I'm becoming a father in a week or so - tips?

[wendigo100]

Do nappies

Cheers ...

Do nappies. You soon get used to it, it only takes a few minutes, and the missus thinks you're the dog's bollocks because "other men don't" and doesn't moan if you trip off down the pub afterwards.

Also, talk to your baby while you're doing it, and for a while afterwards. They love all that, do babies.

[OrangeHopper]

Advice?

Drop it immediately.

Won't ever be asked to look after it again.

[Paco]

Some (hopefully) practical advice, as the father of a 16 month old...

• Get them in their own room sooner rather than later, it'll help you all sleep better
• Forget blankets - baby sleeping bags are a work of genius
• Get some sort of glowing lullaby teddy - we have a singing Fimble but they don't seem to be available anymore
• Dummies are great, but only for the first 3 months or so
• The sound of a hairdryer is suprisingly soothing to a baby
• Get loads of muslin squares - great for cleaning up slaver and puke
• Warm your formula in the microwave, don't feck about with water heaters. There's no point, and it takes ages
• Its quite possible to hold a sleeping baby in the crook of your arm whilst using a PS2 controller
• Sky+ and Football First is your friend for late night viewing
• Buy lots of Baby Einstein DVDs, or preferably download them on bit torrent.

And I wholeheartedly support the advice to be wary of your partner's exaggerated mood swings, especially if she's breastfeeding.

HTH

[Jakes Daddy]

Get yourself a nice young girlfriend as soon your Mrs'll have a chuff like a wizad's sleeve...

Or persuade your missus to go for a C-section - no more wizard sleeve worries then !

Real advice - never ever ever let junior sleep in your bed - never ! You'll do it once, and you'll never get them out of it. My boy is 5 this week, and he still thinks our bed is better than his. Nightmare

Oh, and invest in a good porn site subscription; as you're not going to get any for a while.

[Francko]

Is being a father of a new born a good opportunity to cross train?

Well, I bet all those sleepless nights can be spent with a .NET or SAP book.

[lilelvis2000]

congrats

Congrats!

my junior is now 15 weeks and is just the most fun to play with. I'm now learning his gurgly language!

this may sound like a broken record:
- bank your sleep now
- I change diapers, we use cloth diapers on a service they are brillant and ecological.
- take a short break now, even if its just to bristol. afterwards going out dining becomes somewhat more complex.
- don't take any swearing and insults by your partner during labour personally.
- budget for him/her to be with you for 25years....it will seem like a lifetime! once they reach 20 they do gain a little respect for you.


Enjoy! its all good and fun!

Sal

[MrsGoof]

save some money

She'll want a whole new wardrobe of clothes when the weight has dropped off.

Get on of those bouncy baby chairs and stick it in front of the washing machine (with baby in) that seemed to calm my kids.

Don;t resort to taking the kid out at night in the car, too often, to get it to sleep as like Jakes Daddy says it'll believe thats the only way to get to sleep.


Congrats.

MG

P.S. don't be in view of the messy end if they have to sow her up. There are things in life that should never be seen.

[Rebecca Loos]

congrats BobSmith! I have .... absolutely no advice at all. But I am happy for you!!!

[bobsmithldn]

congrats BobSmith! I have .... absolutely no advice at all. But I am happy for you!!!

Cheers all - much appreciated - just sitting 'ere on a usual Fri afternoon after 3 pints of lovely Best bitter - dis is the life ... get paid for chillin' ...

[n3il123]

save some money


Get on of those bouncy baby chairs and stick it in front of the washing machine (with baby in) that seemed to calm my kids.

What the baby in the washing machine???