Mom's Best (Really Useful) Tips to Avoid Goat-Hat in the First Year

When you become a mom for the first time , everything changes. Your body, your priorities, your sleep (or lack thereof), and even the discussions between friends. I remember googling "mommy tips" at 3 a.m., Romie screaming in my arms and me in my pajamas, my eyes half glued shut. Nothing seemed more unclear to me than this new role. I came across the blog l'univers des mamans , full of practical advice for us new moms. I shared it with my friends, so I'm sharing it with you too.

So if you too are new to this incredible jungle that is motherhood, welcome. Here, no miracle recipes, but tried-and-tested, sometimes failed, often adored mommy advice . Practical tips, funny (or not so) failures, and above all, lots of kindness.

First-time mom: that big leap into the unknown

The shock of the beginning: between intense happiness and a big slap

You may have read it everywhere, but nothing really prepares you for that moment when you come home from the maternity ward with a baby in your arms... and zero instructions. We often talk about crazy love, less about the baby blues, the overwhelming fatigue and that little voice that says to you "But what the hell am I doing here?"

This is where maternity advice becomes invaluable. And not the advice from cousin Jean-Marc who thinks a baby is "raised by instinct." I'm talking about those mommy tips gleaned here and there: how to calm crying, how to breastfeed without crying (you too), how to take care of yourself without feeling guilty.

And above all, tell yourself that it's okay not to know everything. That becoming a mother is a learning process, not a diploma to be obtained at birth.

Surround yourself with the right people (and filter out the rest)

Your sister-in-law thinks you should do this, your neighbor tells you that her daughter was already sleeping through the night at 2 days old... STOP. Learn to filter.

Surround yourself with young mothers or caring professionals. Create your own little tribe, even a virtual one. Personally, I found my 4 a.m. salvation in a Facebook group for mothers. Sometimes a simple "Cheer up, I'm going through the same thing" can put you back on track for the day.

Practical tips for surviving the first year with baby

Sleep when the baby sleeps… or not

We've all heard this phrase. Sometimes it's annoying, but sometimes it's true. Yes, your living room will look like a dump. Yes, you might forget to wash your hair. So what?

Your priority is staying upright . If you want to sleep, sleep. If you prefer to binge-watch a series while munching on chocolate during your nap, do that too. Every stolen moment is a mini-victory. And you deserve them all.

Slow down on the to-do list

Before I was a mom, I made endless lists. Today? My sticky note says: “Change baby. Eat. Survive.”

Lower your expectations. Cooking an organic, gluten-free casserole is good. Eating a bowl of cereal while sitting down is sometimes better. The mom advice I always give: “You're already enough, no need to prove anything.”

The famous pressure of perfection: what if we let go?

Your baby doesn't need the perfect Pinterest room

You may have started a baby registry as long as your arm, with items with unpronounceable Scandinavian names. I did it too.

But you know what really helped? A soft music box for falling asleep, an indoor baby swing that calmed him for hours, and this soft baby brush that he still loves at 7 years old.

Better to do less, but more. Choose durable, aesthetically pleasing, and useful items. This is what we call a smart investment, and it makes all the difference in your daily life.

Let go of the guilt: you're doing your best, and that's huge.

There will be days when you cry as much as he does. Nights when you wonder if you'll make it. And yet, you keep going. Because you're there. Because you love him. And because you're taming this role of mother of a baby in your own way.

So stop comparing yourself. Social media is nice, but real life is sometimes in pajamas, with milk on your shoulder and a wry smile.

Birth gifts and their real usefulness: shall we talk about it?

What a new mom REALLY wants to receive

Looking for a baby gift idea for your best friend who's become a mom? Here's the truth: she already has 12 size 1-month-old bodysuits.

Give her time, support, or an object that makes a difference: a music box to soothe baby, a soft night light for restless nights, or even a voucher to babysit while she goes to the hairdresser.

Practical gifts = everlasting love

Useful and beautiful items are a winning combination. It's also the DNA of brands like April Eleven: offering meaningful, beautiful, and sustainable gifts. A well-chosen mom gift is a breath of fresh air in the tumult of postpartum.

What you don't hear often enough (and what you need to hear)

You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to be "like everyone else." You are the perfect mom for your baby , period.

Allow yourself gentleness, humor, and breaks. And above all, never remain alone with your doubts. Because every mother has already felt what you feel. And sisterhood, in motherhood, is sacred.

FAQ

What are the best tips for a first-time mom?

Listening to your body, trusting yourself, and avoiding an overload of conflicting information are also essential keys. Surrounding yourself with caring people and resting whenever possible.

What items should you really include in a useful baby registry?

A soft night light, a music box, a baby brush, plenty of diapers, a baby sling, and a good thermometer. The rest can wait.

How to manage fatigue in the first year?

Don't feel guilty about sleeping as soon as possible, get help when things get stuck, and accept that things aren't perfect. This is a year of survival, not performance.

What to do about unsolicited advice?

Take a deep breath, smile politely, and filter. You choose what speaks to you, ignore the rest. Your family, your rules.

How to find time for yourself when you are a young mother?

Little by little. Even 15 minutes a day counts. A quiet shower, a hot coffee, or just listening to a podcast is enough to recharge your batteries.