The baby’s room is ready and you have the essentials to welcome your newborn. But, you have that nagging feeling in the back of your head that you’re going to screw it up.

Not everyone has the skills to be a good parent, and it’s okay to feel like you don’t have everything under control. Even if you do hit the holy grail of parenting dos and don’ts, there is no one-size-fits-all method. To ease the burdens of parenthood, here are 5 helpful tips to follow!

1) How to put your baby to sleep?

Your little one will spend the first few months sleeping a lot. By far, we are looking at 16 to 20 hours a day. A baby’s sleep routine tends to change every two weeks for the first year. In an ideal world, the baby sleeps when the parents sleep. But that’s not always the case, as your little munchkin will start waking up at 3am. However, it is manageable by knowing your baby’s signs of sleepiness and sleep patterns by spending some time with your baby before bed. Since your child is a little older, it is better to follow the routine of 3B: bath, book, bed. If in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask GPS, friends, or parent support groups for help.

2) How to breastfeed?

For some new mothers, breastfeeding can be effortless, but for many others it can also be a frustrating process. If you are experiencing sore nipples, your baby is not latching on correctly. To avoid this, a good method is to find the best position for breastfeeding and make yourself as comfortable as possible. Also, it’s ideal to start breastfeeding as soon as your baby is born. Don’t worry if she feels tender nipples, as it is very common for moms to breastfeed for the first time.

3) Give attachment parenting a try

The best way for new parents to follow their instincts is through attachment parenting. This parenting philosophy focuses on maximizing the bond between parent and baby. Typically, this method encourages breastfeeding on demand, sensitively responding to baby’s cries, co-sleeping, holding your baby, etc. Many of these have to do with understanding and responding to your child’s emotional and physical needs.

4) Take advice, but stick with what works

There will be people who will tell you that your parenting method is wrong, but it’s best not to stress about it. Always remember that you are the main expert on your baby. Be open to advice, but stick to what works best for you and your baby. Also, it’s important to get those concerns out there. A husband and wife should communicate openly about their struggles together. Simply by talking about the problems, you can put things in perspective.

5) Take it easy

Face each day with grace as the days will be long but the years go by faster. Parenting is hard, so it’s best to enjoy every minute despite a lack of sleep. Another important tip is to spend quality time with your spouse. Plan a date night and don’t feel guilty about getting your parents or the babysitter to help you with the baby. Be patient and everything will fall into place. Good luck!