Newborn Baby’s First Impressions Spark Debate Online as UK Mom Jess Jokes About Her Baby’s Looks

Becoming a new mom comes with a whirlwind of emotions, and sometimes, the reality doesn’t match the idealized picture of parenthood.

Jess, a 20-year-old from the UK, recently shared an unexpected and humorous moment with her followers on TikTok.

After the birth of her son, Jovi, she found herself in a state of shock—so much so that she had a surprising reaction to her newborn.

A Surprising First Impression

In a black-and-white hospital photo posted on her TikTok account (@jbag17), Jess shared a sweet snapshot of herself with Jovi shortly after delivery.

While she initially gushed over her son, joking about whether it was the hormones or if he was the cutest newborn ever, Jess quickly made a confession.

Upon taking a closer look, she laughed and admitted that she “literally stared at him and cried” because she thought he was “so ugly.”

Her candid moment struck a chord with many parents who’ve been there themselves.

Going Viral and Facing Mixed Reactions

Jess’s video quickly went viral, amassing over a million views.

While many found her honesty refreshing, others weren’t so amused.

Some viewers compared Jovi to public figures like Vladimir Putin or Mr. Burns’ son from The Simpsons, while others criticized her as being cruel.

One commenter wrote, “Baby’s first bully,” while another expressed concern, saying, “Please be kind to your child, this is heartbreaking to watch.”

Jess, however, responded with humor, reassuring viewers that her baby was “saving up for a nose job” to improve his looks.

She also responded to one commenter who called her weird, saying, “Oh, so I guess you didn’t have any meds or experience any shock when you gave birth! Lucky 🙂 x”

The Reality of Newborn Appearances

It seems Jess isn’t alone in her honest assessment of her newborn’s looks.

Many parents shared their own experiences, some even admitting they thought their babies were “ugly” at first.

One commenter joked, “Looooool people are so sensitive. My daughter peaked at six months, before that, damn,” while another parent said, “My dad says I was the ugliest baby he’d ever seen.”

These shared experiences show that it’s not uncommon for parents to initially have a less-than-ideal reaction to their baby’s appearance.

Newborns often go through various physical changes as they grow, with features like their hair, eyes, and skin continuing to develop over time.

Stories from Other Parents

Some parents recalled moments of disbelief when they first saw their babies.

One Reddit user, IAmTheOneWhoKn0cks, described their shock upon seeing their newborn after a C-section, jokingly asking, “Are you sure that’s my baby?”

The baby had jet-black hair and dark eyes, which the parent initially found difficult to believe was their own child.

However, as time passed, the baby grew into their features and became “very cute.”

Other parents shared similar experiences, with one commenting on their son’s odd-shaped head caused by birth complications, while another mom recalled her daughter being born with a nose that looked “like a f****** beak.”

Fortunately, as with most babies, these features eventually smoothed out as they grew.

Newborns Aren’t Always Cute – And That’s Okay

Many parents, including Jess, have learned that newborns often don’t match the idealized image of perfect cuteness.

While some babies are born with features that parents find hard to embrace initially, they grow into their looks, just as Jess’s son did.

This is a shared experience that many parents can relate to, as evidenced by numerous comments from others who admitted that their babies weren’t immediately adorable but became so as they grew older.

Interestingly, a study in 2018 found that adults generally consider babies cute only after they reach about six months old.

At this age, babies develop features like bigger eyes, chubby cheeks, and start making cooing noises, which are thought to trigger a nurturing instinct in adults—helping ensure the baby’s survival.

The Bonding Process

Professor Tony Volk, the lead author of the study, reassured parents who may feel disconnected from their newborns initially.

He explained that if parents don’t feel an instant bond or find their baby overwhelmingly cute, it’s perfectly normal.

Bonding, he said, will grow over time, helping to solidify the connection between parent and child.

Jess’s video, along with the responses from others, highlights that new parenthood is often full of surprises—and that’s perfectly okay.