It can be weird being a new dad. When you meet your other half, it’s just the two of you, and then baby comes along and you can sometimes feel like… a spare part. We all know babies need lots of care and attention and you might find your partner won’t have nearly as much time for you as they do for your little one. So it’s normal to sometimes feel like you’re being left out. But hey, don’t worry. Almost all dads feel like this at some point, whether they admit it or not. It can be pretty tough, especially at first.
But the good news is there’s lots of things you can do to stay involved and be part of the team. Becoming a dad is an emotional time. And right after birth, mum might need lots of extra support too. So, lots of cuddles and positive words are the way to go, and giving baby lots of cuddles will help you guys bond. And it sounds simple, but just talk. Swap notes about how you’re both feeling. Don’t forget, this is your baby together and talk to baby. It’s one of the most important things you can do. It’s the way your baby will start to learn language by listening and then babbling back to you.
And then there’s the practical stuff. You all need to eat. Why not try your hand at cooking up a treat or help take over a night feed? And when you can, ask someone to look after your little bundle of joy so you can both kick back and get some quality time together. That’s if you can get out the door!
Three doesn't have to be a crowd - there are ways of getting involved as much as possible as a dad and avoid feeling left out.
