5 TIPS FOR NEW DADS

1. TIPS FOR NEW DADS: GET INVOLVED

Get hands on when it comes to dressing, settling, playing, bathing and nappy changing. Rolling your sleeves up and getting involved will not only help you learn how to look after bub, but it will also build confidence. It’s also important to remember that everyday activities enable you to bond with baby, which helps to foster a strong parental relationship.

2. TIPS FOR NEW DADS: LEARN BABY’S CUES

Babies give ‘cues’ to what they need through their behaviour and their actions. For example, often when babies are tired they will pull at their ears, flutter their eyelids or close their fists. Try to pay attention to your baby’s cues, over time you’ll learn how to work out what they need, which will help to reduce the stresses of caring for a teeny human.

 3. TIPS FOR NEW DADS: HELP WITH BREASTFEEDING

If your other half is breastfeeding they may find it a bit of a bumpy ride in the first few days and weeks. It’s vital that during this time you show support. You can do this in a number of ways, whether it be practical (fetching her a glass of water, handing her a muslin for any unexpected milk explosions) or emotional (encouraging her to seek support from a lactation consultant if she’s struggling).

4. TIPS FOR NEW DADS: MAKE TIME FOR BABY

Baby’s love to be entertained so simple things like making faces at baby or humming a tune to them can help with bonding because it creates moments where your baby has your full attention. To work it up a notch, try a bit of baby wearing too!

5. TIPS FOR NEW DADS: MAKE TIME FOR EACH OTHER TOO

A new baby can put a strain on a relationship so try to stay positive and support each other. This will look different for every couple, depending on how you communicate and carry one another. Something as simple as binge-watching a series on Netflix together can help you re-connect, or taking a few minutes every day to cuddle each other.