Social media has us believing that being a millennial parent is absolutely unique and something no other generation has experienced. I don't quite buy it, do you? While I do believe that we have certain factors that are unique to us, I also believe that there are countless factors that are shared with generations before (and those who will come after us). Something we do have is AI to help us find some answers, so I asked AI:

What unique struggles are first-time millennial parents facing?

Here's what it came up with - and honestly, it's pretty spot on.

1. Financial Strain

Millennials came of age during a recession and are living through the domino effect.

Let's be real: money is tight. Between student loans, skyrocketing housing costs, and the ever-increasing price of, well, everything, raising kids feel like a financial tightrope walk. Add in the cost of childcare, and it's no wonder so many of us are side-hustling or debating whether we can afford a second (or third) coffee this week.

One area that can feel incredibly pricey is baby gear. I'm team 'keep it simple' and believe that a few really great items can make your life easier with a baby, and that too many items just complicates things. A good quality baby carrier can last you from birth to toddler, used day and night, by multiple family members and be an absolute lifeline. 

2. Delayed Adulthood

Parents of this generation may have prioritized travel, education, and establishing careers before starting families.

Those life experiences are invaluable, but it does mean that when we finally become parents, the learning curve can feel steep. Suddenly, we're Googling things like "how to swaddle a baby" at 2 a.m. or frantically texting our parent friends for advice on sleep regressions. 

As someone on 'the other side' of that struggle, my best advice is to ride the waves as much as you can. You don't need all the answers when your baby cries, sometimes they just need you. It's worth taking a deep breath and slowing down for a minute.

3. Work Life Balance

Millennials entered a workforce with a strong emphasis on hustle culture and long hours making it difficult to advocate for flexibility as parents.

Ah, the eternal struggle. My of us are juggling remote work, daycare drop-offs, and the occasional toddler meltdown during a Zoom call. It's a lot. But here's the thing: millennial parents are also redefining what work-life balance looks like. We're setting boundaries, embracing flexible schedules, and prioritizing quality time with out kids. 

Oh, let's not forget the magic of babywearing. A ring sling or baby wrap can be a game-changer for working parents. Need to type up an email while soothing a fussy baby? No problem. Babywearing lets you keep your little one close while freeing up your hands to tackle that to-do list.

4. Information Overload

The internet provides a wealth of parenting resources, but it can also be overwhelming.

The internet is a double-edged sword. One minute, you're reading a heartfelt blog about the benefits of attachment parenting. The next, you're down a rabbit hold of conflicting advice on sleep training, screen time, and whether you should be making your own baby food.

Lean into connection if you're feeling that sense of overwhelm. A toddler sling session, some good music and giggles can go such a long way.

5. Shifting Societal Norms

Millennial parents are more likely to embrace alternative parenting styles and reject rigid gender roles.

This can lead to confusion and conflicting advice from older generations. One area where this shift is especially evident is in babywearing. Gone are the days when dads were sidelined as "babysitters." Today, more and more dads are rocking ring slings and infant wraps, and it's amazing to see. Babywearing isn't just for moms - it's for anyone who wants to bond with their little one and keep their hands free. And with so many stylish options out there, it's easier than ever to find a carrier that suits your vibe.

So what's the verdict?

Being a millennial parent comes with its own set of challenges, but it also comes with incredible opportunities. We have access to technology, resources, and communities that previous generations could only dream of. This doesn't mean that it's perfect, and it doesn't mean that we can't keep pushing the needle.

Whether you're a first-time parent figuring out the best baby carrier for your newborn or a seasoned pro looking for tips on toddler tantrums, remember this: you're not alone. We're all in this together, learning as we go and doing the best we ca. And hey, if all else fails, there's always coffee. And maybe a baby wrap to keep your little one close while you sip it.