Congratulations for being a new daddy! Excited? Oh, I know the feeling but there’s more to it.
As a new daddy, you need to be emotionally, physically attached to your baby and to your wife. Here are some useful tips to do that.
Tips for a New dad:
Educate yourself
See that stack of pregnancy and baby books cluttering your partner’s bedside table? Grab one and start reading. You can also boost your baby IQ by hanging out with friends who already have children. This stuff isn’t rocket science, but you do have to do your homework.
Practice, practice, practice
There isn’t some magical intuition that tells women how to care for their newborns — they learn by doing it, and so do dads. So get in there and change that dirty diaper, give your baby a bath, and do your best to comfort him when he’s cranky. You may fumble a bit at first, but you will get the hang of it.
Take the time
Being hands on with baby-care isn’t easy if you’re never around. Once you’re back at work, make spending time with your baby part of your evening and weekend routine. Pop her into a baby carrier and go out for an after-dinner stroll, or just sit for a while and talk or read to her (it’s never too early to read to your baby).
Step in
Your partner may feel she’s failing as a mother if she’s not the one who feeds, changes, dresses, and comforts her newborn 24/7. But it’s vital for your development as a father — not to mention for your baby and for your partner’s sanity — that you take over from her from time to time. So even if she protests, jump in and take on some of those baby-care chores. You won’t be sorry you did.
Stand your ground
Whether they realize it or not, new moms often undermine their partner’s chances of success by cutting in when he’s gingerly trying to insert tiny tootsies into impossibly small booties, or turning their nose up at his bath-time technique. If your partner criticizes you, gently remind her that you can handle it — as long as she gives you the chance.
Be a breastfeeding partner
If your mate is breastfeeding, bring your baby to her for feeds and give your baby an occasional bottle of expressed milk once breastfeeding is well established. You and your baby will get some quality bonding time, and your sleep-starved partner will be eternally grateful for your efforts.
Get physical
Fathers interact differently with their children to mothers, and that’s okay. Dad’s high-energy, physical play is the perfect counterpoint to mom’s gentler, nurturing care. So don’t hesitate to offer a game of airplane, horsey, or other time-tested dad-and-baby pastimes. But don’t let that be all you do. As childcare expert Penelope Leach says, “real men cuddle babies”! 