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TOP TIPS FOR NEW PARENTS

Having a child can be a daunting experience. With the arrival of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s
first baby, three influencers reveal their handiest hacks for moms and dads to be

ENJOY THE LITTLE MOMENTS

Have helpers you can call on: “New parents: follow your instincts,” says Lynzy Coughlin (@lynzyandco), mom to Olivia, 5, Ellie, 3, and Miles, 1. “Soak up each minute. My advice is to have a community of people written down prior to baby’s arrival that you can call on when needed. Make this list and make sure to check with each person that it’s okay to ask them for help along the way. This can be a neighbour, friend, family member, or co-worker! It takes a team.”

It goes so fast: “With the arrival of my second and third kids, I am much more laid back, about everything – you can absolutely tell by the personality of each of them. I worry less about the small things and have learned to enjoy all the little moments. It passes in an instant.”

My top picks: “I love all the neutral options in the newborn collection. It’s very hard to create a beautiful neutral clothing line and M&S nails it. I recommend picking comfortable onesies for all those diaper changes, and burp cloths. And don’t forget to get yourself a great, comfortable nursing bra, too."

Lynzy wears a lemon print dress and leather mules. Olivia wears a ditsy print jumpsuit. Ellie wears a pure cotton dress and denim jacket. Miles wears a pure cotton cardi, pants and leather brogues.

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LEARN TO LAUGH THINGS OFF

In it together: “Miller [five months] is our first child,” says Amanda Pollard (@themilleraffect). “Before she arrived, my husband and I spent a lot of time together. We knew that would be limited with a newborn, so we soaked up every minute that we could before she arrived. It really helped us become a strong team once she was born. I had no idea what to expect with labour and we were scared to death the moment we walked in the door with her!”

It’s OK to make mistakes: “I’ve learnt a lot from becoming a mom. Mostly, don’t take yourself too seriously – you’ll make mistakes, but your baby will be OK. Learn to laugh things off because we’ve all been there and done that! I started Mom Fail Monday to remind my fellow mamas that there really aren’t any fails when you are a mom.”

My top picks: “Marks & Spencer is my favourite place to buy baby clothes. I think at least half of Miller's wardrobe is from M&S. We love how soft everything is – particularly the organic cotton range. I recommend picking up sleepsuits, a snuggly blanket and a great pair of booties to keep their feet from getting cold.”

Amanda wears a square neck cotton-rich top and mid-rise boyfriend fit jeans. Troy wears a white tee and cotton chinos. Miller wears a pure cotton romper.

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EVERYTHING IS A PHASE

Go with it: “Every baby is different and how your body responds to pregnancy, labour and postpartum will be different too,” says Sandy Chang (@sandyalamode), mom to Austin, 7, and Vivian, 4. “There were so many differences between my babies that I learned to ‘go with it’ and realise that everything is a phase. Do what you can, don’t turn down help, and do what works for you.”

A little prep goes a long way: “Before our first child, we stocked up on all the essentials and prepared the hospital diaper bag a couple weeks before the due date. My parents were able to help with daily chores and cooking when we had no clue what we were doing. The second time around, they were able to help with our son while we were in the hospital.”

My top picks: “I love the soft organic cotton range. Babies’ skin can be very sensitive, so it’s important to make sure they are comfortable in their cute little outfits. I also love these little sleeping bags as they keep babies a little warmer and give them more of a feeling that would mimic that of them being in their mother’s womb. A lot of the newborn baby range is unisex as well, so if expectant parents are keeping the gender a surprise, they can still purchase pieces that will work for either girls or boys.”

Sandy wears a floral print cami dress and multi-strap sandals. Marvin wears a cotton polo shirt and tapered fit jeans. Austin wears striped shorts and a cotton polo. Vivienne wears a ruffled playsuit.

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Images : Nikki Estephan (Lynzy), Adria Lea (Amanda), Brittany Nikole (Sandy)

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