Being a parent is certainly not always easy—in fact it can be hard, exhausting, and often thankless. Many people feel like parenting is a full-time job, so adding a full work schedule along with other responsibilities on top of that can be a struggle.

This can all get easier once you have more kids, but especially if you are a brand new parent there is going to be a learning curve. This is to be expected and is nothing to be ashamed of. If you are in need of some advice after the birth of your first child, read on. Here are a couple of helpful parenting tips for new parents. 

Prioritize Sleep

This may be one of the oldest tips in the book and something that everyone tells you when you first become a parent, but that’s because it’s a good one! Everyone’s parenting experience is different depending on so many factors, but one thing that seems to be universally true is that having kids will affect your sleep. 

Of course, though your new child is likely the center of your life, you have other things going on too! Whether you have a job to get to early in the morning, you are busy working on hiring an immigration lawyer, or you simply have some housework to do – you need to get your sleep! 

Prioritize sleep by making sure to get a little shuteye whenever you can. A good time to do this is when your baby is napping or you have a sitter. If all else fails, try to adjust your schedule so that you don’t have to be up as early in the morning or are able to go to bed a little later, and take advantage of caffeine when you can!

Ask For Help

As they say, raising children takes a village, so if you need help parenting your children don’t be afraid to ask for it! You may need to ask your parents, in-laws, or other family members or friends to babysit occasionally and you may also have questions about specific choices you are making with your new child. Asking other parents is a great way for you to feel less alone and also get some great advice along the way. 

Plus, if you want to save money on childcare or babysitters, asking friends or family members is a win-win because they will be thrilled to be able to spend time with your child and it will also help you out. 

Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Just remember that parenting doesn’t have to be a huge struggle. Try these tips to see if they help make your life easier, and just keep doing the best you can. 

Guide created by International Surrogacy Center, who can help you become a surrogate