I’ll never forget bringing my first baby – my William – home from the hospital in September of 2004. I was so nervous! I had never been around babies before, so everything (I mean, everything!) was new to me. I didn’t know how to change a diaper. I didn’t know how to give a bath. I didn’t know how to dress a baby. I remember just standing there frozen, hoping I wouldn’t “mess” anything up for him. I wanted to be the best mom in the world to him, but I just wasn’t sure if everything I was doing was “right!” All I knew was that I loved that little guy more than anything in the world.

I wish someone had given me a manual. I wish someone had prepped me. I wish someone had given me some tips and/or advice that would’ve made me feel more comfortable and more together during those first few months.

Ever since then… and believe me, I feel like I can somewhat call myself a “seasoned” mom now with 5 kids… I’ve made it my mission to pass along some tips to new moms. It’s wisdom and advice and the “been there, done that” words that you just sometimes need to share. It’s what I wish someone had done for me back in 2004 when I was feeling lost and very alone.

5 New Mom Tips:

1) Find a destination where you can buy your essentials and hone in on that place like a hawk. BJ’s Wholesale Club is a GREAT place where you can find all your needs for baby. Pampers are what I have always used for the boys and for Victoria (I’m also on the Pampers Blogger Board), so I always make sure we’re fully stocked in the McClelland household. I remember a time when William was in size 6 Pampers, Alex in size 5, Ben in size 4 and Henry in size 1! 4 boys in Pampers, it was crazy! But truly, BJ’s is a wonderful place where you can go and get the larger count boxes that will last you a good few weeks. Always make sure you stock up with larger count with the Pampers boxes, it makes it so much easier for you. You’re not worrying that you’ll run out after a week!
2) When your baby is sleeping, take it upon yourself to relax and put your feet up, maybe even nap, too. I remember trying to use the time when William was sleeping to do laundry and wash dishes and get chores done… but then I was exhausted when he woke up again. I didn’t utilize the time when he was napping to rest, too. You’re so tired those first few weeks and months, it’s important to take advantage of some down time to really allow yourself to rest. You’re not useful when you’re beyond tired.
3) Take up help if you’re offered it! This is something I never did with William because I always felt, “I can do this!” When I had my next 4 babies, I got smart… if someone offered to come help me out with the baby(ies) or chores, I would take them up on it. You know the saying, “it takes a village,” remember those words. It’s not bad to need and accept help. It’s very helpful and can really go a long way.
4) Remember these words, “This too shall pass.” There will be moments where you’re seeing double and you feel like life is off kilter so much. I promise, promise, promise… it gets easier and you really do get into a routine. I remember my mother telling me to count out 30 days on the calendar and telling me to circle that date. She told me when I would get to that circled date, I would be getting more and more into my mom groove. She was right. It takes time, but you just sort of start getting it down… like a fish to water.
5) Find a favorite song or book that you can routinely read to your baby. With each of my kids, I found a song that I loved and I would play it for them over and over and over again. It was amazing, like magic… if they were fussy or seemed upset… I would play the song and they would calm down. I started doing it with William and I continued with each baby. It’s my “magic” advice. You really need to get into a routine quickly with a song, but it’s fascinating how quickly they pick up on it and remember it.

So there are 5 of my new mom tips!

Being a mother is the most incredible thing in the entire world. With the birth of each new baby, my love has multiplied and grown leaps and bounds. It’s what I was born to be and I’m so thankful.

As moms, we need to stick together and be there for each other, so I love being able to share some advice and tips in hoping that make the new mom transition a little more seamless.

Here’s to lots of babies!

This post is sponsored by Pampers and BJ’s Wholesale Club