The transition to parenthood can be daunting, but there are ways to make it easier with the advice and wisdom of experienced parents. Stephanie Jack, a brand marketing director and new parent in NYC, found that having the Nuna Pipa URBN system made the ride home from the hospital much easier, as it was easy to install and convenient for their family. She also recommends taking the baby out for stroller walks to help them sleep, especially in the early days of postpartum when getting fresh air can be a lifesaver.
Shira Gelman Kolansky, a senior marketing director and new parent from Brooklyn, found the lack of sleep with a newborn to be a shock. She wished she had taken more classes during maternity leave to combat the isolation and never-ending feeling of the newborn stage. Gelman Kolansky recommends checking out playspaces like the Canopy in Williamsburg for socialization and baby classes that can help break up the monotony of the early postpartum period.
Michelle Solomon, a stay-at-home mom of five from Princeton, NJ, regrets not tapping into the mother-baby groups run by hospitals sooner. These groups offer expert talks, socialization, and support for new moms. Solomon learned the importance of accepting help and not being afraid to let family members, babysitters, or cleaning services lend a hand. She also emphasized the importance of letting dads take on parenting responsibilities in their own way.
Rachel Malone, a senior director of product and e-commerce from Rumson, NJ, found that not all parenting advice is one size fits all. She learned to trust her instincts and seek inspiration from various sources rather than following advice that may not work for her child. Malone recommends seeking out hyper-local community resources like Facebook groups, newsletters, and newcomer’s clubs to connect with other parents and share tips that have worked for them. She emphasizes the importance of finding what works best for your child and family, rather than trying to adhere to a one-size-fits-all approach.
Overall, the key advice from these experienced parents is to be open to accepting help, seeking out community resources, and trusting your instincts as a parent. The transition to parenthood can be challenging, but with the right support system, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Each child and family is unique, so it’s important to find what works best for you and your little one. By taking advice from others, trying new things, and leaning on your support network, the journey to parenthood can be made a little bit easier and more enjoyable.
