As a seasoned nanny of over a decade, with experience raising more than 20 children from infancy to childhood, one might assume that there wasn’t much left for me to learn before becoming a first-time mom. However, having gone through the experience myself, I can affirm that parenting is a continuous learning process that never truly ends.

Reflecting on my journey, there were three key things I wish I knew before becoming a first-time parent. Firstly, I discovered that there is a market for discounted disposable diapers sold by parents whose children have outgrown them. I was able to buy a pack of 240 newborn-sized diapers from a reputable brand for just $0.02 a piece on Mercari, a second-hand marketplace; they had been the seller’s diaper cake and the seller’s child outgrew the size at one week old. Use code ZFPVAN to get an additional $10 off the discounted diapers you can find on Mercari. #NotSponsored #JustHelpful

And do you know how I learned about the disposable diaper discount via second hand marketplace? Through my community!

Secondly, I learned that getting my own child to sleep was not as easy as I had expected, despite my previous success in helping other children sleep well. After inviting my nanny colleagues over to try and put my child to sleep, I discovered that my relationship with my child was a key factor in our sleep struggles. As a parenting coach, I now assist parents in upskilling themselves while tempering their expectations because the parent-child relationship presents an often unacknowledged challenge.

Lastly, I wish I had known that diaper rash is not a singular ailment, but rather a group name given to 4-6 possible causes. My prior experience in nannying led me to treat diaper rash with cornstarch, going nakeybootie or using prescription cream. However, I realised that each intervention was ideal for a specific cause and ineffective for others. When my child had a diaper rash that could not be treated with the usual interventions, I dived deep and learned about the different types of diaper rash.

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Overall, parenting is a lifelong learning journey, and there will always be something new to discover. What is something you wish you knew before becoming a first-time parent? Share it with me in the comments below.