Becoming a mom has been the most incredible—and humbling—journey of my life. Since the moment I announced I was pregnant, the advice has poured in from every direction. Some tips made me want to roll my eyes, but a few golden nuggets have stuck with me and truly made a difference in how I parent.
So today, I’m sharing 16 real, helpful pieces of parenting advice that made me a better mom—and just might help you, too.
1. Your baby feels your energy—so stay calm.
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came from a baby nurse during those overwhelming first weeks: babies can sense your energy. If you’re stressed, they’ll feel it. If you’re calm, they’ll follow your lead. Learning to steady myself before tending to my daughter’s cries helped us both find peace quicker. Even now, when she bumps her knee or gets startled, she looks to me. If I’m calm, she stays calm. It’s powerful.
2. When it’s hard, remind yourself—you’ll miss this.
Sleep deprivation, midnight feedings, and endless diaper changes feel like they’ll last forever. But they won’t. And believe it or not—you’ll miss them. I already find myself longing for those tiny newborn snuggles. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself: this is a moment I’ll look back on with love.
3. Comparison is the thief of joy.
No two babies—or moms—are the same. Some of my mom friends swear by strict routines; others thrive with flexibility. I’ve learned to stop comparing and do what works for me and my daughter. Your journey is yours alone, and that’s more than enough.
4. Say yes to help—without guilt.
I used to feel like I had to do everything myself. But accepting help doesn’t make you less of a mom—it makes you a wise one. Let someone drop off dinner. Let your sister rock the baby so you can shower. You’re not weak. You’re human. And a cared-for mama is a better mama.
5. Don’t buy all the things. Wait and see.
I get it—you want to be prepared. But babies are picky, and you won’t know what works until they arrive. We ended up using one swaddle out of twenty and only one kind of bottle. Start simple, and build as you go.
6. Fed is best. Period.
Whether you breastfeed, formula-feed, combo-feed, or pump—what matters most is that your baby is nourished and thriving. There’s no one “right” way to feed your child. Trust yourself. You’re doing great.
7. Your birth plan might change—and that’s OK.
Birth rarely goes according to script. Being flexible helped me feel less overwhelmed and more empowered during labor. Trust your team, and trust yourself. However your baby arrives, your story is beautiful.
8. Give yourself grace.
Postpartum is a whirlwind. Hormones, healing, sleep deprivation—it’s a lot. Some days you’ll stay in pajamas until noon, and that’s OK. You just brought life into the world. Give yourself permission to rest, recover, and grow into your new role.
9. You don’t need the latest baby tech.
The fancy gear is tempting, but most of it isn’t necessary. Our baby ended up loving simple, affordable toys over trendy “must-haves.” Spend wisely—and don’t be afraid to keep it old-school.
10. Always carry backup clothes.
This one’s practical: blowouts happen. So do spit-ups, snack mishaps, and mystery stains. Always have an extra outfit (or two) in your diaper bag. Trust me, future you will thank you.
11. Trust your gut. It’s powerful.
In the early days, I second-guessed everything. But before long, I realized: I know my baby better than anyone. Your intuition will grow stronger with time. Trust it.
12. Don’t be embarrassed by public crying.
Babies cry. In the grocery store. At dinner. In line at Target. And guess what? It’s OK. Most people are more understanding than you think. Let go of the pressure to keep everything perfect. You’re showing up—and that’s what matters.
13. Everything is a phase.
Whether it’s sleep regression, teething, or food strikes—it’s all temporary. It feels endless in the moment, but it passes. Remember that, especially during the hard days.
14. You will sleep again.
It won’t always be 3 a.m. wake-ups. Your baby will learn to sleep. One day you’ll laugh at how much you once longed for a full night’s rest. Hang in there—it’s coming.
15. Stop stressing the milestones.
Babies develop at their own pace. Whether your child crawls at six months or skips straight to walking—it’s all normal. Don’t rush. Enjoy each stage while it lasts.
16. Take what works. Leave the rest.
You’ll get advice from strangers, friends, even your barista. Some of it will be gold. Some of it won’t suit you at all. Take what helps, smile politely at the rest, and keep doing what feels right for your family. You’re the expert in your child’s life.
Final Thoughts:
Motherhood isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. Trusting yourself. Showing up with love—even when you’re exhausted. You’ve got this, mama. 💪💛