things to learn going through the process.
I had my first baby before I turned 21 years old and was terrified of how I was going to learn not only how to push this baby out of my body, but how to care for it and myself.
Now, I’m an experienced mom of three and I’m prepared to tell you all the things you should know before having a baby. From budgeting, getting all those free baby samples, and getting over the fear of childbirth. You’ve got this!
Read below for all my tips and hacks for first time mamas!
This post contains affiliate links. All content and opinions are my own.
What does a first-time mom need to know?
Are you counting down the days until your little bundle of joy arrives? I remember when I was in your shoes, scouring the internet and asking friends about what I absolutely needed to get everything ready. Let me tell you, it’s a mix of excitement and sheer panic!
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a checklist that will help ease your nerves and ensure you’re prepared for your baby’s arrival.
Budgeting for Baby – If you’re anything like me when I was expecting my first baby cost is a big worry.
This makes sense because babies bring about a whole new slew of expenses including costs for healthcare, daycare, diapers, and more!
The good news is that there are a lot of resources available to new moms. We have a great article on all things baby budgeting, but make sure to check your local community resources as well by doing an online search or asking your doctor or baby’s doctor.
Get all the Free Baby Stuff– There are a lot of companies that give away >> Free Baby Stuff and this is something you should take advantage of as a new mom.
Whether you want to save money on baby items by getting freebies or try all the free baby items to see which one works best for your baby. There are really free baby samples for everyone!
Some of the items I list on my list of free baby samples are completely free and some require a small shipping fee, however they are all worth it in my opinion. These are samples I’ve applied for during all of my pregnancies.
Free baby samples helped me offset the cost on things like breast pumps, formula, diapers, and other items. In fact, since I was supplementing breastfeeding with formula, I never had to buy any formula because I had so many samples.
Naming Your Baby is Easier than Ever– With so many baby name lists on the internet naming your baby is easier than ever.
Seriously, I remember going to my library when I was pregnancy with my first baby and getting name ideas from a real paper book.
Best Baby Registry – Creating your first baby registry is a fun right of passage for new moms. I go all into the best baby registry here on my site.
My top two faves are Babylist and Amazon because they have the best perks and freebies TBH.
Baby registries are a great way to get what you need for baby and offset a lot of costs that you would spend for big ticket items like a crib or stroller.
Getting Baby Must-Haves – We just talked about baby registries, so the natural next step is to go into baby essentials.
Here is a list of Baby Registry Must Haves that you should consider adding to your registry list.
There are some baby products that are tried and true that you just shouldn’t go without for your newborn. One of those items for me is the Boppy, it was so helpful to hold the baby after my C-section and really helps with breastfeeding as well.
The Importance of Self Care – Let’s start the self-care journey during pregnancy because it’s going to be even more important after the baby arrives.
I’ve dealt with postpartum depression three times and have let my self-care go out the window because I didn’t know how important it was.
Self care is SOOOOO important. So, make sure you are creating a routine that involves “me time”, regular showers, and that your family is on board to support you with this routine after baby comes.
Building a Support System – Remember, mama, the journey into motherhood isn’t one you need to navigate alone. Building a support system is not just important; it’s essential.
Whether it’s family, friends, or reaching out to mom groups online, having people to share your experiences, seek parenting advice, and just chat about the everyday miracles and madness of being a first-time mom can make all the difference.
Overwhelmed with diaper changing or struggling with breastfeeding? Your support system is there. Need someone to talk to about postpartum recovery at 2 AM? Reach out. Wondering about the best nutrition for infants or when to start sleep training? There’s always someone who’s been there.
Breastfeeding Basics – Oh, breastfeeding! It seems like it should be so natural, but can sometimes feel anything but. If you’re a first-time mom, you might be nervous or have a ton of questions – and that’s totally normal.
Breastfeeding comes with its set of challenges, but there’s also a lot of help available to make this journey smoother for both you and your baby.
Coping with Sleep Deprivation – Sleep Deprivation hits you like a bus, doesn’t it? I remember those nights, staring at the ceiling while my baby finally snoozed after hours of soothing and rocking.
If you’re nodding along, let me share some lifesavers that got me (and can get you) through those blurry-eyed moments. First read these Tired Mom Affirmations, they will make you feel better!
Next, make sure your partner is helping with the nighttime duties and seriously sleep when the baby sleeps, you need it!
New Sibling Jealousy – Are you bringing baby home to big brother, big sister, or both? Jealousy is only natural and is bound to happen.
Here are some tips to Stop Sibling Jealousy and make your older kids feel just as special with the new baby.
New Mom of Two? Bringing home baby number two is a big adjustment. Especially if you have a toddler and a baby.
Here are some of my favorite Screen Free Toddler Activities that will keep your toddler busy while you need a few minutes to change the babies diaper.
The Reality of Postpartum Emotions – Postpartum depression or not, your emotions after baby is born are real and will have ups and downs.
Trust me, I’ve been there, and if you’re a new mom, chances are, you’re in it right now. The journey through motherhood can toss you into a whirlwind of feelings, from overwhelming love and joy as you hold your baby for the first time, to the daunting anxieties and uncertainties of taking care of this tiny human. It’s all part and parcel of the postpartum experience.
If you think you might be experiencing overwhelming postpartum emotions or depression it’s important to talk with your doctor or a psychiatrist about it. There is help out there and it can get better!
Time Management for New Moms – When you become a new momma you suddenly have a whole new set of things to take care of.
Be easy on yourself during this time by setting realistic expectations, asking for help, and setting up an easy routine.
It’s okay if you can’t be everything you were before baby. The truth is you are much more now because you are somebody’s mommy!
Cherishing Every Moment – So you’re a first-time mom and every moment with your newborn seems to fly by in the blink of an eye, right?
I’ve been there, endlessly scrolling through my phone for advice on breastfeeding, sleep training, and how to tackle the daunting world of diaper changing.
But let me share a little secret that saved me during those early, whirlwind days: cherish every single moment. My first baby is now a TEENAGER! …and believe me it seems like it was just yesterday I was rocking him in my arms.
Finding Your Parenting Style – People will be coming at you with advice for how to raise your baby from sleep training to diaper changing to parenting.
Just trust your instincts and remember to keep a positive and calm attitude. Positive parenting is “in” right now and I’m all for it.
As a parent I try to trust the experts and not the noise that comes from well intentioned family members and other parents.
Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the first year of motherhood? I remember standing there, looking at my child, and realizing just how fast time flies. Whether you’re a first-time mom or you’ve been down this road before, every baby brings a fresh set of joys and challenges. But let me tell you, there’s so much beauty in watching your little one grow and changing right along with them.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of parenting through the toddler years and beyond, you’re not alone.
From baby milestones to figuring out a healthy sleep schedule, the parenting journey is a continuous learning curve. But here’s the good news – adapting as your child grows is all about understanding and responding to their evolving needs.