When I had my first baby, I quickly discovered that everyone has an opinion on how to raise children. From well-meaning friends and family to health visitors and online forums, there’s no shortage of parenting advice for new parents in the UK. Add to that the stack of books and leaflets I’d collected, and I felt overwhelmed. If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my motherhood journey, it’s this: it’s your baby, and it’s your choice how you nurture and care for them.
In this post, I’ll share my personal experiences—what worked, what didn’t, and how I learned to filter out conflicting opinions. I’ll also provide tips and resources you can adapt to suit your own parenting style. After all, no two babies are alike, and no two parents have the exact same approach.

1. The Overwhelm of Advice
When I brought my first baby home, I was bombarded with well-intentioned suggestions about infant nutrition, sleep routines, and how to cope with day-to-day life. Should I exclusively breastfeed, or combine breastfeeding vs. bottle feeding? Should my baby sleep in a Moses basket, a separate cot, or co-sleep for bonding? All this information can quickly become confusing.
Lesson Learned: Not every tip applies to every family. It’s useful to gather knowledge from reputable sources like the NHS guidelines, but at the end of the day, you have to trust your instincts and do what feels right for you and your baby.
Tip: Keep a simple parenting journal where you jot down questions or issues as they arise. You can then discuss these with your GP or health visitor, who’ll provide tailored advice based on your baby’s needs.
2. Feeding Choices: Finding What Works
The question of infant nutrition is a common source of stress for new parents in the UK. Breastfeeding, if possible, can offer many benefits, including antibodies that support your baby’s immune system. However, it can be challenging at first, especially if you’re exhausted or experiencing latch issues. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant or local support groups.
If breastfeeding isn’t an option or you decide to combine methods, bottle feeding can be a practical solution—particularly if you’re returning to work or experiencing difficulties with breastfeeding. Many mums I know have found a balance with combination feeding, mixing breast milk and formula as needed. Always remember that a fed baby is a healthy baby, and you shouldn’t feel guilty or pressured about your feeding choices.
3. Sleep Arrangements and Safe Sleep
When it comes to your baby’s sleep routine, you’ll find plenty of debates on co-sleeping versus separate sleeping. Co-sleeping can simplify night feeds and encourage bonding, but it’s crucial to follow safe sleeping guidelines in the UK. Keep pillows, loose bedding, and soft toys away from your baby, and ensure that neither parent smokes or has consumed alcohol.
Alternatively, many parents opt for a separate cot in the same room. According to groups like the Lullaby Trust, room-sharing without bed-sharing for at least the first six months can help reduce the risk of SIDS and allow you to keep a close eye on your baby.
Key Takeaway: The best sleep arrangement is the one that keeps your baby safe, comfortable, and gives you peace of mind.
4. Weaning and Introducing Solids
Introducing solids in the UK typically begins around six months, though some babies are ready a bit earlier or later. Keep an eye out for signs such as sitting up well, showing interest in food, and being able to swallow pureed textures. When it’s time, you can follow either the traditional approach (starting with purees and mashed foods) or baby-led weaning (letting your baby explore finger foods independently).
Experiment with various flavours, including mild spices or herbs, to encourage a broader palate. Baby weaning tips often suggest starting with vegetables like steamed carrots or soft fruits like banana slices. If you’re concerned about allergies or intolerances, record which foods you introduce and watch for reactions. This simple record-keeping helps you spot patterns and discuss any concerns with a professional.
5. Prioritising Your Own Wellbeing
It’s all too easy to lose yourself in the daily demands of a newborn, leading to sleep deprivation and fluctuating emotions. Postnatal self-care is essential for every new mum. Try to carve out even a few minutes a day—whether for a hot bath, a short walk, or a quiet cup of tea—so you can recharge.
If you find yourself experiencing ongoing low moods or anxiety, remember there are many forms of mental health support for new mums. This can include counselling through the NHS, local support groups, or charities like the PANDAS Foundation and Mind. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and ensures you can be at your best for your baby.
6. Embracing Your Own Parenting Style
Parenting in the UK often includes a mix of traditions, personal preferences, and cultural influences. There is no single formula for positive parenting—it’s about fostering a loving, safe environment in which your baby can thrive. Consider the unique needs of your family and maintain a personalised approach to baby care.
- Ask for Help: Whether it’s your partner, family, friends, or a local mums’ group, support is invaluable.
- Trust Your Instincts: You know your baby better than anyone else. If something feels off, don’t be afraid to seek professional advice.
- Build Your Community: Connect with other parents online or in person. Sharing experiences can reassure you that nobody has all the answers and that’s perfectly okay.
7. Useful Resources
- NHS Start for Life: Offers guidance on feeding, weaning, and key childhood milestones.
- Lullaby Trust: Provides information on safe sleeping for babies.
- PANDAS Foundation: Offers support for postnatal mental health.
- NCT (National Childbirth Trust): Runs classes, local groups, and parenting courses across the UK.
These resources for parents in the UK can help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed by conflicting information.
Final Thoughts
Raising a baby means making countless decisions—about feeding, sleeping, and everything in between. Ultimately, the most important thing is to recognise that it’s your baby, and it’s your choice. No matter what anyone else says, you have the right to shape your parenting journey in the way that feels best for your family.
If you’ve found this article helpful, feel free to share it with friends or family who might be facing similar uncertainties. By sharing insights and tips, we can create a supportive community of parents across the UK, all learning from each other’s experiences.
Remember, you’ve got this. Trust your instincts, do your research, and take a moment to enjoy those precious newborn snuggles whenever you can.
Share Checklist
- Know a friend who’s struggling with conflicting parenting advice? Send them this article!
- Want to help new parents in the UK find reliable information on safe sleep or weaning? Share these resources with them.
Because at the end of the day, the most valuable advice is this: it’s your baby, your choice, and no one can take that confidence away from you.
44 comments
Completely agree, thanks for posting. We’re all mothers trying to do what’s best. To have a choice is a great thing, to own that choice is too. #effitfriday
Absolutely! Thanks for reading.
Exactly! The press is getting boring now. I think most people are aware of natures function for breasts and need to stop making unnecessary fuss! We’re lucky that we live in a society where we have other options to feed our babies!
We really are and yes boring is spot on!
I love this post! I had a hard time figuring out what i wanted to do. i tried breastfeeding and it just wasn’t right for me. and i felt like a failure just because there is a big thing of breastfeeding, but i chose not to and i’m not glad i didn’t, but i would definitely try breastfeeding with our next baby x
Thanks for sharing your experience! Good luck for next time whatever you decide 🙂
I empathise. I also found it too difficult with my first and my second had an op on her tongue so made it impossible. Felt pressure too. Like this post though ?
Completely 100% agree with this. I don’t get it. As long as a baby is being fed then who cares! Motherhood is totally about choices.
I decided not to weigh in with the whole #brelfie vs #bressure posting and instead did this -http://www.lifewithbabykicks.com/2015/06/10-signs-you-are-breastfeeding.html?m=1
Thanks for linking with #effitfriday
That’s brilliant … I think all my tops look like that!
Yes. Yes. Yes. #mommittment
#bigfatlinky
Thanks for reading!
Totally agree with you, I often think how lucky we are that the majority of us have two choices about how we feed our babies – I am not sure why people seem to get involved in something that is nothing to do with them!
Exactly – everyone seems to thought don’t they, I don’t understand it.
Hear Hear!! I don’t understand why people insist on bashing those that don’t breastfeed without thinking about their reasons behind it and maybe considering the extreme guilt they feel at perhaps not being able to. I also think more support needs to be given to those who would like to breastfeed but are struggling with it. #bigfatlinky
Thanks Natasha – totally agree with you!
I’m with you! So bored of the whole debate, why is it such a big debate now? Some women breastfeed and some don’t – get over it! Its like debating over whether you should wipe your arse standing up or sitting down – its a private and personal choice and nobody should care how you do it. #rantover ?
Very true! I should have just written that lol – post over 🙂 Thanks for reading and your comments !
Fab post and I couldn’t agree more, I just don’t understand why more people can’t have a live and let live approach!! Xx #sharewithme
Thanks Caroline -I never know where people find the time to get involved with the choices others make.
Great post! I totally agree! Having a baby is emotional and hard enough without the stress, guilt, and judging that comes with the whole breast vs bottle debate.. x #brilliantblogposts
Thanks for reading – you are quite right!
Completely agree. Each to their own and let others be. Thank you for linking up #bigfatlinky
Thanks Al – exactly!
Fantastic post and point made. I agree whole heartedly it’s your baby your choice and sometimes people judge way too quickly before they know the circumstance. Thank you so much for linking up to Share With Me. Hope to see you again tomorrow for another great round. #sharewithme
Thanks Jenny – exactly, they get part of a story and get carried away.
Amen! Yes!! Bravo!! I’m a huge pro for breastfeeding, plan to do it again if we have a 3rd, but I know now, 8.5 years into parenting that what I choose is best for me/my babies but that doesn’t make another mother’s choice to feed differently less valid or good! Well said!
Exactly that Karen! Thanks for reading 🙂
I found it hard too… really hard. I remember saying to hubby I’d rather go through labour again than the first few weeks of struggling to get feeding sorted (bubs was jaundiced and that added to the anguish)… we got there in the end though and I ended up loving every last moment 🙂
Good for you. Yes same here the first time around. It was so hard, but for me it worse worth it. Thanks for reading 🙂
Great post and I completely agree. I ‘still’ breastfeed my toddler and I am happy with my choice but I would never judge another mum for how they feed their babies, that’s just ridiculous!
Becky x
#Twinklytuesday
Thanks Becky – I wish everyone was the same 🙂
Aaah — I’m sick to the back teeth of this debate. Some mothers can’t breastfeed. Some mothers don’t want to. Some breastfeed for a little while, other’s breastfeed their kids til they are 8 years old. Ultimately, it has nothing to do with anyone else.
All the judgemental parents — on *both* sides of the fence — should just move on. Thanks so much for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday — hope to see you again next week! x
Caro | http://www.thetwinklediaries.co.uk
Move on – love it! Yes you are spot on!
Totally agree! Mum’s should also support one another too instead of bashing one another or trying to out do the other. Us Mother’s are criticised so much for every choice we make so lets just support one another!
Yes Jenna – spot on! thanks for reading 🙂
I completely agree all this parenting competition and judging needs to go out the window pronto. We are all trying to achieve the same thing to be the best parents we can to our lovely babies no matter which way they sleep, are fed, etc…. I wish we would all stop judging each other and support each other more no matter what. Thanks for linking up to #ShareWithMe
Spot on Jenny x
I saw a woman discreetly breastfeeding at our locally health club and it took me back 40 years to when I did the same with mine and yes there were people disagreeing with breastfeeding in public then too. How ridiculous it is the most natural and delightful thing ever.
Indeed Christine – some things have changed, some things have not 🙁
Love reading this true words spoken nobody should judge. Long our children are all loved fed and safe nobody should judge either way .x
Thanks for reading Keri – and yes, exactly that! x
I do think that breastfeeding is the best, but is such a hard work that I understand why a lot of women cannot do this.
Yes exactly Jane, me too