Real-life parenting tips for new mums (that actually help)

Parenting advice is like glitter - it's everywhere! From the moment you announce your pregnancy, tips, opinions, and unsolicited advice start rolling in. And while some of it may be helpful, a lot can feel overwhelming, unrealistic, or just plain unrelatable.

If you're in the trenches of new motherhood - sleep-deprived, emotionally stretched, and figuring things out one baby burp at a time, here are some grounded, real-life parenting tips to help you feel more human, more connected, and a little more confident.

1. Lower the bar, then lower it again

Let's start here: your baby doesn't care if the laundry is folded, if you're wearing matching socks, or if dinner is a microwaved toastie. The newborn season is about survival, not style. Social media may show picture-perfect nurseries and glowing mums with green smoothies, but real life looks more like undrunk coffee, 2am feeds, and celebrating when everyone's dressed by noon. Give yourself permission to do less. You're not failing - you're adjusting to an entirely new world.

2. Create simple anchors, not rigid routines

Strict schedules rarely work in the early months, especially when your baby has no concept of day or night. Instead of trying to control the clock, focus on creating anchors in your day: a cuddle in the morning light, a short walk after lunch, a warm bath before bed. These gentle rhythms can offer structure without the pressure of a ticking schedule.

3. Let people help (even if you hate asking)

It's not a weakness to need help - it's human. If someone offers to drop off dinner, say yes. If a friend wants to hold the baby so you can nap or shower, say heck yes. And if nobody's offering? Ask anyway. You were never meant to do this alone, and accepting help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.

4. Feed yourself (without the stress)

When you're feeding a baby around the clock, it's easy to forget about feeding yourself. But you matter too. Services like HelloFresh can make life easier by delivering fresh, healthier meals with zero decision fatigue. No wondering what to cook or whether you have all the ingredients - just quick, nourishing recipes that support your energy, recovery, and sanity.

5. Your way is the right way (even if it looks different)

Co-sleeping? Bottle feeding? Wearing your baby all day or letting them nap in the bassinet? As long as your choices are safe and made with love, they're valid. Don't let parenting trends or online noise drown out your own instincts. You're the expert on your baby - even if it doesn't always feel like it. Another benefit of HelloFresh is not having to traipse around the supermarket with a tired/crying newborn/baby/toddler buying dinner ingredients. Unlike generic parenting tips that tell you to meal prep on Sundays, this is actually realistic for exhausted new parents.

6. Let go of the guilt

There will be moments when you lose your patience, forget tummy time, or skip bath night. That doesn't make you a bad mum. That makes you a normal mum. Guilt is sneaky, but it's not truth. What matters most is showing up with love, day after day. Your baby doesn't need perfection, they need you.

7. Find moments of joy - however small

Amid the nappies and night feeds, there are tiny moments that make it all worth it: the sleepy smile, the warm weight of your baby on your chest, the way their tiny hand curls around your finger. Hold onto those moments. Write them down if you can. They're the ones that will carry you through.

8. Laugh often

Because babies are hilarious. And so is parenthood. From explosive poos to misheard lullaby lyrics, there's a lot of comedy in the chaos. Embrace it. You'll need that humour for the days that stretch long and the nights that never seem to end.

9. Avoid the supermarket

There’s a special kind of chaos in navigating supermarket aisles with a tired or crying newborn (or toddler). Save your energy and sanity by ordering HelloFresh and shopping online for added extras That way, you can skip the trolley drama and spend more time where it matters - at home, resting, cuddling, or actually eating that meal while it’s still warm.

You're doing better than you think

You might not always feel like you're nailing it - but your love, your effort, and your willingness to keep showing up count for everything. These parenting tips aren't about creating a perfect family - they're about helping you navigate the beautiful chaos with a little more grace and a lot more self-compassion.

So take a breath. Let dinner be easy. Let the mess be okay. And know this: you are not alone.