A throwback TikTok clip capturing the raw reality of being a new parent has caused hysterics online.
Madison Reid (@madisonreid0731) shared the six-year-old video of her husband, Matt, feeding their newborn baby with a look of pure exhaustion on his face.
Although the moment was recorded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 28-year-old Madison told Newsweek that she couldn’t help but laugh.
“I felt his pain and I also knew if he knew what he looked like in that moment he’d die laughing too, so that’s why I took the video,” she said. “The second I showed him what his face looked like, he laughed and lightened up.”
As first-time parents to Sophia, the Reids were already navigating the anxiety that comes with caring for a newborn, compounded by concerns about illness and exposure.
Family visits were rare, help was scarce, and much of the responsibility fell squarely on the two of them.
Matt’s expression in the video reflects that strain. The couple, who were both 23 at the time, attempted to manage nights by sleeping in shifts, but the reality proved far harder than the plan.
“I was also recovering from my C-section, so he [Matt] was taking on as much responsibility as he could so I could heal,” Madison said. “I’m pretty sure he had just woken up too, which is why he looks extra disheveled.”
Madison’s clip has gone completely viral on TikTok clocking up over 16.2 million views. In the comments, users were in hysterics over Matt’s demonic stare.
“He’s trying so hard to lock in while disassociating oml [oh my lord],” one user wrote.
“He looks like he just gave birth,” another posted.
Many others acknowledged how difficult the first few months with a newborn can be.
“Newborn stage isn’t for the weak,” one user added.
“The first 6 months is rough, is just survival mode,” another said.
“The reaction has been hilarious,” Madison said. “A lot of parents see his face and immediately understand it. People on TikTok can be so funny and clever, so me and my husband have been dying laughing at the comments.”
Thankfully, it did get better for the new parents. Madison said the hardest part of that stage was the lack of sleep, not the partnership itself.
“Every single stage was our favorite,” she said. “Also, when you have a partner you can be silly with and can rely on to help lighten the mood as much as possible, it really does make a difference.”
