Will be a Dad soon...need tips from Dads...

[Podunkadunk]

Guys,
I was just over in the JD forum, Kyle_in_Texas mentioned a great tip. It got me thinking and so not to hijack that thread, I'm starting this one.

Need tips/advice/lessons learned in preparing for a child. Also, feel free to throw in other stuff that's related.

I'll start out by saying that this will be my wife and I's first (and last, so save all the "have 2 tips") and it will be a girl. Baby is due 30-31 January 2008.

-One of the best tips I've heard so far is to NOT heat the baby's formula...if you break them in drinking it at room temp., you'll never have to heat it for them.

-No matter what the urge, resist the action of picking up baby every time she cries. It kind of boils down to the "Pavlov's Dog" theory.

Thanks for the input in advance.

Podunk

 

[n8wrl]

First of all, congratulations! That's wonderful news and I'm sure you're both REALLY excited. Baby memories are distant, but a couple of thoughts to come to mind...

1. Do not get a baby monitor. If she _really_ needs you, you'll know. Besides, the paranoid among us get concerned about audio from our homes broadcast into the ether for anyone with a scanner to hear.

2. Get a small food grinder. When she starts eating solid food, it will save you a ton of money and effort if you grind up your food for her. She gets used to the good taste of real food so there's no baby food weening. Saves a bunch of cash for that nasty stuff anyway. These grinders are really handy too - they look like a little plunger with a hand crank. You can even use it at a restaurant!

3. Ask someone for a 'Time Frames' baby gift - it's a picture frame you can update with photos every 3 months then every year 'till they're 18. Amazing to see how they grow!

4. Open a 529 college savings plan and get all your relatives signed up with it and all thier cards - credit, shopping, etc. Never too early to save for that!

That's it - have fun, enjoy, and try to get your sleep NOW!

-Brian

 

[firedog]

A big congrats on the new baby!

Sittin' here trying to think of stuff and my mind went blank (not unusual).
Can't recall really heating the formula, but just made sure it was slightly warm to the touch. (I'm a fan of breastfeeding if it can be done, overall better for them (however, I knows there's some that disagree))

Hope she healthy and I'm sure she'll be cute.

We had the grandbaby over last night. (just seems a whole lot more fun than when our kids were that age)

Best wishes to you and the Mrs. (or is that Misses, how the heck to ya write that!!)

 

[motepoc]

For me No. 1 would be eat all the peanut butter you can now, because in a little bit you won't be able to look at it.

2nd. There's a song by Kenny Chesney called "Blink". Listen to it, and heed what's said. The days will pass quicker than you want them to, so get all you can in while you can.

3rd. Always love them. They'll do plenty to upset you, but that will pass.

4th. Be there for them, always.

Father of five, 3 girls, two boys
Grandfather of twelve, six of each

 

[hockeypuck]

Learn to count to 10...... very slowly.
And skip the nookie, they do not need it. Nothing looks more rediculous than a 2 year old running around with a passifier.

 

['Bota Fan]

Guys,

Thanks for the input in advance.

Podunk

You're off to a great start since you're obviously willing to listen to lots of opinions and advice. Most folks are positive they already know everything. Just take what makes YOU comfortable and leave the rest.

The forum rules say no religion and I completely agree. There's a book that says "fathers, do no exasperate your children . . ." I completely agree with that, too.

Enjoy every minute with your precious little girl.

 

[Bird]

Most folks are positive they already know everything.

Yep, everyone knows how to raise a kid . . . until they have one!

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Your lives will change drastically....for the better. You may not believe me after the 1st month or 2, but when that little girl starts to smile at you, you will remember what I said here, and that it will be the greatest thing that ever happened to you.

The main thing I can recommend is to stock up now on sleep and patience!

Your wife will need your help and anytime you can "offload" the baby from her, do it to give her a break. Women have many hormonal changes during and after pregnancy. I've reclassified them as HORRORMONES. Remember the patience thing, count to 10.

 

[MossRoad]

You'll know what to do. It's easy for folks to give advice based on their experiences, but you will know what is right for you. For instance, our first slept 6-8 hours a night right from the first night she was born. Our second, on the other hand, never slept for longer than two hours at a stretch for the first 6 months of her life ...

All kids are different. Just spend as much time with them as possible and really get to know them. Hold them and talk to them and by all means read to them every time you get a chance. Some great books to get are Good Night Moon and Pat The Bunny.

 

[Dozernut]

Congratulations! Stock up on patience for you will need it during the coming teen years. You will find that your intelligence will slide to a dangerous low, but as the children grow older you will gain some of it back, LOL. Enjoy them while you can, while their young and I am sorry to say they don't come with an owners manual, You will have to wing it. Every child is different and have their own personality, if you apply patience, love and discipline everything will fall in place.