27 Brilliant New Mom Tips for Surviving the Newborn Phase
Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of motherhood!
If you’re reading this, congratulations on your new bundle of joy. As a mom of two, I know firsthand how overwhelming those first few weeks and even months can be. The sleepless nights, endless feedings, and constant diaper changes can make you feel like you’re barely keeping your head above water. But don’t worry – you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I’m here to share some of the best new mom tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way.
These new mom tips are designed to help you not just survive but maybe even enjoy the newborn phase. From sleep strategies to taking care of your own well-being, these tips will help you navigate this challenging time.
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New Mom Tips
27 New Mom Tips and Tricks
From diaper changing recommendations to feeding pointers to shopping guidance, these new mom tips will help make those exhausting newborn days a bit easier.
1. You don’t need much in your hospital bag.
Packing your hospital bag can be an overwhelming task. You want to make sure you have everything you need, but you really don’t need much. The hospital provides a lot of the baby and postpartum supplies for your stay. Most important is that you remember to take home all of those items when you are discharged!
2. Baby acne is common.
Babies get acne due to the hormones they were exposed to before birth. The acne can be alarming, but it’s very common during those first few weeks.
3. Stock up on diapers.
You’ll be changing diapers like it’s your job…oh wait, it is! In all seriousness, there will be plenty of wet diapers and poop blowouts, so you’ll definitely want to stock up on diapers. It’s also good to have a package or two of diapers in the next size since frequent blowouts can mean that it’s time to switch sizes.
4. Pull onesie down for blowouts.
I looked at my husband like he was crazy the first time he pulled down my daughter’s onesie when she had a blowout. But then I learned that onesies are actually designed for that!
5. Diaper rash isn’t as common as you may think.
Everyone talks about diaper rash, but it doesn’t necessarily mean your baby will get it. It’s more common if your baby was on an antibiotic. You still want to make sure you wipe well and keep that area clean. I always erred on the side of using too many wipes.
6. Set up multiple diaper changing stations in your home.
If you live in a multi-level home, I HIGHLY recommend setting up multiple diaper changing stations. We had a changing table in the nursery and a pack and play set up on our main level. It can also be helpful to leave a small caddy filled with diaper changing supplies in a few different rooms to make diaper changes quick and easy.
7. Learn hunger cues.
A hungry baby can be stressful, since chances are, they’ll be screaming. I’ve been there, and it wasn’t fun! Try to learn your baby’s hunger cues so you can be ahead of the game. Some cues are rooting (opening the mouth) or putting their hands near their mouth.
8. Set feeding alarms.
You’ll be exhausted during those early days. Your mind may be in a fog (mine was!) and it can be easy to forget a feeding. Set feeding alarms to keep you on track. Consistent feeding is important plus you may start to recognize your baby’s hunger cues.
9. Babies will spit up.
Babies spit up because their digestive system is still developing. While it can be an alarming situation, especially the first time it happens, it’s extremely common. If you’re worried your baby is spitting up too frequently, or is very uncomfortable while spitting up, definitely speak with your pediatrician.
10. Baby preferences can change quickly.
It doesn’t hurt to have a couple different brands of bottles and pacifiers since baby preferences can change all of a sudden. My oldest did well with Phillips Avent bottles, so that’s what we planned to use with my second daughter. She did well at first, but then started choking when drinking from the bottle, so we switched her to Nuk bottles and that did the trick. You never know when you’ll have to make a change.
11. Overnight diaper changes are not needed for pee.
I’m sure you’ve heard to never wake a sleeping baby. You definitely don’t need to wake a sleeping baby for a pee diaper, but you should change a poop diaper to avoid diaper rash.
12. Set up bottles for overnight feedings before going to bed.
If your baby takes bottles, it’s a really good idea to have them all set up before you go to bed. That way, when it’s time for a middle of the night feeding when you’re bleary-eyed, you just need to grab a bottle and warm it up.
13. Have a bedtime routine.
Babies like consistency, so bedtime will go smoother if you establish a routine. Our routine was a diaper change, dimming the lights, turning the white noise machine on, and a feeding. Try things out and then stick with a routine that works well for you and your baby.
14. Don’t get stressed about the nursery.
Try not to get too stressed about having the nursery set up perfectly before you give birth. Your baby will likely be sleeping in your room for the first few months anyway, so it’s more important to set up a good sleeping area there with a bassinet and some supplies.
15. Babies grow fast.
Don’t buy a lot of expensive clothes in small sizes since babies grow so fast in the early days. My girls lived in the sleep & play outfits in the beginning. Try to get deals on clothes or, better yet, borrow from family and friends for the newborn and 3-month sizes!
16. Don’t buy shoes.
Babies don’t need shoes until they are starting to stand and walk. Don’t waste your money on shoes before that. I have pairs of shoes that never got worn.
17. Get a baby seat.
A baby seat is a newborn baby essential. You’ll want to have a good place to put your baby down in different rooms of your home. There are many different options to try, such as a swing, bouncer, or the MamaRoo which has 5 different motions. My older daughter enjoyed the swing and my younger daughter favored the bouncer, so you never know what your baby will like.
18. Keep your diaper bag stocked.
I always liked to repack the diaper bag when we got home from an outing so it was ready to go the next time we had to leave the house. A stocked diaper bag made getting out of the house a lot easier.
19. Meet with a lactation consultant in the hospital.
If you’re considering breastfeeding, meet with your hospital’s lactation consultant. It can help to be observed and get nursing tips from an expert.
20. Experiment with different nursing positions.
Breastfeeding is tough. Everyone usually starts with the cradle hold but it can be hard to support a newborn in that position. You may have to try different breastfeeding positions in order for your baby to get a good latch.
21. Experiment with different pumping settings.
Just like you may have to try different nursing positions, it’s good to try different breast pump settings to see how your body will respond best. I used a Medela pump with my first daughter and a Spectra pump with my second. Mommy: Home Manager has a great post on the best settings for a Spectra pump.
22. Stay hydrated if breastfeeding.
If you’re breastfeeding, try to keep a water bottle near you at all times. Staying hydrated is critical for producing breastmilk. I like to use the water bottles with time markers so I’m reminded to drink, otherwise I’ll just forget to.
23. Breastfeeding is hard.
I was very naïve when it came to breastfeeding. I thought that you just put the baby to the breast and they latch on right away. Both of my girls had a hard time latching in the beginning and it was so painful. If you’re finding breastfeeding hard, know that you’re not alone.
24. Set boundaries with visitors.
Don’t feel obligated to say yes to every request for a visit. You have to prioritize your recovery and your newborn’s routine. It’s okay to say no if you’re not up for entertaining.
25. Stay away from social media.
It’s so easy to grab your phone and scroll through Facebook or Instagram while your baby is nursing or taking a nap. Social media can be tough on your postpartum mind though. You have to remind yourself that you’re only seeing the best parts of people’s days. Most people don’t post about the difficult stuff, so if you’re having a hard time adjusting to being a mom, it may be best to take a social media break.
26. Be kind to yourself.
Nothing can fully prepare you for having a newborn. You have to figure it out as you go, which can definitely be hard when you’re sleep deprived. It’s hard not to compare yourself to all the other moms you know and feel like you have to prove yourself. Remind yourself that you just had a baby and you’re surviving. That’s an incredible feat in itself!
27. Keep an eye on your mental health.
One of the most important new mom tips is to keep an eye on your mental health. Feeling the baby blues for the first couple of weeks is expected as your hormones get back to normal levels. If it lasts longer than that, talk to someone, whether it’s your partner, doctor, or a therapist. I had postpartum anxiety with both of my girls, so I know how hard it can be to seek help at first. However, your baby needs a healthy mama so get that help if you need it.
Navigating the newborn phase can feel like an emotional rollercoaster.
However, you’re not alone in this journey. These 27 new mom tips and words of advice are here to help you find your footing and embrace the beautiful chaos that comes with being a new mom.
Every baby is unique, and what works for one family might not work for another. Be patient with yourself, trust your instincts, and know that it’s okay to ask for help. Celebrate the small victories. With a little support and a lot of love, you’ll find your rhythm and thrive during this special time.
