Parenting
Becoming a new mom is no small feat. Whether it’s your first or fifth child, the early days following your baby’s arrival can feel like an exhilarating mix of joy, exhaustion, and countless diaper changes. While spending entire days in your pajamas adoring your little one is tempting, it’s essential to venture out occasionally. Babies are only portable and immobile for a limited time—make the most of it! Plus, veteran moms are eager to share their unsolicited wisdom, and trust us, we can easily spot you.
- You could rival a Sherpa with how many baby essentials you can juggle in one trip. Late arrivals to meet friends? It’s practically a guarantee because your entire nursery is strapped to your back.
- You are the first car in the Target lot, ready to conquer the aisles before anyone else.
- The idea of trimming your baby’s nails or checking their temperature makes your stomach turn. You can’t imagine dressing your little one in anything but the softest, organic cotton, washed in Dreft and dried with whispers of magic.
- Your morning was consumed with the Herculean task of pureeing a rutabaga. Be prepared for a lengthy monologue about the challenges faced—your audience is trapped in your gaze, even if it seems like you might have zoned out.
- You can’t take your eyes off your baby, convinced that without constant visual contact, they might just disappear.
- Your social media feeds are overflowing with pictures and videos of your child. If there’s an app for sharing, you’re on it—and don’t forget, we better like those posts if we want to stay in your good graces.
- You remind us of our friend Danny after a few too many drinks, lost in thought and murmuring incoherently to yourself.
- Every shirt in your wardrobe sports a mystery stain on the right shoulder—be it applesauce, breast milk, or who knows what else.
- You’re carrying a newborn.
- Discussing your episiotomy, sore nipples, and your baby’s poop consistency feels completely normal in conversations with strangers.
- You’re often seen at the local zoo, enthusiastically pointing out animals to your baby, oblivious to the fact that they can’t actually see them yet. We wouldn’t dare mention it, as we prefer to avoid the wrath of another sleep-deprived new mom.
- If anyone dares to stand still for too long, you instinctively try to swaddle them. Yes, that includes your pet dog.
- You might casually find a Cheerio hidden in your cleavage and munch on it without a second thought.
- Even in the absence of your child, you can be spotted gently swaying side to side while waiting in line at the grocery store.
- If you’re ever in doubt, just look for the mom in the cape—that’s you, owning it like a pro!
This piece was originally published on May 6, 2016.
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Summary:
Navigating the early days of motherhood is a unique experience filled with challenges and joys. From the immense load of baby gear to the constant need for visual contact, new moms often find themselves in amusing situations. It’s a time where every little detail of parenting becomes a topic of conversation, and every outing feels like an expedition. Embrace these moments, as they are fleeting yet significant.