ECR's Top 5: Advice for new dad's who don't know what to expect when expecting
As a new parent, are you finding it hard to cope with a new little human in the house?
It is often said that "you don't know something until you experience it first hand."
Advice from other parents, siblings, friends and family members can often guide a couple on their journey through parenthood.
There is no textbook definition on "how to be a great parent" but our new dad on the block, Sky Tshabalala, has five tips for parents based on his personal experience:
1. Eyes on the prize
Distractions from the baby can make watching 90 minutes of soccer or a full rugby game mayhem. When you're on 'daddy duty' you have a responsibility to your newborn and you need to be cautious of anything that may occur. Always keep your eyes on the prize...
Read more: Italy's young cable car survivor 'wakes up'
2. Bibs are your best mate
You may think that your baby has been burped so everything is fine but just as you pick him or her up, milk comes oozing out their mouth.
Do yourself a favour, get a bib in order to cover your clothes in the event that this happens.
Read more: Human milk produced in a lab for babies is just three to five years away!
3. Get used to using your 'inside voice'
When you're watching TV and feel like celebrating as your favourite team just scored or even a scary part in a movie comes on, USE YOUR INSIDE VOICE.
Your baby has a high chance of hearing shouting or screaming that could set off a crying session, or worse - tantrum!
Read more: This is why you shouldn't believe your critical inner voice
Not only will this make your life easier but it will help you make sure that your partner does not get angry with you.
When you hear that "Shhhh, you're waking up the baby", then know that you are too loud. Appreciate those exciting moments of a Bruno Fernandes goal at the ninety third minute of the game against Liverpool without noise hindering the celebration.
4. Learn how to change nappies
The sooner you learn to change your first nappy on your child the better it will be for you in the long run.
"As children get older, the texture becomes different, smell becomes hectic and don't even get me started on the colour of the inside of the nappy."
It may make you not want to change nappies again but at least it will help get your partner off your back because you'll won't be that person who hasn't changed the baby's nappy ever.
SEE: All expecting dads need have a 'nappy party' as cool as this one!
5. Be hands on from the beginning
As a new parent, always make sure that you are clued up by helping with anything and everything. Be hands on in the process of raising your child. Take every measure to ensure a nurturing environment for your child.
So buy the nappies, pick up the kids from school, get food for your significant other and do everything you can in the dad stage. Before you know it, your child will no longer be "this tall" and you will be reminiscing about the days when you simply needed to change a nappy.
Don't sleep on it - Sky Tshabalala
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Main image attribution: Pexels