16 Signs You've Made It Through the Worst of the Newborn Phase

POPSUGAR Photography | Levi Mandel
POPSUGAR Photography | Levi Mandel

The newborn phase is pretty darn difficult. Don't get me wrong, I loved loving on my brand-new babies and the whole miracle-of-life bit, but what I didn't love was the other stuff: the sleepless nights, the endless diaper changing, the feeling that I couldn't leave the house, etc. So I'll be the first to admit that I was more than OK when I started to see the light at the end of the proverbial newborn tunnel and my babies went from being mushy newborns to being just regular old babies.

So whether you've just brought your bundle of joy home from the hospital, or you're in the thick of it, here are a few telltale signs that you've made it through the newborn phases.

01
You Take Less Photos
Unsplash | James Bold

You Take Less Photos

You've pared down the thousands of photos you were taking a day . . . to hundreds.

02
You Shower Regularly
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

You Shower Regularly

It's funny because it's true.

03
You Can Decipher Between Cries
Unsplash | Shitota Yuri

You Can Decipher Between Cries

Before, your baby's cry was your baby's cry. Now, you can tell the difference between your baby's wails based on him being tired, hungry, wet, hurt, or just plain mad.

04
You're on a Routine
POPSTOCK | Evan Kheraj

You're on a Routine

I don't know about you, but one of my favorite parts about exiting the newborn stage was finally settling into a routine for eating, sleeping, and playing.

05
Your Baby Starts to Show a Little Personality
Unsplash | M.T ElGassier

Your Baby Starts to Show a Little Personality

Sure, it's not much to an onlooker, but those first little smiles and chuckles mean the world to new parents — and also that you're moving past the phase where all your baby does is eat, cry, and sleep.

06
Feedings Are Quicker
Unsplash | Kelly Sikkema

Feedings Are Quicker

During the first few months of feeding baby, it can seem like your baby will nurse on a bottle or your breasts for hours on end. But fear not mama, things speed up dramatically when your baby is more than a few months old.

07
You're Going on a Date Night
POPSUGAR Photography | Evan Kheraj

You're Going on a Date Night

Some parents simply can't bear the thought of leaving their newborn, even for a night. Others are simply too darn tired. There will come a time, however, when you realize you are ready (and due) for a child-free night out — and it's just another sign that you're getting through the weeds.

08
You Leave the House More Regularly
POPSUGAR Photography | Levi Mandel

You Leave the House More Regularly

Braving the outside world on a regular basis is a good sign that you're starting to phase out the brand-new baby phase.

09
You Change Less Diapers
POPSUGAR Photography | Julia Van Arsdale

You Change Less Diapers

Two things happen here. First your baby's bowels become a bit more efficient. And second, you're less concerned if your baby is in a soiled diaper for a few extra minutes.

10
You Trust Your Instincts More
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

You Trust Your Instincts More

Do you suddenly have a feeling of, "OK, I actually know what I'm doing here. I got this!" Yup, you've made it!

11
You Start to Make Your Own Meals Again
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

You Start to Make Your Own Meals Again

Lone gone are the days of friends and family dropping off casseroles for you to simply pop in the oven — and your freezer has gone from being totally packed to totally empty. It was nice while it lasted, but you're also excited to get back in the kitchen again.

12
You're No Longer Shackled to Your Baby
POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

You're No Longer Shackled to Your Baby

It's not that you were physically shackled to your babe, but mentally it was hard for you to separate yourself from him. At some point you start to feel comfortable venturing out without the baby while someone else watches him — and it's a big step in the right direction.

13
Your Baby Can Hold His Head Up
POPSUGAR Photography | Sheila Gim

Your Baby Can Hold His Head Up

You no longer need two hands to hold your little one (one for the body, one for the head), and it's very freeing!

14
You're Introducing Solid Foods
Unsplash | Tanaphong Toochinda

You're Introducing Solid Foods

Some folks start their babes on solid foods as early as 4 months, and this is a big step away from newborn-ness and into full-on baby mode.

15
You're Sleeping (Better)
POPSTOCK | Diggy Lloyd

You're Sleeping (Better)

And amen to that!