The Complex Reality of Early Parenthood Revealed

The Complex Reality of Early Parenthood Revealed

The newborn days, and the days of early parenthood, in general are often romanticised but new research shows that there’s a reality gap where the real experience differs dramatically from expectations. 

The Great British Parenting Survey 2025 by HiPP Organic questioned 2,000 UK parents with children under three. In this article, we’ll explore the interesting findings from this important study. Let’s get started!

The Results of the The Great British Parenting Survey 2025

New Parents Feel Judged

Many new parents (55%) reported feeling moments of joy in small parenting moments and more than a quarter (27%) said that parenting felt instinctive from day one. Nearly all new UK parents (92%) reported feeling judged for their parenting choices during their baby’s first year. This is a sad statistic. Parents said that they felt most judged about their feeding choices (42%), developmental milestones (36%), and how they handle their baby crying in public (35%). Some parents (32%) also reported feeling judged about their decision about returning to work. 

New Parents Feel Under Pressure

The research showed that nearly a third of new parents (32%) feel pressured to enjoy every single moment of parenthood while 28% admit to pretending that they are coping better than they really are. It seems that feelings of pressure, isolation, and guilt go hand in hand with the more joyous moments of new parenthood. 

The Gender Gap

It’s also clear from the research that there’s a gender gap in this area. New mums are particularly affected with 50% fearing that they’re getting things wrong compared to 38% of new dads. New mums are also more than twice as likely to feel alone during the first year of their baby’s life. 

Why We Need to Talk About the Complex Reality of Early Parenthood

Christine Lane, independent midwife and consultant, says: 

“These findings reflect what I hear every day. And show just how important it is for us to have these real conversations about new parent experiences.

When I saw the results, it wasn’t a surprise to me that 93% of parents experience overwhelming feelings of anxiety from the conflicting advice they receive. This creates immense pressure to take on board guidance that may not work for their unique situation.

It’s important for new parents to know that feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. When your baby won’t stop crying or sleep routines feel impossible to establish, it doesn’t mean you’re doing something wrong – it means you’re navigating the very real and common challenges of early parenthood.

Trusted resources and expert guidance can make all the difference in helping parents feel more confident. Just as vital is knowing it’s okay to ask for support. Whether it’s practical advice or simply the reassurance that everything is on track, healthcare professionals are here to help.

We’re proud to stand alongside parents at every step – offering understanding, support, and expert care when it’s needed most.”

Tara Heath, Lead Marketing Manager at HiPP Organic, continues: 

“As parents told us their stories for this research, we were struck by how many felt they needed to navigate this crucial time with limited support. That’s why we believe it takes a village to raise a child – and why we’re committed to being part of that village for parents.”

“What’s particularly encouraging is that 36% of parents found their instincts were correct, even when external advice suggested otherwise. Our ‘Right by your baby, right by you’ approach is about empowering parents with both confidence and reliable information when they need it, while respecting their innate knowledge of their own child.”

The Importance of Support Systems

The research also highlights the critical importance of support systems. “It takes a village to raise a child” is a popular proverb for a reason. 72% of new parents feel supported by family and their partners but many are suffering in silence, feeling that they’re on one to talk to about relationship challenges (24%) or financial strain (20%). 

In response to this, HiPP has enhanced its online resources and also refreshed its follow-on milks range* with packaging designed to make feeding time a bit easier. The brand also offers a Subscribe & Save service to help busy parents. 

Christine Lane adds:

“The pressure to appear as though everything is perfect is immense, particularly in a world where social comparison is constant. Parents need spaces where they can be honest about their experiences without fear of judgment. 

Finding your trusted circle of support – whether that’s family, friends, healthcare professionals, or brands that genuinely understand what you’re going through – is essential for wellbeing.”

Expert Tips for Navigating Early Parenthood Challenges

To help new parents, independent midwife Christine Lane offers advice for based on HiPP Organic’s research findings:

1. Trust your instincts: The research shows 36% of parents found their instincts were correct, even when advice suggested otherwise. You know your baby best.
2. Find your support circle: Identify people who build you up rather than judge your choices. Remember that 72% of parents found support from family and partners invaluable.
3. When your baby won’t stop crying: Try gentle movement, skin-to-skin contact, or white noise. Remember that crying is their primary communication tool and doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.
4. Sleep challenges: Establish a consistent bedtime routine, but be flexible. Accept that broken sleep is normal in those early months and ask for help when you need a break.
5. Feeding worries: Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or using a combination, the important thing is that feeding works for you and your baby. If you’re unsure or have concerns, expert advice can help guide you. Nearly half (42%) of parents have felt judged about how they feed their baby – you’re not alone, and your choices deserve understanding and support.
6. Be kind to other parents: With 92% of parents feeling judged, we can all help by supporting rather than critiquing others’ choices. There’s rarely one right way to parent.

The Great British Parenting Survey 2025 was conducted by Censuswide between 3-10 April 2025 among 2,000 UK parents aged 16+ with children under 3 years old.

*Working in a highly regulated industry, HiPP recognises that breastfeeding is best, providing many benefits to both mothers and infants. HiPP also recognises that every parenting journey is unique, and supports parents through this journey, however they choose to feed their babies.

Collaboration.