Becoming a dad is exciting, intense, and yes, a little bit scary.
If you’ve never spent much time with babies, and you’ve certainly never had one of your own, it can feel overwhelming trying to navigate your new role as a father with caring for your child as best as you can. Try not to stress too much — men have been dads for eons, and a good portion of them have managed just fine. Nevertheless, here are some tips that can help not only your bond with your little one, but your relationship with your partner, the baby’s other parent as well.
1. Get involved in nappy changes from day one.
Changing nappies might not be glamorous, but it’s an important bonding opportunity. It gives you one-on-one time with your baby and helps you become comfortable with hands-on care. Plus, it’s a great way to give your partner a break. Don’t shy away from it — embrace it as part of your new role, despite how gross it can be sometimes.
2. Learn to swaddle like a pro.
Swaddling can be a lifesaver for soothing your baby. It mimics the snug feeling of the womb and can help your little one sleep better. Practice with a doll before your baby arrives, so you’re confident when it’s time to do it for real. Your partner will appreciate your swaddling skills during those late-night wake-ups.
3. Master the art of the one-handed nappy bag rummage.
You’ll often find yourself needing to grab something from the nappy bag while holding your baby. Organise your bag so you can easily find essentials with one hand. Use separate compartments or small bags within the main bag to keep things tidy and accessible. It’s a small trick that can make outings much smoother.
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
New parenthood is overwhelming for everyone. If you’re struggling, reach out to family, friends, or other dads. They’ve likely been through similar experiences and can offer advice or just a sympathetic ear. Remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of strength and good parenting.
5. Make skin-to-skin contact a priority.
Skin-to-skin contact isn’t just for mums. It’s a powerful way for dads to bond with their babies, too. It helps regulate your baby’s temperature and heart rate, and releases oxytocin, the ‘love hormone’. Try to incorporate skin-to-skin time into your daily routine, perhaps during bottle feeds or after bath time.
6. Take lots of photos, but be present too.
Source: Unsplash While it’s tempting to document every moment, make sure you’re not experiencing your baby’s early days solely through a lens. Find a balance between capturing memories and being fully present. Set aside times when you put the camera down and simply enjoy being with your baby.
7. Learn to read your baby’s cues.
Source: Unsplash Babies communicate through cries, facial expressions, and body language. Pay attention to these cues to understand what your baby needs. Is the cry for hunger different from the tired cry? Does your baby rub their eyes when sleepy? The more you observe, the better you’ll become at meeting your baby’s needs.
8. Be patient with yourself and your partner.
The early days of parenthood are tough. You’re both learning, sleep-deprived, and adjusting to a new normal. Be kind to yourself and your partner. Mistakes will happen, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re trying your best and supporting each other through this new chapter.
9. Take turns for night feeds.
If your baby is bottle-fed, share the night feeds with your partner. This gives both of you a chance to get some uninterrupted sleep. If your baby is breastfed, you can still help by changing the nappy before or after feeds, or by settling the baby back to sleep afterwards.
10. Don’t neglect your relationship.
With a new baby, it’s easy for your relationship to take a back seat. Make an effort to connect with your partner, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Share a cup of tea, have a chat while the baby naps, or watch a favourite show together. Small moments of connection can help maintain your bond during this intense period.
11. Trust your instincts.
You might feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, but trust yourself. You know your baby better than anyone else (except perhaps your partner). If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to speak up or ask for advice. Your instincts are a valuable parenting tool.
12. Take care of yourself, too.
Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. Make sure you’re eating well, staying hydrated, and trying to get some rest when you can. If possible, try to maintain some form of exercise, even if it’s just a short walk. Looking after yourself will help you be a better dad and partner.
13. Create your own bedtime routine.
Getting involved in bedtime is a great way to bond with your baby and give your partner a break. Create your own special routine — maybe it’s a particular song you sing, a gentle massage, or a quiet story. This consistent routine will help signal to your baby that it’s time to sleep.
14. Embrace the chaos and enjoy the journey.
Parenthood is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes overwhelming. But it’s also filled with incredible moments of joy, love, and wonder. Try to embrace the chaos and find humour in the challenging moments. These early days may be tough, but they’re also precious and fleeting. Enjoy the journey of becoming a dad.
