Disclosure: collaborative post
Whether you just found out you’re going to be a father (congrats!) or are impatiently waiting for your little one to arrive, it’s safe to say that you’re excited to meet your new bundle of joy. But if you’re like most dads-to-be, you’re also probably feeling a little overwhelmed. What if you make a big mistake? What if you’re not a good father? How will you deal with lack of sleep?
Just like motherhood, fatherhood comes with a steep learning curve. But don’t worry—you’ll learn a lot during those first few months at home with your baby. And while fatherhood may not come with a manual (wouldn’t that be nice?), it does come with helpful advice from parents who have walked a similar road. Here, we share some supportive guidance to help soon-to-be dads embrace their new role.
Tackle diaper duty early.
As a dad-to-be, you may be wondering, “How can I help out with the baby?” The answer is simple. Put yourself in charge of diaper duty. Try to change most, if not all, of the baby’s diapers during their first few weeks of life. This will be an enormous help to your partner and gives you an opportunity to bond with your baby. Also, embrace cloth diapers. Not only are they better for the planet, but they can save you thousands of dollars!
Be Prepared for Changes
The first few months with your newborn can be pretty intense. Not only are you and your partner sleep-deprived, but you’re also figuring out a whole new routine. Accept that things will be a little different for a while. You may have a limited social life for the first few weeks and not have much time for anything else but the baby. This also means that your relationship might take a backseat for a bit. Remember to express your love in the way your partner prefers, whether it be a small hug, words of encouragement or acts of service.
Try to keep the kitchen clean and well-stocked.
During the newborn stage, your house will likely be the messiest it has ever been. Whenever you have a free moment, try to clean up a little—starting with the kitchen. Tidy up the kitchen and stay on top of meals. Before baby arrives, remember to stock up on nutritious snacks and drinks that you can scarf down quickly. If your partner is occupied with the baby and can’t break away, bring them snacks and drinks so they stay hydrated and well-nourished.
Don’t panic if you don’t bond with the baby right away.
New parents are often under a lot of pressure to feel an overwhelming sense of love for their baby right away. But if it’s not love at first sight, don’t panic. This is completely normal. Just because you aren’t immediately infatuated with the little baby in front of you doesn’t make you unloving or a bad father. Some dads take longer to form a bond with their child than others. To speed up the process, be involved with your baby’s daily routine. Spend time feeding your baby, changing their diaper and picking out baby clothes for them to wear. Soon enough, you’ll be blown away at how much love you feel for your baby.
Take the picture.
The newborn stage goes by fast, so remember to take lots of pictures and videos. Just be careful to avoid leaving all of the picture-taking to your partner. Get behind the camera every so often and take a few snaps of them with the baby. Try to catch your partner when they’re enjoying the moment. Both of you will cherish those photos forever!
Spend some alone time with the baby.
As already mentioned, changing diapers is a great way to bond with your new bundle of joy. But the bonding doesn’t need to stop at diaper duty. To build a stronger connection with your baby, carve out some alone time with them every day. Read to your baby, take them for strolls around the neighborhood and just snuggle them while your partner takes a shower. Not only will the baby reap the benefits, but your partner will get some much-needed alone time, too.
Above all, just know that it’s OK to make mistakes. Chances are, you’re going to make a lot of them as a parent. Remember to practice self-compassion!
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