I’m a new mom, but I’ve had six months to get used to my new role and how to handle many different situations! Here is my top 10 list of things every new mom should know:

1. Know where the closest bathroom is – thought you could relax on this one once you had your baby? While you’re no longer peeing every minute, your baby may need a sudden diaper change or you may find yourself covered in vomit! It’s worth it to know where every bathroom is. Thankfully, many places have bathrooms for moms and babes with change tables and chairs for nursing!

If you have an IPhone, check out the SitorSquat app by Charmin. It’s absolutely wonderful, providing you with up to date information on washrooms in your current area!

2. Don’t beat yourself up about your baby’s sleep patterns. Your baby may not be sleeping through the night like so-and-so’s child, but that doesn’t mean it’ll always be that way. When it comes to sleep, baby’s change all of the time. Sure, baby Chloe may be giving her parents a full night’s rest now but that doesn’t mean she’ll be so easy once she’s a talking and walking toddler! Go easy on yourself and remember that nothing lasts forever!

3. Take some time for yourself. Don’t skip on the shower or that hair appointment. A happy mom truly is a happy baby.

4. You’ll never laugh so hard or smile so often in your life. There’s something about the smile and laughter of little babies and children. It just melts your heart and makes you easily forget about the complicated “adult” things that often makes us frown and remember that it’s the “simple” things that matter in life.

5. Don’t beat yourself up.