Abbys Nest
Parenting Made Easier with Thoughtfully Curated Baby Essentials
Parenting Made Easier with Thoughtfully Curated Baby Essentials
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I’ll never forget the day we brought our baby home—it was equal parts magic and madness. The hospital sent us off with a tiny human and zero instructions, and I remember thinking, “Wait, that’s it?” The first few weeks felt like a sleep-deprived blur of feedings, diaper changes, and Googling things like “is newborn poop supposed to be that color?”
Let me save you some late-night panic scrolling. If you’re in the newborn trenches or about to be, here are some essential parenting tips I wish someone had whispered in my ear early on.
Yes, you’ll get advice from everywhere—family, books, strangers at the grocery store. And while a lot of it may be well-meaning, it can be overwhelming. At some point, I had to stop overthinking every cry and trust that I knew my baby best. The truth is, your parental instinct is stronger than you think, even if you’re doubting every move.
Newborns are unpredictable. But having a general flow—like wake, feed, cuddle, diaper, nap—helped both of us feel a little more grounded. I didn’t follow a rigid timeline, but we did have little rhythms that brought a sense of calm. And babies thrive on predictability, even in tiny doses.
This one took me a while. I thought a soft blanket in a bassinet was cozy, but turns out that’s a no-no. Keep their sleep space firm and clear of toys, pillows, or loose bedding. We added blackout curtains, a white noise machine, and a gentle nightlight. That combo helped my baby sleep longer stretches—and helped me breathe a little easier.
I used to worry I was holding the baby too much. (Spoiler: I wasn’t.) Newborns need closeness, especially in those first few months. Skin-to-skin snuggles, babywearing, rocking—do it all. It helps them regulate their body and emotions. Also? It’s the sweetest part of this stage.
We learned this one the messy way—always have more diapers and wipes than you think you need. Keep a stocked changing caddy in more than one room if possible. And invest in a good diaper cream from the start. Preventing diaper rash is much easier than treating it!
Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, or formula-feeding, there’s going to be a learning curve. I struggled with latch issues early on, and it stressed me out. What helped? Reaching out to a lactation consultant and joining a mom group. Support matters. Fed is best, period.
It’s so easy to forget yourself when you're focused on keeping a tiny human alive. But listen, your wellbeing matters. Try to eat something real, drink water, and (if you're lucky) nap when the baby naps. You’ll show up better for your baby when you care for yourself, too.
Every baby is different, and there’s no one “right” way to parent. But these essential newborn tips helped us survive—and eventually, even enjoy—those fragile, beautiful first few months. If you’re in the thick of it now, hang in there. You’re doing better than you think.