Surviving the First 3 Months Without Losing Your Mind (Or Your Wi-Fi Password)
Welcome to parenthood — where in the first 3 months sleep is a rumor, laundry multiplies like rabbits, and your coffee consumption is measured in gallons, not cups. If you’ve recently joined the rookie parent club, congratulations! You’re about to experience the most exhausting, hilarious, and heart-bursting adventure of your life.
This guide isn’t here to guilt you into “soaking up every moment” (sometimes the moment smells like spit-up and you just want a shower). Instead, we’re going to help you with surviving the first 3 months, and even thriving in those first 90 days — with a healthy dose of humor, a dash of reality, and a few must-have products that will keep you sane.
1. Embrace the Chaos (and the Coffee)
You will not “have it all together.” Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or hasn’t slept in so long that they’re hallucinating.
What you can do is embrace survival mode:
- Keep snacks in every room (bonus points if they don’t require two hands).
- Lower your cleaning standards. (Dust is just a cozy blanket for your furniture.)
- Invest in a good coffee maker — seriously, it’s cheaper than therapy. Check out this parent-approved coffee machine ☕
2. The Gear You Actually Need (Skip the Hype)
You don’t need a $1,200 stroller with Bluetooth. You do need gear that actually makes life easier:
- Baby wrap or carrier – because two hands are a luxury. Our favorite here.
- Sound machine – white noise is basically baby hypnosis. Affordable and effective option.
- Waterproof changing pad liners – your couch will thank you. See the set we recommend.
3. Sleep (Ha!) Smarter, Not Any Longer
The bad news: babies are tiny nocturnal alarm clocks.
The good news: you can hack your way to more rest:
- Swap night feed shifts if you have a partner.
- Keep a small basket of diaper-changing supplies in your bedroom.
- Try a bassinet with motion – it’s like having a robot nanny. This one is a lifesaver.
4. Feedings: The Never-Ending Buffet
Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or both — it will feel like you’re running a 24-hour diner.
Pro tip: set up a “feeding station” with:
- A giant water bottle (hydration is life) this one is huge and spill-proof.
- Snacks that don’t need utensils.
- Burp cloths within arm’s reach.
5. Remember: You’re Doing Great
You will Google weird stuff at 3 a.m. (“Can my baby get bored of me?”) and wonder if you’re messing everything up. You’re not. You’re keeping a tiny human alive — that’s already superhero-level work.
Rookie Parent Playbook Takeaway
Surviving the first three months is less about “doing it perfectly” and more about finding what works for your family. Laugh at the chaos, stockpile coffee, and don’t be afraid to lean on the tools and products that make life easier. See our other posts including essentials and some real talk!

