There is noting quite like watching your husband become a daddy. Every time he kisses Hudson’s little cheek my heart just melts. I mention my husband a lot on this little blog, but mostly he prefers to stay behind the scenes. But he is my biggest blog supporter….often proofing posts for me and providing feedback. Lately he’s been encouraging me to think of ways to grow this blog…and during one particularly sassy moment the other day I told him that he should write a post. Well much to my surprise he did! And I think it’s fabulous.
So….let me introduce you to the best baby whisperer/swaddler/shusher/belly laugh producer around…..
With all the new and expecting moms reading Julie’s blog I thought I would share some things that might help out new Daddies! My job allows for me to have every other Friday off, which means that Hudson and I are together for the day without the mama. I have no prior baby watching experience and before Huddy I could count the number of times I held a baby on one hand. Our first day alone was scary and stressful but each time it gets easier. Here are a few things I found that help the day go smoother.
As new parents we did as much homework as we could in preparation for the arrival of our little one. We went to classes, read lots of books, and searched online. The Happiest Baby on the Block was by far the most helpful for me. All you need to know are the 5 S’s (Side, Swaddle, Swing, Suck, Shush). And trust me, IT WORKS! I like this book because there is a concrete plan to follow. Sometimes it takes a while but I have been able to successfully calm down a crying Hudson using these techniques.
Swaddling was the toughest part. I recommend you-tubing it a few times as the book images are difficult to put into practice. Before you know it you’ll become a pro. Julie still has me swaddle Hudson from time to time when he gets overly cranky.
Day one alone with the big guy was not easy. Part of the issue was warming up bottles. Julie and I had a plan in place which we thought would take about 5 minutes using hot water and bottles from the fridge but that didn’t work. It was taking me about 20-30 minutes to warm up a bottle, which felt more like hours because Hudson was hungry NOW! Now, remember I never watched a baby before that day so part of the problem was me being so nervous not to give him a bottle that was too hot or too cold. The bottle warmer takes away my worries. Pop that bottle in for 5 minutes and it is good to go. Don’t worry, I still check the temp of the milk but it has been perfect every time. Now getting a breastfed baby to take a bottle was a big challenge at first but that gets easier with time too.
The only thing harder than a healthy baby is a sick baby. We originally got one of the fancy forehead thermometers because everything we read said that was the best. The first time we thought Hudson was sick we broke out the forehead thermometer and got a different reading every time. For first time parents who were super worried about the new baby this only added to our anxiety. So, the next day we went to Target and got a under arm digital thermometer! This thing works great, temp is always consistent and it is easy to use. Plus they are less than $15 on Amazon!
My last piece of advice for new dads is to never be afraid to ask for help. The first day I made the mistake of thinking I could just do it all on my own. BIG MISTAKE! I had lots of questions but didn’t want to call Julie at work and make her worry. Now my sister, my mom, Julie’s mom, and a neighbor all know when I am home with the little dude so that I can call them if I have a question or problem. My sister will usually stop by to check in which is always appreciated. Always have a plan in place so that dad can get some help if needed.
(Thanks honey….you are the best daddy ever! P.S….leave him some comment love, won’t you? A girl could get used to this!)
I love that he wrote this post! Way to go Daddy-o! Also YouTube is a great suggestion!
This is the sweetest post! And such good suggestions. I'll have to save that book suggestion for the future!
This is great! It's always fun hearing the men in blogger friends lives! Glad you found such a keeper!
Hudson is lucky to have you both! 🙂
My heart just melted – this post is so super sweet!! Will definitely be keeping in mind The Happiest Baby on the Block for the future 🙂
What a great daddy! It melts my heart to see them with their babies and I can't wait for Cameron to become a daddy one day! 🙂
What great advice! Very obvious how much baby boy is loved! Lucky to have two great parents! Helpful hubbies and great Dads are the best. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the great advice!! I will be passing this info on to my brother as he and my sister in law are expecting their first baby in a few months!!
Sooooooo lovely to have a post from The Daddy! Well done a great read and what a gorgeous job you are both doing together.
Oh my gosh this is too sweet and cute! I just emailed this link to my husband. I think he gets a little stressed out being home with our 3 month old sometimes…and that's usually if I'm just out running errands, not a whole day! You are so right about the Happiest Baby on the Block. We both read it and thought it was the only book that really made sense!
Definitely need to purchase that book! We are expecting our first in July and my husband will probably be spending time alone with the baby every afternoon because he gets home from work earlier than I do. He's just like your husband & has never taken care of a baby alone before, changed a diaper, given a bottle, etc. Sounds like your hubby is doing a great job of figuring things out & welcoming the support of your family & friends!
Love this! Sometimes it comes just as natural to a daddy as it does to the mama. What a lucky lady you are to have such a great supporter and helper! Team work is key to a happy home. You guys are awesome!
Loved this post! My husband keeps our 3-month-old on his days off and I'm so proud of what a great job he's doing too!
I think this was a great idea!
Love that the Hubby wrote a post for new daddies!! I remember my Hubby's first day at home with Easton!! I love seeing great dad's in action!!!
Aww I love this! Such a great idea to get a new dad's perspective on all things baby!
This is SOOOO sweet Julie! What a great hubby you have! Love how hands on he is…makes all the difference in the world!
so sweet!
This is AMAZING! He sounds like a great daddy! 🙂
Love this! You're a lucky girl Julie
I love that he put all the thought in to writing this post. And my husband would definitely agree to ALL of these. Especially the 5 S's. Husbands are def. the best at these. Great job!
What a sweet guy you have- reminds me of my husband:)
What a sweet guy!! It's so amazing to watch your best friend and husband become a FATHER. There's nothing like it!! Such a great post 🙂
Way to go daddy! Couldn't agree with you more on the 5S's — saved us on so many occasions (and so empowering when you knew you could calm them down). You guys are such amazing parents! Hudson is a lucky little dude!
Awww. I love this post!! Your hubby seems like he is a great dad and had some wonderful advice. Too sweet!!
Y'all are the cutest family! And there is nothing sweeter than a daddy talking about his baby 🙂
I love this post!!!! So sweet and so honest!!!! <3
Good blog brother! You're a great dad and little Huddy is lucky to have you! Love you!
What a sweetheart! You guys have an amazing relationship, it just radiates through in this post. Loved his post, great job!
Hudson loves his papa….who else will teach him to speak rookie?
Very touching post.
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!! What a sweet post, I love all the pictures too!!
Bravo! Perfect post, what a lucky baby!
Such a lovely post! How lucky is Huddy to have two caring and involved parents!?!
What a surprise post. You did a great job! Hudson is blessed to have such a loving and caring daddy. I'm very proud of you son.
Loved reading Jon's perspective on babies! We love Happiest Baby on the block too… those 5 S's WORK! Sounds like y'all have such a great system down pat now, and know you are so thankful to have such a wonderful husband to go through this with!!
It's awesome to see a little boy grow up into a great dad. You are a very calm hands on dad, J.R.