All parents make mistakes—and lots of them. Unfortunately for first-time parents, parenting does not come equipped with a manual. What are some of the common mistakes new parents make?
Believing every single thing you hear
With so much advice from both the Internet and other people, we tend to stop listening to our own instincts. People have very strong—and often opposing—views on raising a child, and it can be difficult to determine what is wrong and what is right. While there is a lot to be learned from both books and mothers-in-law, remember that the person who knows your baby the best is you.
Panicking over everything
Most new parents tend to overreact to spitting up, crying—and basically everything that babies are really expected to do at their age. Is your child having too few bowel movements or too many? Why is there so much spit up? As hard as it may be, try not to worry about the small stuff. Babies are far sturdier than we give them credit for.
Expecting a set sleeping routine
You might hear a friend tell you that her baby slept four hours straight last night. Remember that each child is unique, even in terms of how he or she sleeps. Yes, some babies do sleep through the night by four to six months of age, but a whopping 50 percent of two-year-olds still wake up in the middle of the night!
Comparing your baby with other babies
No two babies are the same. With all these milestones to watch out for, it can be easy to get stressed at the pace in which your baby is developing—especially if you know other babies who are more advanced! Take your child to your pediatrician if you feel that your child is very delayed in terms of development. Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the baby in front of you.
Ignoring your spouse
Taking care of a newborn is a full-time job. No matter how tired and sleep-deprived you may be, make it a point to take care of your spouse. It can be incredibly easy to put your marriage on the sidelines, but do make the effort to keep your relationship healthy and happy. If possible, go out for a quick coffee or meal each week so you can get some time alone as husband and wife.