Rookie Dad Guide to Newborns: How to Survive Your Baby’s First Few Months

Congratulations, you’re a dad!

Now what?

Assuming you’ve prepared well for fatherhood, you’re already bossing it!

The first few months with your newborn can be daunting, but don’t worry; we’re here to help. This blog post will give you some tips on surviving your baby’s first few months.

From sleep deprivation to diaper duty, we have you covered. So sit back and relax (or not) while we walk you through everything you need to know about being a rookie dad!

Rookie Dad Guide to Newborns

Newborns – A Rookie Dad Guide


1. Stock up on groceries and prepare your freezer with easy-to-prepare meals

If you’re like most new dads, you’re probably wondering what you need to stock up on before your baby arrives. Here’s a list of supplies that every dad should have on hand:

  • Diapers and wipes
  • Baby clothes in a range of sizes
  • Nursing bras and pads for breastfeeding mothers
  • Formula and bottles, if you’re not breastfeeding
  • A changing table or pad
  • A comfortable place for baby to sleep
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Of course, every family is different, so you’ll need to tailor your supply list to your needs. But these are the basics that every dad should have on hand before his baby arrives.

Now that you’ve got the supplies you need, it’s time to start thinking about food.

If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll need to help mom eat a healthy diet to ensure your baby gets all their nutrients. But even if you’re formula-feeding, it’s crucial to eat well and stay hydrated.

If cooking meals from scratch sounds like too much work, don’t worry.

There are plenty of easy-to-prepare meals that you can stock up on and keep in your freezer. When those late-night feedings come around, you’ll have something quick and healthy to eat.

So go ahead and stock up on groceries and prepare your freezer with easy-to-prepare meals. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to get through those first few months with your new baby.


2. Get as much sleep as you can before the baby comes – you’ll need it!

dad sleeping

Sleep? What’s that? Ha, just kidding. You’ll be exhausted in the early days of your baby’s life, so it’s essential to get as much sleep as possible before they come. Once they’re here, you’ll be lucky to get a wink of sleep!

But don’t worry; with a little bit of time (and a lot of coffee), you’ll adjust to your new sleep schedule. So when you’re running on fumes, it’s okay to ask for help from your partner or family members.

They can pitch in with feedings, diaper changes, or lend a listening ear while you vent about how tired you are.

We’re all in this together, so lean on your support system – they’ll be more than happy to help.


3. Learn how to feed your baby

dad feeding baby (1)

You’ve just welcomed your new little one into the world; congratulations!

Now that the initial excitement of having a baby has worn off a bit, you may be wondering how you’re going to take care of this tiny human.

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One of the most important things to learn as a dad is how to feed your baby. Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • If you’re breastfeeding (not you, mom), make sure you have a good latch. This is key to preventing soreness and ensuring that your baby gets enough milk. Mom might not want you to get involved in patching your baby on, so take a step back if you get the stink eye.
  • Get comfortable with burping your baby. You’ll probably be doing this A LOT, so it’s good to get the hang of it early on.
  • Invest in a good pump if you’re planning on pumping breast milk. This will make your life easier (and less stressful) when feeding.

Feeding your baby can be one of the most challenging (and rewarding) parts of being a dad.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a pro in no time!

For a baby feeding schedule, read this guide.


4. Learn how to change a diaper – it’s not as hard as it seems!

dad changing diaper

Like with anything else in life, changing a diaper is something you will get better at with practice. It may seem daunting at first, but it’s not that hard.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Make sure you have everything you need before you start. This includes diapers, wipes, and a changing pad.
  • Take your time. There’s no need to rush.
  • Be gentle with your baby. They are delicate, and you don’t want to hurt them.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re having trouble. There’s no shame in admitting that you need some assistance.

With a little bit of practice, you’ll be a diaper-changing pro in no time!


5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family members – they are more than happy to help out

Don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family members – they are more than happy to help out. They can change diapers, burp the baby, and give you a break.

And, if they can’t be there in person, they can always help out by sending you messages or pictures of the baby. So, don’t be afraid to ask for help – you’ll be glad you did!

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And, speaking of friends and family members, they are also a great source of information. So if you have any questions about newborns, just ask them! They will be more than happy to share their wisdom with you.


6. Take care of yourself, too! Make sure to eat healthily and exercise when you can

self care (2)

There’s a lot to think about as a new dad, and it can be tough to remember to take care of yourself amidst all the chaos.

But it’s essential!

Make sure you’re eating healthy and getting some exercise when you can. This will help you stay healthy and energized, which will, in turn, make it easier for you to take care of your little one.


7. Relax and enjoy this special time in your life – it goes by way too fast!

As a new dad, one of the most important things to remember is to relax and enjoy this special time in your life – it goes by way too fast!

This time can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Take the time to soak up all of those baby snuggles, watch them discover the world for the first time, and just enjoy being a dad.

Of course, there will be tough times – all babies cry, spit-up, and have diaper blowouts. But that’s all part of the fun!

So don’t stress too much, go with the flow, and enjoy this fantastic time in your life. You’ll be a pro in no time.


Conclusion

Congratulations on your new addition!

Whether this is your first baby or you’re a seasoned pro, there are always new things to learn for newborns.

Luckily, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to newborns to help you through those early days and weeks.

Good luck!

DadGold

About ME

Let’s start with the obvious, I’m a dad.

I have 2 kids. One was dragged out from the comfort of his Mother’s womb kicking and screaming, and the other was a little easier.

Dad Gold was created to give tips that I wish someone had given me!

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