First things first.

Probably the most important thing I’ve realised about parenting is that it’s a minefield. Should you vaccinate or no? Should you breastfeed? Should you cloth diaper? Should you co-sleep? You’ll soon realise that for every opinion on every possible topic pertaining to parenthood, there will be an equal and opposite opinion. You’ll also realise that this will inevitably lead to friction between you and other parents, whether you meet them online in a parenting forum or in real life.

After many many encounters with other parents I have learned that it’s better to forget “popular opinion” and just do what is right for you and your child. Co-sleeping not for you? Get a cot or playpen. Can’t breastfeed successfully? Pick a formula. All that matters is that the choices you make are relevant and suitable for your particular family situation. If it works for you, do it – even if it goes against the grain of what everyone else around you is doing. As long as your decisions do not result in child services paying you a visit, I’m pretty sure that you’ll do fine.

After all, the goal of parenting is to raise a successful, secure and happy person, not to rear a prize show animal.