As a new mother, I found that I felt unprepared and completely off-balance during the first few weeks of motherhood. I would ask others for advice, getting a myriad of opinions (none of them the same). From my own experiences, I thought it would be appropriate for me to spread what I've learned to mothers-to-be, fathers-to-be, and new mothers and fathers.

10. While you'd like to stock everything possible into your diaper bag for your short trips, and sometimes your not-so-short trips, the bare essentials are all that's really necessary. After two weeks of carrying everything, but the kitchen sink, I compiled a list of must-haves. I now stick to that list:

* Five to ten diapers (in case you forget to restock when you get home).
* A full pack of travel baby wipes.
* If you bottle feed, enough formula or pumped breast milk for two bottles.
* If you breast feed, an additional blanket or towel for privacy (if you are going to be in a public area).
* A change of clothes (weather appropriate, of course) for the baby, in case of a spit up or diaper mishap.
* A change of shirt for Mom/Dad, in case of a spit up or diaper mishap.
* One or two burp rags.
* Two bottles.
* Two pacifiers, if you use them.

You may need to alter your list as your baby gets older, but for the first month or two, this should get you through trips to the grocery store, a restaurant for lunch or dinner, or a trip to a friend's house.

9. Your baby is going to be different from everyone else's baby. This means that he or she may eat more than other babies, eat less than other babies, do certain things before other babies, and do some things after other babies. None of this makes your baby any less or more talented than other babies. It only makes your baby different.

8. Sometimes babies cry for no reason at all. The only thing you can do, in this case, is to do what you know. Try changing the baby's diaper, feeding the baby, checking to see if he or she is too hot or cold, or if he or she needs to be burped. If none of those things soothes him or her, sometimes the best thing to do is try to comfort your baby.

7. In the event that you're becoming overwhelmed by a crying baby, such as the one described in number eight, it is okay to put the baby down and walk away for a few minutes. This will allow you to calm down, and may potentially help the baby to calm down.

6. You cannot be a super parent, no matter how hard you try. Babies do not come with instruction manuals (no matter how much we all wish they did), and you are going to make a mistake or two along the way.

5. Making a mistake does not make you a bad parent. Your baby is learning new things everyday. As Mommy or Daddy, you are learning about your new addition at the same time.

4. Do what you think is best for the welfare of your child. Do not let doctors, other parents, your parents, friends, or family members pressure you to make decisions about raising your child that you would not otherwise make.

3. It is okay to ask questions when you're stumped. Sometimes, the best way to learn is by asking questions. Other times, it may help you to know that you're not the only one who isn't sure about the answers.

2. It is okay to ask for help. This rule is related to number six. You cannot be a super parent, and you are not always going to be able to do everything on your own.

1. Above all else, follow your own instincts. If you receive advice from another parent or someone you trust that doesn't feel right for you, then do not follow that advice. You may doubt yourself at times, but you are the one who knows you and your baby the best.

Some of these snippets of advice were given to me on the road to parenthood. Others, I had to learn on my own. You may find that you add items to this list as you go, or you may find that not everything on this list applies to you. Most importantly, use your best judgment to determine what is and isn't right for you and your baby.