Six in 10 parents felt they were 'failing' during baby's first year, poll claims

Inadequacies influenced by unrealistic portrayals in film, TV and advertising

Half of those polled admit to putting on a brave face rather than being honest about their parenting reality. (WaterWipes/PA Wire)

Six in 10 parents felt as if they were "failing" during baby's first year, according to a new poll.

The survey claimed that adapting to sleepless nights, battling tiredness and struggling with feeds has led many new parents to think they are simply "not good enough.""

Unrealistic "picture perfect" parenting portrayals in TV, film and advertising were among factors contributing to this mindset.

The worldwide poll of 13,064 adults found Britain was the country with the second-most anxious parents. Only mothers and fathers in Australia and New Zealand were found to be more self-critical.

Four in 10 respondents said they could not be honest about their struggles because they were fearful of judgemental attitudes and 50 per cent admitted to putting on a brave face instead of being honest about their parenting reality.

“The global research speaks for itself. At times, parents are left feeling like they are failing, especially when they are surrounded by false images of perfect parenting - with the UK one of the most likely countries to experience this," said Cathy Kidd, global vice president of marketing at WaterWipes, which commisioned the survey.

The poll also found that British mothers who took part in the poll were twice as likely as fathers to feel feel pressure from social media to be a perfect parent and 50 per cent of believed they could not relate to the images they see on social media channels because of the way in which they are portrayed.

Musician, author and father of two, Harry Judd is a long standing advocate of breaking perfect parenting stereotypes.

He said: “Parenting is hard enough without the wealth of pressure from others, and the unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves."

He added: “It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but hands down the most magical and rewarding, and there is absolutely no shame in being honest about that.”

SWNS