Quick Guide for Soon-to-be Dads

Take a look at the following tips written especially for soon-to-be dads. A quick and short guide for soon-to-be dads to get you started on your exciting journey of fatherhood and begin bonding with your baby. 

So you’re going to be a dad, hey? Well congratulations, challenging and exciting times await you. It’s important to remember to be yourself and trust your instincts. Being with your baby may feel awkward at first, but it won’t be long before you’re feeling like a pro. The first couple of months can be the most difficult due to the sudden changes in your life and that of Mom’s. With the erratic sleeping patterns that often accompany newborn babies, you may find that there are two stressed parents! Try and stay patient and understand that Mom is going through a lot too. Here are some essentials that Dads-to-be need to know in the first few months of a newborn baby’s life.

Preparing the house for baby’s arrival

Dads sometimes feel left out of the pregnancy process by virtue of the dominant role that Mothers play. But there is plenty that expecting Fathers can get involved in, especially in preparing the home for baby’s arrival. Baby essentials such as a crib, pram, car seat, changing table, toys, clothes, dummies and are other essential items need to be purchased before baby’s arrival. Painting and decorating the room can also be your job, but make sure you consult with Mom first!

Bonding with your baby

Bonding with you baby is important and begins the moment baby comes out. There are many opportunities for Dads to bond with their baby. Once Mom can make up bottles of her breast milk, Dads have the opportunity to feed baby. Let Mom rest, while you get up to give baby his/her midnight feed. Changing baby’s nappy also offers an opportunity to bond and play with baby. Finally, strapping baby to your chest and taking him/her around with you as you go about your weekends can be very soothing for baby.

Soothing a crying baby

When newborn babies cry, it can be very stressful. The first thing to do is to find out if there is any cause for the crying. Is baby due for a feed? Does baby’s nappy need changing? Is baby tired? If everything has been taken care of, baby is probably crying for no reason, which is very common. Luckily, there are some known tricks to soothe baby’s tears. Taking baby for a drive usually does the trick and puts baby to sleep. But any kind of movement helps too. Try rocking baby back and forth or even putting on some soft music and swinging to it. If all else fails, just wait it out while comforting baby. Eventually baby should doze off to sleep.

Good luck!