I was recently contacted by Marks and Spencer about the launch of their new Baby hub and asked if my hubby would like to write a short blog piece offering some fatherly advice to any first time fathers … I let him loose ..
You can read all the guides, listen to all of the advice and buy all of the gadgets….. but you can never be prepared for your first baby!!
From a mans point of view I think having your baby in your life is a little like supporting a football team.
At times it can be frustrating, hard work, and almost work like, but the moments of joy that you get back in return are the most wonderful you can every experience. (even better than a stoppage time winner in a cup final).
The first time you and your partner are left in the house, alone with your baby is one of the most terrifying things you’ll ever experience but one of the most exciting too. If you say you’re not terrified, you’re lying!
It s the first time you realise that you have no real idea what to do with a baby, but you’ve been let loose with this tiny little human. I also found it was the first time I really knew me and my wife were a real team. Stuck in the muddle together, panicking over every little noise or sniffle and learning together.
Nothing can really prepare you for your impending arrival, but hopefully some of the tips below can give you some simple advice from a mans point of view.
Everyone, from the moment your baby is born will have their own opinion on what you need to do to bring your baby up, from the clothes it wears to the food it eats, everyone thinks they know best. My advice … ignore it all! Trust your own instincts and learn from your own mistakes. I truly believe that no one knows your baby more than you and your partner. That weird parental instinct that people talk about kicking in after birth is completely true.
If, like me you only get your two weeks Paternity leave before having to return to work, enjoy it and use every hour of it. You will miss your baby every morning when you have to leave for work, so make them most of your time. Make sure you also use this time to look after your partner. Popping a baby out is no mean feat whichever way it comes out, so they will need some recuperation too. It is your time to shine, bank those Brownie points for a later date.
Your days of a good nights sleep are gone! The night feeds and lack of sleep will take its toll on you. Everyone gets ratty and irritable when they are tired, but don’t take it out on your partner or baby. Cram in every second of sleep that you can, every second is valuable, sleeping will become more important than shaving, washing and even eating. ‘Nana naps’ will become your friend.
Gadget wise, I found it was trial and error. We bought just about everything that the guides in magazines and websites suggest, but the majority ended up unused. You really do only need basics. I would thoroughly recommend the Perfect Prep though, it’s amazing. I was and still am completely clueless about making up a bottle and the Perfect Prep does it all for me in a matter of minutes.
It’s the same with toys, your baby doesn’t need masses of toys and gadgets, a play mat, bouncer and some rattles is enough to keep your baby entertained for the first few months.