Guest Blog: 5 Things You May Not Expect as a New Parent When You Bring Your Baby Home
Bringing your baby home for the first time can be one of the most exciting yet
challenging experiences of your life. No matter how much you prepare, some things will
still catch you off guard. Here are five things you may not expect when you bring home
your newborn.
1. The First Few Nights Can Be Overwhelming
You may have envisioned quiet, peaceful nights with your little one snuggled up in their bassinet, but reality often looks very different. Newborns have tiny stomachs and unpredictable sleep cycles, waking frequently for feeds (every 2-3 hours and sometimes more often), diaper changes, and comfort. Sleep deprivation can hit hard, and it’s completely normal to feel exhausted and unsure of what to do. The good news? It gets easier with time as you and your baby settle into a rhythm.
2. Your Emotions May Be All Over the Place
The mix of joy, exhaustion, and hormonal changes can create an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you’ll feel overwhelmed with love, and the next, you might find yourself crying for no apparent reason. Postpartum emotions are real, and if you feel anxious or down, know that you’re not alone and you may be experiencing the baby blues and potentially a Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorder. Be kind to yourself, lean on your support system, and don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or a therapist if you need extra help.
3. Babies Make Strange Noises—and It’s Normal
Newborns don’t just cry; they grunt, squeak, and even make little snoring sounds while sleeping. Their digestive systems and airways are still developing, which can lead to all sorts of unexpected noises. While it might be concerning at first, most of these sounds are completely normal. Of course, if you’re ever worried about something sounding unusual, trust your instincts and check in with your pediatrician.
4. You Might Struggle with Feeding More Than You Thought
Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, feeding your baby can be more challenging than expected. Some babies have trouble latching, others may struggle with reflux or gas. It’s okay if it doesn’t go perfectly at first—give yourself grace, seek support from a lactation consultant, and remember that fed is best.
5. Leaving the House Feels Like an Expedition
Gone are the days of grabbing your keys and heading out the door. With a newborn, every outing requires planning—diapers, wipes, extra clothes, bottles, pacifiers, and more. Even a simple trip to the grocery store can feel like a major event. The good news? You’ll get better at it, and eventually, it won’t feel so daunting.
Final Thoughts
Early parenthood is full of surprises, and while some moments will be more challenging
than you expected, others will be even more beautiful than you imagined. Give yourself
grace, accept help when it’s offered, and remember that no one has it all figured out. You’ve got this!
Need Extra Support?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and in need of guidance, I’m here to help! My newborn care support services offer personalized assistance to help you navigate feeding, sleep, routines and all the unexpected moments that come with bringing your baby home. Whether you need reassurance, hands-on help, or expert advice, I’ll be by your sidecevery step of the way. Reach out today and let’s make this transition smoother for youcand your little one!
About the author
Jaquie Dason is a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, Postpartum Doula, New Parent Educator and Mom of 2. She offers bringing home baby classes, newborn care support and pediatric sleep consulting for parents with children 0 - 5 years. She runs a judgement-free practice by meeting parents where they’re at and allowing for autonomy in the decision-making process. Her approach is focused on secure attachment and on providing external support and education to increase parental confidence. She has helped numerous parents bring a sense of calm to their family and is looking forward to helping you do the same!