Advice for new parents: 5 new parent tips 

It is no secret – being a parent is hard work. Between night feeds, nappy changes, and wondering if you will ever see your friends without smears of baby sick down your shirt, the exhaustion is real. And when you are keeping a tiny human alive, finding time to rest yourself can feel almost impossible. That is why this article shares some gentle advice for new parents around sleep and routines.  

Think of it less as a checklist and more as a handful of ideas you can try out to see what works for you and your baby. Not every piece of advice for new parents will suit every family, and that is completely normal. The most important thing is to remember that you are already doing something incredibly tough, and being kind to yourself along the way matters just as much as any routine.  

1. Rest whenever you can 

The most classic piece of parenting advice for new parents is to “sleep when the baby sleeps.” And yes, it sounds easier said than done because it is. Who’s going to do the laundry, sterilise the baby bottles, monitor the baby monitor…? But even a 20-minute nap can give you the energy boost you need to get through the rest of the day. 

Instead of pushing through chores when you’re running on empty, give yourself permission to pause. Rest deserves a place on the to-do list just as much as laundry or dishes. Naps aren’t a luxury – they’re a way to recharge and cope with the demands of new parenthood. (And yes, the washing machine can still run while you take that much-needed break.) 

2. Share the load with your family and friends 

If there’s one piece of good advice for new parents worth repeating, it’s this: you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you’re first-time parents or welcoming baby number three, “it takes a village”, and teamwork matters. 

Split the feeds if you can, rotate the early mornings, and let family or friends help when they offer. (You can also ask!) You do not have to carry all the responsibilities on your own. And you’re not burdening anyone. Saying “yes please” to someone dropping off dinner or watching the baby while you shower is one of the smartest parenting tips for new parents. With the time you have gained back, use it for something that helps you feel human again – whether that is grabbing a coffee with a friend, enjoying a quiet walk, or simply putting your feet up for half an hour. 

3. Create a simple routine to follow 

Newborns may not follow a clock, but gentle rhythms help both you and baby feel more settled.¹ That’s why advice for first time parents often includes setting up a simple bedtime routine: dim the lights, or give your baby a warm bath. This will signal to your baby that it’s time for sleep, possibly making it easier for them to drift off. And hey, you might get a pocket of time just for you. (You might not, and that’s okay too. It will come.) 

And remember, routines don’t have to be perfect. It might take some time to discover what works best for you, and that’s completely okay. The most important thing is finding a rhythm that helps both you and your baby get the rest you need. 

4. Be flexible and adaptable 

You’re looking for everything you need to know about a newborn and sleep, and flexibility really is your best friend. Babies can sleep for up to 18 hours a day² but often not at the times you’d hoped for. So, that “perfect” routine you’ve planned? Be prepared to adjust it here and there as your little one finds their own rhythm. 

Instead of fighting your baby's changing sleep patterns, try leaning into it. To make it easier, consider prepping dinner earlier in the day or dipping into those frozen meals kindly dropped off by friends and family. Over time, those short naps often evolve into longer, more predictable stretches, and you’ll both find your groove. 

Of course, routines can also shift if your little one feels under the weather. Their sleep schedule might move around when they’re feeling unwell, likely because they’re dealing with a touch of the ‘snuffles’.³ And if you’ve found yourself frantically Googling “how to clean a baby’s nose?” with fifteen tabs open, don’t worry – you can close them all now. We’ve put together seven simple tips on how to unblock a baby’s nose that will make the bedtime routine a little easier during these periods. 

5. Take care of yourself too 

A newborn guide for new parents wouldn’t skip this important step: self-care matters. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you’ll be a better parent when you’re recharged. 

We know it’s easier said than done when you’re keeping a small human alive, but self-care doesn’t have to be fancy. Maybe it’s five quiet minutes with a cup of tea, or a bathroom breather with your favourite candle. Even small luxuries count, like slipping into fresh pyjamas or having five quiet minutes with a hot cup of tea. Little comforts can remind you that you matter, too. To explore more simple ways of caring for yourself and embracing comfort, take a look at our guide on how to live your best soft life. 

At the end of the day, whether you’re looking for advice for first time parents or fresh ideas the second time around, know this: there’s no one “perfect” way. These parenting tips for new parents are here to help, not overwhelm. Take what works, leave the rest, and give yourself a pat on the back – you’re doing brilliantly! 

Sources: 

¹ Newborn and baby sleep, NCT 

² Your Baby’s Sleep Pattern, NHS  

³ Blocked Nose in Baby’s, Patient.Info