No matter how well prepared, there will always be surprising things about parenting. This is especially true for first-time parents. You can read the books, but sometimes you’re still not prepared for something.
When you and your partner announce you’re expecting, people tend to flood you with advice. Unfortunately, much of it is riddled with negativity, sounding like it came straight from a Sith: “You’ll never sleep again,” or “You won’t be able to travel anymore.” Some advice, however, is helpful and constructive, like “Fed is best.”
This blog was created based on my firsthand experiences as a first-time parent. Each insight shared here reflects real-life situations my wife and I encountered while navigating the early days of parenthood. From learning how to manage solo public outings with a baby to discovering the quirks of formula preparation, these moments were observed, lived, and reflected upon in our daily lives. The ideas for this post came from conversations with other parents, personal challenges, and the humorous, unexpected moments that shape early parenthood.
Still, even with all the warnings and tips from other parents, there are surprises that no one prepares you for. Here are five things parenthood surprises that caught us off guard.
Quick Summary: 5 Surprising Things About Parenting
- Going to the bathroom solo with a baby can be tricky.
- Baby girls require extra care during diaper changes.
- Babies make surprisingly loud noises while pooping.
- Shaking formula bottles gets tiring—here’s a better solution.
- Despite sleep deprivation, your sleep quality may improve!
5. The Bathroom Challenge: Going Solo with Baby
Here’s something no one ever told me: how to go to the bathroom when it’s just you and the baby in public. Maybe this is male privilege in action, but I never once had someone explain this to me, or even read about it in parenting guides. Women must navigate this situation all the time, right?
If I have our baby carrier, it’s manageable. But with a stroller? Or when I’m holding her? It’s a logistical puzzle that no one warned me about, and I’m still figuring it out.
And don’t get me started on changing her!
4. Girls Have Crevices Everywhere
When it comes to changing diapers, my wife and I were both new to the task. But one thing that truly shocked me? With baby girls, poop can get into every nook and cranny. It’s a cleanup mission every time. This wasn’t something I was prepared for, but we’ve learned to handle it like pros (most of the time).
When it comes to changing diapers, my wife and I were both complete beginners. One thing that truly shocked me? With baby girls, poop seems to find its way into every nook and cranny. This wasn’t something I was prepared for, and it often felt like a cleanup mission straight out of a spy movie.
Through trial and error, we learned a few tips to make diaper changes less overwhelming:
- Be Prepared with the Right Tools: Always have a stash of baby wipes, a soft washcloth, and OPEN diaper cream on hand. We found that wipes with added moisture worked best for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots.
- Work Gently: Baby skin, especially in crevices, is sensitive. Use a gentle patting motion instead of rubbing to avoid irritation.
- Layer of Protection: Applying a thin layer of diaper cream or petroleum jelly (our amazing daycare, a true expert, recommeneded Aquaphor, after cleaning can help prevent diaper rash and make cleaning easier next time.
- Check Frequently: Frequent diaper changes reduce the chance of poop spreading into tricky areas. Even if there’s no poop, keeping the area clean and dry helps avoid irritation.
Most importantly, don’t stress. Yes, it feels like a lot at first, but you’ll quickly become a pro. And if you’re ever unsure, consult your pediatrician—they’ve heard it all!
And speaking of poop…
3. Babies Poop Loudly—Really Loudly
This one blew my mind. Babies may be tiny, but the sounds they make while pooping? Unbelievable. I remember my wife being in the back of our house, in a completely different room, and still hearing our baby doing her business.
There have been moments when the noise startled me, especially when I wasn’t expecting it. And yes, it’s loud enough to wake me up from a nap.
2. Shake, Shake, Shake: The Formula Struggle
First, my wife wanted to breastfeed, but after some severe medical complications after the birth of our little one that resulted in 3 rushes into the the ER and being admitted to the hospital, we had no choice to go the formula route. We believe fed is best and we don’t judge other people.
If you’re using formula, one of the first things you’ll notice is how much shaking is required to prepare a bottle. The constant shaking can feel like an arm workout you didn’t sign up for, especially during those sleepless nighttime feedings.
Here’s what we learned to make formula prep more efficient and less stressful:
- Invest in a Formula Mixer: The moment we discovered a formula mixing pitcher (like the one from Dr. Brown’s ), it completely changed the game. These mixers create smooth, clump-free formula in seconds and I used it to make bottles for the day and night with ease.
- Pre-Make Bottles: If your baby is on a predictable feeding schedule, pre-making bottles for the day and storing them in the fridge can save you time and energy. Just make sure to follow proper storage guidelines (most formulas are safe for 24 hours in the fridge).
- Portable Warmers: If you’re feeding upstairs or on the go, consider a portable bottle warmer to save trips to the kitchen. We also recommend keeping a small fridge in your bedroom for overnight feeds—it’s a lifesaver!
- Check for Clumps: Even with proper mixing, clumps can sometimes form. Always check the nipple to ensure formula flows smoothly to avoid frustration during feedings.
Formula feeding can feel overwhelming, but with the right tools and a bit of preparation, it’s manageable. Whether you’re shaking bottles by hand or using a mixer, just remember—you’re doing great, and a happy, fed baby is what matters most.
1. Better Sleep Than I Expected
Here’s the biggest surprise: I’m getting better sleep than I did before becoming a parent. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still sleep-deprived and exhausted. But the quality of my sleep has drastically improved.
Before our baby arrived, I suffered from insomnia and had trouble falling asleep. Now, my body knows it needs rest whenever I can get it, and I fall asleep faster and deeper. I even dozed off watching TV the other night—something I’d never done before.
Bonus Surprise: I Can’t Wait to Write More Parenting Blogs!
Parenting is full of challenges and surprises, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’m excited to share more of these experiences through future parenting blogs. Stay tuned!
Final Thoughts
There are many surprising things about parenting, many of which you won’t find in advice books or well-meaning conversations. Each day brings something new, and while it’s not always easy, it’s worth it.
This blog post was created to help new and soon-to-be parents feel less alone and more prepared for the unexpected aspects of parenting. When we became parents, we received a flood of advice, much of which was either overly negative or generic. I wanted to share my genuine experiences to offer a fresh, honest perspective—one that combines humor, relatability, and practical insights.
My goal is to inspire confidence in other parents, showing them that even the most surprising challenges can be managed with a little creativity and patience. Whether you’re preparing for a baby, already navigating parenthood, or just curious about the journey, I hope this post provides value and fosters connection through shared experiences.
If you’re a new or soon-to-be parent, what surprises have you encountered? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
cAbout The Author
