This is what new parents in Ireland think is the hardest part

What did you find to be the hardest part of having a new baby?

Constant worry, mum brain, being compared to others and not being prepared for the reality of nappy rash are just some of the concerns cited in a recent study as the most surprising and irritating aspects of parenting. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) said they are not able to find the time to have a shower by themselves and 19 per cent go out without taking one. The study of 500 parents of babies aged newborn to two, also highlighted that 23 per cent of parents are in constant fear of getting it wrong, with a fifth (20 per cent) of mums surprised to discover ‘mum brain’ is real. Other frustrating parenting moments highlighted included being woken up in the middle of the night (32 per cent), when their baby had a poo-nami when they were out and about (25 per cent) and nearly a quarter (24 per cent) stated that it was when their baby was sick on themselves after an outfit change. Competitive or interfering parents were the cause of other ‘pain in the bum’ moments. These included: parents diagnosing your baby (39 per cent) e.g. they must be tired or hungry, parents comparing your baby to other babies (35 per cent), other parents sharing unwanted advice (34 per cent), other parents showing their ‘perfect’ baby on social media (31 per cent), and unrealistic and boastful celebrity parents (28 per cent). Not surprisingly, when it comes to baby ailments, the top concerns for Irish parents are teething at 49 per cent, with nappy rash, ranking second at 40 per cent. The research revealed that a 95 per cent of parents said their baby experienced nappy rash with over 40 per cent going on to say that they were worried their baby was in pain or distress. Furthermore, when asked about how it made them feel, almost half 40 per cent were worried their baby was in pain or distress and worried about their skin, and a fifth 23 per cent felt like a bad parent. Commenting on the findings, Rosanna Davison, mum and WaterWipes spokesperson, said,

“I am not surprised by the findings of the research as all aspects of parenting can be really daunting. Parents just want to ensure that their little ones are happy, comfortable and content.”  

[caption id="attachment_262183" align="aligncenter" width="725"] A father is embracing his newborn baby boy. Baby is sleeping. Family love.[/caption] Other interesting statistics uncovered as part of the study highlighted that 23 per cent of Irish parents say they constantly check on their baby while they are asleep. Finally, 22 per cent surveyed say they have less time to spend/be intimate with their partner.

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