Baby's Firsts: When Mom and Dad Go on an Emotional Roller Coaster Ride
First smile, first word, first steps... Life with a baby is full of firsts that melt parents’ hearts. These magical moments, often eagerly anticipated, can trigger some surprising reactions in mom and dad. Between tears of joy, overwhelming pride, and a touch of panic, every milestone is a unique emotional journey.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support parents through all these firsts. In this article, we celebrate these unforgettable moments: the major milestones in a baby’s development, typical parental reactions, and our tips for enjoying these precious moments with peace of mind.
To experience all those firsts in style and comfort, discover our collection of nursing wear designed to support moms in their daily lives.
Why First Times Are So Important
What these moments mean to parents
Every first milestone for a baby is much more than just a developmental stage:
| What this means | For parents |
|---|---|
| Validation | "We're doing everything right; he's growing up well." |
| Awe | Rediscovering the world through his eyes |
| Pride | "It's MY baby who's doing that!" |
| Nostalgia | "He's growing up so fast..." |
| Login | Unique moments of togetherness |
| Relief | "Everything is going as usual" |
Parents' conflicting emotions
| Positive emotion | Mixed feelings |
|---|---|
| Joy | It's sad that he's growing up so fast |
| Pride | Fear of not measuring up |
| Excitement | Anxiety about the next step |
| Awe | Tired of always being on alert |
| Overflowing Love | Guilt for giving in sometimes |
Key takeaway: A baby’s firsts are a perfectly normal emotional roller coaster. Every parent experiences them in their own way, and it’s okay to feel mixed emotions.
Firsts from the early days
The first feeding
This is often the very first moment of intimacy between mother and baby after childbirth.
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| "It's magical... and a little weird" | "I feel useless but amazed" |
| Pride mixed with apprehension | Total admiration for his partner |
| "Is he doing okay?" | "Is there anything I can do?" |
| Pain at times, but determination | A strong sense of protection |
| A deep connection with your baby | The beginning of a different parent-child bond |
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The first night at home
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| "They're letting us go with him?!" | "I'm responsible for a human?!" |
| Check every 5 minutes to make sure he's breathing | Installation of 3 different alarms |
| Inability to sleep even when the baby is asleep | Jumps at the slightest sound |
| "I already miss being a mom" | "We'll make it... won't we?" |
| Hormones running wild, tears for no reason | A feeling of helplessness but determination |
The first bath
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| "He's so small and fragile!" | "I'm definitely going to take him down." |
| Meticulous organization of all equipment | I was sweating bullets the whole time |
| Photos from every angle | Maximum concentration |
| "Oh, look at those little fingers in the water!" | A tremendous sense of pride once it was finished |
| Stress, then tenderness | "I've got this after all!" |
Those first moments that melt your heart
The first smile (around 6–8 weeks)
The first genuine social smile (not the kind caused by gas!) is a magical moment.
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Instant tears | "Do it again so I can film it!" |
| "He smiled at ME!" | "No, that was for me!" |
| Call Grandma right away | Send the video to everyone in the directory |
| Instant relief from restless nights | "It was worth every sacrifice" |
| 47 photos of the same smile | 3 Instagram Stories in 10 minutes |
What parents say:
"I cried like never before. That little smile wiped away all the exhaustion of the past few weeks." — Marie, Léo's mom
"I had to reshoot the video 15 times because I was shaking so much with emotion." — Thomas, Emma's dad
The first burst of laughter (around 3–4 months)
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Instant, infectious laughter | Becoming a Professional Clown |
| "It's the most beautiful sound in the world" | Doing the same stupid thing 100 times |
| Video sent to the WHOLE family | Proud to have made him laugh |
| Heart Exploding | "I'd do anything for that sound" |
The first "mama" or "dada" (around 8–12 months)
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| If it's "mama": tears of joy | If it's "Dad": ultimate victory |
| If it's "Dad": "Traitor!" (jokingly) | If it's "Mom": "That makes sense—she's always there." |
| Repeat the word 500 times to hear it again | Debate on "Was that really a word or just babbling?" |
| Calling Grandma: "He said 'Mama'!" | Instant Facebook Post |
| A moment etched in memory | The feeling of being seen through a baby's eyes |
Those first few times that are (a little) nerve-wracking
The first teeth (around 4–7 months)
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| "Why is he crying so much?!" | Google search at 3 a.m. |
| Trying EVERY possible remedy | "Should we call the pediatrician?" |
| Guilt over not being able to provide relief | Purchase of 12 different teething rings |
| Lack of sleep x 1000 | "It's worse than giving birth" |
| Pride when the tooth finally comes in | "He's got a tooth! He's a big boy!" |
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First solid foods (around 4–6 months)
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| A dish worthy of a Michelin-starred chef | "We're just giving him some mashed potatoes—calm down." |
| Allergy Anxiety | It's exciting to see him eat "like us" |
| 45 photos of the first spoon | Video of his disgusted expression |
| "He doesn't like it! It's a failure!" | "That's normal—I don't like zucchini either." |
| Mental calculation of quantities | Cleaning the floor, walls, and ceiling... |
The first illness
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Total panic | "It's just a cold, right?" |
| Call the pediatrician every 2 hours | Googling symptoms (bad idea) |
| A sleepless night spent monitoring my breathing | "Should we take him to the emergency room?" |
| Guilt: "I should have protected him more" | Feeling of helplessness |
| Nonstop hugs | Pride when things are looking up: "We handled it" |
The first experiences that mark the path to independence
First steps (around 6–10 months)
| Step | Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|---|
| First turnaround | "It's moving! It's moving!" | "Watch out for the couch!" |
| First climbs | "My baby is growing up" | Home Security |
| First crawling | Pride + nostalgia | "He's faster than expected!" |
| Getting Started | Tears guaranteed | A video filled with emotion |
First steps (around 9–15 months)
This is THE moment all parents look forward to (and dread).
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Uncontrollable shouts of joy | "AGAIN! Do it again!" |
| Tears of pride | Arms outstretched to catch him |
| "My baby isn't a baby anymore" | 47 videos from every angle |
| Call to the ENTIRE family | Post on all social media platforms |
| Buy "first steps" shoes now | "He's going to run the marathon in two weeks." |
| Longing for the Newborn | Utter paternal pride |
What parents say:
"I cried for an hour. Tears of joy, pride, but also nostalgia. My little one was growing up." - Julie, Lucas's mom
"I was so moved that I dropped my phone. The video didn't turn out, but the memory is still there." - Pierre, Chloe's dad
The first time he says "no" (around 12–18 months)
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| "It's cute... the first time" | "He's got some spunk—that's great!" |
| "Who taught you that word?!" | The hidden pride in his assertion |
| Start of negotiations | "You listen to me when I talk" |
| The realization that the terrible twos are approaching | "Your mom taught him that" |
First Social Experiences
The first public appearance
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Packing time: 3 hours | "We're only going for 30 minutes—why bring that bag?" |
| 47-item mental checklist | Carrying a 12-kilogram bag |
| Stress from breastfeeding in public | A protective gaze toward his family |
| Proud to show off the baby to the world | "Yeah, that's mine. Isn't it nice?" |
| Analysis of every glance from passersby | "Everyone is watching us—that's normal" |
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The first time someone else looked after me
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| 47-page instructions | "Grandma knows what she's doing, so just relax" |
| 15 calls in 2 hours | "Do you want to go home?" |
| Inability to enjoy | Slightly more relaxed |
| Run back | "Has he forgotten us?" |
| What a relief to see him again | "All in all, a break is nice" |
The first night at Grandma's
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Baby luggage set: 3 bags | "He's gone for a night, not a month" |
| List of instructions: 5 pages | "Your mom raised four kids—she knows what she's talking about." |
| A call at 10 p.m.: "Is he asleep?" | First relaxed happy hour in months |
| Sleepless Nights Without Him | A full night's sleep, but I woke up with a start out of habit |
| Morning run to pick him up | "Can we have breakfast first?" |
Those emotional first times
The first "I love you" (around 18–24 months)
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Breaking down in tears | A lump in my throat, tears in my eyes |
| "Me too, my love, me too!" | "This is the best day of my life" |
| On repeat so I can hear it again | Emotion hidden behind a big smile |
| A Heart Overflowing | The Realization of Unconditional Love |
| Calling Grandma while crying | "He speaks well for his age, doesn't he?" |
The first spontaneous hug
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| Instant melting | "He picked ME for that hug" |
| "We can stay here for three hours if you want." | Cancellation of all plans |
| Silent Tears | Proud to be her safe haven |
| "That's why we have kids" | A moment etched in memory |
The first drawing "for Mom/Dad"
| Mom's reaction | Dad's reaction |
|---|---|
| "It's the most beautiful drawing in the world" | "Is that me? Seriously?" |
| Hang it on the fridge right away | Photo sent to the office |
| Storage in a keepsake box | "You've got talent, that's for sure" |
| A touching moment upon receiving this first handmade gift | Immense pride |
How to Stay Calm During Those First Times
Our tips for moms
| Advice | Why it's important |
|---|---|
| Don't worry about the timing | Every baby develops at their own pace |
| Don't compare | The neighbor's baby isn't a benchmark |
| Take fewer photos, live more | Seize the moment |
| Accept your emotions | Crying from joy AND exhaustion is normal |
| Share with Dad | These are moments to share together |
To help you feel beautiful and comfortable during all those firsts, our nursing tank tops are perfect for everyday wear, whether at home or out and about.
Our tips for dads
| Advice | Why it's important |
|---|---|
| Be there | Even if you can't breastfeed |
| Put your emotions into words | You have every right to be moved |
| Support Mom | She is going through hormonal changes |
| Create your own first experiences | The first bath, the first walk with the baby... |
| Capture the moments | You will be the official photographer |
For the couple
| Advice | Why it's important |
|---|---|
| Enjoy these moments together | Strengthens the parent-child bond |
| Share your feelings | Avoid misunderstandings |
| Laugh at your overreactions | Lightsens the mood |
| Make memories together | Photo album, videos, baby journal |
| Take care of your relationship | Babies need parents who are united |
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How to capture those first moments
The Essentials
| Tool | Usage |
|---|---|
| Photo album | Highlight the key moments |
| Baby Journal | Write down dates and anecdotes |
| Memory Box | Birth bracelet, first lock of hair... |
| Videos | Sounds are irreplaceable |
| Lifestyle photos | Everyday life, not just "events" |
Creative ideas
| Idea | How to |
|---|---|
| Monthly pass | A photo every month as you get older |
| A Letter for Every Birthday | Looking back on the past year |
| Handprints/footprints | On every birthday |
| Video interviews | Asking the same questions every year |
| Annual Photo Book | A Year in Pictures |
The first few times we forget to mention
The ones that are funny (in hindsight)
| First time | Typical reaction |
|---|---|
| First pee during a diaper change | A cry of surprise + a burst of laughter |
| First public diaper explosion | Panic + buying a new onesie |
| First spit-up on the nice sweater | "That was the last clean one..." |
| First tantrum at the supermarket | Abandoning the shopping cart, strategic retreat |
| First awkward word in public | "Where did he learn that?!" |
The ones that are challenging
| First time | Typical reaction |
|---|---|
| First fever | Sleepless night + intense stress |
| First fall | Guilt + hugs |
| First refusal to eat | Concern + culinary creativity |
| First regression | Fatigue + patience |
| First Big Tantrum | Burnout + self-reflection |
For those tough days when comfort is key, our nursing sweatshirts wrap you in softness while making it easy to breastfeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
My baby is "behind" in certain developmental milestones—should I be worried?
Every baby develops at their own pace. The ranges provided are averages, not hard and fast rules. A baby who starts walking at 15 months isn’t behind compared to one who starts walking at 10 months. If you have any concerns, consult your pediatrician rather than Google.
How can I stop comparing my baby to others?
It's hard, but remember that every child is unique. Your friend's baby who sleeps for 12 hours might be facing other challenges. Focus on YOUR baby's progress, not on others'. And limit your involvement in mom groups where comparison is rampant.
I missed the first session because I was at work. What should I do?
Feeling guilty is normal, but it’s pointless. Your baby won’t remember that you weren’t there for their first steps. What matters is the love you show them every day. And there will be thousands more “firsts” to share.
My partner and I don't react the same way—is that normal?
Absolutely! Every parent experiences emotions differently. Some cry, while others keep their feelings to themselves. The important thing is to respect how each person chooses to express themselves and to share these moments together, each in their own way.
How can I find the time to enjoy these moments when I'm so tired?
This is every parent’s challenge. Try to let go of housework or minor chores so you can be fully present during those special moments. Fatigue is part of the deal, but those first moments will never come again.
Conclusion
A baby’s firsts are precious moments that mark the lives of new parents. Between wonder and stress, pride and nostalgia, each milestone is an emotional journey to be fully embraced. These unique moments—whether glamorous or chaotic—create memories that will bring a smile to your face 20 years from now.
At 23 Mai Paris, we support parents through all those firsts. Our nursing wear is designed to make everyday life easier for moms, allowing them to focus on what matters most: those magical moments with their baby. Because every first deserves to be experienced with comfort, convenience, and style.
Discover our collection of nursing wear and enjoy all those first moments with peace of mind.
If you're looking for a gift for a breastfeeding mom, here are our collections:
