baby competition parenting

Tips for new mums (#newmumtips)

Pampers celebrates the potential in every baby and by sharing your ‘newborn’ advice you could win a £50 voucher to a spa or restaurant of your choice. Interested? Read on!

Tips for new mums (#newmumtips)

Knowing my Second Baby is due next week (eek!) Pampers asked me if I would like to help celebrate by sharing with other Mums the best piece of ‘newborn’ advice we were given. After much discussion with my husband we thought the best piece of advice was to do with nappy changes! At our NCT antenatal class we were told if we had a boy to change his nappy swiftly, otherwise the cold air could cause him to wee before we had a chance to grab a clean nappy! We always remembered this piece of advice which helped those frequent early nappy changes pass without incident.

I would love to know what readers of the gingerbread house think is their own best piece of ‘newborn’ advice. In return, anyone who shares their advice by commenting below could be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher to a spa or restaurant of their choice. Pampers are hoping to get as many mums as possible, who are active online, to share their invaluable advice with other mums. They have also created the twitter hash tag #newmumtips in case you want to share your advice on twitter too.

Don’t forget – expectant mums can also register at Pampers Village and get a FREE Baby Welcome Pack at 32 weeks filled with some first day essentials, including ten Pampers New Baby nappies, a travel pack of Pampers wipes – perfect to pop into a hospital bag – and a copy of the Pampers Village magazine. Mums can now also connect with other mums for info and advice on the Pampers UK & Ireland Facebook page.

Giveaway:

I have one £50 voucher to give to a reader of the gingerbread house which can be used at a spa or restaurant of your choice.

To enter:

Mandatory – Leave me a comment below sharing your best piece of ‘newborn’ advice and share this giveaway using the Retweet button below.

 

The giveaway will end on the 1st December at midnight. The winner will be chosen randomly for all those who have left a comment and tweeted, and will be contacted using the email address or twitter name provided. If the winner does not reply within 3 days the competition will be redrawn. UK only.

  • Sarah Morris
    November 21, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    My advice would be to sleep when baby sleeps ! 😉

    thanks for a great giveaway x

  • Sarah Morris
    November 21, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    I have tweeted @sarah34090

    hope I did it right! x

  • Liska
    November 21, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    My advice would be to swaddle your newborn. They LOVE it and sleep for longer and more soundly. I swaddled Aaron till 14 weeks. Think of the first 3 months as a 4th trimester – they need to feel secure. Liska xxx

  • Boo Roo and Tigger Too
    November 21, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    My advice would be…
    muslins are your new best friend… burping, wiping, emergency nappy, comforter, privacy curtain

    @littleboo_21

  • Red Rose Mummy
    November 21, 2011 at 10:48 pm

    My advice – don’t feel obliged to have visitors around all the time. Make sure your husband or partner knows when you have had enough so he can get rid of them for you. Also, make it clear to visitors that you won’t be fussing after them in the early days – they should be making you a cup of tea.

    • Red Rose Mummy
      November 21, 2011 at 10:50 pm

      I have tweeted @RedRoseMummy

  • Ramblings Of A Suburban Mummy
    November 22, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    The best piece of advice I was given is to enjoy every minute because it goes too fast – TRUE!

  • Liz Tumbridge
    November 22, 2011 at 10:19 pm

    My advice would be:
    If you’re a 1st time mum, listen to the advice and tips you are given by those around you. However, NEVER panic if you do things differently from others. You know your baby and different things suit different children (and parents!) Different doesn’t mean wrong! If you’re a 2nd+ time mum, remember every baby is different! They won’t all necessarily be the same as your 1st in routines and habits etc 🙂 xx

    Fantastic Giveaway! Thank you xx

  • Liz Tumbridge
    November 22, 2011 at 10:20 pm

    Have retweeted as @MunchkinHart xx

  • Lisa Armstrong
    November 23, 2011 at 2:09 am

    My advice would be to get into a good routine – for your babies to feel secure and you to feel sane !

  • tracy Gladman
    November 23, 2011 at 8:10 am

    Take all the help you can get, even if it’s just someone to do the washing up whilst you have a relaxing bath.

  • claire woods
    November 23, 2011 at 9:29 am

    My advice would be to accept help when you need it, don’t be afraid to say you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t listen to experts all the time go with your feelings. Most all try to make a bit of time for yourself each day even it’s just 5 minutes. Don’t worry you will get the hang of it.

  • David Pritchard
    November 23, 2011 at 11:07 am

    Don’t lose touch with your friends. They will be there to help you when it gets tough.

  • n hemley
    November 23, 2011 at 12:32 pm

    Try to keep your newborn awake for longer periods during the day so they will sleep better at night, however make an effort to turn off the TV and other constant background noises as your baby’s brain needs one on one interaction without distraction. Baby will then learn a lot faster and be more receptive to you. Ultimately remember there are no set rules and each and every baby reacts and learns in different ways

  • Jo parker
    November 23, 2011 at 1:25 pm

    Take any help offered !

  • Emma Gallagher
    November 23, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    My advice (and this was something I did) where possible we moved into our newborn babies room for a few months so from day 1 our son slept in his own room and it was us who then moved out back into our bedroom. I never had any problems with my son adjusting to the room as he had been in there from the start worked for me anyway.

  • Carolin
    November 23, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Trust your instincts. There might be lots of advice out there, but in the end mummy knows best.

    @caro_mad

  • Carolin
    November 23, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    I have also shared the competition via Twitter

    @caro_mad

  • Karen
    November 23, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    Don’t worry about all the statistics and the experts telling you what to do. The advice changes all the time, so go with what suits you

  • Natalie Holland
    November 24, 2011 at 8:22 am

    If you plan on breastfeeding, don’t expect it to work right away, it can take weeks for it to work well – but just persevere, don’t worry that your baby is feeding too much, you need to build up your supply & if you have any problems seek help at your local breastfeeding support group. Nearly all problems associated with breastfeeding can be solved with the right support! Many people don’t get the support they need in this area.

    • Natalie Holland
      November 24, 2011 at 8:24 am

      Forgot to put – I’ve retweeted @fluffyblueberry

  • Hazel
    November 24, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    The best advice I was given was to put a note on the front door which said “We are asleep at the moment so please come back later.” – and nap when the baby did.

  • Hazel
    November 24, 2011 at 7:43 pm

    I have tweeted as @beachrambler

  • ashleigh
    November 24, 2011 at 8:52 pm

    my advice would be to enjoy every second of it! i have tweeted as @ashlallan

  • Karen D
    November 24, 2011 at 10:00 pm

    my advice is, follow your instincts, not the book

  • Emma Bradshaw
    November 25, 2011 at 8:05 pm

    My advice would be to enjoy the time while your baby spends lot of time asleep as they will soon be a lot more demanding!

    I have tweeted @emmathebradshaw

  • Sue Rowley
    November 26, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    Routine, Routine, Routine.

  • Tracey Belcher
    November 26, 2011 at 6:16 pm

    Save every keepsake you can! Lots of Photos and a babygro. It is so sad when they lose that baby smell x

  • John Worsley
    November 27, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    My advice would be to remember to give your husband a break, he’s working hard too you know!!

  • Stephanie Mamo
    November 27, 2011 at 1:44 pm

    my advice would be to make extra each time you cook and then always freeze a portion for days after bad nights with teething or illness then you can zap it in the micro and have a snooze together on the sofa! (My son is almost 11 and I still do that for sick days!)

  • Hazel Christopher
    November 27, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    My advice would be to stock up on cheap, plain baby babygros and vests – babies make a mess, either through dribbles whilst feeding, bringing milk back up and even mess from the other end can escape at times too! Fancy clothes that need to be handwashed, ironed, dry cleaned etc at a time when you’re already probably feeling very exhausted is just not necessary for everyday use. Bright colours that could run are also a no no – you want clothes that you can bundle up together and throw in the washing machine without having to worry about it shrinking/colours running/handwashing …and so on. Little things like that can make a huge different trust me.

    Also tweeted @hlac1

  • Claire Nelson
    November 27, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    Every baby is different and books are great but cannot answer all questions. In those first few weeks when you are seeing midwives and health visitors write down every query you have, however small, as you think of it, otherwise you will forget some of them when you see them.
    I am @auroradreaming on twitter

  • Claire Nelson
    November 27, 2011 at 6:49 pm

    I have tweeted as @auroradreaming too.

  • Inside the Wendy House
    November 28, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    My tip would be to get as much rest as possible. Don’t stress over housework etc. Just enjoy the early days and ease into it as gently as possible. @wendymcd83

  • Rach
    November 28, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    My tip would be to tell visitors they can come when it’s convenient for you (not them) and to warn them they’re only welcome for an hour (or whatever time limit you want).

  • Rach
    November 28, 2011 at 3:07 pm

    Have tweeted @captainsunflow

  • Laura Pritchard
    November 28, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Buy lots of muslins – you won’t regret it!

  • Laura Pritchard
    November 28, 2011 at 3:37 pm

    Retweeted the message @Isis1981uk

  • Julie Booth
    November 28, 2011 at 7:10 pm

    It’s not easy breastfeeding. BUT worth it. If you get sore nipples, or your milk has come in and baby will not latch on, try putting a bottle teat over your nipple and holding it, to let the baby suck through it.

  • northernmum
    November 29, 2011 at 1:18 pm

    sleep when the baby does, no one expects you to be wonder woman

    Have tweeted

    @northernmum1

  • Greg
    November 30, 2011 at 9:30 am

    superb

  • greigspencer@live.co.uk
    November 30, 2011 at 9:58 am

    use your own insticts and dont rely on manuals and books to tell you what to do

  • Maya Russell
    November 30, 2011 at 12:44 pm

    For dog owners: If possible, before you come out from hospital ask your other half to take home some clothes or a blanket that the newborn has worn so that your dog(s) can smell the new scent and can become familiar with it. When you come home introduce the newborn to the dog by holding him/her on your lap and let the dog sniff – it is important for the dog to be introduced to a new member of the ‘pack’. Reward good behaviour with a treat.

  • Maya Russell
    November 30, 2011 at 12:47 pm

    Tweeted
    @maisietoo

  • Nancy Bradford
    November 30, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    Master the swaying back and forth movement early as it solves loads of problems.

  • vicky morton
    November 30, 2011 at 9:00 pm

    Sleep when baby sleeps, people alway told me to do this with my first and i never did, when my second came along all I wanted to do was sleep!
    @vickyd4v3

  • lucy vassallo
    November 30, 2011 at 9:55 pm

    Enjoy your newborn while there young as time flys and you wont have those precious moments back again,Good luck for labour xx

  • lucy vassallo
    November 30, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    @lucythebaker

  • Kathryn MacKinnon
    November 30, 2011 at 10:54 pm

    It’s just impossible to finish a cup of tea!
    No problem, I have a solution….
    Make yourself a flask of made-up tea, coffee, herbal, hot choc or boullion and carry it around the house with you drinking a little bit at a time.
    I did this and it was a lifesaver!
    I rarely ended up with cold cups of tea everywhere after discovering this tip.

    Best of luck
    x

    @cheepcheepcheep

  • CircusMum
    November 30, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    My advise would be to have a drink everytime you breastfeed, you spend so much time fussing over the new born that you forget to look after yourself, this allows you to keep properly hydrated and gives your brain something to think about (I must finish this glass of milk) whilst you’re breast feeding because sometimes during night feeds it’s easy to want to fall asleep mid feed which is not good!!

  • Angie Hoggett
    December 1, 2011 at 12:35 am

    make sure to have some “me” time even if it’s just a girly night in with friends
    @angiehoggett

  • Nickie Chapman
    December 1, 2011 at 1:29 am

    Don’t be afraid to ask for help – you are not a superhero, or a doctor!

    tweeted with rt button, @nickiem xx

  • Tina Holmes
    December 1, 2011 at 7:32 am

    Dont try and get the housework done it will still be there the next day! Sleep and rest when baby is. @supermommy1983

  • Tinselgirl
    December 1, 2011 at 9:33 am

    I found this out by accident. My son had to be bottle fed and got constipated a few times. One particular time he was crying and i wasn’t sure why. So i did the usual things, and on changing his nappy by holding his ankles and bringing his knees up to his tummy, it solved the problem! A huge missile was launched towards me! It makes me laugh to this day… Not traditionally gripe water but more immediately effective!

  • Tinselgirl
    December 1, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Have tweeted @tinselgirl .

  • juliette
    December 1, 2011 at 10:11 am

    my advice is to accept help no one is taught how to be a mum we dont get an instruction manual we are all learning all the time and have to adapt to meet the new demands. Dont be too hard on yourself @clarateddy

  • Kate Boardman
    December 1, 2011 at 10:24 am

    Get as much sleep as you can and eat as properly as you can. Easier said than done so take those offers of help. It’s not selfish, it’s practical. Happy, rested mum means a happy, rested baby.

    Tweeted as @coffeewithkate

  • Pauline D
    December 1, 2011 at 12:40 pm

    Be prepared for a lived in home rather than perfectly tidy.

  • Pauline D
    December 1, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    have retweeted @polly58

  • Kim Carberry
    December 1, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    My best advice would be don’t believe everything you read and don’t take it as gospel…..When I was a new mum I took everything I read as the truth The advice is not for everyone….twist and tweak it to suit you 🙂

  • Kim Carberry
    December 1, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    I have tweeted as @kimmer2111

  • AJ TEMPLEMAN
    December 1, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    HAVING A NEW BORN IS VERY TIRING SO LIMIT VISITORS AS YOU WILL FIND PEOPLE COMING THAT YOU DID’T EVEN KNOW YOU KNEW. IF VISITORS DO COME ROUND GET THEM TO DO JOBS, MAKE COFFEE/DINNER, WASH UP, DO THE IRIONING ETC

  • Sharon Curran
    December 1, 2011 at 8:50 pm

    My advice would be to listen to advice but at the end of the day ALWAYS trust your instincts – they are usually right.

  • Piperand Daisy
    December 1, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    In advance of the birth tell yourself every day that regardless who gives advice or the manner in which it’s given, you will take a deep breath and remember that the giver just wants to be involved.
    People give advice to new mums because they care and are so envious that you have the final say about what’s right for your baby. They are NOT saying that you are doing things wrong, they are just keen to be part of the baby’s life.
    If you can prepare yourself in advance, then when the hormones kick in you will be less likely to think that people are criticising you and if you can stay calm then baby will be calmer too.

  • LilinhaAngel
    December 1, 2011 at 10:38 pm

    My advice would be to go with your maternal instincts.
    Don’t worry too much about other people’s comments about how to take care of your baby!
    Go with your instincts and you will be fine!
    Good luck! 🙂
    Tweeting as @LilinhaAngel

  • Anna Aird
    December 1, 2011 at 10:42 pm

    My tip is to drink lots of water to help energy levels

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