Being a new mom can be completely overwhelming. We're responsible for a tiny little human that's counting on us, but let's face it... we don't know what we're doing! No class in school prepared me to be a mom. No doctor gave me a course on what to do/not to do. Bringing my newborn home from the hospital was so scary.
What if I don't know what to do? Are we doing this parenting thing right? Who's going to teach us how to make sure she sleeps well? Is someone going to tell us about positive parenting skills? How will we know when to feed her solids... and what food is okay? Okay, now take a deep breath... ultimately, your mommy instincts (and Google) will tell you what to do.
Social media was my biggest teacher. I know that sounds funny, but I am going to share with you my three favorite Instagram accounts that will give you reassurance, and if you haven't been told today, you're doing great mama!
#1: Taking Cara Babies
Taking Cara Babies is one of the best accounts on Instagram. Cara is a certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant and a former Neonatal Nurse. She talks all things mom, but her focus is to "help babies get sleep worldwide."
I first heard of Cara from multiple Youtube moms. Everyone swears by her sleeping techniques, so I had to check it out myself! First, I checked out her instagram @takingcarababies. I was relieved that there was over 1,000 posts on sleep techniques. Free, helpful information from a professional is always amazing! I also love that Cara constantly posts Instagram highlights that you can look through, Instagram reels, IGTV and answers your questions on her stories.
The next thing my husband and I did was take her Newborn Class before our daughter was born. This class is designed to:
Calm a fussy baby
Have confidence as a parent
Read your baby's cues
Set your days/nights up for success
Love the newborn stage
We personally thought the $79 price tag was totally worth it! The course really delivers on all of its objectives (listed above.) My husband and I sleep pretty well, and with Cara's techniques we often tell friends that sleeping with a newborn really isn't as bad as people make it seem.
Safe sleep is always at top of mind, so I also love that Cara explains this in her course but also constantly throughout her Instagram. Give her a follow and thank me later!
#2: Big Little Feelings
The second Instagram account you need to follow like right now, is @biglittlefeelings. Kristin and Deena are some of the most knowledgeable and relatable moms I have found! Kristin is superwoman to two toddlers, and Deena is living life with her first newborn. Deena is also a Child Therapist and Parent Coach.
I have to admit my baby is still relatively small, so she doesn't really have tantrums... yet, but it's never too early to start getting in the habit of positive parenting skills.
Here are some topics they cover on their Instagram:
Things to avoid saying to your child and what to try to say instead
How to work through meltdowns and tantrums
What to say to a picky eater
How to help your kids through separation/divorce
How to build your child's self esteem
Big Little Feelings also has a course on their website called Winning the Toddler Stage. I personally haven't taken it yet, but we definitely will closer to Luna's toddler stage.
#3: Feeding Littles
Feeding Littles is the next account you will want to follow to learn about safe feeding and baby-led weening techniques!
Judy and Megan have both done a great job at providing helpful and useful information on their Instagram account. Also, hilarious content that always makes me laugh! Being a parent can be tough, so we could all use a laugh throughout the day.
Again, I am personally not at the stage yet where my baby is eating solids, but we're approaching that timeline, so I find the Feeding Littles account super informative! As we get closer to that stage, we will be taking their Infant Course. For now, I'll stick to enjoying their Instagram content.
Some of the topics they cover on their Instagram are:
What to say/what not to say posts in regard to eating
Child eating safety tips
Advice for picky eaters
Meal time ideas
Judy is an Occupational Therapist and Feeding Specialist, and Megan is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Together, they are the perfect duo to follow!
There you have it friends, my top three Instagram accounts to follow if you're a new mom! Let me know some of your favorites too!
Xoxo, Mars
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