Becoming a mum is one of the most exciting and overwhelming journeys in life. There’s so much advice, so many voices, and sometimes the fear of “doing it wrong” can feel louder than your baby’s cry.
According to TheBump, 55% of parents – especially mums – feel like they are failing within the first year of parenthood.
The truth? Every first-time mum makes mistakes. But with the right knowledge and support, you can avoid the most common ones and make your parenting journey smoother, especially in Nigeria, where culture, family expectations, and limited resources play a big role.
This guide explores the most frequent Mistakes first-time mums make, why they happen, and how to avoid them. Along the way, you’ll also see practical tools and baby essentials that Chikaro provides to make life easier. At Chikaro, we sell carefully chosen baby and mother care items like bundles, recovery kits, feeding gear, sleepwear, and milestone trackers to help you prevent many of the common Mistakes first-time mums make.
1. Trying to Do Everything Alone
One of the earliest Mistakes first-time mums make is believing they must prove themselves by doing it all – cooking, cleaning, entertaining visitors, and caring for the baby at the same time. This pressure is even higher in Nigerian households where family members expect new mums to juggle everything.
Why it’s a mistake:
When you try to do it all, you risk exhaustion, poor recovery, and less time bonding with your baby. It’s one of the biggest Mistakes first-time mums make because recovery is not optional, it’s essential.
What to do instead:
- Accept help from trusted friends and family.
- Focus on bonding and resting.
- Delegate chores if possible.
At Chikaro, our postpartum bundles and recovery kits are designed to support mothers so they can rest and heal instead of falling into one of the most damaging Mistakes first-time mums make.
2. Over-Bathing or Over-Cleansing Baby
Another frequent example of Mistakes first-time mums make is bathing the baby multiple times daily, especially in hot weather. Nigerian mums often believe this keeps the baby fresher.
Why it’s a mistake:
Newborn skin is delicate. Over-bathing strips natural oils, causing dryness and irritation.
What to do instead:
- Bathe baby 2–3 times weekly.
- Do sponge cleans on other days.
- Use mild, fragrance-free products.
Chikaro sells gentle bath kits and baby wash essentials that help prevent the skincare-related Mistakes first-time mums make.
3. Ignoring Your Own Health
Focusing only on the baby while neglecting your own needs is one of the most dangerous Mistakes first-time mums make.
Why it’s a mistake:
Skipping meals, missing sleep, or ignoring pain slows your recovery and lowers your energy.
What to do instead:
- Eat well and hydrate.
- Rest whenever your baby sleeps.
- See a doctor if something feels wrong.
At Chikaro, we stock nursing-friendly clothing and hydration bottles that support mums to stay well and avoid the all-too-common Mistakes first-time mums make around neglecting themselves.
4. Believing Every Piece of Advice
In Nigeria, aunties, neighbours, and strangers at the bus stop will offer baby advice. Believing all of it is one of the biggest Mistakes first-time mums make.
Why it’s a mistake:
Not all advice is safe. Too many voices create confusion and stress.
What to do instead:
- Filter advice through your doctor.
- Politely say: “Thank you, I’ll see what works for me.”
Chikaro provides product guides and expert-backed articles to help reduce the overwhelming Mistakes first-time mums make when they listen to unverified advice.
5. Skipping Baby’s Tummy Time
Neglecting tummy time is another one of the Mistakes first-time mums make.
Why it’s a mistake:
Tummy time builds muscle strength, prevents flat head, and supports motor development.
What to do instead:
- Start with supervised tummy time from the first weeks.
- Place baby on your chest or a soft mat daily.
Chikaro sells tummy time mats and pillows that make this milestone easier and prevent the development-related Mistakes first-time mums make.
6. Not Learning Baby’s Cues
Waiting until your baby cries before responding is one of the Mistakes first-time mums make.
Why it’s a mistake:
Crying is a late-stage signal of hunger or tiredness. Responding too late creates stress for both mum and baby.
What to do instead:
- Learn early hunger signs like lip-smacking and rooting.
- Watch for tiredness cues like yawning or rubbing eyes.
With tools like swaddles and nursing covers from Chikaro, you can respond more easily and avoid the typical Mistakes first-time mums make with cues.
7. Not Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment
Babies need calm spaces, yet many households are noisy and bright at night. Ignoring this is one of the Mistakes first-time mums make.
Why it’s a mistake:
Too much stimulation keeps babies awake and unsettled.
What to do instead:
- Use blackout curtains.
- Keep the room cool and mosquito-free.
- Establish a gentle bedtime routine.
Chikaro offers breathable sleepwear, mosquito nets, and swaddles to help mothers avoid the sleep-related Mistakes first-time mums make.
8. Spending Too Much on Fancy Baby Items
Buying every gadget in the store is one of the Mistakes first-time mums make that strains finances.
Why it’s a mistake:
Many products marketed as essential are rarely used.
What to do instead:
- Stick to basics: diapers, clothes, bath items, and safe sleep gear.
- Add extras only if truly needed.
At Chikaro, we curate affordable bundles that prevent overspending and help you avoid the financial Mistakes first-time mums make.
9. Comparing Your Baby to Others
This is one of the most emotional Mistakes first-time mums make.
Why it’s a mistake:
Every baby develops differently. Comparing creates unnecessary stress.
What to do instead:
- Focus on your baby’s unique rhythm.
- Celebrate small wins.
Chikaro helps you track milestones with journals and keepsakes that encourage confidence instead of the comparison-driven Mistakes first-time mums make.
10. Ignoring Mental Health
One of the most overlooked Mistakes first-time mums make is pretending mental health doesn’t matter.
Why it’s a mistake:
Postpartum blues or depression is common and treatable but often ignored due to stigma.
What to do instead:
- Talk to your partner, a trusted friend, or therapist.
- Join a support group.
At Chikaro, we also create community spaces for mothers so you don’t feel alone, helping reduce the mental health-related Mistakes first-time mums make.
Other Common Mistakes First-Time Mums Make
- Skipping vaccinations or clinic visits
- Allowing too many visitors
- Overlooking safe sleep guidelines
- Neglecting oral hygiene until teeth appear
- Failing to baby-proof the home early
- Over-diluting formula or giving water too soon
- Ignoring sun protection in harsh weather
- Not preparing for emergencies
- Neglecting partner involvement
- Forgetting to prepare for return to work
Each of these are Mistakes first-time mums make, and each one can be avoided with preparation, trusted advice, and access to the right products.
At Chikaro, we make avoiding these Mistakes first-time mums make easier with practical kits and curated bundles that combine essentials for feeding, sleeping, bathing, and recovery.
Final Thoughts
Being a first-time mum is a learning curve. No one gets it perfect. You will make small errors, but that’s okay. The key is to recognise the Mistakes first-time mums make, learn from them, and adjust.
At Chikaro, we sell baby and mother care items like postpartum bundles, newborn essentials, feeding kits, safe sleepwear, and so much more so you can confidently avoid the most common Mistakes first-time mums make.
Every step you take to reduce Mistakes first-time mums make is a step toward confidence, calm, and joy. With the right tools, knowledge, and support, you’ll thrive, not just survive, on your motherhood journey.
