Daddy Diaries: Life after baby

Alright gentlemen, you and your partner are expecting. So what does that mean? Is your life going to change? Yes. Is that a bad thing? No.

Becoming a father is equally incredible and terrifying. To help, we have compiled some insight from experienced and first time dads that will help you get through the first year with flying colors (and minimal spit-up on your suit jacket!).

Week One
Your partner just did something amazing. She’s going to be tired and so are you, but now it’s your turn to step-up. Remember you’re a dad and don’t forget to put SUPER in front of it. Be everything and anything she needs you to be. This may look like being your new family’s gatekeeper; excited friends and family will want to come visit, but your partner will need you to handle the schedule while she recovers. It is also important to remember that it is OKAY to say no. Visitors can wait (yes, even the in-laws). Take this chance to enjoy some alone time with the baby alongside your partner. There will be time for family and friends to meet your new bundle of joy later.

1- 3 Months
A lot of the excitement from family members will wear off and your days will be filled with hanging out, eating, watching Netflix and trying to get some sleep. For dads out there who are not fortunate enough to take parental leave, it’s going to be hard working all day and then coming home and not being able to immediately go to sleep. Just remember your partner has spent all day meeting every need of your tiny baby, with little time for herself. This is your time to shine and be that superpartner again. Take the baby, let your partner know you’ve got this and that they can get some rest or have a shower. This is a great opportunity to bond with your little one. Enjoy this time because it doesn’t last nearly as long as you would like. Every stage is great, but you will miss these foundational bonding days of laying with your baby on your chest while they sleep.

There are a lot of really great highlights from these early months. Here are just a few:

• The first time they smile: It will melt your heart, and it makes all the sleepless nights worth it… even the little gas smiles.  

• Their little personalities: Watch for hints of what makes your baby unique. They will be small in this phase, but details like how they like to be held, what calms them down and what seems to grab their attention are all little cues to their budding personalities.

• Their Strength: Around the 2 month mark you will notice your baby is getting stronger and it will honestly blow your mind. All of a sudden they will go to from a swaddled, seemingly fragile bundle to holding their head and shoulders up and trying to roll over.

• The constant photo stream: This is what being a dad is all about: the constant update of photos from your partner on your little one’s progress. It makes the workday go by faster, helps you feel connected to how your partner and baby are doing each day,  and gives you lots of photos to share with coworkers, strangers and pretty much anyone that will listen.

Next month we’ll be sharing insights and highlights from Levana dads about months 4 to 6 with your new baby. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss a thing!

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