Dads, Congratulations on becoming an expectant parent! As first-time Dads, there are likely a lot of questions running through your head about how to care for your newborn, what to expect from your wife— the new mum, and how your newborn will act when he or she finally makes an appearance. Dads sometimes fidget, luckily, there is plenty of information available to help you get started. Here are some important ways to help you and your partner prepare for your baby’s arrival.

10 Newborn Tips and Tricks For New Dads

Newborn Tips and Tricks for Dad may seem unimportant but as a dad, you are as important as your wife, the one bringing your baby to life. One of the first things you should do is:

1. Dad’s should prepare a safe environment suitable for neonatal care

One of the most important things you can do in preparation for your newborn is to create a safe home environment for your baby. Creating a safe environment involves that you make a special bed and decorate a special room or place in your room for your newborn. Also, you need to make sure all of your furniture and appliances are safely secured to the wall, and that all cords and cables are out of reach. You will also want to baby-proof any areas of your home that may be dangerous, such as staircases and fireplaces. Also, you may need to fumigate your house months ahead of your baby’s arrival. A lot of dads do this.

2. Create a routine ahead

You need to create a routine ahead that will be perfect for caring for your baby. Newborns need plenty of sleep, so try to establish a bedtime routine early on. Be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for your baby to get physical activity during the day, and keep them away from sources of noise at night. This can help your wife get a hang of things faster. Also, it will help you both adjust your daily routine to accommodate that of your new child.

3. Get all your vaccines

As a soon-to-be dad, it is important to get vaccinated. You and your partner need this so that you are free from any form of the disease. This is to ensure that your newborn is safe with you on arrival. Newborn baby care after birth at home requires a lot of carefulness. Be deliberate about caring for your baby.

 4. Dads can stock up on baby supplies

Neonatal care requires that you stock up on baby supplies. You’ll need diapers, wipes, clothes, blankets, and more. You may also want to get some parenting books to read up on the basics of taking care of a newborn. Some of the books to consider reading are books on how to handle a newborn baby alone, as well as books on the immediate care of newborns after birth.

5. Familiarize yourself with the different stages of newborn development.

There are different stages of newborn development. The first few days of birth is a stage, waiting for the cord to heal and fall off is another stage, helping your baby learn how to latch on to your breast well is another stage amongst many. Understanding different stages and what to do at each stage will help you understand what your baby is going through at different times, what to expect and how to overcome challenges. 

6. Learn about common newborn illnesses and how to treat them.

There are some common newborn illnesses that according to research have been known to affect a lot of newborns. Some of these illnesses include jaundice, cold, navel pain, infection, and so on.

Knowing all that you need to know about these illnesses will help you stay ahead of any potential health problems. 

7. Dads can make a birth plan and discuss it with your doctor ahead of time.

A birth plan is your description of how you want your delivery period to be. What you want before, during, and after delivery. It is usually made by soon-to-be mums however as a dad, you can have a birth plan too. 

A birth plan will help ensure that you, your partner, and your doctor are both on the same page when it comes to your baby’s birth.

For instance, there are several things you and the mother of your baby may have planned out during and after your delivery. Some of these things include who you will want to have present in the delivery room, your delivery team, what type of delivery method you desire, the type of newborn care you desire, and the things you want during labor —if to be out of bed (walking around or sitting up) during labor, labor in water, dim lighting, use incense, scented candles and so on. If you want your partner to take photos or videos, if you want to labor with an exercise ball, in-room shower, or birthing tub, the specific birthing positions to use, and many more.

8. Dad’s should prepare to Bond with Your Baby

Bonding with your baby requires that you spend time holding, cuddling, and talking to them. Even when they’re still too young to respond. This will help them feel secure and loved. Prepare ahead on how you’ll bond especially with your baby.

Be prepared for numerous sleepless nights. Do not let this affect you or your ability to bond with your baby. Also, be ready to do lots of diaper changes, and as you do this, enjoy the sweet moments that come with being a new parent. 

9. Dad’s should learn how to change a diaper and bathe a newborn.

Learning how to change diapers and how to bathe newborn babies is an important skill every new parent should learn beforehand, be it a dad or mum. These basic skills will be necessary for taking care of your new baby. When your baby is born, having the proper knowledge and skills will enable you to take care of the child properly even if you are alone.

10. Join an online parenting forum or attend a local parenting class.

This can be a great way to get support and advice from other parents who are in the same boat as you. This can also serve as a form of encouragement for you when you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Does taking care of a newborn get easier? No, it doesn’t, but after understanding your newborn’s routine, creating a pattern that works, and taking each day as it comes, it becomes easier. As a dad your responsibilities aren’t as tasking as that of your wife, who has to breastfeed every hour. However as a supportive partner, you need to do all you can to support your wife both physically and mentally. After all, you both formed this new baby in your lives.

Make time for yourself and help your wife make time for herself too. Both of you can take turns and also take some breaks from taking care of your newborn. Going on and on without any break can take a serious toll on you. But taking a break and asking for help once in a while, can help you remain sane during those early weeks/months with a new baby at home. 

As a new dad, you need to relax. Don’t stress about things that are out of your control – like whether or not your baby sleeps through the night! Newborns are unpredictable and there’s no set schedule for them! Yes, you have an extra mouth to feed but relax and follow through with your planned routine and goals.