Tips For Dads

 Tips for dads:

So you finally did it huh, first of all CONGRATULATIONS!! Now you’ve got this tiny lump of flesh and bones who will now take every ounce of energy you have and I cant think of anything I would rather do with my energy. Children are a great gift, they come with their easy and hard days but I am sure you will get through it none the less, but just in case here is a little top tips for new dads, or even dads who have been doing this a while and just need a refresher. Times have changed and will continue to change, oh the joys am I right?

 

Tip 1: Oh no, What's that smell?

Oh great, the dreaded nappy change! Lets face it, we knew it was coming and now that time is here, so hopefully you stocked up on nose pegs. In your first few days/ weeks you might notice the gift your little one has left is a sticky mess which is a black/green-ish colour, DO NOT WORRY this will be your norm as your little one digests and starts having there own movements. it is just what they were eating from when he/she was still a bump, it's nothing to worry about honestly. Its an odd little substance called “meconium” (mih-KOH-nee-em so that we all SOUND like we know what we are doing haha) It’s the first bowel movements. Now that is out the way lets get this smell gone, now we are blokes so a plan is in order:

Step1: Never forget to PREPARE! - 

Get your wipes/wet cotton wool ready before hand get out about 5-6…….maybe 50 (haha) out ready next to your changing station, get your nappy disposal bag open and ready too if you have one, open up your nappy ready to throw on and check how it fastens.

Step 2: Hold your nose, its about to get smelly -

Now you're in dangerous territory, it's time to unfasten the nappy either side of the babies hips/tummy, make sure the area around baby is clear ready for any unexpected accidents. Use the nappy to wipe the main bulk from the area and fold underneath your little ones bum. Doing it this way means you use less wet wipes because the nappy has done a lot of the dirty work.

Step 3: Lets get them cleaned up! -

Wipe, wipe, wipe, just wipe the area until its completely clean. Don’t be afraid go mad the cleaner the better.

Step 4: Ditch that nappy -

Now quickly but carefully lift your little ones legs & whip out the dirty nappy. Roll & fasten it in into a ball, use the Velcro flaps to fasten it into a ball. Put the fresh one underneath baby, make sure it’s the right way the Velcro/sticky flaps go behind your little one, then before you fasten dependant on health visitor/ hospitals advice use a nappy cream I've always used Drapolene or Bapanthem, Sudocrem is another really good one!

Step 5: Fasten -

We are now on the home stretch. Make sure the nappy is equal behind and front lift just above belly button (small babbies, lift above belly button and fold nappy under the umbilical cord, go careful around the exposed umbilical cord) strap it up nice and tight but not too tight, a good rule of thumb is make sure you can fit 1-2 fingers in the waistband. Ensure its nice and secure and sealed all around to prevent any leaks (don’t worry you wont need your caulking gun for this so put it down for now) get the little one dressed and tie up the dirty nappy sack, dispose of it accordingly (the nappy not the child haha)

Tip 2: Why is my baby naked?!

Getting your little one dressed and ready for the day. This is not as bad as you may first think, it is daunting at first, such a small little baby, such small clothes, but trust me you will be a pro in no time. Take note of the poppers on the clothes, they are often colour coded (absolute god send they have saved me many times), look for labels on trousers see where the back is then your off, or shall I say ON. It is literally as simple as that, you'll soon get used to it & have them dressed in no time.

Tip 3 what do I feed this thing?

You may think this is a simple answer, milk duh! Well yes you would be right but there are options breast feeding or formula. Milk is their main source of nutrition until they are 1, until they have matured enough to need something with a little more substance to it, they can usually get all their nutrients and vitamins from milk for the first year, a good rule of thumb was what I was told by my health visitor “food before 1 is just for fun” so you can give them food as young as 4 months but 6months is when introducing food is recommended if you wish to but don’t let it replace their milk. What worked for me with my children was giving them their milk feed first then tried them on some food then as they get older switch it around. Now this is just personally how I did it, you do what you want to do in regards to how comfortable you are with their feeding, this is up to you and your partner or personal preference, anyway milk, *sigh* oh milk, now this is trial and error really,

Formula:

Your midwife may recommend a milk powder for you or you may have one already in your mind, both of my children were suited to different milks, one loved just ALDI stores own brand whereas my other child tried lots of different milk powders before we found one that suited her, she could only have dairy free milk powder prescribed by her doctor. There are lots on the market and don't fall into the trap of the most expensive one has to be the best as that isn't always the case. in the UK all stage 1 formula has to be nutritionally complete. If you really have no idea what one to pick you can always ask your midwife or paediatrician for advice. 

Breast feeding:

You also have breast, now they say “breast is best” but this is subject to circumstance, some women just can't produce milk and that is fine. Other mothers just simply don’t want to or if like many you are a single dad and due to your personal family situation breast just isn’t possible. Healthcare professionals prefer breast feeding, its perfect for your child and exactly what they need from mum, but don’t beat yourself up if you use formula, we make do with whatever we have at hand, some children get on better with breast some with formula. I personally have the opinion that fed is best.

I think that is about it for now, if you have any other tips you think I should add or questions you have please feel free to contact me. I am an open book.