16 Signs You've Made It Through the Worst of the Newborn Phase

You've pared down the thousands of photos you were taking a day . . . to hundreds.

Source: Flickr user Parker Knight

It's funny because it's true.

Source: Flickr user Paul Reynolds

Before, your baby's cry was your baby's cry. Now, you can tell the difference between your baby's wails based on him being tired, hungry, wet, hurt, or just plain mad.

Source: Flickr user Aurimas Mikalauskas

I don't know about you, but one of my favourite parts about exiting the newborn stage was finally settling into a routine for eating, sleeping, and playing.

Source: Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones

Sure, it's not much to an onlooker, but those first little smiles and chuckles mean the world to new parents — and also that you're moving past the phase where all your baby does is eat, cry, and sleep.

Source: Flickr user Caitlin Regan

During the first few months of feeding baby, it can seem like your baby will nurse on a bottle or your breasts for hours on end. But fear not mama, things speed up dramatically when your baby is more than a few months old.

Source: Flickr user dailycloudt

Some parents simply can't bear the thought of leaving their newborn, even for a night. Others are simply too darn tired. There will come a time, however, when you realise you are ready (and due) for a child-free night out — and it's just another sign that you're getting through the weeds.

Source: Flickr user Olga/ Олька

Braving the outside world on a regular basis is a good sign that you're starting to phase out the brand-new baby phase.

Source: Flickr user Britt-knee

Two things happen here. First your baby's bowels become a bit more efficient. And second, you're less concerned if your baby is in a soiled diaper for a few extra minutes.

Source: Flickr user Mark Evans

Do you suddenly have a feeling of, "OK, I actually know what I'm doing here. I got this!" Yup, you've made it, mama!

Source: Flickr user Johnathan D. Anderson

Lone gone are the days of friends and family dropping off casseroles for you to simply pop in the oven — and your freezer has gone from being totally packed to totally empty. It was nice while it lasted, but you're also excited to get back in the kitchen again.

Source: Flickr user beccapie

It's not that you were physically shackled to your babe, but mentally it was hard for you to separate yourself from him. At some point you start to feel comfortable venturing out without the baby while someone else watches him — and it's a big step in the right direction.

Source: Flickr user Alisha Karabinus

You no longer need two hands to hold your little one (one for the body, one for the head), and it's very freeing!

Source: Flickr user Bethany King

Postpartum mamas (especially those who are breastfeeding, had C-sections, or other complications during birth) can still have the overwhelming feeling that our bodies are not completely back to being our bodies. Once the newborn phase is on its way out, so is the welcoming idea that your body is back. It might not be the same, but at least it's all yours!

Source: Flickr user Hypnotica Studios Infinite

And amen to that!

Source: Flickr user Paul Roth