Top Resources for new Parents
The last post in the series covered the top resources for pregnancy. Below you’ll find my favorite resources for the first year of parenthood. That first year might feel all encompassing - because it is. You’re keeping a brand new human alive, surviving on little sleep, and evolving into a brand new person yourself - a parent. Once you’re a parent, that will always be part of your identity. We evolve into completely new people. New priorities, new interests, new habits, new goals. Below you’ll find books, resources, and people you can follow to help you thrive (or at least feel confident in your survival) of the first few months and year of your baby’s life.
Top Online Resources
Most of the resources I find the helpful have come from my Mom Community - what has been recommended by parents I respect. The main things I found helpful that first year was advice on 1) Feeding 2) Play 3) Sleep. I covered most of the sleep resources I followed in the last post, so I’ll focus on Feeding and Play below.
Feeding your baby:
I’m not going to go into breastfeeding vs. formula other than to say I’m a huge believer in “Fed is best” and to lean into resources that support your family’s circumstances and choices. Unfollow, mute, etc. all people who make you feel any sort of shame around your decisions. Moms have SO MUCH pressure that first year to do all the things, all the time, and have perfect babies. Let it go and make sure you’re not allowing voices in your life that make you feel less-than. OK, leaving my soap box now…
When you’re looking to start solids, it can be really daunting. These are my favorite people making my life easier on a daily basis! Our daughter has food allergies, so many packaged foods aren’t useable for our family - which means meal prep is foundational for my survival!
I love their Insta but we’ve also purchased both of their courses as well as their cookbook. Huge fan!
Every time I’m serving a new food to our girls, I first look it up on Solid Starts. It’s a great guide in knowing how to serve food in safe ways to babies and toddlers.
Play / Development / Discipline
It might sound odd to think about “discipline” for a 8 month old but it’s incredible how much of your parenting philosophy will be shaped by the time your kids are 1 or 2. For me, it was more about learning how to encourage specific behaviors, curiosity, and kindness and less about restrictions. But again, it’s what works best for your family!
She has a great insta page but also free downloads on her site with tons of activities
The Mom Psychologist
Dr. Becky Good Inside
She has a book, podcast, online community with trainings - all the things!
Books:
No Drama Discipline and The Whole-Brain Child, by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
How to Raise Kids that Aren’t Assholes, by Melinda Wenner Moyer
Montessori Toddler, by Simone Davies
Family Firm, by Emily Oyster
Your Community!
No matter how many books you read, podcasts you listen to, Facebook groups you join - there is no substitute to close friends and family supporting you. When you are pregnant or just had a baby, it can feel so isolating. You’re navigating how you want to parent, your baby and their own personality and needs, your marriage / partnership, and trying to gain back health into your own life and body after giving birth. Lean into reaching out to people you trust. Don’t feel like a burden. People want to love you through this and help where they can. It can be REALLY HARD for many of us to receive help. Do your best to get over it. If you don’t have many friends that can support you in this way, I’d strongly suggest joining some “mommy and me” or different parent groups available locally - ask your pediatrician, facebook groups, etc. There are tons of parents looking for connection and support.
There are so many hardships with that first year but also so much joy! Hope this was helpful in your preparation for baby, parenthood, and juggling it all!