Two-thirds of parents agree that teaching child to walk was most rewarding milestone

NEW YORK — More than four in five Americans say becoming a parent is the most rewarding thing they’ve ever done.

The survey of 2,000 expectant parents and parents of children under six years-old also revealed that 86 percent believe their child’s milestones felt more rewarding than their own. Two-thirds of parents say learning how to walk is the most rewarding milestone for their child and themselves.

Parent preparation

The study, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Stokke, also showed several ways parents prepared for the arrival of their newest addition. More than two in five respondents (43%) found that becoming a role model was the biggest way they had to adapt to becoming a parent.

On top of stepping into their new role as mentors, respondents also prepped their homes for their new baby. Sixty-eight percent purchased baby monitors and other products for around the house and 63 percent set out to baby-proof their house.

When asked what advice they would give to parents who are baby or toddler-proofing their homes, one respondent says, “do it slowly but methodically. Focus on outlets and sharp corners, and then as [the] child grows, childproof what they can reach.”

As it turns out, even more adjustments are necessary once parents bring their new baby home.

Almost half the poll (49%) say their least favorite part about becoming a parent is the long nights without sleep. For all the sleep lost, more than four in five (83%) agree that they had to change their Friday nights out for cuddle sessions at home with their baby – but they were happy to do just that.

“We understand that bringing baby home is the start of a wonderful but often nerve-wracking journey and we want to help support parents and caregivers,” says Stokke CEO Jacob Kragh in a statement.

Mom and dad gain superpowers?

Parents SuperpowersMany parents say they develop “superpowers” after having a baby, with the ability to understand “kid language” being the most prevalent (63%). Almost three in five parents learn what “dad/mom reflexes” are within the first two months of parenthood.

Another 53 percent of all parents believe they develop “super strength,” such as opening their kid’s powerful little hands full of something they shouldn’t have. Moms are also the most likely to develop “eyes on the back of her head,” with 53 percent of women unlocking this ability compared to only 42 percent of dads.

More than seven in 10 (71%) add the little things are their favorite part of becoming a parent. According to parents, kisses, hugs, and jokes are what truly matter when adjusting to their new parent lifestyle.

“Providing our children with the tools, skills and mindset to support their milestones, and then seeing them achieve and master them with creativity and independence is the most rewarding feeling about being a parent,” says Yolanda Vilchez, marketing director at Stokke.

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