21 Lessons from the First Year of Parenthood

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Wow, what a whirlwind this past year has been! It all kicked off last August when I welcomed my little one into the world. Fast forward six months, and we found ourselves moving from the quiet countryside of Maryland to the bustling streets of NYC, both my partner and I starting new jobs, attending a mountain of weddings, and somehow managing to grow a few more gray hairs along the way. Now, that tiny bundle of joy is on the verge of turning one, and I’ve gathered some valuable insights on parenting, babies, and life itself.

1. Contrary to what registry consultants at baby stores may tell you, babies don’t need nearly as much gear as they claim. Seriously, we managed just fine with one bouncy chair instead of five, and our daughter is thriving!
2. I’m convinced that the majority of kids’ TV shows are crafted by people who have lost touch with reality. So, I’ve swapped them out for the Food Network and HGTV. By the time she’s two, I hope she’ll know how to whip up a delicious meal and maybe even handle a home renovation.
3. Always cover your baby’s “danger zone” during diaper changes, unless you enjoy the surprise of being showered with urine or worse first thing in the morning.
4. Don’t stress about your baby’s milestones compared to others. Every child develops at their own pace, and if something is truly concerning, your pediatrician will let you know. So, feel free to roll your eyes at anyone who questions why your ten-month-old isn’t crawling yet.
5. Mealtime with a baby is like front-row seats at a comedy show—messy and unpredictable. Wear a poncho or save your work outfit for later because you will undoubtedly be the canvas for their culinary experiments.
6. If you value sleep, establish a consistent bedtime routine for your baby as soon as possible. It’s essential to teach them how to sleep, and it has made all the difference for us since our daughter has been a champion sleeper since two months old.
7. Finding childcare is a nightmare. It’s like dating but worse. Between interviewing nannies and trying to get into a daycare, it’s a test of patience and sanity.
8. NYC playgrounds in the summer? Think hell on Earth—too hot, too loud, and filled with kids climbing over each other. It’s a real experience.
9. If you don’t have friends with kids, find some ASAP. They are your lifeline for moral support and can chat with you while kids run amok.
10. No matter how careful you think you are, your baby will roll off the couch or bed. Trust me, it’s going to happen, usually when you’re distracted by something else. Thankfully, kids bounce back quickly, but maybe put some cushions on the floor just in case.
11. If you have hardwood floors, stick a Swiffer cloth to your crawling baby’s hands and knees for a DIY cleaning robot.
12. Remember to remove the batteries from the TV remote before letting your baby go wild with it. Your DVR settings will thank you.
13. Skip the pricey baby toys. Household items like pots, empty bottles, and wrapping paper are way more entertaining (for about 50 seconds, anyway).
14. Anyone who manages to take monthly photos with those cute stickers deserves a medal. I lost track of mine during our move, and months four and five were definitely not taken in a timely manner.
15. Judging another parent whose child is having a meltdown? Karma has a way of biting back hard. Now, I’m living with a little diva who loves to screech at the top of her lungs. It’s a phase, right?
16. Forget fancy teething toys; a wet washcloth is actually the best solution. And if that doesn’t cut it—hello, Tylenol.
17. Puff snacks are basically baby gold. Once your little one has a tooth, don’t leave home without them.
18. Germs are a fact of life. Your baby will put everything in their mouth—your phone, toys, and probably even the dog’s tail. You can only sanitize so much before you embrace a more relaxed attitude.
19. Take your baby out with you—yes, even to bars. We’re trying to instill the belief that happy hour is way better than the local play center.
20. Don’t make the mistake of skipping birth control and thinking you’re in the clear. You don’t want to find yourself in a store, panicking with a baby strapped to you while buying pregnancy tests.
21. While social media is filled with new moms sharing their overwhelming love at childbirth, I was a bit more confused and overwhelmed. It took time for me to bond with my daughter, and that’s perfectly okay. Just know that it’s normal to feel this way, and talking about it can help.

In conclusion, while the first year of parenting is challenging, it’s also filled with moments that are undeniably entertaining. As my daughter grows, so does my love for her, and I can’t wait to see what each day brings.

For more insights on parenting and fertility topics, check out other articles on Home Insemination Kit. If you want to learn about artificial insemination options, visit Make a Mom’s Impregnator Kit. Additionally, for great information on IVF and fertility preservation, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource.