Credits: Social Media
Dad shares ‘perfect’ advice for first-time fathers who don’t know what they are doing
A dad has gone viral on TikTok after sharing some amazing advice for first-time fathers who don’t know what they are doing.
He explained everything dads should be doing in those first few months, to not only look after the newborn but also support the mother.
Dad’s ‘amazing’ advice for first-time fathers
The video has a humorous tone, but sums up life in those first few weeks as a father perfectly.
1. Offer your hand during labor
First, he said it’s really important to let your wife or girlfriend squeeze your hand during labor. However, don’t just offer her one finger, you have to let her hold two because “a mom in labor can snap one finger like a matchstick,” he joked. Although, he sort of wasn’t joking.
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2. Buy pajamas for those nighttime feeds
Next up, for babies born in cold months, you have to buy some pajamas – and not for the newborn. He told expecting fathers to buy themselves a pair of pajamas because you’ll get cold when you’re up at 2am doing a night feed. No more sleeping in boxer shorts.
3. Be prepared for little sleep
You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘sleep when the baby sleeps’, which people commonly say to new parents to encourage them to rest. However, the TikTok user said this is rubbish – you never sleep. Be prepared to run on empty, because there’s always something to do.
4. Read lots of baby books
There are thousands of books about infancy out there that tell you everything you need to know, so read them. The dad recommended Babyhood by Paul Reiser, a funny book about new parents that will make you laugh while also teaching you what you need to know.
5. Change every diaper in the first week
The “most important” thing he said dads can do is change every single diaper in the first week, because your partner just gave birth and it’s the least you can do. It’ll also be viewed as admirable by every female relative that comes to visit. Gold star for you.
New dads think it’s ‘perfect advice’
In the comments, new and expecting dads are commenting on how brilliant his humorous yet helpful advice is.
One person wrote: “On day 6 as a new dad and this is perfect advice.”
A third person added: “As a brand new dad to a 7 month old, this is all great advice!!”
“Im an expecting father, thank you for the advice. Much appreciated,” someone else commented.
Becoming a parent can feel scary and newborn babies don’t come with an instruction manual, but you soon get into the rhythm.
The NHS tells new parents to get to know your baby, including their anatomy and personality. Also, learn how to wash them, change their diaper, soothe them when they are crying, help them sleep and tell when they are seriously unwell. Those are the basics of parenthood.
Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by putting your baby on their back to sleep, in a cot in the same�room as you, for the first six months. Not smoking while�pregnant�or breastfeeding and not letting anyone smoke in the same room as your baby will also protect them.
You’ve got this!
