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5 Baby Facts Every New Dad Should Know (And One Bonus Tip)

baby care tips baby facts for dads baby pacifier advice baby poop meconium baby spit-up burping a baby calming a baby crying baby solutions fatherhood journey fatherhood tips first-time dads new dad guide new dad struggles new dad tips newborn baby advice newborn care basics newborn milestones newborn reflexes newborn sleep tips swaddling tips tummy time benefits Oct 17, 2024

As a dad of three, I’ve learned that fatherhood is a constant learning process. There’s no manual for what we go through, and most of us go into the journey completely clueless. I know I did. That said, I believe there’s nothing more rewarding or fulfilling. Every milestone, every challenge, and even the messes along the way shape us into better dads.

Today, I want to dive into five important baby facts that every new dad should know. Whether you’re gearing up for your first child or you’re already in the trenches of fatherhood, I promise these tips will help ease some of the guesswork. And, because I know there’s always more to say about babies, I’ve included a bonus tip at the end.

1. The First Poop: What the Heck Is That?

Let’s start with something that freaked me out when my first child, Bromley, was born: meconium. It’s this black, sticky, tar-like substance that comes out of your baby during their first few days. I’ll admit, when I saw it for the first time, I panicked. Was something wrong? Should I call the doctor? Nope! It’s totally normal.

Meconium is just a fancy name for your baby’s first poop, made up of everything they ingested while in the womb. It’s not going to smell (thankfully), but it’s sticky as anything. The good news is that after three to five days, it’ll clear up, and your baby’s bowel movements will start looking more like what you’re used to. When Bromley came along, I was as prepared as I could be in most areas, but man, that first diaper change was an eye-opener!

2. Reflexes That Will Disappear

Babies are born with some fascinating reflexes, one of which is the Moro reflex, or what I like to call the “startle reflex.” This one caught me off guard the first time it happened. I was holding my newborn, and suddenly his arms flew out to the side as if he was falling. This reflex is a natural survival mechanism, designed to help babies cling to their caregiver if they feel like they’re falling. It’s also a sign their nervous system is developing.

When you see it happen, don’t panic. It’s just your baby’s body doing what it’s supposed to do. This reflex will disappear after a few months, so enjoy those wild baby moves while they last.

3. Tummy Time is Crucial (And It’s Where You Get Dad Cred!)

Ah, tummy time. You’ll hear about this from every pediatrician, but it’s more important than you might realize. As soon as you get your baby home, start doing tummy time when they’re awake and alert. It’s going to help your little one build those neck, shoulder, and back muscles, and it will ultimately help them crawl and walk sooner.

With my three kiddos, I made tummy time a dad-bonding experience. I’d lay them on the floor, prop myself next to them, and cheer them on as they struggled to lift their heads. It may not sound like much, but those moments meant a lot to me. And, hey, it doesn’t hurt that it gave me a little dad cred when my baby could lift their head earlier than expected.

4. Spit-Ups Are Inevitable (And Always Have a Burp Cloth Ready!)

Here’s a reality check: babies spit up. A lot. With Bromley, I was caught totally off guard by the sheer amount of liquid that could come out of his tiny mouth. I didn’t have burp cloths at the ready, and let’s just say that my wardrobe suffered for it.

Here’s the deal: when your baby eats, whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, they’re going to swallow air. That air needs to come out, and when it does, it’s going to bring a little milk with it. Always have a burp cloth on your shoulder, and don’t be afraid to give your baby a good, firm pat on the back to help them burp. Trust me, the better you burp them, the less spit-up you’ll be wearing.

5. That White, Waxy Coating? Totally Normal.

When babies are born, they often have this white, waxy substance covering their skin. It’s called vernix, and it’s there to protect your baby’s skin while they’re floating around in the amniotic fluid. When you first see it, you might think, “Do I need to scrub this off?” Nope! Leave it alone. It’ll absorb into your baby’s skin naturally and protect them from drying out.

I’ll never forget the first time I saw that white coating on my kids. It was one of those moments where I felt so out of my depth. But you learn quickly as a dad that babies are tough, and they come with their own natural defenses. Vernix is just one of those amazing things that makes babies seem so fragile, yet so resilient at the same time.

Bonus: Crying Peaks at 6-8 Weeks

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but babies cry. A lot. And just when you think it can’t get any worse, it will peak at around 6 to 8 weeks. That’s the height of their crying phase, and it’s rough. But here’s the good news: as a dad, you can step in and give your wife a break during these times. You can be the hero.

There are a few tricks I’ve learned along the way that can help calm a crying baby. First, try the “shh” sound in their ear. Babies are used to the constant noise in the womb, so recreating that sound can be incredibly soothing. Second, gently bouncing them up and down, while supporting their head, mimics the movement they felt in the womb and can help calm them down.

And if all else fails, pacifiers are your friend. Some people say not to use them, but they were a lifesaver for me with all three of my kids. Bromley couldn’t get enough of his, and it helped him calm down instantly. Just find the one that works best for your baby.

Final Thoughts

Fatherhood is a journey filled with surprises. You’re going to experience moments of pure joy, mixed with some challenges, but at the end of the day, it’s all worth it. For me, being a dad is the most important thing I do, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

I hope these five tips (and the bonus!) help you feel a little more prepared. If you’ve got a baby on the way or just had one, remember this: you’re going to be great. You’ll figure it out as you go, and before you know it, you’ll be the one giving advice to other new dads.

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5 Baby Facts Every New Dad Should Know (And One Bonus Tip)

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