Hints & Tips

10 Things To Expect In The First Few Days As A New Dad

As a new dad there are many things going on in your life that were not there before. For example you now have an extra mouth to feed. This article is a list of those things that, both pleasant and unpleasant, I have come across in the first few weeks as a new dad.

1. The First Cuddle - I do not care what anyone says, when you first hold your newborn it is a magical moment. There is nothing that can prepare you for that moment. Just you and your child. You may have others around you but you will not notice them. It is just you and your baby. It may only last for a few fleeting moments but it is there and you will feel something indescribable. All new dads feel this at some point however briefly.

2. The First Smile - Much like number 1 this is a heart melting moment. As a new dad nothing can prepare you for this either. It may even happen while you are holding your baby for the first time.

3. The First Nappy - You may not see the very first nappy but believe me if you see a dirty nappy in the first 3 - 5 days you will notice it. It does not look like anything that you expect to come out of the backside of a human. It is a black / dark green colour and it is as sticky as hell. As a new dad it very odd to this strange substance come out of your newborn. Your baby is just getting rid of what it has been feeding on for the last 9 months.

4. Getting Home - There is great relief when you finally get home from the hospital. This means the staff are happy the baby is fine and is feeding properly. Your new life as a new dad starts now and changed forever.

5. Family & Friends - Most of your family and friends will want to see the new arrival as quickly as possible. You may have had family or friends at the hospital with you already. It will feel like the world and his wife will have visited or made arrangements to visit in the first week or so. They will make a fuss and generally say ‘You must be so proud’ or ask ’What’s it like being an new dad’. Enjoy this as it is about the only fuss YOU will get. Most will be focussed on the baby and your partner.

6. Feeding - This is another of those moments as new dads where you feel part of the whole experience as you get to feed the baby. Normally this is the preserve of the mother as most babies are breast fed. Some however cannot be and this means there another great father baby bonding moment waiting. The first time you feed your baby you feel so clever and privileged because it is something you can do.

7. Winding - This is so important. Once you have fed your baby put something absorbent over yourself. Babies are not able to get rid of their trapped wind very easily. It will be very painful for the baby if not dealt with. We have to help them. When they get rid of the wind it usually result in them being sick. This is normal. There are likely to be comments like ‘Just like their father’. It is very funny to hear your baby burp for the first time, but not as funny as hearing the first botty burp.

8. Sleeping - When you put your little one down to sleep you will have this unshakeable urge as a new dad to just sit and watch. I cannot explain it but seeing you child sleeping makes you feel relaxed and happy.
9. Bathing - This is a great time to get more of the new dad / new baby bonding going. The water has to be lukewarm as the baby’s skin is still very sensitive. Just being able to see those perfect little hands, feet, fingers and toes is truly amazing.

10. Your Partner - As a new dad you will also have to care for your partner in the first few days and weeks. She will have just been through a traumatic experience and her body will need time to heal. There are bound to be stitches on her body and she will not be able to move very far, if at all, without it hurting. You need to able to help her in any way. It is the least you can do after she has carried and given birth to your child.

There are many more things for you to look out for as the days and weeks pass. Each day your child does something new and different and it is up to you to spot it.