10 Things No One Tells You About Parenting a Newborn

Sep 13, 2017

You’ve read the books, the blogs, and every piece of parenting advice out there. You know what’s going on when it comes to newborn care. But even though it’s perfectly possible to learn the basics beforehand, when you get to real-world mommy-ing, sometimes things don’t look or feel like you expected. Check out the surprising stuff no one tells you about parenting a newborn.

1. They’re floppy. That squishy little cherub isn’t exactly solid at first. Your newborn’s neck is totally lax when it comes to muscle tone, and it’s completely normal for babies to have floppy heads. Don’t stress; the older she gets, the more muscle strength she’ll build.

2. The cry is outrageous. Newborns cry. Everyone knows that. But you might not know about that oh-so special newborn cry. It’s an Earth-shaking wail that will make that fancy video monitor with Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity totally unnecessary.

3. Newborn heads look odd. You’ve probably been dreaming of the moment you get to meet your little one. Youll finally get to see what she looks like! And she’ll look… um, like a football. If you have a vaginal birth, your newborn’s head may look sort of squished in the beginning. Like many of these under-the-radar newborn issues, this one will resolve itself on its own.

4. Smiles don’t happen right away. You’ve heard that “it must be gas” thing when it comes to baby’s smile something like a zillion times. And it’s totally true — don’t expect a social smile (the ones that are in response to you, some other person, or some sort of interaction) to happen until somewhere around six weeks.

5. Not doing much takes a crazy amount of time. Eat, sleep, poop. That’s pretty much it when it comes to your newborn’s schedule. You might think that you’d have plenty of time to catch up on Game of Thrones, but even though newborns don’t do a whole lot, you’ll somehow spend all day mom-ing. Don’t be surprised if it’s 5pm, your honey is getting home, and you’re still in your PJs, asking where the day went.

6. Breastfeeding doesn’t always happen right away. Even though it seems like every animal on Earth has the ability to nurse their young without taking 15 classes and hiring a consultant, you might need to. Some mamas find breastfeeding to be a major challenge, and that’s okay. It can take time, and there are plenty of people around to help you out. The most important thing is that your baby is fed. Breastfeeding is not a reflection on your parenting prowess.

7. Sponge baths are it. That adaptable little baby bather your BFF gifted you with isn’t going to get much use right away. Until that little umbilical stump falls off, your baby is on sponge baths only.

8. Your baby seems to know when you sit down. The dog is barking, a car just backfired, or your S.O. just accidentally slammed the door. Your eyes bug out and you rush to your newborn’s side, knowing for sure she’ll startle herself awake. But, hallelujah, she’s a sleeping beauty… until you sit down to eat that leftover pizza. The moment you try to eat a meal, wash your face, text a friend, or do just about any non-baby-related task, your newborn will wake up and cry.

9. Newborns have major nails. Your baby is basically a mini Wolverine. She’s got some pretty sharp little nails, and she isn’t afraid to use them. There are plenty of little mittens and cover-ups made to keep your kiddo from scratching herself and everything around her. Along with that, make sure to trim her nails often.

10. Time will fly by. One day you’re bringing home this scrunchy little baby who you have no clue how to care for and the next you’re chasing a full-fledged toddler through the park. Enjoy this time. Even though it seems like it sucks, it’s actually pretty special. Slow down and savor every spit-up-soaked day, every sleepless night, and every part of the newborn period.

What surprises you most about having a newborn? Share your thoughts and tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

16 Unique Baby Names That Aren’t Nouns

The baby name business has gotten a bit out of hand. While we love unique names, sometimes names like Toaster or Tree just don’t have the same ring as, say, Leila or Patrick. But we totally get the desire to have a name that differs from the mainstream. After all, our names are Olivia Taylor and Jasmine Williams…which are very popular.

People are literally paying Baby Name Consultants, like TikToker Colleen, to generate a list of top names for their little bundle of joy.

This concept isn’t all that new, but the idea of paying thousands of dollars for a list of names certainly is. The Wall Street Journal reported on the rise of baby name consultants and “the art of ‘branding’ your newborn” in 2007. With the boom in baby naming books circa early 2000s and the rise in funky celeb baby names like Apple Martin and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt (and today’s celeb baby names like Moxie CrimeFighter Jillette, Pilot Inspektor and Exa Dark Sideræl), baby-naming has become a source of stress and incredible importance. So stressful, in fact, that a few thousand dollars doesn’t look so bad.

Don't worry though – we definitely won’t charge you $10k for your baby’s unique name. Instead, here are 16 baby names that are cute and unique, and might be the perfect fit for your little one.

Unique Baby Names for Girls

Photo by Daniel Thomas / Unsplash

Aria — All we can think about is, "Here comes Queen Aria," whenever we see this name. Similar to Arielle's name from The Little Mermaid, Aria is synonymous with something melodic.
Iris — Just like the iris of your eye, this name means your daughter will more than likely have a bright and colorful personality!
Maia — Instead of the traditional spelling of Mya, this name has Latin roots and means "great."
Ayla — Your daughter will have sturdy characteristics thanks to her Hebrew name!
Asha — Let your little girl's name remind you that there's much to be hopeful about.
Naomi — Take a cue from famed model Naomi Campbell and let your daughter's name introduce her beauty to the world.

Gender-Neutral Unique Baby Names

Image via kaushal mishra/Unsplash

Campbell — This Scottish name means "beautiful field" so we're sure it means your son's being will be full of beautiful traits and perspectives .
Reese — There's a reason why Reese Witherspoon has such a enthralling personality. Her name means "passion" and "enthusiasm."
Greer — We can hear Beyoncé's song "Protector" playing when we say this name because it means "guardian."
Lennon — There's a reason the world was so drawn to John Lennon's name. Lennon means "dear one" and we know that's how you'll feel about your newborn!
Sterling — "Twinkle, Twinkle little star" has nothing on the name Sterling. On second thought, it could serve as your baby's unofficial theme song.

Unique Baby Names For Your Son

Photo by luis arias / Unsplash

Lennox — Trade the 'n' in Lennon for an X to get this Scottish name. It rolls off the tongue, making it easier for others to pronounce.
Adler — Your little eagle is sure to soar high under your watchful eye.
Rowan — Have a cute baby that was born with a head full of red hair? Name him Rowan which means "little Red one." While you're at it, check out these lucky Irish baby names for more ideas!
Banks — If you feel drawn to water during your pregnancy, there's a good chance there's a reason why. Banks translates to "edge of the river."
Rigg —Whether you choose this as your baby's first or middle name, it'll be easy for others to remember it!

We know this process can be stressful, but don’t worry. As a new parent, you have so many other things taking up space in your mind, and this shouldn’t be one of them. Whatever baby name you go with, we’re sure it will be amazing.

Got any other unique baby name ideas? Share them with us in the comments!

We've got all your baby needs at Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Lead image via Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

10 Best Drew Barrymore Movies, Ranked From Iconic To Absolutely Awful

Now widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most optimistic and compassionate figures due to her recent career shift as a talk show host, Drew Barrymore is also a veteran actress who’s made her mark behind the camera. Above all else, she’s truly iconic, at just 49 years young, she’s achieved more than most do in a lifetime.

From being catapulted to global fame at the age of 4 to becoming one of the most recognizable movie stars in the world, Barrymore has had a career that’s nothing short of extraordinary. It’s safe to say Barrymore has solidified her spot in Hollywood and continues to be an influential figure. Now for the fun part — with a lengthy resume chalk full of incredible films, you may be wondering where to start.

So, to make it easier, here’s a list of the Drew Barrymore movies everyone should see in their lifetime.

1. E.T.

Universal Pictures

This remains one of Barrymore’s most iconic roles, and at 6 years old no less. Stephen Spielberg’s E.T. continues to be regarded as one of the greatest films ever made since its release in 1982, and comes in with a 7.9 out of 10 on IMDb and a whopping 99 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s no wonder why as the film beautifully portrays two children befriending an alien and keeping his existence a secret to protect him. If you want to cry, this is a must-see. If you don’t, well, you still have to watch this, just have the tissues ready. Not to mention, 6-year-old Drew Barrymore is so cute in this.

2. Ever After

20th Century Fox

A retelling of the fairytale Cinderella with Drew Barrymore? Say less. There have been a handful of Cinderella adaptations, to say the least, but this may be one of the best, and Barrymore is to thank for that. Her effervescent innocence shines through in this role and she offers a wit and independence that was not seen in preceding versions – Barrymore’s Cinderella is resourceful and isn’t the archetypal damsel in distress, which is why this is a refreshing must-watch. Plus, its 7.1 out of 10 score on IMDb and 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

3. Scream

Dimension Films/Paramount

Yes, I know Barrymore is only in Scream for all of 10 minutes, but in my humble opinion, it may be the best 10 minutes of the film. Her incredible performance and blood-curdling scream open the film, and thrust you into the most prolific horror film franchise of our time. So yeah, I think this deserves a spot on the list. And even though it's rated 7.4 out of 10 on IMDb and 77 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it's arguably one of Barrymore's most iconic moments ever.

4. Donnie Darko

Newmarket Films

This thought-provoking, and might I add haunting, film has still been top of mind for me since my first watch. While Barrymore’s screen time is certainly limited in Donnie Darko, there’s no questioning the impact her role and character offered the film. Her character, high-school teacher Karen Pomeroy, is a relatable anchor in a film that is otherwise unsettling. And that, friends, should be enough reasoning to get you to watch this movie. Plus its 8 out of 10 on IMDb and 87 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

5. Whip It

Searchlight Pictures

It’s only fitting Whip It follows a performance like Ever After – two very different settings, yet two very similar roles for Barrymore in that she plays a strong, independent woman in both. Even more so, Barrymore not only starred and directed this film, she co-wrote the screenplay as well. What can’t she do?! I love this movie (about a roller derby league) so much that it ~magically~ appears on my TV screen every year. It comes in with a 6.9 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 86 percent RT rating.

6. Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind

Miramax

If anyone ever needed proof that Barrymore has range — I don’t know who would, but that’s beside the point — I’d show them George Clooney’s directorial debut Confessions Of A Dangerous Mind. Barrymore plays a supporting role that seemingly morphs into one of her most memorable as she plays the typical supporting woman alongside Sam Rockwell’s game show host & undercover assassin. Because what man can simply exist without a woman behind him? The movie has a 7 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 79 percent Rotten Tomatoes score.

7. The Wedding Singer

New Line Cinema

I didn’t mean to intentionally put two Adam Sandler movies on this list, but here we are. What can I say? The Barrymore and Sandler duo cannot be stopped! It’s another early 2000s film (that decade has the best rom-coms, and I won’t debate this fact), where Barrymore and Sandler slowly fall in love…despite the fact she’s engaged to someone else. What’s not to love? The movie has a 6.9 on IMDb and 72 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

8. Never Been Kissed

20th Century Pictures

If She’s All That and Mean Girls had a movie child together, (with maybe a hint of step-parenting from 21 Jump Street) it would be Never Been Kissed. This movie (which as a 6 out of 10 on IMDb and only 55 percent on RT) is quintessential early 20's Barrymore entering her rom-com phase, and for that, I’m forever thankful. Barrymore stars as an undercover journalist who breaks into the most popular clique at school…and then falls for her English teacher.

9. Charlie's Angels

Columbia Pictures

I remember my first time watching Charlie’s Angels – it’s one of those films everyone’s dad calls a classic – and after watching it, I thought ‘dang, rightfully so.’ Beneath all of the visible hairspray, sexy innuendos, and revealing outfits, this film is really about strong female relationships and camaraderie. If anything, it’s a fun time filled with action and drama, and, I hate to admit it, it’s a classic (despite the fact it has a 5.6 out of 10 IMDb rating and a 68 percent on Rotten Tomatoes. Don't even get me started on the 45 percent audience score!).

10. 50 First Dates

Columbia Pictures

It’s no secret that Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have insane screen chemistry, and this movie proves it. 50 First Dates is a witty romance that Barrymore shines in. She portrays a woman who has amnesia after an accident, meaning she basically relives the same day over and over. Her portrayal is truly unforgettable and she commands the screen — sorry Adam. The movie scored a 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb but somehow only got a 45 percent on Rotten Tomatoes!

What's your favorite Drew Barrymore movie? Did we leave anything off the list? Let us know in the comments and read up on A Definitive Ranking Of Emma Stone's Best Movies for more!

drew barrymore pop culture entertainment

5 Mom-Approved Tips From Ria Safford's New Book "The Organized Home For New Parents"

Whether you're a new or seasoned parent, it seems like finding mom-approvedorganizationtips to help keep your space tidy feels like another never-ending task that may or may not get done. Even though we'd love to keep everything clean, I'm sure other moms will tell you that clutterwins more often than we'd like to admit. To be blunt, I've even given myself permission to stop feeling guilty when my apartmentdoesn't look presentable. Still, it doesn't hurt to be able to know where things are instead of accidentally leaving my keys in the refrigerator or having to run to the pantryto find a backup diaperduring blowout moments — *blank stare.*

Luckily, moms' prayers have been answered thanks to Ria Safford's new book The Organized Home for New Parents. Not only is Ria a certified organization queen, but she's also a wife and momof three. Arguably the best thing about Ria is her willingness to be honest about *not* always having it together. "I'm messy at heart. Like, I want people to understand that being a walking hot mess and being organized aren't mutually exclusive," she said.

It's the main reason she wrote The Organized Home for New Parents — she honestly gets how hard it is to navigate motherhood while caring for little people. Since I'm getting ready for the threenager stage (send help) of being a toddler mom, here are five mom-approved tips from The Organized Home for New Parents I've started putting into practice.