The trials of a new mother are talked about all the time, but fatherhood deserves its place in the sun too. So as the new mother is adjusting to sleepless nights and two-hour feedings, today's new father is trying to do his own bit by changing nappies and soothing a colicky baby. But while your wife probably has her mother or sister looking after her and guiding her on what to do, you are trying to find your bearings on your own and adjust to this new role. Life changes dramatically with a new baby and even your relationship with your wife seems to be different. But it's not all sleepless nights and dirty nappies, there are toothless grins and sticky kisses too. When you want to shake off the tiredness take inspiration from this list of some fun things to do.
1. Baby games
Peek-a-boo is a favourite game with babies and they never seem to tire of it. Hide behind a book or a sheet and pop your face out every minute to hear squeals of laughter. Blow bubbles or tickle your baby and make her giggle. Hold a stuffed toy in front of your face and speak in a squeaky voice for that look of wonder. We've got two great games for you and your baby to play each week.
2. Childhood memories
Pick one favourite thing you liked to do as a child and try to make it a special memory for your child too. If you liked a particular book, buy it and read it aloud to your child telling her how much you loved reading it. Much later, when she is able to read it by herself, your child will remember all those special moments with you. Or maybe you'd like to fly a kite or buy a top and make it spin on your hand as your baby watches with wonder in her eyes.
3. Nature talk
Your baby may be too young to go on nature walks, but if she's an early riser you can enjoy your morning tea sitting near a window, talking to her about the birds and trees, the rain or blue skies. It will be your own special time together while the rest of the house sleeps. When she is a few months old, put her into a baby sling or pram and go out for a short walk. She will love the fresh air and soak up all the sights and smells around her.
4. Picture this
If you are an avid photographer, this is the time for you to take photos of your baby sleeping, feeding, playing, bathing, looking into mummy's eyes as she coos to her or just about anything at all. As you upload and share photos with family and friends, you will find yourself falling in love with your little bundle of joy over and over again! Make sure that there are enough photos of you with baby too. The first picture of your baby in your arms can become a lovely keepsake. Take a look at our family photo fun section. You can also join our community set up your own profile and upload your baby's photo for everyone to see! Our baby journals are a great place to start!
5. Fun finder
There will be plenty of advice coming your way about all kinds of rules including what dads can and cannot do. Ignore. Pick up your baby and hold her close, help burp her after a feed, learn to change nappies and once you get comfortable, you can start having fun.
Pacing the room while trying to put a baby to sleep can be boring, maybe she would like it if you rock her. Or watch your baby being massaged and bathed a few times and then take over bath time a few times a week. You will soon have fun finding out your baby's likes and dislikes. Warm water instead of cold, only a washcloth for the face, rubber ducky floating in the water or her favourite bright red mug. Daddy's unique way of doing things can be so much fun!
6. Name Game
If you and your wife haven't decided on a name beforehand or only have a few selected names, have fun going over some names and trying it out on your little one. Shorten the names and see how the nickname sounds, try shouting it out to see how it will sound if you have to call her back from the playground! How will the name sound in school? What about the initials? Will her name be easy to understand and pronounce in other countries? Join the baby names group and swap ideas with others just like you.
7. Boyhood rediscovered
Did you always want a monster truck or one of those remote controlled cars? Well, this is the time to walk into the toy shop and rightfully buy all those lovely toys (never mind that your child won't be playing with it for a long time) you never had during your childhood. Open the box and set up the train set complete with signals and stations; start up the train and soon you won't know who is having more fun - you or your baby! Maybe you can't for her to grow up and play with you. Know more about toy safety.
8. Shopping
If you are one of those few men who like shopping, then this is your chance to be really helpful. You can shop for clothes for your baby armed with a shopping list. If your wife is in postnatal confinement, she may not be able to get out of the house for a bit so she may appreciate at least one parent is involved in the shopping process. Check the gifts you have already received to make sure you don't duplicate things. You can research all the models of cribs, car seats, bathtubs and baby monitors in the market, compare prices and then make the best buy.
9. Driving Miss Daisy
A colicky baby can be very hard to soothe; when nothing else seems to be working strap her into the car seat and drive around a bit. More often than not, as she stares out of the window, the moving car will lull her back to sleep. Your wife may also have been able to catch up on sleep and you can come back to a quiet home again, and feel good about a job well done!
10. Special days
For the first time, you will be able to celebrate Father's Day. A tradition that's fast gaining popularity here Take time out to spend the day with your little one. When she is older she'll want to go all out and get you a cake, gifts and the cutest cards. Take a look at our Father's day photo gallery and see how dads bond! Your birthday too is so much more special now that you have an extra hug and kiss to look forward to. Festivals with your child are more special now and each special milestone something to be cherished forever.