Night feeds, keeping on top of the dirty washing and other people judging your parenting techniques 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 which came with it.
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 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.
“The B vitamins, magnesium and probiotics are a great way to ensure these needs are met.
“With this limited-edition menu, new parents can be confident that their nutrition is taken care of, leaving more time to focus on their new babies.”
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.
More than three quarters expected more support from family and friends, including assistance with the cooking and cleaning, as well as taking on babysitting duties or just being good company.
It also emerged eight in 10 of those polled, via OnePoll, felt overwhelmed in the first six months.
In fact, a quarter would have preferred help with meals, cleaning and food shopping after the baby’s arrival instead of everyone gathering for a baby shower.
More than a fifth struggled to find time to eat in the first six months, and four in 10 admitted to snacking a lot more.
Parents also confessed to consuming more chocolate, biscuits and crisps than they would have done normally.
Toussaint Wattinne, general manager of Uber Eats in the UK, said: “Having a new baby is an incredibly exciting time but it also comes with a lot of stress and sleepless nights.
“It’s important that while you’re looking after the baby, you’re also taking care of yourself and staying fit and healthy.
“That’s why we’re partnering with Tibits and Hannah to make sure that parents are functioning at their best during an overwhelming but wonderful foray into new parenthood.”
Top 20 most stressful things about parenting:
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
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