Hey MandaCatherine,
It may be easier for you if you try the full bar, in other words bar all the strings with the index finger. This will help you get used to barre chords also, no better time to start than now.

As you build strength in the index finger, it will get much easier to do. Try the same thing at the 5th fret, and after you feel comfortable with it then go back to the F chord in the 1st fret.

Congratulations once again on your accomplishment, and let us know if we can do anything else to help you.