Best Tips for New Dads

Being a new dad may often be a stressful and confusing situation. You are surrounded by a screaming baby, a moody wife, and an endless flux of visitors and advice-givers. You have to change diapers, feed and bathe the baby, wake up in the middle of the night, and barely have a moment to yourself. This situation may seem chaotic at times.

Read this article to discover the best tips for new dads:

Create a Routine

Before thinking about anything else, try to get yourself used to a steady routine as soon as possible. Go to bed, wake up and eat at regular hours. This will enable you to function better throughout the day, feel less tired, and be more focused.

Be involved with Caring for Baby

Fathers, especially new ones, often feel as though they are left out and even unnecessary in the process of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. If you feel this way, don’t be afraid to talk to your partner about it. It is a normal for you to feel this way. Read books on the subject, connect with your baby, or help decorate the baby’s room. Don’t let your partner do all the dirty work; you also have to change diapers and calm your baby when he is crying.

Stay calm

In the potentially stressful situation of having a new baby at home, it is important to stay calm. Don’t shout or get angry; instead, talk to your partner if anything bothers you. Try to be relaxed when holding, feeding, or bathing your baby. If you feel unconfident in doing any of these tasks, don’t be embarrassed to ask for advice.

Get time off from work

If possible, don’t go back to work immediately. Your presence in the house is important in the first days in order to support your partner and connect with your baby. When returning to work, try not to drown in long work-day routines. Get back home at normal hours, so you have some time to spend with your newborn.

Get some help around the house

If you feel at times that the burden is too heavy, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your parents or your partner’s parents. If you can afford it, you may also opt to hire a nanny.

Don’t neglect the relationship

A new baby is often looked upon as a factor that can harm the relationship between the parents. It is up to you to achieve the opposite. It takes simple decision and clarity to realize that the new baby is supposed to bring you and your partner closer together. Share the baby caring tasks with each other, support and hold your partner’s hand when she is breastfeeding, and provide her with compliments and affection.