Picture this: you have a serene little bundle of joy who lights up the room with his easy smile. His caregivers rave about how “laid back” and “chill” he is, and he only drools when teething. Rarely does he spit up, and by the time he hits 4 months, he’s blissfully sleeping 7-8 hours straight. At family gatherings, everyone passes him around without a hint of fussiness. When he does get upset, a bottle, a cuddle, or a quick stroll in the fresh air calms him down in no time.
He’s your firstborn, and while there may be a few bumps as you navigate parenthood, you’ve hit the jackpot. He’s the quintessential “easy” baby.
But beware—he’s a trick baby.
This little charmer can be dangerous. If you find yourself blessed with a trick baby, your confidence as a parent will skyrocket. You might skim through articles on sleep training, only to realize you never needed any of that advice. You’ve got this parenting thing figured out! You’ll almost feel guilty when your sleep-deprived friend, whose baby screams at the top of his lungs unless held, asks how your little one is sleeping. After all, your baby doesn’t do any of those things—because he’s a trick baby!
Your trick baby will make you believe that parenting is a walk in the park. You’ll lovingly watch him snooze in his crib while you sneak into your own bed for 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep. You might even think your genes are something special, contributing to the creation of this perfect child. But don’t let the trick baby fool you into thinking all babies are like this.
You’ll find yourself trying to relate to other parents, but it will fall flat. When you mention, “He’s teething, so it took him nearly 15 minutes to fall asleep last night,” you’ll realize how out of touch you sound. You can’t help it; after all, you’re living the trick baby experience.
The biggest trick of all? This little angel may lead you to think you should have another baby—right now! Look how easy it is with this one!
But don’t be deceived. Remember, your trick baby is a rare breed. If you’re lucky enough to welcome this type of child first, cherish every moment, but don’t fool yourself. The next baby may be a colicky, sleep-resistant, clingy little one—also known as a “normal” baby.
If you’re not careful, you could end up with two little ones born within 18 months of each other, where one is a demanding newborn while the other is a newly mobile trickster ready to explore everything, including dangers. Your trick baby is clever enough to exploit your newfound confidence, knowing that as soon as he’s on the move, you might be too exhausted to keep up.
Don’t blame your trick baby for your poor judgment; nobody will understand, especially not your friend whose child still isn’t sleeping through the night. And since your trick baby is a champion sleeper, you won’t be able to attribute your missteps to sleep deprivation. Instead, you’ll be a fatigued mess, juggling a clingy newborn while trick baby attempts to scale the tallest furniture.
That’s the hazard of having a trick baby. So consider yourself warned!
For more insights on parenting and the journey ahead, make sure to check out this post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re looking to boost your chances of conception, Make A Mom offers reliable at-home insemination kits. Additionally, for information about fertility and insurance, UCSF provides excellent resources.
In summary, while having a trick baby may seem like a dream come true, it’s essential to remain grounded. This delightful little one is an exception, not the rule. So enjoy the sweetness, but don’t forget that the next chapter of parenting might come with its own set of challenges.
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