10 Things People Say When You’re a New Parent—and What They Really Mean

When we welcome a new addition into our lives, we also have no choice but to welcome a whole slew of comments from family, friends and perfect strangers. And, as I’ve learned after having two babies, what people say isn’t always what they mean exactly. So I thought I would help teach expectant parents how to translate some of the more popular coded comments they may hear. Here are:

The Top 10 Things People Say When You’re a New Parent—and What They Really Mean

10. What they say: “Bluebell Apple… what a unique baby name!”
What they mean: “Why would you torture your child with a name like that?”

9. What they say: “Don’t worry. You’re going to lose that baby weight in no time!”
What they mean: “Wow. You still look like you’re pregnant.”

8. What they say: “You look tired.”
What they mean: “You look terrible.”

7. What they say: “What a cute… baby. What is its name?”
What they mean: “I am politely trying to figure out if your baby is a boy or a girl.”

6. What they say: “I have never seen a baby spit up so much.”
What they mean: “You must be over-feeding that child.”

5. What they say: “It’s amazing how much stuff you accumulate when you have a baby, huh?”
What they mean: “Your house is a mess.”

4. What they say: “He’s really got a set of lungs on him!”
What they mean: “I’m so glad I don’t have to listen to that wailing all the time.”

3. What they say: “It’s great you’ve been able to find the time to post so many pictures on Facebook!”
What they mean: “Stop clogging my newsfeed.”

2. What they say: “Our son started sleeping through the night when he was just six weeks old!”
What they mean: “We are the BEST PARENTS EVER. You, on the other hand…”

1. What they say: “Would you like me to watch the baby while you take a shower or something?”
What they mean: “You smell.”