Few things are more exciting and overwhelming than the prospect of becoming a parent. Child-rearing can be difficult; read on for a few tips.

You should not spend a lot of money on nursing equipment right before you have your baby. It is always possible to buy baby furniture, bedding and the like at much better prices by shopping at large discount stores. Friends and family members may be willing to donate items that are no longer being used.

Remove everything from the countertop in the kitchen, recline your son or daughter on a towel, and allow water from the tap to soak their hair. Over time, this may make a toddler more receptive to the idea of being submerged or doused with water.

Stick with your child’s established eating and sleeping schedule as best you can when you are traveling with him or her. Travel can be extremely stressful for young children and infants. However, if you follow their normal bedtime ritual no matter where you are, they are likely to have no problems sleeping.

It is difficult for young children to embrace change. If they are pulled away from something too soon, it can trigger a melt down.

Every parent needs an occasional break from their children. You can let family and friends care for your children for a few hours to even a whole weekend. Parents who take care of their children 24 hours a day without relief are more likely to make poor raising a child choices and contribute to a tense family environment.

Never smoke in the house if you are a parent. It’s a good idea to give up smoking entirely. Secondhand smoke can be very harmful to the smoker and everyone around them. Second-hand smoke exposure can lead to asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory problems for children.

Each child has different needs and expectations. Techniques that have worked with some children may not work with others. Rewards and punishments will need to be examined. You should, however, keep in mind techniques that have been successful in the past.

If cutting teeth is painful for your child, put certain foods, such as carrots, cucumbers or pickles into a mesh teething feeder. While plastic or rubber teethers are effective, offering your child a teething aid with a flavor will encourage him or her to keep gnawing. Chewing on the item for a while can really make your child happier and less cranky.

This article should give you a good start on your way to becoming a good parent. Bear in mind though that every being a parent experience is totally unique. Even though billions of children have been raised in the world, there is no one “sure-fire” way to be a parent. Therefore, use whatever advice fits your child-rearing style. Parenting is a rewarding time for you, and childhood is an exciting, productive period in your child’s life; make sure to enjoy your time together because they do grow up quickly.