The parenting advice Axios Denver readers swear by

Driving the news: Ahead of our son's arrival, I asked Axios Denver readers for their best advice for first-time parents like us.

• As always, you delivered. (Responses have been lightly edited for brevity.)

🧠 Trust yourself (really)

Several readers echoed the same idea: You know a lot more than you think you do.

• "Put down the book, pick up the baby. You'll have great intuition, and children will tell you when their needs are unmet. We humans have been doing this a long time." — George S.
• "There usually isn't a 'right' decision. The fact that you care enough to worry whether you are making the right decision is infinitely more important than actually making the right decision." — Kevin S.
• "Ultimately, you and your husband will know what's best for your family. EVERYONE has opinions, and few matter." — Elizabeth L.

😴 Sleep is survival

Sleep deprivation is inevitable, but rest is still achievable.

• "Take shifts for waking up and feeding. We do bedtime to 4am, and 4am to morning. That way you both get at least some sleep." — Stephen M.
• "I highly recommend the book, 'Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child' by Marc Weissbluth. Once we started sleep training with our 3-month-old baby, everyone in the house benefited." — Amy T.

🧸 Backups are your besties

• "If there is a toy that calms your kiddo down, buy at least two and hide the spares. You will need it at 2am." — Kevin S.

🤝 It takes a village

Parenting is magical. It's also hard. Readers say it's OK to outsource.

• "If you have people in your life who can offer support in the first few months, take them up on it! An expecting friend recently asked our group to each make a freezer meal, and I thought it was a great idea." — Elizabeth L.
• "Hire as much help as you can afford and make no apologies for it." — Sara V.

💡 Lean on experts

A few readers pointed to trusted guides as a North Star in times of doubt.

• "Jamie Grayson is a baby gear expert based here in Denver, and hundreds of thousands (if not millions!) of people rely on him for intel about various baby products, like strollers and car seats." — Bryant P.
• "I love following @carochambers on Instagram. She's now a mom of four and posts a lot about 'raising your first like your third.' Today.com covered some of her tips."