Based on the provided reference, the first three months with a baby often present the biggest challenges.
The reference highlights that these early months can be particularly difficult for new parents:
- Sleep deprivation is a major factor, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed.
- Parents are still learning to interpret their baby's cues and understand their personality.
- There's a valid concern that the early needs and dependency of the baby will lead to "spoiling" them. This can be alleviated by not worrying about spoiling the baby during this stage.
While every stage of a baby's development brings its own unique set of joys and hurdles, the initial adjustment period, particularly the first three months, is frequently cited as the most challenging due to the steep learning curve and significant lifestyle adjustments for parents.