New Parent Emotions

Being a parent is the hardest job you'll ever love. To make your first few months as goofproof and enjoyable as possible, follow our troubleshooting guide and avoid these 10 classic mistakes.

If you're like most new parents, there are plenty of days -- ones when your baby won't stop crying and there's oatmeal on the wall -- when you feel as if you can't do anything right. But think again. Even if all you did was feed your little one when he was hungry, talk to him as you did the laundry, and take him for a stroll, you offered him fantastic learning experiences. Still doubt it? Here's what your baby would tell you himself -- if he could.

It's natural to worry about whether your infant is eating enough, sleeping properly, or crying too much. But don't let your protective instincts stop you from getting him out of the house, giving him tummy time, or teaching him to self-soothe. We'll help you face your first-year fears head-on.

Here are the little new mom secrets that you won't find in the baby books.

Everyone needs a good laugh, once in a while.

Bonding with a newborn can be overwhelming, especially for dad. We've gathered a few fun ways for him to spend a little extra time with his little one.

When you are relaxed, so is the rest of the family. Reclaim your calm with these moves for maxed-out moms or moms-to-be.

I swore I wouldn't be this way, but now that I have a child there's no end to the things that freak me out.

Take our quiz to find out how much of a worrywart you are when it comes to your kids.

Just as your baby develops from an unbelievably tiny bundle into a full-fledged little person, hitting many momentous milestones along the way, so it goes for you. The only difference is, you don't find parental milestones in most parenting books.

Babies are beautiful. Newborns, not so much. But every ugly duckling looks positively gorgeous to his mommy.

Real moms from the Parents.com community share the most un-helpful hints they've received when it comes to motherhood.

One mom attempts to sleep-train her baby in five days.

You probably learned the signs (and sounds) of an unhappy newborn early on. But the signs of happiness can be more mystifying. Baby doesn't even hit the first true happiness milestone, smiling, until after the first month! Here's how to tell if your tyke is feeling fine.

Women spend pregnancy eagerly awaiting a baby: the adorable dimples, the cute outfits, the serene moments of staring into each other's eyes. And yes, there are those joys -- along with some unexpected truths. Real moms who've been there and dealt with that speak up so you'll never have to say, "Why didn't anyone tell me?"

The American Academy of Pediatrics has identified important milestones for babies ages 1 month through 3 months. We've included fun and easy ways to help your newborn reach these key developmental markers, plus helpful information new parents should know.

Hiring a caregiver? Don't fret--there are some great babysitters out there. Here are 15 pointers to help you find the one who's right for you and your child.

Can't swing a super-chic nursery? Check out our budget-friendly versions of the splurgiest stuff around.

Some 80 percent of new mothers experience severe mood swings, known as baby blues, and 10 percent suffer major postpartum depression (PPD) in the first year. Here are steps you can take now to safeguard your well-being after the baby is born.

New parents share their strategies for finding some much-needed "me time" after the baby arrives.

Five surefire sanity-savers to help you rejuvenate now that baby is here.

Around-the-clock feedings. Nursing troubles. No sleep. No problem. We'll help you through the first crazy days.

There are plenty of things to pay attention to after your baby is born. Here are some things you don't need to put on that list.

Grandparents, friends, and society flood parents with well-meaning advice, but how can Mom and Dad be sure they are receiving accurate information? With help from Dr. Andrew Adesman and his book "Baby Facts", we separate baby myths from reality.