Raising a baby is full or surprises. No matter how many parenting forums or books you read, nothing can fully prepare you for what’s about to come.

I always think to myself, “I wish I would have known that before.” This thought runs through my head often – during college, my first few years of my marriage, and while raising my child. So, if I could go back before my child was born and teach myself what I know now, this is what I would say:

1. Going Out Will Never be the Same
   Time shifts once you become a parent. Everything takes longer; 5 minutes turns into 30 to account for baby bundling, packing snacks, and fiddling with the car seat.
   Eating out also turns into a challenge. You become worried about everything because there’s cereal on the floor, a squealing baby, and other diners that are giving you funny looks.

   The best part is – when you finally make it out for a date night with your significant other, you’ll probably spend the majority of the time talking about the baby. You’ll want to do things without the baby but once you do, you realize that you should have just brought him or her!

2. The First Few Months are Cruel
   I refer to the first few months as baby boot camp. You’re all set if you can survive your babies erratic sleep schedule, their excruciating cries, and the lack of sleep for the first few months.
   I’m going to be honest; the first few months are hell but I promise, you will get through it and you’ll probably put yourself through it all over again.
3. You Will Lose Sleep
   This is something that you probably knew before having a baby but I want to make sure you know how much sleep you’ll actually lose. You’ll miss out on a lot more sleep than you could have imagined.
   Unfortunately, this isn’t just a short phase that will go away once your baby hits the terrible two’s. There are nightmares to deal with, which often times results in your child sleeping between you and your significant other.

   It does get better as your child gets older but I wouldn’t make a habit out of allowing them to sleep in your bed.

4. Children are Expensive
   I know you already know that you’ll have to buy a ton of diapers (or wash a ton if you’re taking the cloth route) but you’re probably underestimating how many a ton actually is. Look for coupons, please! Diapers are one of the highest costs I encountered during the first few years. I recommend subscribing to a newspaper that has diaper coupons and signing up for Amazon Mom.
5. You Will Never be the Same
   Parenting really does change you. I knew that I would be different, but I didn’t realize how radically it would happen. You won’t turn into a mom or dad overnight, but your habits, perspective, and values get realigned to focus on your child. You will change for the better, I promise you that.

   I realize that there are a few negative points on this list but another promise that I’m going to make to you is that you won’t be thinking about the negative aspects in the long run. This will be the best experience of your life!