Cute Baby Problems: Just Because My Baby Is Cute Doesn't Men Her Personal Space is Public Property

#cutebabyproblems

Let’s talk about something every mom of an adorable baby has experienced at least once (or 47 times): the stroller sneak-attack. You’re out for a peaceful walk, coffee in hand, baby finally asleep or vibing with a teether and enjoying the view, when suddenly—BAM! A well-meaning stranger appears out of nowhere, face inches from your stroller, cooing and baby-talking like they’ve just been introduced to royalty. No hello to you, the actual grown adult steering the baby-mobile. No “is it okay if I say hi?” Just a full-on peek-a-boo ambush. And yes, I've experienced this with both men and women, and it's equally uncomfortable no matter the sex of the ambusher.

To all the soon-to-be moms reading this: yes, people will do this. No, you won’t be prepared the first time. And yes, you’ll smile politely while mentally calculating how many germs are being transferred through the air, whether or not the onlooker has brushed their teeth today, or washed their hands before introducing themselves to your baby. To my fellow mamas already deep in the baby-stare trenches—I see you. I salute you. I cringe with you. Just know that it’s perfectly okay to gently shift the stroller, throw on your best “mama bear in athleisure” energy, and say, “She’s napping, but thank you!” Translation: please back up, immediately.

Let’s all normalize saying hi to the parent first, giving the baby a little wave from a respectful distance, and maybe, just maybe, treating moms like humans who deserve some personal space too. We’re out here doing our best, juggling snack cups and existential exhaustion—can we at least keep the stroller sacred?