Newborn Baby Care - A Man’s Perspective

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Newborn Baby Care-
A Man’s Perspective

You first time fathers know more about newborn baby care than you think you do.

Lessons Learned
Those of you who are older brothers may well remember how you (or more likely one of your brothers or sisters) sat on your little baby brother (while playing 'horsey'), patted him on the back with a bowling pin (in an attempt to 'help' burp him), brushed his hair with a wire brush (like you saw mommy doing, right?), and tried to pick him up by grabbing his chin and an ear (in order to helpful, no doubt).

We learned a couple things through these experiences. First of all, we'd better not do that again since "Mom" didn't take too kindly to it. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, we discovered that these tiny, little guys are remarkably resilient. They actually survived a childhood with us!

Are there plenty of cautions to observe? Must we recognize that a newborn baby can be hurt? Absolutely! However, you really don't need to be paralyzed by the fear of a little slip here and a little bump there (I've seen guys that couldn't move with a baby in their arms). Have you ever watched the doctor poke, pull, tug, and prod a newborn baby during a checkup? Many parents would be horrified to see anyone else treating their baby this way, but the truth is...the baby will be fine.

Are You Listening?
Most guys can distinguish a problem with their car's engine (even before the dash lights up) because they have developed a keen awareness and familiarity with their vehicle. Well, you can also learn to distinguish between your baby's cries of frustration, discomfort, or self-will, and a cry of true pain. Remember that babies do much of their communicating through crying, and this must not always be interpreted as an indicator of profound distress.

Newborn baby sleeping on dad's chest

Like Father, Like...
If you think about it, babies and dads are really quite similar. My wife has made this comparison known to me on more than one occasion! We get crabby and fussy when we are hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. Typically, this is going to be true of your new off-spring as well. When the newborn baby seems irritated (and shows this by crying), consider whether the issue is related to hunger, sleep, clothing, position, or bowel movements (pre- or post-). They are just as human as you! The difference is that they're relying on you for some help.

The help you will offer in caring for a newborn of your own has got to be better than the 'help' you might have used with your siblings years ago! If you need specific questions answered regarding newborn baby care, however, be sure to check out the other pages of this site.

Dad's Corner - For the First Time Daddy

Dad's Corner - A Man, a Newborn Baby, and Football?

Dad's Corner - Newborn Baby Care - A Dad's Way