First Time Parents: 7 Things All New Moms And Dads Need To Know

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Bringing home your first little bundle is an overwhelming experience. I remember walking out the hospital doors half expecting someone to stop me, saying, "Sorry, lady, you are clearly not qualified to care for that infant!" To which I would have agreed. But relax, you've got this. Well, you've got this with a little help from me. Here's what every first-time parent really needs to know.

7 Things All New Moms And Dads Need To Know

1. They Don't Need Much(01 of07)

You know those crazy, long lists of things you need before bringing baby home? Throw in the trash. A newborn needs next to nothing. Car seat, bassinette, diapers and many, many changes of clothes. For real, that's it. (credit:Getty)

2. Brace Yourself(02 of07)

For the first 10 days of your baby's life you will think you got the one perfect angel and that the newborn nightmares you've heard about aren't going to be visited upon you. On about day 11 all newborns "wake up" and start to make some noise. A lot of noise. Sorry. (credit:Getty)

3. It Gets Disgusting(03 of07)

Newborn poop is some crazy s*@t. You can count of seeing black, green and yellow before things settle down to some recognizable brown. Your life is now all about poop. Again, sorry. (credit:Getty)

4. Temporary Separation(04 of07)

Don't plan on eating with your spouse for the next three months. Newborns cry in the late afternoon and evening, every single day until they're past the infant stage. You'll be taking turns eating while the other person is "shushing" and jostling for the next while. (credit:Getty)

5. Not-So-Picture Perfect(05 of07)

Take a lot of pictures in the first couple of weeks. Almost every newborn gets acne in a reaction to their changing hormones. It's nothing to worry about and goes away on its own, but it doesn't look so pretty. (credit:Getty)

6. Don't Listen To Your Mother(06 of07)

Your mother is the worst source of advice. Guidelines on newborn care have changed radically in the last 20 or 30 years. No one tells parents to put babies to sleep on their tummies, drive them home from the hospital on someone's lap or leave them to cry it out anymore. And yes, Mom, I would rather get my information from the internet. (credit:Getty)

7. Don't Listen To Strangers(07 of07)

Strangers will not hesitate to tell you what you're doing wrong with your baby, from how you're wearing your Baby Bjorn to how appropriately your baby is dressed. Practice smiling, nodding -- and ignoring. (credit:Getty)

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First Time Parents: 7 Things All New Moms And Dads Need To Know

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