Sleep is what parents miss the most from their pre-baby life, more than having time for themselves, according to a new survey of mums and dads.
But while sleep-deprivation tops the list of challenges faced by families, it's not all bad news. Despite the exhaustion, a whopping 90 per cent of mums and dads have resumed their sex lives four months after bub's arrival - and they report a whole lot more love, joy and awe in their life, too.
The research, a collaboration between BabyCentre and parenting expert Dr Harvey Karp, found that the 1300 US parents who participated were sleeping, on average, 5.7 hours per night. And here's a sobering - but oh-so-familar - statistic: 75 per cent hadn't slept a full eight hours for several months.
According to the bleary-eyed mums and dads, their babies were also waking, twice a night on average.
"Parents assume that good sleep just happens, and they're unpleasantly surprised – and frustrated – when their little one continues to pop awake at night," said Dr Karp.
"Baby sleep isn't rocket science, but safe swaddling, the right kind of white noise, and extra motion are the keys to boosting sleep and reducing the need for sleep training."
In the five years since a similar survey was conducted in 2012, there's also been one big change in the findings.
"Both partners are equally tired – a clear sign that partners are participating more equally in newborn care," said Linda Murray of BabyCentre. "While it doesn't completely make up for a sleep shortage, that kind of partnership means parents are less angry with each other about being tired than they were five years ago."
But while there might be fewer "I'm-more-tired-than-you" conversations, new parents still face a myriad of challenges as they adjust to their new life.Those reporting the highest level of exhaustion also felt more distant from their partner, and had more arguments.
"In the first few months, partners are focused on the baby rather than on each other," said Murray. "Then life stressors start to intrude – parents return to work, have to find childcare, and so on. Most eventually reconnect, but adjustments need to be made along the way and communication is key."
Parents also need to ask for help if they need it, to alleviate some of these stressors. "Don't be shy about asking friends and family to make a casserole, wash dishes, or do a load of laundry," Dr Karp said.
For most mums and dads, however, the love makes it all worthwhile - despite the bone-crushing exhaustion our little ones bring into our lives.
"That rush of love once a newborn is in the house is nature's way of tempering the effect of sleep deprivation," said Murray.
And isn't that the truth.