Nanny to Mommy

When you’re a first-time parent, you’ll discover that no parental guidebook will tell you how to become the perfect mother or father. This new chapter in your life can be nerve-wracking as there’s so many new experiences, understanding what’s right and wrong, and what you and your child need to avoid.

It’s understandable if you fear making mistakes during the early stages of parenthood. Your child is the most precious person in your life. Still, mistakes can happen when you’re new to parenthood and you may not know exactly what you’re doing. 

Hence, to help you out, here’s a list of common mistakes new parents make that you can avoid when caring for your child.

Not Making Car Changes 

When you have a new baby, you must accommodate their needs, well-being, safety and comfort. This involves making changes to your car. If you have the budget, you can exchange your old car and buy a new “baby-appropriate” car with all the necessary car seats and carriers for the baby. 

If you’re a little constrained by the budget, you can still utilise your current car by making small changes one at a time. You can start by choosing the right car seat for your child. All car seats are designed and made in different shapes and sizes with distinct purposes. Each type of car seat accommodates the child’s needs based on age, weight, and height, as well as following the necessary regulations to keep your child safe.

You can next install a cargo carrier on your car’s roof if you have the additional budget. Having a baby means bringing a lot of stuff whenever you travel. This can  include a baby bag with nappies, bottled milk, baby clothes, and a baby stroller. Baby strollers are typically large and struggle to fit in the boot of a car, even when folded. A cargo carrier can be great at providing additional storage when on the go. 

Panicking  When the Baby Cries 

It is natural for parents to feel a responsibility to shield their child from experiencing distress. No parent wants to hear that their child is sad or in pain, as crying is often associated with a problem that needs immediate resolution.

It is normal for infants to cry. Even if their basic needs are met, they may still cry intensely. This is their way of communicating with us. You can offer comfort and affection when they cry. If they appear to be upset, try to determine the source of their discomfort.

However, it's important to remember that when your baby cries, it doesn't necessarily imply that you are doing something wrong. It may simply indicate that they need something from you. Start by ensuring your baby has been fed, burped and has a clean nappy.

Under- or Over-reacting to a Fever

Your child’s health and well-being is your number one priority. As a parent, you want your child to stay fit and healthy. That’s why you provide them with healthy food, give them vitamins when necessary, and can become very concerned at the first signs of an oncoming fever.

You are right to be worried since fevers can be serious for newborns. If your child is younger than three months old and has a fever, you need to call your paediatrician or any medical professional immediately. This is because newborns are still very vulnerable, and their immune systems are fragile.

But if your baby is over three months old, avoid immediately panicking or rushing to the emergency room. Rather, take a closer look at your child and how they’re acting. Most fevers at this age are harmless, often resulting from a mild infection, which their immune system can combat on its own. However if in doubt, always seek the advice of a professional.

However, if your child is acting strange, such as refusing to drink fluids, not sleeping properly, or having trouble breathing during a fever, consult a medical professional. This means your child’s fever is much more than a mild infection. 

So, when your child catches a fever, don’t just look at the number on the thermometer. It’s more important to look at how they’re acting.

Trusting Unreliable Sources

When looking for parenting advice or information, you need to discern which is trustworthy and reliable and which should be disregarded. Taking information and advice from unreliable sources like Twitter tweets and Facebook comments is a common mistake new parents make.

Following Ineffective Parenting Technique

With the changing of societal norms, parenting techniques are also changing. Retaining ineffective parenting can be a large problem as parents may not recognise what needs to change.

Relying on punitive measures or harsh parenting styles can harm a child's self-esteem and hinder their ability to develop crucial social and emotional skills. It is important to be mindful of the techniques employed and strive for positive and effective parenting strategies that promote a nurturing and supportive environment for children to thrive.

In today’s world, it is crucial for parents to be aware of evolving parenting techniques. Recognising the need for change and being open to adopting positive and effective strategies is essential. By prioritising nurturing and supportive approaches, parents can create an environment that fosters healthy development and emotional well-being in their children.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a parent is a little overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-timer. You’re always pressured to become the perfect parent that provides your child with the best toys, clothes, and, most importantly, care.

But there’s no universal mould of what a perfect parent is. There are only parental mistakes that shouldn’t be made. By knowing what they are, you can avoid committing them when you start your parenthood journey.