For new dads, having a baby is exciting and scary at the same time. Many fears and worries pop up, and although one might be pumped-up for fatherhood, chances are the new dad is actually freaked out too.
Excited to be a new dad but scared at the same time? Here are a few things that all new dads should know.
Anyone can be a father
Some new dads worry that they might not do well taking care of their new baby, but according to psychotherapist Tammy Gold, it's okay for new dads to be clueless, but learn.
“Any father can care for his child,” Gold, founder of Gold Parent Coaching, told The Bump.
Planning budgets can help
Dads might fear not making enough for the family's needs. Researching or studying the working budget might help.
“You can get a rough enough estimate,” says Gold. “Then make a baby budget — no different than how you’d make a house budget.”
Babies are highly portable
Some dads might think that life will now be centered on the baby, and time out with friends might be cut off, as well as date times with their wives.
Relax. “If an active social life is important to you, you're going to make that work with one kid or ten,” Gold says. Babies are highly portable, and can be taken on dates with your partner, or dinner with friends.
“Take advantage of your baby's portability. Don't be afraid to take your baby out with you,” suggests WebMD. It's easier to take babies out as they aren't mobile yet.
“Stimulation is good for kids, and babies make great adventure companions. Besides, you'll get lots of attention, too.”
You'll get some sleep
When the baby arrives, he/she has a very unpredictable and hard-to-keep-up-with body clock.
Sleepless nights are coming, but with enough efforts to adjust and with the mom and dad cooperating with each other (i.e. taking turns to feed the baby at night or early in the morning), sleep can be achieved, and crankiness will be lessened.
“You WILL sleep again,” says Gold.
Make sure you know who to call
BabyCentre advices keeping records of very important persons to call in case of any emergency or need: your midwife, family doctor, and health visitor.
Additionally, having friends to help you along the way will be great. Mom can get together with other moms while dad can also confide with other dads.
Having a baby is great, and being a dad is awesome. Happy parenting!
