Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Tips for New Parents

1. BE YOURSELF! No one knows what's best for your child except you, so do what you feel is right in any situation and don't let others get to you if they don't agree.
2. GET SLEEP WHEN YOU CAN. Take advantage of those rare nap times or visits from grandma. You'll thank us for this advice during your 3AM feedings.
3. DON'T SAY NO TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO HELP. We know you'd like to be SuperMom, but let's be honest- motherhood (and fatherhood!) is hard work! There's no shame in getting a helping hand from others who love you and your little one. They most likely would love to be around your new bundle of joy anyway!
4. PREPARE YOUR MEALS IN ADVANCE. When baby comes, all of your attention is focused on him or her and all your personal needs (including food) are no longer a top priority. You likely won't have time to cook, so make some meals ahead of time and store them in the freezer until you're ready to chow down.
5. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Like we said in #4, a new baby means mommy's and daddy's needs are put to the side, but this doesn't mean that you should ignore them either. Be sure you're eating nutritious foods, getting *some* rest and paying attention to your health. Being sick with a newborn is no fun!
6. DON'T BE ASHAMED TO ACCEPT A HAND-ME-DOWN. We know- baby gear is expensive. Go ahead and purchase the items you've been dreaming of, but don't break the bank getting every latest, hottest item on the market. Turn to others who have children a little older for non-essentials. We bet they have a lot of stuff they'd like to get rid of!
7. DON'T PANIC! Parenting is challenging and frustrating at times, but stay calm! You can do it and will make it through every tough time you have along the way. It will be worth it.
8. TAKE YOUR TIME FINDING A BABYSITTER OR DAYCARE PROVIDER. Every mom and/or dad dreads going back to work after a maternity/paternity leave. After all, who wants to leave their snuggly little baby for the ENTIRE day?! Take your time deciding where you want baby to stay while you are away at work. Find someone who understands your parenting style and values. If you're comfortable and happy with your little one's caregiver, you will be more productive during the day and will find yourself worrying less. 
9. LEARN THE DO'S AND DON'T'S OF CAR SEAT SAFETY. We cannot stress this enough! So many parents are uneducated about car seat safety. Read your car seat instruction manual thoroughly to ensure that you are installing properly or consult a local CPST for help. Be sure the harness fits snugly and all buckles/clips are positioned correctly. Know that car seats are designed for use either in a car or a stroller (unless otherwise stated in the manual) and you should never place a car seat on/in a shopping cart, countertop, bed, etc.
10. SAVOR EVERY SINGLE MOMENT. Enjoy the laughs, cries, dirty diapers, long nights, first steps and everything else in between because it will be gone in a flash! You will be a parent forever, but your little one will soon not be so little anymore. Take advantage of every good and bad minute you have with your baby!

Tell us below: what tips for new parents would you add to this list?