12 Mums Share What No One Tells You About Newborns

Two things can be true: Parenting a newborn is completely amazing! But it can also be really hard at times.

There are countless unknowns when it comes to life with a newborn.

Each one is their own little person, but one thing they all have in common is that they can and will be unpredictable.

But that doesn't mean motherhood needs to be bewildering. 

Between the sleepless nights, cluster feeding and midnight pooplosions, we've been part of enough newborn babies and mums' lives to know a little insider support and know-how from other mums will go a long way in making this time a little less mystifying and overwhelming. 

We tapped into our Huggies brains trust of mums around Australia to share with you 11 of our very best tips that'll help you navigate the unknowns of those first challenging weeks:

1. Your little one is exactly who they’re meant to be and you’re doing a great job.

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“Every baby is so different. Comparison is a joy sucker — go with your baby’s flow.” 

— Tess, mother of one.

2. Sleep deprivation is both the absolute worst...and totally normal. At least you can help bub with their shuteye by choosing a nappy that helps keep leaks at bay.

Catherine Delahaye / Getty Images

"It’s not always as easy as just putting your baby down and them sleeping. Sleep (or no sleep) can be the hardest part. You'll learn your little one's own rhythm and what works for them — that can then help you with getting your sleep."

— Natalia, mother of one.

Huggies Newborn Nappies have overnight leakage protection, lasting up to 12 hours, with silk-soft side shields to help prevent leaks. They've got your little one covered, literally.

3. You’ve just brought life into the world and sometimes your mind might take a little while to catch up.

Halfpoint Images / Getty Images

“It’s okay not to feel that connection right away, it’s normal just to feel completely exhausted." 

— Jess, mother of one.

4. Feeding can be so hard, but it won’t be that way forever. Soon, introducing solids will be the next fun challenge!

Tatyana Tomsickova Photography / Getty Images

“They don’t always feed to a schedule, so you may end up feeding a LOT in the early days.” 

— Koby, mother of one.

5. Be prepared for bulk pooplosions by stashing good quality nappies and wipes that absorb mess like Huggies in every room — you'll thank yourself later.

Laura Wilson, Huggies

“It might take a while for your baby’s bowels to start moving, but when they do…get ready for bulk pooplosions! It's not a race to get them changed because the nappy prevents any leaks — the Huggies nappies I used always contained them — but you still never know when or where a fresh nappy is needed.”

— Carly, mother of two.

The solution? Have makeshift change stations with Huggies Newborn Nappies and Huggies Thick Baby Wipes Fragrance Free ready in every room of the house — it will be an absolute game changer.

6. Things don't just neatly wrap up with birth at the end of the third trimester.

LWA/Dann Tardif / Getty Images

“I wish someone told me about the fourth trimester. It can be surprising how much your baby needs your warmth and scent after birth. As much as those newborn baby cuddles are divine, you're definitely entitled to crave your space.” 

— Madalyn, mother of two.

The weeks immediately after birth are a period of adjustment for both you and baby. It can be hard, but know that with each passing month it'll get easier and easier. 

7. You won't have seen anything quite like your baby's first poo before.

Laura Wilson, Dev Images / Getty Images

“[No one told me] that your baby’s first poo will be like sticky black tar.”

— Tiffany, mother of one.

Trust us — investing in good quality, thick baby wipes will make this job a whole lot easier. Huggies Thick Baby Wipes Fragrance Free are created with skin-loving natural fibres.^{^} They are designed to care for and help protect baby’s delicate skin, and ensure you’re not wiping forever.

8. You'll feel all of the feels.

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“The emotions can run high after giving birth, but they will hopefully settle down after a few weeks (and some sleep).” 

— Laura, mother of two.

Make sure you surround yourself with love and support. And don’t be afraid to ask for help!

9. There will come a day when you leave your baby for the first time.

Kohei Hara / Getty Images, Huggies

“At times you’ll desperately need a break. But then leaving your baby for the first time will be a traumatic ordeal.” 

— Tanya, mother of one.

Coming up for air is still healthy and will allow you to return feeling a bit more rejuvenated. 

10. You'll never be more invested in skincare — protecting your little one's skin, that is.

Huggies, Laura Wilson

"As someone who was never skincare-obsessed, I have to say that all changed once bub was born. Newborn skin is so delicate and you really want to keep it dry and clean to reduce the odds of nappy rash.

I got Huggies Newborn Nappies specifically because they have what's called a DryTouch layer that draws the moisture from toilet movements — and gosh it surprised me how runny some of those were — away from bub's skin to keep it clean and dry whilst still ensuring breathability."

— Liane, mother of one.

11. Baby development isn't linear.

Thanasis Zovoilis / Getty Images, Huggies

“Sleep regressions, leaps... It’s never ending! But it's all a normal part of your baby’s development.” 

— Chloe, mother of three.

This too, shall pass. Just breathe and try to stay positive. 

12. Feeling a pang of loneliness from time to time will probably happen.

Guido Mieth / Getty Images

“Those midnight feeds and nappy changes can feel really lonely, but then you look down at your baby and it’s all worth it.” 

— Megan, mother of two.

And in that moment, you realise you’ll never be alone again. 

Let Huggies be there during those midnight nappy changes and every one in between.

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No matter the hour of the day, Huggies has got you and baby through all those sticky situations. Huggies Newborn Nappies have been specially designed to help gently protect your baby’s delicate skin, with a DryTouch Layer that quickly absorbs away runny poos leaving skin cleaner and drier.

Shop the full range of Huggies products here.

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