Becoming a parent is one of life’s most transformative experiences, filled with joy, uncertainty, and countless decisions. For new parents, the journey can feel overwhelming, especially in a world full of conflicting advice. But there’s good news: you don’t need to have all the answers to be a great parent. Instead, learning to trust yourself, lean on expert advice, and embrace the imperfect moments can make all the difference.
We’ve gathered some of the best parenting tips from trusted experts featured on the Thrive Market blog. These insights offer compassionate, evidence-based guidance to help you navigate early parenthood with more confidence, ease, and joy.
Trust Your Feeding Decisions
One of the earliest challenges new parents face is how to feed their baby. Whether it’s breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, the pressure to choose the “right” path can feel intense. But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer—and that’s okay.
“We should allow everyone to have confidence in their own feeding journey, and you can’t be confident without a product you’re proud of. When parents feel educated and equipped, they can really feel confidence in the decisions that they make. There is no wrong way to feed your baby, whether it’s formula, breastfeeding, combination feeding, or donor milk — whatever people want to do, that’s the right decision for their family.”
— Sara Holman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bobbie
This reminder is crucial: fed is best. What matters most is that parents feel empowered and supported in their feeding choices. Prioritize education, choose products you trust, and remember that a well-fed, loved baby is a healthy baby.
Get Baby Involved in Mealtime
As babies begin to explore solids, mealtimes can get messy. But instead of trying to control the chaos, experts suggest embracing it as an important part of development.
“Embracing the mess now can go a long way towards having a child who looks forward to mealtime in the long term. Babies learn so much by watching and then mimicking mealtime behavior they see from their parents and siblings. Bring the highchair right up to the table, and have your baby join the fun!”
— Nicole Silber, Pediatric Nutritionist
Encouraging babies to participate in family meals — even if they’re just observing — lays the foundation for healthy relationships with food. Let them touch, play, and experiment! Mealtime is about connection, not perfection.
Build a Support System (and Use It)
Raising a baby is not a solo job. In fact, the idea that new parents should “do it all” alone is not only unrealistic, it can be harmful. One of the best things you can do is lean into your support system.
“Prior to my maternity leave, we had an amazing speaker, Ara Katz, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Seed. She inspired me through her example as a mother and as a successful woman in leadership. Talk about how women can do it all! She just had a baby and was on a Zoom call with 30+ women sharing her story about how she founded Seed, all while pumping on the call! In this moment I realized that not only can I survive as a working mother, but I can thrive.”
— Kacy Murakami, Talent Operations Specialist at Thrive Market
Whether it’s your partner, parents, friends, or a local parenting group, having others to turn to for help, advice, or even just a meal can make a huge difference in your mental and physical health.
Create Consistent Routines
Babies thrive on predictability. Creating gentle, consistent routines around feeding, sleeping, and playtime helps your little one feel secure and learn what’s to come from their day.
“Establishing a routine can provide structure and help your child understand what’s expected.”
— Erica Bethe Levin, Founder of Globowl
Of course, flexibility is also key — especially in those early months. But over time, routines can support everything from emotional regulation to smoother bedtimes. The goal isn’t to be rigid, but to create comforting rhythms that work for your family.
Encourage Healthy Sleep Habits
Establishing a consistent sleep routine is vital for your child’s development and mood.
Kids need a lot of sleep, but you might not know it from the way most children struggle against their bedtime. Whether your little one is the anxious type who can’t turn off their thoughts or the type to drag out every single toy for a late-night play session, there are many reasons kids may resist bedtime.
Creating a calming bedtime routine and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help alleviate bedtime struggles.
Choose Sustainable and Safe Products
Selecting eco-friendly kids products made without harsh chemicals ensures a healthier environment for your child. At Thrive Market, we carefully curate products that align with these values, offering families sustainable choices in baby and kids’ essentials.
Opting for sustainable products supports not only your child’s health but also the well-being of the planet.
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