There are definitely some moments that you would never expect to happen. Here are the things MummyPages mums think new parents should be prepared for.
1. Driving your baby home from the hospital is the most stressful thing in the world
You’ve done exams, given presentations, sky dived, but nothing terrified you more than that first car journey. Even though you were driving at 10kmph…
2. Realising that you’ll have to encounter the umbilical stump every time you change a nappy
And then trying to keep it together when it finally falls off.
3. The first time you’re left completely alone with your newborn
Oh God….this is what an apocalypse is like. It’s just me and you, little person, and our survival depends totally on me. *gulp*
4. The first time something you love is ruined by your child.
Favourite jumper, treasured mug, expensive shoes, priceless heirloom – how is it that you just don’t care? Oh yeah, they’re way more important.
5. When you realise you’re helpless around that tiny bundle of cuteness.
Yes, you were a tower of strength and determination pre-baby, but now all of your resolve to be strict and level-headed has disappeared because OH MY GOD MY BABY JUST SMILED AT ME! HERE, HAVE A PONY!
6. Realising that everyone transforms when a tiny baby is around
The most serious, formal men you know will immediately begin pulling faces and making weird voices when they hold your little one. So weird…
7. You have completely underestimated the sheer beauty of nap time up until this point
Either they nap and you get free time and it’s awesome or you nap and you feel great and it’s awesome! Basically nap time is the best.
8. Having a phone conversation is more difficult than you ever imagined.
Seriously, how is this so hard?
9. When you realise you can’t watch movies where children are harmed or kidnapped
You know it’s not real, but…but…oh God *cries*
10. When you look around and suddenly realise your home is no longer your own
Because everything is covered with baby gear
11. The horror of the first time you accidentally hurt your child
You caught them with your chipped nail and there isn’t even a mark, but they’re just so upset it’s almost unbearable. You’re the biggest monster who ever lived.
12. Realising the world is actually much cooler than you thought
Seeing your surroundings through your baby’s eyes really does give you a whole new perspective on the world. Everything is so impressive and magical.
13. Panicking when your baby goes completely silent while asleep
And then waking them up while trying to see if they’re still breathing. And now they’re crying…
14. Realising that you’ve become foreign in another language
No one else may understand, but you know exactly what your baby’s squeals and gurgles mean.
15. The moment it hits you that your life will never be the same again…
…and that it's amazing!
