Tips on Newborns for First Time Dads

You're about to become a father. That realization may bring a sense of pride, joy and panic along with it. Becoming a dad for the first time is a frightening adventure and it's normal for first-time dads to wonder whether they'll be good parents. Though there are many books on parenting, experience is the best teacher. The first few months of your newborn's life will have its moments, but with patience and perseverance, you grow into the role.

  1. Bond With Your Baby

    • Much of the focus of the first few months will be on mom and baby. After all, she's the one who experienced childbirth. Don't forget that you played an important role in creating this child's life. Don't leave all of the bonding to mom. Spend some time alone with your baby. Offer to take over a few midnight feedings if your baby is using bottles. Soothe your crying baby. Take a bath with your baby or hold her against your bare chest. Talk to her. Change her diaper. Rock her to sleep.

    Expect Mixed Emotions

    • Your life is changing drastically. You and your spouse probably have less time together and you may find yourself unable to do many of the things you like. Don't feel guilty if you are over-the-moon in love with your baby one moment and feeling frustrated later. Mixed emotions, Armin A. Brott shares on the BabyCenter website, are normal for new parents. Be patient with yourself, your spouse and your baby.

    Be a Team

    • You'll get plenty of advice during the first few months of your child's life. As the parents, make the decisions that you feel are best. This is time for you to grow as a family unit as well as parents. Remember that your wife, as a first-time mom, probably feels as lost and confused as you. Don't hesitate to take advice if you both feel it's sound, but don't let relatives or friends push you aside either.

    Prepare to Be Frustrated

    • Babies cry. Some cry a lot. As a new father, you will probably experience times when you don't know how to comfort your newborn. Have you changed his diaper? Is he hungry? Does he feel sick? If you looked into all of those possibilities and your baby still won't quiet down, you might feel your blood start to boil. Put him in his crib and leave the room. He will be okay for a few minutes.

    Couple's Time

    • Finding time to spend with your spouse may be more difficult once a newborn comes into the home. Find a few minutes to snuggle while the baby is napping. Go to bed at the same time so you can enjoy some grown-up conversation before dozing off. Leave your baby with a relative for a few hours so you can go to dinner together. Spend family time together, too. Take a walk in the park. Go to grocery store. Have dinner with friends. Pack up the diaper bag and take the baby along.

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