Picture this: you’re about to become a stepmom to two lovely school-age kids, and you’re getting along just fine. But then, one day, your fiancé’s ex-wife hands you her baby and expects you to know how to burp it. When you admit that you don’t know how, she goes off on you, calling you a useless stepmom. That’s exactly what happened to one woman, who now wonders if she’s really deluding herself about being a good stepmom. Let’s dive into the story and see what happened.
The Blended Family Setup

The Transition Begins

A Favor Turns Sour

The Baby Burping Debacle

The Unexpected Handoff

A Heated Reaction

Calling for Backup

The Ex’s Exit

Self-Doubt Creeps In

A Stepmom’s Qualifications

Is She Really a ‘Useless Stepmom’?
So, our soon-to-be stepmom found herself in a sticky situation when her fiancé’s ex-wife handed her a baby and expected her to know how to burp it. When she admitted she didn’t know how, the ex exploded, calling her useless and unfit to be a stepmom. The situation escalated, but the ex eventually left. Now, our protagonist is left wondering if she’s really deluding herself about being a good stepmom. Is knowing how to burp a baby really a requirement for being a stepmom to two school-age kids? Let’s check out some top responses from the internet to this dilemma.
Ex-partner should not enter home for child trade-off. NTA.

Toxic ex causing drama? NTA for not putting up with it.

Stepmom criticized for not knowing how to burp a baby – NTA
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NTA. Strict boundaries needed to avoid drama and fights.

Dodged a bullet? NTA for refusing to burp baby.

Childless commenter defends woman accused of being useless stepmom

Not knowing how to burp a baby doesn’t make you useless

Handling ex’s anger is not your responsibility. NTA

Setting boundaries with a difficult ex-partner is important. NTA.

Breastfeeding ambush and ex drama. NTA, don’t be buffer.

Not everyone needs to know how to burp a baby

Stepmom-to-be receives unfair criticism from ex-wife. NTA.

Stepmom criticized for not burping baby, but NTA in this drama.

Ex’s behavior was rude and sexist. NTA for not knowing.

Learning to burp a baby is not the same as parenting. NTA.

NTA for setting boundaries with disrespectful and entitled stepmom.

Red flag raised in a NTA comment about hidden cameras

Newborns are delicate, it’s okay to be scared. NTA

Experienced mom defends stepmom from unfair criticism

Setting boundaries with toxic ex and husband is crucial.

Stepmom defended for not knowing how to burp a baby.

Not her responsibility to know about babies. Lady is hormonal.

NTA. Setting boundaries with exes can be difficult

Learning to burp a baby is not exclusive to mothers! ♀️

Not everyone wants or likes babies. NTA for not knowing.

Avoiding interaction with ex is reasonable, NTA.

Ex-husband passing off baby care responsibilities to kids, fair or foul?

Don’t know how to burp a baby? You’re not the a**hole!

Ex’s argument is baseless. Breastfeeding doesn’t equal baby expertise.

Stepmom not wanting to hold baby or burp it. NTA

Supportive reply advises letting fiance handle his mother’s behavior

NTA for prioritizing baby’s safety and not taking charge.

Stepmom not expected to burp baby, ex not welcome anymore

Ex causes drama, NTA for not knowing baby burping.

Curious about the dynamics of the relationship

NTA for not knowing how to burp a baby, and not obligated to watch her child. She’s the entitled one.

NTA defends against power play by ex, suggests public swap.
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Stepmom receives support for handling situation with ex’s infant.

Protecting the baby from abusive stepmom, NTA comment suggests recording.
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Struggling with burping a baby is normal. NTA for setting boundaries.

Stepmom criticized for not knowing baby care, comment supports her.

Supportive comment and advice for dealing with difficult situation.

Ex’s behavior towards stepmom is unfair and unacceptable. Document everything.

Protect yourself and the baby. Record all interactions.

Don’t let the haters get you down, NTA. A quick YouTube tutorial should do the trick!

NTA commenter defends stepmom against unfair criticism

Experienced parent reassures about burping and great dads.
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Stepmom accused of snooping, NTA for not letting her in.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/66eefc66-f81e-47d3-9349-eff11a8dcf9a.png)
Pregnant woman defends herself for not knowing how to burp baby

Great job setting boundaries and avoiding future babysitting obligations!

Parenting is hard, not knowing how to burp a baby is okay

Set boundaries and reduce confrontation with an ‘always bag’

Setting boundaries with an ex-partner.
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Don’t stress it, it’s not a scarce skill. Youtube it!

Ex’s kids know how to burp baby, stepmom doesn’t. NTA.

Experience doesn’t define good parenting. Don’t judge too quickly.

NTA- Stepmom not at fault for not knowing baby care. Ex-wife’s behavior is controlling and disrespectful.

Ex’s rude behavior towards stepmom is unacceptable. #NTA

Stepmom criticized unfairly, ex trying to assert dominance. NTA.

Stepmom criticized for not burping a 9-year-old. NTA response.

NTA! Lack of experience doesn’t make you a bad caretaker.

Set boundaries and make it clear that it’s not your responsibility.

Fiancé’s poor relationship with ex, sending stepmom was unfair. NTA

Stepmom criticized for lack of baby skills, but has help available ♀️

NTA. Don’t let her in the house without your fiance present

Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for setting boundaries

No baby experience doesn’t make someone a useless stepmom

Stepmom not expected to burp baby of partner’s ex. NTA.

Stepmom criticized for not knowing how to burp baby. NTA.

Confidently refusing to do something you’re not skilled at. NTA

Ex tries to start a fight, NTA stepparent caught in middle ♀️

Age doesn’t matter when it comes to baby knowledge

OP not at fault, but fiance’s behavior is questionable

NTA defends stepmom against unfair criticism for lack of baby knowledge
