Advice for New Parents: 9 Tips From Dr. Harvey Karp

Plenty of folks—from “experts” to neighbors to strangers on the street—offer new parents nitty-gritty baby tips for getting the job done. I’ve written some myself and trust me—you’ll need ’em! But here’s something a little different…tips to help you thrive, grow, and truly enjoy your new and exciting journey as a parent.

Embrace the rollercoaster.

Many first-time parents get emotional whiplash flipping between feeling like you’ve totally nailed this whole parenting thing…to suddenly feeling utterly inept. But you know what? Everyone feels that way! (Even Pinterest-perfect parents ricochet between these new-parent extremes.) I think it’s helpful to think of yourself as the newest, shiniest link in an unbroken chain of successful parents that stretches back to the beginning of time! Believe me, down the long road of parenting there will be situations and circumstances that’ll get super sticky, like fears, unfair friends, and teen traumas, to name a few. But right now, you will be a total success if you just keep to the basics: love, touch, singing, milk…and patience—with your baby and yourself.

Be kind…to yourself.

If you’re like many first-time parents, you’ve barely ever touched a newborn before you had your own—yet you think you should automatically be a baby care expert! (PS: You’re not an expert…yet, and that’s okay!) Please, firmly ask that “judge” inside your head to take a hike. One of the best things you can do for yourself right now is to be as supportive to yourself as you would be to your best friend. That’s a sure path to greater satisfaction and happiness—and some of the best advice for new parents.

Get as much sleep as possible!

If parenting is a big balloon of joy, exhaustion is the pin that pops it! Your sleep success can make or break your mood, your confidence, and your patience. After 30 years in pediatric practice, I have seen over and over again how sleep deprivation can reduce a mom or dad to tears. Being sleep-sapped can make you feel alone, incompetent, edgy, and causes serious accidents and sickness. Do yourself a favor and learn the 5 S’s . They’re a simple—and proven—tool to help aid baby sleep! (By the way,  taps the power of three out of the —safe swaddling, all-night swinging, and continuous and responsive shushing/white noise.)