Amazing, exciting, scary and exhausting — parenthood is a trip unlike any other. Irish dads today are more hands-on than ever, getting stuck into everything from nappy changes to night settling from day one. Whether you’re counting down to your baby’s arrival or already knee-deep in the newborn stage, here are 8 not-to-be-missed newborn tips for dads.
Newborn Tips for Dads
#1. Time Together
Paternity leave has made a real difference for dads in Ireland, giving you dedicated time at home in those first crucial weeks. Your partner will need time, your newborn will need time, and you’ll need time too. This time together at the very beginning matters more than almost anything else, so use it well.
#2. There Are Nappies, and There Are Lots of Them
There’s simply no getting away from nappy changing — it’s unavoidable, and it’s one job that should definitely be shared. Practice makes perfect, and sharing the load early on sets the tone for how you’ll parent together. (One dad even admitted to practising his technique on a baby doll before the big day.)
#3. Be Handy Around the House
Nobody particularly enjoys housework, but it needs to get done, and a newborn adds a lot more of it. Pitching in on the day-to-day jobs — laundry, dishes, tidying, food — won’t go unnoticed or unappreciated by an exhausted partner.
You may also enjoy: How to Survive the First 6 Weeks with a New Baby
#4. Pulling All-Nighters
Not necessarily all night, but taking turns to get up — whether that’s sitting by the cot until your newborn settles, or handling a nappy change — makes a real difference. You might not be able to help with breastfeeding, but you can absolutely take the load in other ways, and your partner will know you’re there with her.
#5. Play and Storytime
This is bonding time for both you and your baby, and the stimulation is genuinely important for your little one’s early development. It’s also one of the most enjoyable parts of the day — what’s not to like?
#6. Ask for Help
If something is worrying you or stressing you out, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help — from family, from your partner, from anyone who’s been there before. A problem shared really is a problem halved, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
#7. Take Time Out
This applies to both of you. Make sure you’re each getting some time to yourselves, even if it’s small — a solo shower, five minutes with a cup of tea. Little breaks like this help keep you both sane.
#8. Enjoy It!
This is an amazing and exciting time in your life. It may well be tiring and even a little terrifying in parts, but you’re doing great — and just look at that end result.
You may also enjoy: 5 Unexpected Ways in Which Dad’s Parenting Style is Different
The Active Role That Dads Play in Parenting
Research commissioned by WaterWipes around Father’s Day confirmed what many families already know — Irish dads are more than capable, and they play an active role in parenting from the day their baby is born.
- While dads had no major concerns overall about caring for their babies, more than four in 10 (43%) said they were anxious to learn what their baby’s different cries meant, and how to settle them.
- Making sure baby was sleeping in the right position was a worry for one in five (21%) dads.
- Only one in eight dads admitted finding nappies difficult to master, with over half saying they had no problems with nappies at all.
- Most dads agreed that mums were mainly responsible for night feeds, yet there was a clear 50/50 split when it came to putting baby down to sleep in the evening — a sign of how involved dads want to be.
- 60% of fathers said they regularly read stories to their babies, even from their very first day home.
- Almost nine in ten (85%) dads set regular time aside just to play and laugh with their babies, with many saying that watching them grow and develop is their favourite part of the day.
- More than a quarter (28%) admitted to feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of parenting advice out there.
Research conducted by Empathy via an online survey of 500 parents in Ireland in 2018, commissioned by WaterWipes.
WaterWipes was created by a concerned father looking for a better baby wipe after discovering his newborn had sensitive skin and diaper rash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do dads really need to get involved with nappy changes from day one?
Yes — nappies are one of the most frequent newborn tasks, and sharing them evenly is one of the simplest, most practical ways for dads to support a new mum and bond with their baby early on.
How can dads help if they’re not breastfeeding?
There’s plenty to do beyond feeding: nappy changes, settling baby back to sleep, night-time cot duty, housework, and simply being present so your partner knows she’s not doing it alone.
Is it normal for new dads to feel overwhelmed by parenting advice?
Very normal. Research shows a significant number of new dads feel overwhelmed by the amount of advice available. Take what’s useful, ask trusted family or your public health nurse when in doubt, and don’t feel you need to get everything “right” from day one.
What’s the most important thing a new dad can do in the first few weeks?
Be present. Whether it’s playtime, storytime, night shifts, or simply being around, showing up consistently in those early weeks builds the foundation for your role as a parent.
Related Articles
- How to Survive the First 6 Weeks with a New Baby
- 5 Unexpected Ways in Which Dad’s Parenting Style is Different
Save This for Later
Newborn life moves fast, and it helps to have these tips handy when you need them. Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you can come back to it during those early sleep-deprived weeks.
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