As I unpack onesies and organize chew toys in preparation for my next baby, I’m having flashbacks to my first time raising a newborn. Embarrassing flashbacks. Given what I now know about babies and kids, I can’t believe I made so many first time mom mistakes. I’m sure I’ll screw up in new ways this time, especially when it comes to parenting siblings, but here are a few no-brainers I’m hoping to avoid:

1. Crying When The Baby Cries – With my firstborn, the combination of hormones and sheer panic had me constantly crying in sympathy with my baby. Her wails would set off this terrible chain reaction, and soon we’d both be sobbing – a state of affairs that did nothing to calm her, and probably made her feel like the sky was falling. This time, I promise to remember my mantra: “Babies cry.”

2. Not Pushing a Pacifier – When my infant spit out her first binkie, I assumed that pacifiers were just not for her. I silently applauded myself for avoiding years of pacifier withdrawal and dental problems that I’d seen friends endure when their kids had trouble transitioning later. My reward? A baby who could only soothe herself by sucking on my nipple. ‘Til it bled. This time, mark my words, my baby will embrace the binkie.

3. Being Territorial – I had trouble sharing my newborn. After carrying her in my body for nine months, it felt weird to just hand her off to someone else. As a result, I got very little rest and probably irked my friends and family. Now I know that it takes a village, and mommy maintains special status with baby no matter who’s holding her. I’m ready to share the love.

4. Assuming I’m Doing it All Wrong – As a first time mom, I was very hard on myself. I couldn’t understand why my baby screamed in the car, wouldn’t get on a schedule, and only napped in the swing. Now I know that most moms go through the same crazy stuff, and the kids all turn out fine. I’m going to breathe in, breathe out and cut myself some slack.

5. Not Accepting Help – Before I gave birth, my parents generously offered to pay for two weeks of a night nurse to ease my recovery after delivering. I declined. Much like a toddler, I wanted to do everything myself! The martyr act bit me in the ass when my baby didn’t sleep for the next seven months. This time, I’ll take any help I can get.