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.

This is often the very first moment of intimacy between mother and baby after childbirth.

Baby's firsts 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:

• Instant tears
• “He smiled at ME!”
• Call Grandma right away
• Instant relief from restless nights
• 47 photos of the same smile

Dad:

• “Do it again so I can film it!”
• “No, that was for me!”
• Send the video to everyone in the directory
• “It was worth every sacrifice”
• 3 Instagram Stories in 10 minutes

“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:

• Instant, infectious laughter
• “It’s the most beautiful sound in the world”
• Video sent to the WHOLE family
• Heart Exploding

Dad:

• Becoming a Professional Clown
• Doing the same stupid thing 100 times
• Proud to have made him laugh
• “I’d do anything for that sound”

The first "Mama" or "Dada" (around 8–12 months)

Mom:

• If it's "Mama": tears of joy
• If it's "Dad": "Traitor!" (jokingly)
• Repeat the word 500 times to hear it again
• Calling Grandma: “He said ‘Mama’!”
• A moment etched in memory

Dad:

• If it's "Dad": ultimate victory
• If it's "Mama": "That's normal—she's always there."
• Debate on "Was that really a word or just babbling?"
• Instant Facebook Post
• The feeling of being seen through a baby's eyes

 

Baby's firsts that are (a little) stressful

The first teeth (around 4–7 months)

Mom:

• “Why is he crying so much?!”
• Trying EVERY possible remedy
• Guilt over not being able to provide relief
• Lack of sleep × 1000
• Pride when the tooth finally comes in

Dad:

• Google search at 3 a.m.
• “Should we call the pediatrician?”
• Purchase of 12 different teething rings
• “It’s worse than giving birth”
• “He’s got a tooth! He’s a big boy!”

Tip from 23 Mai Paris Teething nights are exhausting. To make breastfeeding easy even when you’re half asleep, our Breastfeeding pyjamas let you nurse without having to undress—perfect for those difficult nights.

 

First solid foods (around 4–6 months)

Mom:

• A dish worthy of a Michelin-starred chef
• Allergy Anxiety
• 45 photos of the first spoon
• “He doesn’t like it! It’s a failure!”
• Mental calculation of quantities

Dad:

• "We're just giving him some mashed potatoes, calm down."
• It was exciting to see him eat "like us"
• Video of his disgusted expression
• “That’s normal—I don’t like zucchini either.”
• Cleaning the floor, walls, and ceiling…

 

The first illness

Mom:

• Total panic
• Call the pediatrician every 2 hours
• A sleepless night spent monitoring my breathing
• Guilt: “I should have covered for him more”
• Nonstop hugs

Dad:

• "It's just a cold, right?"
• Googling symptoms (bad idea)
• “Should we take him to the emergency room?”
• Feeling of helplessness
• Pride when things are looking up: “We handled it”

 

The first milestones that mark a baby's independence

First steps (around 6–10 months)

First steps (around 9–15 months)

This is THE moment all parents look forward to (and dread).

Mom:

• Uncontrollable shouts of joy
• Tears of pride
• "My baby isn't a baby anymore"
• Call to the ENTIRE family
• Buy "first steps" shoes now
• Longing for the Newborn

Dad:

• “AGAIN! Do it again!”
• Arms outstretched to catch him
• 47 videos from every angle
• Post on all social media platforms
• "He's going to run the marathon in two weeks."
• Utter paternal pride

“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:

• "It's cute… the first time"
• “Who taught you that word?!”
• Start of negotiations
• The realization that the terrible twos are approaching

Dad:

• "He's got some spunk—that's great!"
• The hidden pride in his assertion
• "You listen to me when I speak"
• “Your mother taught him that.”

 

First Social Experiences

The first public appearance

Mom:

• Packing time: 3 hours
• 47-item mental checklist
• Stress from breastfeeding in public
• Proud to show off the baby to the world
• Analysis of every glance from passersby

Dad:

• “We’re only going for 30 minutes—why bring that bag?”
• Carrying a 12-kilogram bag
• A protective gaze toward his family
• “Yeah, it’s mine. Isn’t it nice?”
• “Everyone is watching us—that’s normal.”

To breastfeed comfortably when you're out and about, our Breastfeeding dresses with discreet openings let you feed your baby in style, wherever you are.

 

The first time someone else looked after me

Mom:

• 47-page instructions

• 15 calls in 2 hours

• Inability to enjoy

• Run back

• “Has he forgotten us?”

Dad:

• “Grandma knows what she’s doing, so just relax.”

• “Do you want to go home?”

• Slightly more relaxed

• What a relief to see him again

• “All in all, a break is nice.”

 

The first night at Grandma's

Mom:

• Baby luggage set: 3 bags

• List of instructions: 5 pages

• A call at 10 p.m.: "Is he asleep?"

• Sleepless Nights Without Him

• Morning run to pick him up

Dad:

• “He’s gone for a night, not a month”

• “Your mom raised four kids—she knows what she’s talking about.”

• First relaxed happy hour in months

• A full night's sleep, but I woke up with a start out of habit

• “Can we have breakfast first?”

 

Baby's First Emotional Experiences

The first "I love you" (around 18–24 months)

Mom:

• Breaking down in tears

• “Me too, my love, me too!”

• On repeat so I can hear it again

• A Heart Overflowing

• Calling Grandma while crying

Dad:

• A lump in my throat, tears in my eyes

• “This is the best day of my life”

• Emotion hidden behind a big smile

• The Realization of Unconditional Love

• "He speaks well for his age, doesn't he?"

 

The first spontaneous hug

Mom:

• Instant melting

• "We can stay here for three hours if you want."

• Silent Tears

• "That's why we have kids"

Dad:

• “He chose ME for that hug”

• Cancellation of all plans

• Proud to be her safe haven

• A moment etched in memory

 

The first drawing "for Mom/Dad"

Mom:

• “It’s the most beautiful drawing in the world”

• Hang it on the fridge right away

• Storage in a keepsake box

• A touching moment upon receiving this first handmade gift

Dad:

• “Is that me? Seriously?”

• Photo sent to the office

• "You've got talent, that's for sure."

• Immense pride

 

How can you stay calm during your baby’s firsts?

Our tips for moms

• 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: enjoy the moment

• Embrace your emotions: crying from joy AND exhaustion is normal

• Share these moments with Dad: they’re meant to be enjoyed together

To help you feel beautiful and comfortable during all those first-time moments, our nursing tank tops are perfect for everyday wear, whether at home or out and about.

 

Our tips for dads

• Be there for your baby: even if you can't breastfeed

• Put your feelings into words: you have the right to feel emotional

• Support Mom: she's going through hormonal changes

• Create your own special firsts: the first bath, the first walk with your baby…

• Capture the moments: you’ll be the official photographer

 

For the couple

• Share these moments together: it strengthens the parent-child bond

• Share your feelings: avoid misunderstandings

• Laugh at your own overreactions— it lightens the mood

• Create memories together: photo albums, videos, baby journals

• Take care of your relationship: your baby needs parents who are united

 

How can you capture your baby’s firsts?

The Essentials

• Photo album: capturing the highlights

• Baby journal: record dates and anecdotes

• Memory box: birth bracelet, first lock of hair…

• Videos: Sound is irreplaceable

• Lifestyle photos: everyday life, not just "events"

 

Creative ideas

• Monthly card: a photo with your age each month

• A Letter for Every Birthday: Reflecting on the Past Year

• Handprints/footprints: for every birthday

• Video interviews: asking the same questions every year

• Annual Photo Book: A Year in Pictures

 

Baby's firsts that we tend to forget to mention

The ones that are funny (in hindsight)

• First pee during a diaper change: a startled cry + fits of laughter

• First public diaper explosion: panic + buying a new onesie

• First time he threw up on the nice sweater: “It was the last clean one…”

• First panic attack at the supermarket: abandoning the shopping cart, making a strategic getaway

• First awkward thing said in public: “Where did he learn that?!”

 

The ones that are challenging

• First bout of fever: sleepless night + intense stress

• First fall: guilt + hugs

• First time refusing to eat: concern + culinary creativity

• First setback: fatigue + patience

• First major outburst: exhaustion + self-doubt

For those tough days when comfort is key, our nursing sweatshirts wrap you in softness while making it easy to breastfeed.

 

FAQ: Baby's Firsts

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 or ChatGPT.

 

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.

 

A baby's firsts are precious... and happen only once!

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.