For many, becoming a parent and raising a child is both a time for joy and for trepidation. The following tips will help you solve many of the mysteries of being a parent.

If you are an expectant parent, remember that it is not necessary to spend obscene amounts of money on furnishing your nursery. Many baby items can be purchased at discount stores like Wal-Mart or secondhand from thrift stores, for a much lower price than at a more expensive specialty store. Also, ask if any of your family or friends have spare baby stuff that they don’t use anymore.

Your children are always watching your behavior as a map for how they should behave. Your children need to know that they are able to trust you.

After making a clear space on the counter, cover it with a rolled-up towel. Position your child so that his or her head is over the sink, then run water from your faucet onto the scalp and hair. This can minimize the anxiety many young children have when their heads are doused with water.

If you bring a small child along on your travels, try to eat and go to bed at about the same time he does at home. Traveling with young kids can be stressful on them, particularly when they are infants. To assist your child in feeling comfortable while traveling and ensure that all members of your party get a good night’s sleep, be sure to observe established bedtime rituals.

Spending time bonding with your children is important, but it is also vital that you take the time to focus on yourself as well. This allows you to retain your individuality along with your identity as a parent.

Never feed a toddler or infant soda pop, even if it is diet. Provide your child with healthy drinks, such as milk, diluted fruit juices or plain water.

Make taking care of yourself a priority when you have children. Even if you’re having a stressful and hectic day go ahead and take some time to relax, you want to re-energize yourself. By the time you return, you will feel ten times better and it will be reflected in the interactions between your children and yourself.

If you have read all the tips and advice listed here, then you will have a solid foundation on which to build a positive child-rearing experience. There is no exact plan for parenting that fits every persons lifestyle. There is no one right way to do any activity involved in raising a child. Apply the suggestions that are most appropriate for you and your relationship with your child. Children grow up before you know it, so take the time to enjoy your children during this exciting time.