You think you know everything about caring for a newborn, right?  You know they spit up on your shoulder and pee in your eye; anyone who's ever seen any movie or sitcom that involves a baby knows that.  And you know they fill up their diapers…with sound effects because script writers think that's just pure comedy (never gets old, right?).  You also know that some parents lose their mind with baby talk around a newborn.  No surprises there.  You may even be aware that babies have a soft spot on their head where the skull hasn't closed yet called the fontanelle. Then you are officially an expert…but there are still a few things you may not know about caring for a newborn baby.

1. Babies excuse a messy house.  You need never pick up the living room again!  Each time people appear at your door they will say, "Oh please my dear, you have a bay-bee*! You can't be expected to clean up too."  (*Folks always pronounce the word baby as 'bay bee' when referring to a newborn.)

2. Babies cry. A lot.  You know that babies cry, of course, but what you may not know until it happens to you is that some newborn babies have crying episodes that can take hours. Yes, hours. No one knows for sure why, since they can’t tell us what bothers them, but colicky babies may experience tummy discomfort, or maybe it’s just their brains maturing. There’s nothing much you can do except for trying stuff – trying to feed, to change the diaper, to rock to sleep. It’s tough, but keep reminding yourself that it’s not their fault and certainly not yours. And that it will get better after the first 12 weeks. If you feel anger building up inside, it’s best to place the baby safely in her crib and step away for a few moments to collect yourself. Never, ever shake a crying baby – this could lead to permanent brain damage or death.

3. Babies lead to naps.  Newborns love to feel parental skin and hear the soothing rhythm of your heartbeat, so falling asleep while nuzzling against your chest is a frequent occurrence. You can take this opportunity to lay them down OR lower yourself to the couch with nuzzling babe. Insert a good book or bad reality television here .  My hubby used this time to play endless hours of x-box while getting credit for taking care of the baby!

4. Postpartum depression can happen to you even if you are giddy with glee and absolutely positive that nothing like that will ever happen to you. Honor your feelings and seek help when you feel miserable.

5. Newborn babies don’t need a daily bath. This one is kind of a secret.  Shhh. I have this information first hand…one or more of my own children have flourished into childhood despite my choosing sleep over a daily bath. Note:  If the darling is asleep, don't start rubbing a wet washcloth all over them or changing them out of soft, comfy, cotton clothing for soft, comfy, cotton sleepwear.  This is ridiculous though I have seen many a parent announce "He's sleeping!  Better get on his jammies!"  When your infant is already snoozing, it's an indication that jammies and a bath are NOT actually required before bedtime.

6. Babies grow up.  I know, I know- this is one that you already DID know.  But we forget.  We just get consumed by the squishy amazingness of our new humans and we forget that babies grow up.  These babes will turn into explorer 3 year olds and then into reckless skateboarders and after that they will be operating machinery and making important life decisions.  This newborn-caring time will not last long. So cherish the good  moments, and during the bad moments, remind yourself that this too shall pass.