This is a sponsored post on behalf of Mirum.
All opinions are my own and were not influenced by any parties.
I still remember the moment I saw two lines show on the first home pregnancy test I ever took. I couldn’t believe it was real. Yep, I was going to be a mom.
In that instant, I felt a wave of emotions from excitement to fear to worry and even panic. I’d never been around babies much. Sure, I babysat as a teen, but this was going to be different. Now, I was going to be completely responsible for this little person.
After adjusting to the reality of my husband and I becoming parents, I did what many first time moms do. I began to read. That meant reading every book and magazine I could to prepare myself for becoming a mom. I did NOT want to screw up!
The excitement of learning about being a mom and caring for a baby soon faded. These articles were anything but helpful. One would say you must do something and the next one completely contradicted it. What was I suppose to believe? Did no one have the right answers to help me?
No one had the answers. No one. Not even my mom. But, through her help and the support of my friends, I picked up some advice. Some of it was great, but other things did not work.
The truth is that most everything you read is just advice. No one will know your baby better than you. You are bound to make mistakes, but that’s OK. Being a parent is a new experience, and you can’t expect to do it perfectly.
Don’t focus on what you don’t know and also do not put too much into what people tell you. Ask other parents for some bits of advice and follow what you want and leave the rest behind. But, always be willing to try something with your baby as it might be the solution for your needs.
I don’t claim to know everything about motherhood. Not even close. But, there were a few pieces of advice I learned that I listened to and served me well.
THE BEST PARENTING ADVICE
No one knows your baby better than you.
It is easy for people to tell you what you should or should not do. But the truth is, what works for one baby will not work for another. Listen to your babies cues and don’t do things you think you should do, but rather, what you find works best for your baby.
Get breaks
It is easy for me to say this to new moms, but it’s true. You will need breaks. Even if is 20 minutes in the shower, take time for yourself. During this time, you will be able to clear your head and just breath. Doing that will make you a better parent.
Ignore it
Some people think they know what is best for your baby. You don’t have to listen to them.
I remember when my daughter was a month old, my aunts kept trying to tell me that she needed to have water in her bottle and not formula or breastmilk. They even tried to feed one to her.
I was not comfortable with that and told them no. I said I’d rather that advice comes from her doctor, not someone who had not had a baby of their own in more than 25 years. I stood my ground and never gave her that bottle of water.
Feed your baby how it works for you
We all know that it is best for baby to breastfeed. However, there are times when it just does not work. Even if you have the best of intentions, you just simply may not be able to nurse your baby. Don’t feel guilty about that.
About two months after our oldest daughter was born, my sister lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis. The stress of the situation caused my milk supply to start to dry up. I did everything to produce the milk she needed, but it did not work.
At that moment, I thought I failed my daughter. I had to change the way I looked at it and realize that I was a great mom. I knew I had to feed this baby girl and if meant formula, then that is what I had to do. However, I made sure I did my homework when it came to the right formula for her. It is essential that moms do the same.
Unfortunately, many first-time-parents instantly think they have to use a large national brand because it is “best.” That is just not true. Formula must meet strict guidelines to ensure that it provides the right nutritional value and is safe for your baby to consume. You end up paying more for a label. That’s it.
Brands such as Parents Choice™, available at Walmart, are a much more affordable option for parents. And, they don’t have to worry that they will not be giving their child the best that they can. There are many varieties available to give your child what he or she needs.
For example, Parents Choice™ Infant Non-GMO is a milk-based formula with the nutrition your baby needs for the first 12 months of their life. And, unlike some brands, it is made with ingredients that have not been genetically modified. And, best of all, it will save you as much a 50% annually compared to Enfamil® Infant brand formula.
Parents Choice™ offers several varieties of formula including Non-GMO, Advantage™ Non-GMO, Sensitivity® and Gentle® formulas. These brands are much less expensive than big name brands, but they all provide the following:
- DHA & Choline – nutrients found in breast milk
- Prebiotics – which might support your baby’s digestive health and immune system
- Antioxidants, Vitamins, and Minerals: Vitamin A, C, E, and Zinc which may help aid in immune support
- Lutein, an antioxidant found in the eye
- Costs less than big brands
If your baby has dairy or other dietary restrictions, there is a brand of Parents Choice formula for your needs. But of course, before using any brand of formula, make sure you ask your child’s physician.
When it comes to your baby, you need to follow your instinct. Advice is great, but it can also be confusing. Take what works and leave the rest behind.
