What I Wish I Knew About Newborns Before Having One!

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most amazing and overwhelming experiences. As a first-time parent, you might spend months reading parenting books, attending classes, and scrolling through endless blogs and forums. Still, nothing fully prepares you for the real thing. After the fog of those first few weeks lifted, I realized there were a few key things about newborns I really wish I had known beforehand. Whether you're expecting your first baby or just had one, here are five things that would have helped me immensely if I’d known them sooner.

Newborns Are Noisy Sleepers (and That's Normal!)

Before having a baby, I imagined peaceful, angelic sleep filled with gentle baby sighs. The reality? Snorts, grunts, squeaks, and squawks — all night long. It turns out that newborns go through active sleep phases where they can be surprisingly loud. They're still developing their nervous systems and digestion, which makes them extra wiggly and vocal. The first few nights I barely slept because I was constantly checking if my baby was okay. Knowing this was normal would have saved me a lot of worry (and maybe a little sleep, too).

Feeding Is a Full-Time Job

Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a mix of both, feeding a newborn takes a lot of time. Newborns typically eat every 2–3 hours — that’s 8–12 times a day, and each session can last 30 minutes or more. I was shocked by how all-consuming it felt, especially in those early weeks. Having a comfortable spot for feeding, a water bottle always nearby, and some snacks within reach made a big difference.

Newborns Don't Need Daily Baths

I thought bathing a baby every day was part of being a “good parent,” but newborns don’t need frequent baths. In fact, bathing them two to three times a week is usually enough, as daily baths can dry out their delicate skin. A quick sponge bath or gently wiping down their face, neck, and diaper area is often all that’s needed. Learning this was a relief — one less daily task to worry about in those chaotic early days!

You’ll Question Everything (And That’s Okay)

Is that rash normal? Are they sleeping too much? Too little? Should their poop look like that? First-time parenting comes with a mountain of questions, and Google rabbit holes are very real. What helped me most was finding a pediatrician I trusted and leaning into a small group of supportive, experienced parents. I wish I had accepted sooner that it’s okay not to have all the answers and that instincts, plus a little guidance, go a long way.

You Can’t Spoil a Newborn

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got: You cannot spoil a newborn. Holding them when they cry, rocking them to sleep, and offering comfort are exactly what they need — it builds their sense of safety and trust. Forget what anyone says about “bad habits” in the first few months. Your baby just spent nine months in a cozy, warm, always-fed environment. Of course they need a little help adjusting to the outside world.

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Those early newborn days are a whirlwind of love, exhaustion, joy, and uncertainty. It’s okay to not have it all figured out — no one really does. But knowing a few basics ahead of time can make a big difference in how confident and calm you feel. If you’re on the brink of this wild, wonderful journey — take a deep breath. You’ve got this. 💛