This is just my experience, but I wanted to share that for anyone struggling with the baby phase, it does get better. People often warn you, “Just wait until you have a toddler running around,” but for me, things have improved significantly.
I loved the first 2-3 weeks with my newborn, aside from the crying, endless diaper changes, cluster feeding, and some boredom. But then came the reflux and colic, which brought weeks of crying, anxiety about outings, and a lot of time spent babywearing, leaving us with little downtime. The 4-5 month sleep regression felt never-ending, and it was tough until she started crawling and became a bit happier.
Now, at one year old, she’s a joy! She has her little toddler tantrums, but they’re easily redirected. She can play independently, is funny and interactive, and each week brings more improvement. I genuinely enjoy spending time with her now. During the baby year, it often felt like survival mode—relieved when she finally fell asleep, yet knowing I’d be up again soon. She still wakes during the night occasionally, especially when she’s teething or unwell, but it’s much less frequent. Plus, she’s finally starting to enjoy being in the stroller.
I’m really excited to watch her grow, learn new words, and explore the world. Newborn cuddles are sweet, but cuddling with a toddler is so much more rewarding since it’s mutual.
Thank you for sharing. I adore my 5-month-old, but right now every day feels the same. I live in Florida, so we’ve spent much of his life inside due to the heat. I’m going back to work in December, and part of me is happy to talk to adults again. Also, he used to sleep all night, but his sleep has been deteriorating recently. Nobody can prepare you for the challenge of entertaining a baby while weary.
100%. My LO gets bored easily, but coming up with new ideas while weary is a struggle. And yea, why is my sleep getting worse?! It’s as if the four-month regression never finished.
I truly despise the neonatal phase. I hope I could jump ahead to 6 m. My toddler is 17 months old, and I adore her current developmental period… And I say this with her currently smacking and tugging my hair while I rock my three-week-old and type this comment.
My kid is about 14 months old, and I am loving this period! It’s so much fun, even with the tantrums lol. We want a second one soon, and I wish I could jump ahead to 6 months. I do not miss the infant stage at all.
My little one is 5.5 months old, and I’m counting down the minutes till she’s one and out of the newborn phase. I adore her, but this is not for the weak (meaning me) LOL.
My daughter is 2 years old, and I can definitely back this up. Once they learn to walk, they become so much more independent. Of course, you still need to keep an eye on them, but many of the challenges from that first year fade away quickly.
Sure, there are new issues to deal with, but it’s a relief not to be constantly focused on keeping her safe. Now, if she’s hungry, she tells me what she wants instead of crying. I can see her when she needs to go to the bathroom, and when she wants affection, I get ready for a full-speed headbutt hug!
I do miss cuddling the tiny version of her, but watching her dribble a soccer ball across half an indoor field while hugging a teddy bear is truly the best phase ever.
I currently have my 5-week-old snuggling on my chest, and while I adore this cute little potato baby, I’m most excited to see what she becomes once she’s more independent and can play with me rather than simply watching me play with toys in front of her. So far, the newborn stage is not enjoyable, and I don’t see how people say they’ll miss these days when they’re over .
Thank you for posting this. Really, thank you very much. The fourth month regression has been incredibly difficult for me. I honestly wasn’t sure whether I’d make it through today. Reading this gives me confidence that I will be able to get through tomorrow.
I completely agree that I liked babyhood, with the exception of PPA, sleep deprivation, and sicknesses. After a year, much better. Ages 2–3 are so fun and amazing, and I’m no longer fatigued all the time! Personally, I prefer toddlerhood to babyhood!!!
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