Becoming a Parent: The First Year is a Journey
The first year of your baby’s life is a mix of joy, challenges, and discovery. Whether you're a first-time parent, expecting a little one, or supporting someone on their journey, navigating this phase can feel overwhelming.
At PEP!IN, we believe that every parent’s journey is unique, and we’re here to share real, practical tips that have helped us along the way. We’ve been there—through the sleepless nights, the endless Googling, and the unexpected moments of both stress and pure love. We created this checklist to offer guidance, reassurance, and support to make this journey easier.
As moms of five children and one on the way, combined we have over ten years of experience filled with learning, trial, and error. Our hope is that these helpful tips give you confidence as you create your own parenting rhythm.
1️⃣ Stay Active: Movement is Key
💡 30 minutes of movement a day can reduce stress and improve recovery postpartum!
"I gave birth at the height of the pandemic, and I know how hard it can be to stay active with a newborn. But even small movements each day make a difference!" – Jasmine Ways to stay active with a baby:
✔ Take short stroller walks—around the neighborhood, in the park, or indoors at a mall
✔ Do gentle stretches or yoga while engaging with your baby
✔ Walk up and down stairs or hallways after meals✔ Play music and dance with your little one
2️⃣ Get Social: Find Your Parenting Community
💡 Even one social gathering a month can make a difference in your mental health!
Parenting can feel isolating, but staying connected is key. Even if it’s just a quick coffee meet-up or a virtual chat, finding your people will help.
Ways to connect with other parents:
✔ Attend free first-time parent classes (often hosted by hospitals or local organizations)
✔ Join a parenting group, book club, or baby gym
✔ Host a potluck with family & friends
✔ Volunteer at a community event
3️⃣ Set Realistic Expectations: Give Yourself Grace
💡 You don’t have to be a perfect parent—you just have to be present.
Adjusting to new parenthood takes time. The first year isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about learning, adjusting, and being kind to yourself.
How to manage expectations:
✔ Struggling to cook? Use meal delivery services like Instacart or HelloFresh
✔ Feeling exhausted? Create small rest zones in your home (a chair near the crib, a stool in the bathroom)
✔ Overwhelmed by baby tasks? Post a checklist & set reminders
✔ Need help? Call a friend, doctor, or support group—you’re not alone!
4️⃣ Respect Your Pockets: Spend Wisely
💡 Your baby doesn’t care about brands—they care about love and comfort!
"I can’t stress this enough: respect your pockets! Your child won’t know the difference between a high-end or budget-friendly baby item—but your wallet will." – Deidre
Smart ways to save money on baby essentials:
✔ Buy gently used baby items from Facebook Marketplace or consignment stores
✔ Sell baby gear your child has outgrown to earn extra cash
✔ Skip expensive name-brand baby clothes—they outgrow them too fast!
✔ Use baby swap groups or borrow gear from friends
5️⃣ Reward Yourself: Self-Care Matters
💡 A happy baby starts with a healthy parent Taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby. You can’t pour from an empty cup!
Easy ways to reward yourself:
✔ Schedule childcare for a self-care break
✔ Take a bubble bath or enjoy a quiet moment with tea
✔ Read a book, binge-watch a show, or listen to a podcast
✔ Ask for help—and accept it when it’s offered!
6️⃣ Limit the Clutter: Less is More
💡 Babies don’t need a ton of stuff—only the essentials!
You don’t have to buy everything all at once. Unless you have extra storage, focus on what’s needed now and save the rest for later.
How to keep baby clutter under control:
✔ Donate or sell baby items your child has outgrown
✔ Only assemble big baby gear when needed
✔ Swap unused baby items with other parents
✔ Keep just a few sentimental items—your photos will last forever!
7️⃣ Call on Your Village: You Need Support
💡 Parenting isn’t meant to be done alone—build your village!
Your community—whether it’s family, friends, or other parents—is one of your greatest resources.
Places to build a parenting support network:
✔ Church & faith-based groups
✔ Local parenting meetups & playgroups
✔ Your child’s daycare or school community
✔ Online parenting groups & forums
8️⃣ Create Systems & Routines: Stay Organized
💡 Small systems can make a big difference in your day-to-day life.
The first year with a baby is unpredictable, but having flexible routines in place can help reduce stress.
Ways to create structure:
✔ Use a family calendar (physical or digital) to track baby care, appointments, and reminders
✔ Set up a washing & meal prep schedule
✔ Use Google Home or Alexa for voice-activated reminders
✔ Establish a nighttime routine to help baby sleep
9️⃣ Plan for the Future: Think Long-Term
💡 Smart planning now will save you time, money, and stress later!
If you plan to have more children, think sustainability when making purchases.
Future-friendly parenting tips:
✔ Buy neutral-colored, multi-functional baby gear that can grow with your family
✔ Ask family & friends to contribute to a baby savings fund instead of toys
✔ Trade in old car seats & strollers for store discounts
✔ Host a baby shower for your second pregnancy
Final Thoughts
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences you’ll ever have. The key is to give yourself grace, ask for help, and find what works best for YOU.
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