New parents would trade their baby shower for help after the birth

new parents hardest stressful things
(Image credit: Getty)

A quarter of new parents would trade their baby shower for help with meals, cleaning and food shopping after the baby’s arrival.

New research has revealed night feeds and keeping on top of the dirty washing are among the most stressful things about becoming a new parent.

A poll of 2,000 mums and dads asked them to think back to a time when they were blessed with a new bundle of joy - and the struggles that came with it.

new parents hardest stressful things

Credit: Getty

A lack of sleep, leaving the newborn alone at any time and simply trying to cope with the huge change also appeared in the top 20.

And the average parent reckons it took nearly a year after their baby was born before they started to relax as a new parent.

The research, commissioned by Uber Eats to celebrate the launch of a limited-edition parents menu, also saw finding time to go food shopping and eat a proper meal instead of snacking on the list.

More: What to expect in your newborn's first weeks at home

More than half of respondents (54 per cent) were also worried about eating the right foods and getting the nutrition they needed in the first six months of their baby being born.

Hannah Richards, nutritional expert and curator of the menu, said: ‘Nutrition is so important for mothers immediately after giving birth so they can get full strength and vitality back.

new parents hardest stressful things

Credit: Getty

‘The B vitamins, magnesium and probiotics are a great way to ensure these needs are met’.

The study also found that learning to be flexible with plans and seeing family and friends are considered some of the most stressful things about becoming a new mum or dad.

But more than half believe there is nothing else in life that can prepare you for parenthood.

The study found that 20 most stressful things about parenting were:

  1. Lack of sleep
  2. Making time for yourself
  3. Trying to have a shower
  4. Settling a crying baby
  5. Getting the baby to go to sleep
  6. Night feeds
  7. Knowing what's wrong with the baby such as unexplained rashes or ailments
  8. Simply trying to cope with the change
  9. Leaving the baby alone at any time
  10. Leaving the house without forgetting something
  11. Cooking while keeping an eye on the baby
  12. Keeping the house clean
  13. Keeping clothes clean/keeping on top of the washing
  14. Constantly checking the baby is OK when they are sleeping
  15. Trying to go to the toilet
  16. Eating a healthy meal
  17. Spending enough quality time with your partner
  18. People judging you over your parenting techniques
  19. Not leaving things lying around that the baby might pick up/grab
  20. Keeping on top of finances
Aleesha Badkar
Lifestyle Writer

Aleesha Badkar is a lifestyle writer who specialises in health, beauty - and the royals. After completing her MA in Magazine Journalism at the City, the University of London in 2017, she interned at Women’s Health, Stylist, and Harper’s Bazaar, creating features and news pieces on health, beauty, and fitness, wellbeing, and food. She loves to practice what she preaches in her everyday life with copious amounts of herbal tea, Pilates, and hyaluronic acid.