First Time Dad

My son, Luke, was born into this world a few days ago and I wanted to keep some of my thoughts down on “paper”. There are some tips for other first time dads but this is more for myself so I remember these thoughts down the road.

You will get a bunch of supplies from the hospital so don’t buy anything that they might give you. I bought a nose suction bulb, formula nipples, recovery items for my wife and so much other things that they will provide for you. I would wait to see what they might provide you with before buying anything that they might just “give you”.

While you’re in the hospital talk to as many medical professionals as possible. Ask every single question that you need/want to. We saw two lactation specialist and they were both great but the second one gave us the information that confirmed our problem.

I am the worst swaddler in the world so I got two of the “cheat sheet” versions with the velcro. I used to cook so I thought it would be like wrapping an egg roll but it’s not. The insides of an egg roll don’t squirm around trying to break free of the wrapper. I was pretty frustrated I couldn’t get him nice and tight but the velcro ones are foolproof. I heard swaddling is different based on the baby so don’t buy a ton but I would invest in one to see if it works for you.

We have two changing stations, three beds for him to sleep in (a bassinet, a pack and go, and his crib) and I think it’s over kill. As far as the changing station goes 3 days into it I think a clean blanket or cloth on any surface will do. It does help to have all the supplies together so maybe a basket to hold some stuff together. I am still having trouble with the dirty diaper so I think I need to invest in a diaper genie. But anything will do but since we have a dog who already grabbed a diaper I need something with a lid.

I watched all these youtube videos of all these amazing dog meets baby videos but we are not a candidate to be creating one of those videos. When Luke is sleeping Matcha(our puppy) is totally fine but when Luke cries she freaks out. I tried some of the suggestions like play baby crying sounds from youtube before you bring your child home but that didn’t work.