Well looks like i'm going to be a new daddy. Right now it hasn't fully set in that i'm going to be a dad. I'm scared, nervous, and alot of anxiety. I probably got more worries than the mommy. Can you mothers or fathers give me advice on how to care for a little baby? Thanks alot.
2007-10-13 13:41:44 · 40 answers · asked by Arnoldray20001 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Congrats, when the baby is born do not submerge him into water until the belly button heals (its a direct gateway into his bloodstream)
Clean his belly button with alcohol on a prepackaged pad, or a swab
If you plan on breastfeeding, dont freak out when only a few drops of clear liquid come out, Its enough to nourish the baby for a few days until the normal lactation
Talk to and read to your baby ALL the time, it may not seem like it, but they are taking it all in.
2007-10-13 13:44:24 · answer #1 · answered by Larry The Don ® 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
congrats! parenthood is awesome. take it from me. Don't worry, about being nervous. Being a parent, much less a father, is no easy task. There's a lot of responsibility that must come about and it is here that most parents realize the reality of the world around them. There are no instructions and while many books have been written and published on the subject, they offer little help. The only advice I can offer that has helped me with my twin son and daughter (I'm a single dad, if that helps) is trust your instincts. Mother's have intuition about their children, but dad's do as well. There's been many times where I have felt something wrong with my children and decided to act when everybody else said I was being over protective and over bearing. My children can say a great many things about me, but they can never say I didn't protect them (even from themselves).
Just trust your instincts. Get ready for some long nights. Build up some patience. And talk to your child. Talking to your child no matter who old they are (new born to old age) is something that will help them through out their life; close bonds will be formed between you and your child.
There's a lot I cold tell you, but just read the other answers you'll recieve from your question.
2007-10-13 13:50:31 · answer #2 · answered by eternalbeginnings 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations!! That is wonderful!
One thing you will need is patience, when Mommy and baby come home help as much as you can, if she is not breast feeding then get up with the baby at night sometimes and let her sleep some she will need it. If she does breast feed invest in a breast pump so you can feed baby too at night! Even little things like watching baby for her while she takes a shower, or a nap are key. I do suggest that you go out and buy some Myclin drops they are for gas, and can be a life saver. They are gentle enough for your newborn and can be given in every bottle. Be attentive to your wife even more so now then before she needs you so much right now, keep telling her she is beautiful (we tend to think other wise during this time and after it) If she is reading books about her pregnancy read them with her. Go to her Dr. appointments with her as much as possible the bonding for your child starts now even before birth. Awww I'm so excited for you it makes me think back to when I was expecting. I hope this gives you some help. Oh and you have to get the Dr. Brown's bottles you can find them at your local walmart or baby's R Us. Look at Dr.Brown's.com and you will see why they are a must have! They are the only thing that soothed my son's tummy.
Good luck again and congratulations!!
2007-10-13 14:14:20 · answer #3 · answered by Becca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just read the books and take the classes. Experience is the best way to learn. My hubby and I just had our 1st 2 weeks ago and I think we were both really nervous, but really. As long as you know the basics, you'll be ok. Most baby care is common sense and you can ask other parents or the doc about things you're unsure of. Good luck and congrats! You'll be a great dad.
2007-10-13 14:55:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! Be sure to start your relationship with the baby immediately. Be as involved in his/her life as much as you can always. Let yourself fall in love and the rest will fall into place. Remember that you will be the grown-up and your child will look up to you for everything no matter what you do. You child will learn far more from you and your wife than he will from everyone else in the world combined. Remember that you are setting an example for him in everything you do, all the time. Don't be afraid to be wrong -- so that he can know that he doesn't have to be right all the time. Let him know that you are a real human being with thoughts and feelings that are all your own -- and allow him to have his. Show him what it's like to laugh and cry. Let him learn everything he can from you -- he will learn about anger and fears, he may as well learn them from someone who loves him so much. Watch your baby sleep. Hold him as much as you can and let him go when he needs you to let him go. Let him know every single day of his/her life how much in awe you are in the simple fact that he is your child. Be sure he/she knows you love him/her with all your heart. There is no love like it!!!!
My children are now 18 and 11 and I still watch them sleep and - believe me, we drive each other plenty nuts sometimes -- but not a day has ever gone by that I haven't been incredibly grateful that I have them
2007-10-13 13:59:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! Now, do a happy dance! The fun has just started. My suggestions also go for Mommy -
Get lots of sleep and learn to take naps, you'll need them and thank me later.
Be patient with yourself and learn as you go, this is your first and babies do not come with instructions.
Do NOT pick your baby up every time it cries, it's their way of strengthening lungs and learning. Remember, this is all new to them too, they don't realize that sound is really coming from them.
Give it lots of love, lots of hugs and do NOT talk gibberish to your baby. It's not a toy, it's a person and it's your job to make it's baby years the most secure as you can.
Oh, and Dad - you're going to find your eating habits might change a bit. Cravings will come and go with Mommy's...watch your weight gain.
Other than that, enjoy the ride!
2007-10-13 13:50:43 · answer #6 · answered by G N A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's a classic book by Dr Spock - it's really good and helpful. If the future mom is going to breastfeed then Karen Pryor "Breastfeeding you baby" is full good hints.
Plus you guys can take a class at your hospital - it's fun, for example they may give you dolls and ask you diaper them :)
My own Rule #1: don't worry too much, human infants are robust enough to survive an unexperienced parent or two. Or we would not have made it as a species :)
2007-10-13 13:51:02 · answer #7 · answered by Tusia 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations!!!
This is such an awesome time for you. Enjoy every minute of it, the time will pass fast and the next thing you know, you'll be holding that tiny miracle.
I would advise you to read as much as possible and hang out with as many people that you can to get first hand knowledge. Also, if possible, go to all the prenatal visits and you will learn a lot there.
(((Hugs)))
2007-10-13 13:47:02 · answer #8 · answered by melodyahol 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations! and do not worry-------you will be a very good father I can tell...just look at that baby and say-I know you are small and very delicate so I promise you from this day on that I will be the best daddy that you could ever have..I will hold you very careful, and never take my eyes off of you.you will be on my mind every minute of every day. and go from there--------babies are very delicate--and as they start to move they can wiggle just enough that if your mind is not on what you are doing while holding it or bathing it---they can slip right out of your arms so fast----------------so be careful not to let it fall.......and always put your one hand on the back of its head----because once they get active that head can fall backwards on top of a small babys head is a hole in their scalp you can feel it if you rub your hand very lightly over its head---that is a very tender spot and so you must be careful with not putting pressure on it in any way------------be yourself treat baby very careful before long it will give you such happiness......GOOD LUCK
2007-10-13 13:53:53 · answer #9 · answered by lorr1941 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Congrats! Its nice being a father,
When the baby's 1 month old or so, he will start to like whoever sticks to them first, so you and your hon should do that, dont let other family members touch them that much, very fragile.
Always prepare the food, if the baby breastfeeds, dont mind it for now.
Always keep dangerous stuff away from the baby, he likes to eat stuff, and may choke.
Instead of all that, good lcuk!
2007-10-13 13:47:06 · answer #10 · answered by Vincent M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋