Practical Newborn Care Advice for First-Time Dads
Written by Jess.
Women have always been primary caregivers in families, nurturing and raising children with love and care. While concepts like paternity leave and hands-on dads are gaining popularity in the US, American men have a long way to go. A Pew Research survey shows that only one in five dads in the country is a stay-at-home dad. The number has increased over the last three decades, but it still replicates that men are doing less when it comes to parenting.
As a new father, you may want to overcome this mindset and give your best to your little one. Not only does this improve newborn bonding, but it also strengthens your relationship with your partner. However, men often struggle with parenting because they are not naturally wired for the job.
In this article, we will share some practical advice for first-time dads who want to excel in newborn care.
Commit to Hands-On Care
The fastest way to feel like “Dad” instead of a bystander is to do the work, not just watch it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, fathers should prepare for the role before the baby arrives. Learn the basics, such as holding the baby, feeding, burping, soothing, changing diapers, and safe sleep practices.
This will enable you to go hands-on when you step into the role. You can do things when you are prepared for them. Even if you feel clumsy at first, repetition builds skill and confidence. Newborn care tasks are simple but new, so expect a learning curve, not instant mastery, no matter how much you love your baby.
Make specific responsibilities “yours” to avoid defaulting everything to the mother. For example, you might always handle the first morning diaper, bath time, or evening walk. Taking ownership of predictable tasks gives your partner real breaks, which reduces stress for everyone.
Know Your Baby’s Cues
KidsHealth notes that newborns communicate mostly through crying for the initial few months. You need to interpret the type of cry to understand what may be troubling them. It may be an empty stomach, a wet diaper, being tired, cold feet, or just the need to be held or cuddled. As a first-time dad, learning their cues is one of the most practical skills you can develop.
Over time, you will see patterns and understand them. For example, hunger cues include rooting (turning head to look for the breast/bottle), sucking on hands, smacking lips, or fussing that escalates if not fed. Rubbing eyes, staring off, jerky arm/leg movements, yawning, or getting extra fussy after a period of alertness indicate tiredness. Overstimulation is indicated by turning away, stiffening, or crying more when there is noise, bright light, or too much handling.
If you understand these cues, you can respond early instead of waiting for a full meltdown. Offer a feed for hunger, dim lights, and reduce noise for tiredness, or hold your baby close and move to a calmer space if overstimulated. This helps the newborn feel safer and makes your day smoother.
Ask the Right Questions
First-time dads often feel unsure simply because they don’t know what they don’t know. Never hesitate to ask questions, both before and after birth, ask questions of healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and experienced parents. A nurse can be a trusted partner along your parenting journey because they are easily accessible and available.
With the accelerated BSN degree online becoming a popular option, many professionals are entering the field. The graduate degree can be completed within a shorter timespan compared to a traditional bachelor’s degree in nursing. Moreover, students can pursue it online instead of attending school.
According to Keypath Education, students from non-nursing backgrounds can pursue these programs and enter the healthcare field. Despite the accelerated pace, these nurses can guide you about feeding, sleep cycles, health, and the safety of newborns. When you have all the answers, you feel confident as a new dad.
Prioritize Bonding
Unlike the common myth, bonding is not just a “mother thing”. Even fathers form strong attachments through repeated, loving contact. However, BabyCenter notes that even the best parents need time to build a bond with their babies. For some, it can be instantaneous, but most people have to do their bit to deepen their connection with their newborns.
Fathers can do it by finding ways to interact with their baby throughout the day. For example, you can cuddle them, sing to them, change their diapers, and even talk to them. If your partner breastfeeds, you can still take part by burping the baby afterward, doing diaper changes, and settling the baby back to sleep.
Skin-to-skin contact has immense benefits besides being a bonding activity. It regulates your baby’s heart rate and temperature, calms them, and helps both of you relax. When you talk or sing to your little one, they learn your voice and respond to your calm presence. The more time you spend with your baby, the more natural it will feel.
FAQs
How to prepare as a first-time dad?
Preparation starts before the baby arrives. Learn the basics by attending prenatal classes if possible, watching reputable newborn-care videos, and reading about feeding, safe sleep, diapering, and car seat safety. Practice fastening the car seat, folding the stroller, and swaddling with a doll or blanket to be ready for the big day.
Can a father take care of a newborn?
Yes. A father can fully care for a newborn and handle every practical task. The basic baby care skills are learnable and do not depend on gender. Many dads successfully care for newborns solo for hours or days at a time because they want to help their partners return to work or recover from birth.
Why do men struggle with bonding with babies?
Men sometimes struggle with bonding for several reasons, most of which have nothing to do with their capacity to care. Many men expect instant emotional connection and feel worried or guilty if it does not happen right away. Moreover, if the mother is doing most of the basics, dads may get fewer opportunities to hold, soothe, and interact with the baby.
Being a hands-on dad is mainly about showing up, and with the right intentions, you can do it easily. All you need to do is steer clear of the misconceptions regarding gender roles in parenting. Follow your instincts and show your love to become the best first-time dad for your bundle of joy.
Related:
