6 Common Mistakes Rookie (and Even Experienced) Mums Make

No one is perfect, and no mum is perfect. Whether you’ve successfully raised a handful of kids, or you’re new to the game altogether, there’s no denying that you’ve made some mistakes along the way.

Obviously, no one expects a mother’s parenting record to go without a few blemishes, but if you learn and grow from each mistake you make, then it’s perfectly fine to have made them in the first place. There are some mistakes that are bigger than others, but even the little ones are worth noting if they can help you refine your parenting skills.

Sure, everyone makes mistakes, but today we’ll be honing in on those minor mummy mistakes that rookie mums make. Whether you’re a new or tenured mummy, we can’t stress enough that there’s no shame in having made any of these mistakes. This is just a way to reflect on the mishaps and miscalls that brand new mums often make.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common mistakes rookie mums make:

1. Giving your baby a loud toy

This blunder can result in new mums getting even less sleep than they already are! It’s honestly not necessary to inundate your baby with a ton of toys, to begin with, so gifting them with something loud and obnoxious just seems like a big red flag. It may be cute in theory, but rookies are better off handing their baby some stuffed animals, plush dolls, or literally anything that doesn’t light up and make boisterous noises.

2. Expensive baby clothing

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Every experienced mother is capable of warning rookie mums about the mistake of buying expensive clothes for their baby. I think the reason is quite clear–they’ll grow out of that overpriced onesie so fast that your head will spin! It’s okay to splurge a little bit here or there, especially if you think it’s a must, but the better strategy is to remain frugal. Not to mention that you’ll be receiving countless clothing options as gifts at your baby shower! So why fork out the big bucks for each outfit? Unless you can guarantee that you’ll use fancy clothes as hand me downs in the future, there’s no real reason to spend.

3. Not making the most of photo opportunities

You may not realise it now, but time is seemingly flying by. Soon enough, you’ll want to look back at the unique and special time you spent with your child when they were in the baby stage. If you aren’t making the most of photo opportunities with your baby, two words: BIG MISTAKE! They’re only a baby once, after all. Also, you should be actively trying to be in each and every picture with your baby in order to reminisce on the bond you shared when looking back on the pictures in the future.

4. Over-packing the diaper bag

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It’s perfectly okay to be well prepared for anything life throws your way, but there are limits. Veteran mums could probably pack a diaper bag with everything they’ll need and have room (and weight) to spare. Rookie mums…not so much. Often rookies over-pack because they play out every possibility in their head. As a result, they’ll have to tote a diaper bag that would be better off carried by a forklift. Keep it simple, while also being realistic when packing.

5. Skipping your morning coffee/tea

Once you gain back the option to consume caffeine, there really shouldn’t be a reason to skip out on a chance to harness your full mummy potential. Most efficient people are at their best when they consume a healthy, recommended amount of coffee or tea in the morning. It’s a great way to handle the most daunting tasks early on in the day. Don’t make the mistake of being tired and cranky all day, and drink up, rookies!

6. Not giving yourself proper me-time

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New mums often make the mistake of not giving themselves a break every now and then. Yes. You’re a mum now and that’s a lifelong commitment. That doesn’t mean that you’re going to have to sacrifice your personal time. Mums, especially new mums, need a break from it all. Whether it’s a day nap, a nice long soak in the tub, or some reading time…don’t make a rookie mistake and sell yourself short of me-time. It’s essential for keeping yourself well-composed and efficient as a mum.

This article was based on a post shared by Mum.Me