Few people find the path to parenthood easy so you really shouldn’t expect to be able to do everything quickly and easily to start off with – being a parent takes practice, patience and lots of cuddles! All babies are unique too so what works best for one baby might not work with another.

It’s important to remember that as well as feeding, changing and bedtime routines, being a good parent is also about giving your baby a happy, safe home to grow up in, and giving them lots of love and attention. Be prepared to play lots of games, sing silly songs and read in funny voices – being a parent will really bring out the child in you!

If you’re feeling unsure about things, a good place to start is asking any friends or family with babies if you can spend some time with them and perhaps have a go at helping them out with their baby? Or why not look to see if your antenatal class offers baby-care advice? There might also be a postnatal class you can sign up to which will give you some guidance. 

There are lots of books available about parenthood and ways to look after your baby, which can help give you some ideas. However, if you read a few of these you’ll soon see that the experts have different ideas about parenting too!

Being a parent is a big responsibility, so you’re bound to be nervous, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are loads of people you can ask for advice – your partner, health visitor, midwife, family or friends.

Other parents can also be a great source of support, and sharing your experiences will help you see how normal it is to have worries about being a good parent. It’s a sign that you care about your baby and want to do things well, so take heart! It takes everyone time to get into the swing of things at first but you’ll gradually find the methods that suit you and your baby best.