Parenthood changes you. In many ways, new parents are in one of the most joyous times when their newborn is tiny and still completely dependent on them. At the same time, preparing for life after your bundle of joy is born comes with many challenges. Here are things you won’t expect as a new parent and a little advice on adapting your expectations to make the ride a bit less bumpy.
Less Time to Yourself
Soon-to-be parents expect far less time for themselves and their hobbies after the baby comes. New parents will spend less energy on the things they used to do for relaxation, like making crafts, exercising, playing video games, checking if they are eligible for a no-deposit code on an online casino, and sometimes just lounging. But you need to make a little time for yourself and your partner, even if that means getting out of the house for a few minutes to enjoy the fresh air.
But how do you find free time as a busy new parent? The best way is to make an even exchange. Communicate to your partner that you’d like some time for yourself, and then let them have free time. The schedule for free time might be unpredictable, but spontaneous time to yourself is just as good.
Heightened Emotions
This one is for dads, too. Believe it or not, feeling deeper emotions can last longer than you think. New dads may get misty-eyed while watching sad or even happy movies, including ones they’ve already watched a thousand times. Between getting less sleep than usual and forming a lifelong connection with a tiny human, you might feel that happy or sad thoughts hit you extra hard.
On a more serious note, if you or your partner’s emotions swing too much or one of you becomes overcome by anxiety, talk to a doctor about postpartum depression. While new moms are most commonly associated with depression after having a baby, dads can experience similar problems.
You Don’t Need Much Stuff
Shopping for a baby is fun, but remember that space is often limited, and most babies just need the essentials. There are many products out there that are meant to add a little extra convenience but won’t get much actual use, will just cost more money, and will need maintenance.
When it comes to clothes, consider quality over quantity. Yes, babies constantly mess up their clothes, and you’ll become best friends with your washer and dryer. Don’t buy expensive baby clothes, as your child will rapidly outgrow even the cutest onesie. Go cheap, and you won’t regret throwing away a tiny, stain-covered shirt.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep is one of the most significant parts of pre-baby life you’ll miss. This one could go on for a while, too. Babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb, and they’ll let you know. Sleep will also be inconsistent. You might unexpectedly get eight hours one night, then wake up four times the next.
There isn’t really a solution for this one. Ask your partner for a nap when needed, invest in an espresso machine, and get used to being tired. Thankfully, your kid will probably end up sleeping through the night sooner or later, and in a few years, you’ll be struggling to get them to go to bed on time in a completely different way.
Crying for No Reason
Life for a new parent can get pretty loud, as a newborn cry can reach 120 decibels, the same as a siren. Newborns cry to communicate their needs, like being hungry or wanting to be held. As a parent, you’ll eventually determine which cries have particular meanings. You might even want to journal about what helped your baby stop crying and note what the cry sounded like. On the other end of the spectrum, colic, which refers to a newborn who cries for no clear reason, may add another layer of difficulty to your sleep deprivation.
Sharp Fingernails
This one is really unexpected. Your newborn’s fingernails will grow quickly. Your baby will also flail their hands and arms as they gain the strength to become independent. Combine these things, and your baby could readily give yourself or their face a good scratch.
You can prevent your child from scratching themself by trimming their nails. But how do you trim your newborn’s tiny nails, especially if your baby is active? Your best bet is to do so very gently while they are sleeping, though mitts are a good alternative if nail trimming proves too difficult.
Rapid Development
While you’ll spend most of your time supporting your baby and partner, remember that all your energy contributes to something. Sleepless nights are helping your child get used to a day and night schedule, and over time you’ll get desensitised to nasty diapers (trust us on this one). Then, one day your little one will lift their head and neck off the floor.
They’ll get ready to sit up. All of this happens in the blink of an eye. Before you know it, their cognitive development will snowball, and they’ll be reasoning and solving problems all on their own.
Conclusion
You have so much to look forward to as a new parent. While it’s true that you’ll get less sleep and have less time for things you used to do, sleep will eventually return, and so will your hobbies. You might even be able to get your kid into your favourites. Enjoy the roller coaster, and be mindful of your partner and baby’s needs.