by Karen Travis

Created on: September 26, 2009

Advice comes from every direction when you become a new father. So much information bombarding you all at once . . . how utterly confusing! Take a deep breath and think of your new baby and smile. You will get through this. Repeat this to yourself over and over!

Enjoy this time with your spouse and your new baby. Understand that having a baby takes time to recuperate. If at all possible, take at least one week if not more time, off from work to be at home with your wife or significant other. Many companies offer the father a type of maternity leave as well as the mother. Helping her will not only alleviate some of the stress she may be experiencing, but it will also help you, knowing that you are important in this new discovery process. Share with your wife how you are feeling. Discuss issues ranging from how to feed, what to feed, and when to feed. Decide how to set up a schedule and stick to it. Take turns loving and holding, feeding, changing the diapers, and whatever else is needed. Many of these issues can be discussed prior to the baby's birth.

Helping your spouse with housework and in the preparation of meals is a great feat! Rewards may not come immediately but as the newness wears off, your spouse will be very appreciative of your attentiveness to hers and the baby's needs. Write lists down to help remind you of what to expect. Newborns need loads of diapers! Breast-feeding doesn't limit your experience with feeding. Mom can pump and store her breast milk for when it is needed by you to feed the baby. Keep burping towels' handy! Yes you must burp after each feeding. If not, you won't like it when your baby has gas or an upset tummy! Burping allows the air to come out rather than staying in your baby's tummy.

Organize the area where your baby spends most of his or her time, changing pad, diapers, the baby wipes, extra clothing or gowns, baby powder or baby creams, all need to be within reach. Eventually you may even be able to tell which cry is for what. Some cries refer to "I need my diaper changed" or "I'm hungry." Don't worry you will get the hang of it! Newborns sleep a lot. Gradually as time goes on, they will remain more wakeful. Spending time reading to them can aid in your bonding time. Babies love to listen.

Playtime is important also, as they get a little older, play with them with an assortment of baby toys. Go to www.parenting.com or www.toysrus.com for more information on toys that are age appropriate. Most parenting magazines have a variety of information in them, in addition to the latest age-appropriate toys. Parenting magazine's are not just for women! Great tips can be found in them. Don't be afraid to ask your pediatrician for answers to questions you may have.

An involved helpful father is the best kind!

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