15 tips for new parents

When you first become a parent, you'll be swamped by all manner of things ... and we don't just me tiredness, poo and wee! You'll also be flooded with information and advice, whether you want it or not. Everything is new and it can be hard to know what and who to listen to. These are our top tips.

The world and his wife will offer advice you on what you should do, what you really shouldn't do, what you're doing wrong, what worked for them ...

It can be bewildering, overwhelming and downright annoying at times.

If you're getting bombarded with advice from anyone who had a baby more than three years ago, our top tip is to ignore it. They probably can't remember anyway.

All the parents we asked said sure, listen to the advice, smile and say thank you, then go away and do what feels right for YOU.

Take the bits you feel work and filter out those that don't seem to help.

How many times have you heard 'babies don't come with an instruction manual'? If they did, it would certainly all be a lot simpler.

Unfortunately even if that manual did exist, babies like to break the 'rules'. What works for some won't work for others.

The trick is to try and go with their flow. Easier said than done, we know!

Don’t worry what other people think. Parenting isn't a scientific formula or a one-size-fits-all thing. If you have a feeling about what works – or doesn't – then go with it.

No one knows your baby better than you.

Parenthood isn't a competition and there are no prizes handed out for being the best.

Try not to get hung up on whether you're as 'good' as everyone else – if your hair isn't washed, who cares?

Don’t forget your own needs. You’re the captain of the ship and if you go down, they go down, too.

Try to allow a bit of time for yourself each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.

Babies are cleverer than we think. If you’re grouchy and exhausted, your baby will reflect how you feel so the more rested and happy you are, the cheerier she'll be, too.

If anyone makes even half an offer to help out, snap their hands off. And if you need help but no one is offering, ask. And then ask again. And again.

It's exhausting being a new parent so don't try to do it all on your own.

THE essential piece of new mum kit.

Keep them close by at ALL times to mop up baby sick, wipe dribbly mouths, protect your shoulders when you wind your baby, cover your boobs while you're breastfeeding and the Tesco delivery arrives ...

Never, ever go anywhere without at least one.

You can buy them in bulk here at Amazon for around £9 for 10 muslins in assorted colours.

'Sleep when your baby sleeps' is, in a way, the most annoying bit of advice you'll get.

It's such a cliché and, most of the time, their nap is the only chance you get to quickly tidy up, have a shower and catch up with Instagram ...

BUT in other ways, it's wise advice – naps really can save your sanity! If you can't sleep then at least sod the washing up and put your feet up with a hot cuppa for 15 minutes.

Granny holding the baby? Put your feet up.

Neighbour popped in for a chat? Put your feet up.

Health visitor just arrived? Put your feet up.

You get the gist. Your body is recovering and to do that it needs rest, rest and more rest.

Every day, just do what you can and celebrate the little things.

Some days that might be getting dressed or drinking a cuppa while it's hot. Others it might be mastering a sling and heading out of the house.

It may seem impossible to get into the kitchen and make a meal, but it's important you eat or you won't have enough energy for parenting.

It's even more important to eat well if you're a breastfeeding mum. Even if it's just toast with some nut butter and avocado or porridge and dried fruit, pick snacks that pack a nutritional punch to keep you going.

Baby wipes are a godsend. They mop up spills, sick, dirty bottoms, sticky hands and mouths, dubious stains on your top ... and they're fab for cleaning the entire house, too!

Keep these little gems handy at all times.

There are some great eco-friendly options available here at Amazon.

It's OK to not feel like this parenting lark is magical, beautiful and wonderful all the time.

Sometimes being a parent is hard. Sometimes it's rubbish and not what you expected.

But at the end of each day, you love them more than ever.

Leave the house!

Even if you just walk round the garden, or down the road and back again for 10 minutes, getting some fresh air will help you stay sane, stop cabin fever setting in and even help you feel more awake.

Plus exposure to daylight will help your baby get used to what is day and what's night time which might, just might mean better sleep!

Judgement-free motherhood

You and your baby

Being a new mum