Tips for New Dadsā¦Some Stuff I Wish I Knew Back When
Contributed by Rob Fafloglia local Springfield area Dad, husband and father of two sharing his adventures in parenting on his website: http://thedadadventure.com/
When my wife and I found out we were pregnant the first time, we couldnāt have asked for a more friendly and supportive response from our friends and family. It was an outpouring of congratulations and well wishes, as well as mountains of baby clothes.
Another thing we got a lot of, most of it delivered with a tired grin, was advice. It was all well-meaning, Iām sure, but any new parent will tell you this can get old very quick. I took a solemn vow to NEVER do the same if I could help it. I would be a shining example, maneuvering the difficulties of childrearing with Zen-like calm and silence.
Well, that lasted all of two weeks or so. I tried, but thereās just something about new parents. They look so lost and lonelyā¦so terrified of doing something wrong. It calls out to us other parents and we are incapable of not trying to help. So, Iām going to (gently) break my own rule and offer some nuggets of wisdom to all the new dads (and moms) out there. Just a few tips, tricks and local resources Iāve picked up along the way. Hopefully you find them helpful. If not, just smile and nod like I used to.
Resale stores are your friend
Look, this is your baby and I know your first impulse is going to be, EVERYTHING MUST BE BRAND NEW AND SPARKLING CLEAN. Thatās probably true in a few cases, but there is so much used stuff out there in great shape ā just do some looking. Youāre going to be paying for this little bundle of joy for the next 18 years or so, and it only gets more expensive. Take this opportunity to do some leg work and cut costs where you can. My wife and I found it useful to research highly-rated baby products online and then do some hunting resale stores and garage sales. People are always getting rid of baby stuff! Donāt know where to start? Check out these helpful articles and go from there:
https://springfieldmoms.org/our-readers-share-baby-shower-gift-ideas/
https://springfieldmoms.org/baby-gift-ideas-and-must-haves/
Take a classā¦no seriously!
Comedians talk about it all the time. In this country, we have classes for everythingā¦degrees, driverās licenses, small business ownership, you name it. Having a baby requires no formal education or training, and can be daunting to say the least. If youāve never babysat or had younger siblings, you might be at a complete loss when it comes to things like: making a bottle, changing diapers, bathing, car seats, etc. I spent the first six months after leaving the hospital just waiting for the doorbell to ring and some official-looking person to say, āYou didnāt really think we were going to let you keep a baby, did you?ā Luckily my wife handled it with grace. Only later did I find out there are classes offered to expectant and new parents. Donāt believe me? Check these out:
https://springfieldmoms.org/events/baby-care-users-manual/ and https://springfieldmoms.org/events/52355/
Get your house in order
There are lots of varying opinions on this one. I tend to be a bit old school when it comes to babyproofing the house. āIn my day we ate dirt,ā and all that. My wife is more careful. I canāt open certain doors in my house without an engineering degree, but thatās more of a pain in the rear than anything and Iāll admit, it does help keep them out of the power tools in the basement. Then, on the far end of the spectrum you have foam padding and bubble wrap galore. So where do you fallā¦have you even thought about it? We donāt often stop to consider how kid un-friendly our living spaces really are until there is a tiny human trying to eat, touch, run into, or jump off everything. Donāt be overwhelmed. Talk to some subject matter experts and let them take the guesswork out of it for you. It might even save you a few grey hairs in the process.
https://springfieldmoms.org/events/living-with-baby-infant-safety-class/ and https://springfieldmoms.org/tips-for-babyproofing-your-home/
Get out of the house
Once you get your newborn home (doesnāt anyone else know how to drive???), you may have the inclination to hibernate for a while. Totally natural, believe me. Both parents just went through a pretty trying experience (mom a bit more so). Now comes your chance to sit around the house and get lots of cuddle time with that new little one. That can get a little too comfortable however, if youāre not careful. Your baby needs to get some fresh air and sun, and it will do you a world of good as well. Obviously, you should consult with your doctor as to the best time to start these kinds of excursions, but donāt be afraid to pack them up and head to grandma and grandpaās house or the grocery store. Everyone needs a change of scenery occasionally and babies are not as fragile as they seem. For a great article on traveling with little ones, check out:
https://springfieldmoms.org/traveling-with-baby-or-toddlers/
Make time for them
Last but certainly not leastā¦I know, this seems like a no-brainer. But please trust me, youāll be surprised how fast it goes. I swear it was just yesterday that my little girl was falling asleep on my chest and drooling. Now sheās four and going to preschool (she still drools on my chest). As much as I love doing things with her and my son, I often fall into the trap of telling myself I need to get x, y or z done and then I can play. Donāt put it off…that stuff will still be there tomorrow. Feel like you donāt know what to do or maybe just need a little inspiration? Check out the link below to get a few ideas. Just do something with them ā right now! You wonāt regret it.
https://springfieldmoms.org/top-5-local-dad-and-kids-destinations/
If Disney is in your travel plans: SpringfieldMoms has a great series of Disney Travel Tips for Families!
