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It’s time to do away with your fears. If you want to have peace of mind and confidence when your newborn arrives, let New Dad, Baby Hacks help you do just that.

Chapter 1

Baby Prep Hack #1: Think Like a Baby.

When it comes to baby proofing, you can’t be too careful. While it may be a bit before your child can roam freely, you’ll want to lock down every part of your home as soon as possible. Your bedroom, your bathroom, the kitchen, the living room; find every corner, chemical, and crevice that your baby could possibly get into.

Baby Prep Hack #2: Your Newborn May Look Odd; That’s Okay!

Babies can look very strange when they are first born, but there is no reason to worry. Your baby may have bent legs or feet, puffy/swollen eyes, and may even have a blue or purplish hue. Remember, your partner has just been through a very challenging event; freaking out about how the baby looks will not help. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor, but for the most part, your baby will look “normal” within 24 hours. 

Baby Prep Hack #3: Skin-to-Skin Contact is Important.

Skin-to-skin contact is essential between the mother and baby in the first hour after birth. If your partner is unable to facilitate this contact, you will have to do it yourself. Skin-to-skin contact after the birth is a huge boost to bonding. Hold your baby and make eye contact with them; this will help them feel safe and calm. 

Baby Prep Hack #4: Make Sure Your Partner Gets Rest.

Your partner will be physically and emotionally drained after birth, and they will need help getting proper rest in order to recover. Try to take the reins of baby care in the first 48 hours while your partner gets an opportunity to relax and get their strength back. Taking care of diapers, helping with feeding, and tending to your partners needs will go a long way to getting them back on their feet. 

Baby Prep Hack #5: Discuss Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding can be difficult at first, and your partner will need reassurance if the baby is having trouble latching. You can consult specialists at the hospital, a lactation consultant, or your primary GP for advice on how to help your partner. They will be emotionally raw, so make sure to take responsibility for finding these specialists and fixing the problem A.S.A.P. (Location 290)

Chapter 2

Basic Care Hack #1: Handle With Care.

Just like shipping a rare vase, handling your baby should be done with the utmost care. Make sure to support your baby’s head and neck every time you pick them up. If you have to bend down, make sure to bend your knees and pull the baby close to your chest. 

Basic Care Hack #2: Soothing and Bonding Go Hand-in-Hand.

Bonding with your baby helps them feel safe around you, and will teach them to seek you out when they feel in danger. Try different methods of soothing your baby while holding them close; all babies are unique, and your child may need to be calmed down with a variety of methods. 

Basic Care Hack #3: Practice Your Diaper Change to Save Time.

Like a one-man formula one pit crew, you’ll want to get your diaper changing down to a science. Practice your technique, and take every opportunity to give your partner a break by changing diapers yourself. Not only will they appreciate it, but you’ll be able to get faster at the change and save yourself time. 

Basic Care Hack #4: Don’t Let Crying Get to You.

It’s okay to get frustrated when your baby won’t stop crying. Take a second, give yourself a moment outside with some silence (provided your partner can watch the baby), then go back in and find out the reason for their crying. Babies can cry because they are hungry, tired, have a dirty diaper, are adjusting to temperature, need to burp, and a million other reasons. Try to find your baby’s frequent cry triggers and act accordingly to fix the problem. 

Basic Care Hack #5: It’s Okay To Call the Doctor.

Some people worry they will be bothering their doctor, but anxiety in the first few months can be overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to contact your doctor if you believe there are any problems at all with your baby. Yes, that means on occasion you will go in and they will say “they just have gas” or “they have a very slight fever.” But it’s better to be safe than sorry, and checking will help you sleep easier at night! (Location 501)

Chapter 3

Feed Hack #1: Following a Schedule Can Reduce Stress.

Setting up a schedule and adhering to it can take a lot of the guesswork out of feeding, helping alleviate stress that may be hindering both you and your partner. Set a timer between feedings to help you remember, though make sure the chime isn’t too abrasive. No one wants to hear a blaring siren every 2 to 3 hours.

Feed Hack #2: It’s Okay to Bottle Feed Occasionally.

While there are some risks to bottle feeding, including the possibility of choking, ear infections, and tooth decay, it’s okay to bottle feed from time to time.  Bottle Feeding can give your partner’s nipples a break and still give your baby the nutrients they need. Just make sure that the bottle is clean, and the baby never has it in their bed!

Feed Hack #3: No Water for the First 6 Months.

It seems counterintuitive, but your baby should not have water during the first six months of their life. Baby’s get all the nutrients and hydration they need from breastmilk and formula; giving them water can make them less thirsty for milk, which can stunt their growth. Even on hot days (where you should be keeping your baby inside anyway) milk is all they need. 

Feed Hack #4: There Will Be Foods Your Baby Hates.

Once your baby switches to solids, there is one unfortunate fact to face: they will simply despite certain types of food. Try a variety of baby foods, and see if you can get a couple in rotation they enjoy. While you’ll want to teach them later about the importance of trying new foods, the most essential thing in the first year is getting them the nutrients they need. 

Feed Hack #5: Watch for Choking Hazards.

You would be surprised at what qualifies as a choking hazard for your baby, and you’ll want to keep your eyes (and carrots) peeled when watching out for potential choking danger. Even things like corn kernals, cherry tomatoes, and pieces of vegetables can choke your baby. Remember: food pieces larger than one half an inch (width or length) can cause your baby to choke. (Location 725)

Chapter 4

Sleep Hack #1: Establish a Bedtime Routine.

Whether you read your children’s stories, bath them, or sing them songs, create an activity that signals to your infant’s brain that it’s almost time to sleep.

Sleep Hack #2: Use the Power of Natural Sunlight.

Exposing your infant to sunlight first thing in the morning will help them develop their circadian rhythms sooner, leading to better sleep patterns at the early stages of development.

Sleep Hack #3: Watch for the Sleep Deficiency Signals.

If your baby is constantly yawning, fluttering their eyelids, losing interest in activities that usually stimulate them, tightening their fists, or crying more frequently, they may be sleep deprived. Identify these signs early to correct the problem and get them back into a healthy sleep pattern.

Sleep Hack #4: Make Sure Your Baby Sleeps On Its Back.

One of the easiest ways to ensure your child’s safety while they sleep is to make sure they sleep on their back. Watch your baby closely during their sleep, and turn them over whenever they start to shift to their stomach. Babies prefer stomach sleeping, but through consistent sleep training, they will learn to associate back positioning with bedtime.

Sleep Hack #5: Find a Comfort Item.

A safe bedtime comfort item can help your baby learn to fall asleep independently and reduce the amount you need to tend to them at night. This shouldn’t be a toy or blanket, as that could cause the baby to suffocate. Instead, use an item like a pacifier designed to go in a baby’s mouth without harming them. (Location 948)

Chapter 5

Self-Regulation Hack #1: Provide Your Baby With Different Sensory Activities.

It will be much easier to recognize your baby’s emotional state and level of self-regulation if they can express themselves. By providing them with various sensory activities, you can expand the areas of their brain that allow them to make facial expressions and eventually vocalize their thoughts. A play gym is one great tool which gives infants various toys to play with to strengthen their hand-eye coordination and the muscles around the eyes. Another good sensory activity is reading to them, which stimulates the language centre in their brain.

Self-Regulation Hack #2: Track Your Child’s Behaviour in a Journal.

Watch your baby closely while it participates in various activities and see how it reacts to certain stimuli. Does your baby get easily frustrated? Do they play well with others and share their toys? Does your baby tend to focus on a given object of interest, and how easily can they adjust their focus? Take notes about your baby’s reactions, and see how they change over time. Hopefully, your baby begins to show signs they are developing their self-regulation skills; if not, that can indicate you should do more focused behavioural training.

Self-Regulation Hack #3: Don’t Be Afraid to Intervene.

It’s easy to worry that by intervening when your baby is upset, you could make their mood even worse. But the best thing to do when your baby reacts strongly to a sensation or emotion is to actively engage with them and try to improve their mood. Soothe your baby when they are crying, or give them a toy or object that comforts them. If they are in an overstimulating setting, like a movie theatre, take them outside until they have calmed down.

Self-Regulation Hack #4: Organize Play Dates for Your Baby.

One of the most significant advantages of proper self-regulation is behaving in social situations. Without learning self-control, your baby could grow up to be a person who does not treat others well and therefore loses out on the chance to socialize with their peers properly. Organize play dates for your baby early, and watch how they interact with others. Make sure to use positive reinforcement when your baby is kind and caring to other children; at the same time, let them know when their behaviour is inappropriate. Over time, your baby will learn the correct way to act in social situations, setting them up to make friends and meaningful connections as they grow.

Self-Regulation Hack #5: Keep their Comfort Item Close.

It may seem like a crutch, but it’s not always possible to calm your child down with shushing and back rubs alone. At this point, you’ve likely identified a comfort item that your baby has fixated on. This may be a specific pacifier, toy, stuffed animal, or any other object that brings your baby comfort. Make sure this item is packed for any trip you take, even if it’s just to the store or local park. Leaving your baby in an… (Location 1163)

Chapter 6

Mental Health Hack #1: Mirroring is Key.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and your baby will be copying your every move. Make sure to return the favor and help reinforce associations between movements and words.

Mental Health Hack #2: Skin to Skin Contact Helps Bonding.

As one of the strongest tools in your bond-building strategy, skin to skin contact can quickly create a long-lasting emotional connection between you and your baby. Not only that, but it can also relieve stress, lower your baby’s heart rate, and help bring their breathing under control.

Mental Health Hack #3: Don’t Overstimulate.

While you want to show your baby a wide variety of photos and help them understand the world around them, it’s important not to overstimulate. If your baby begins to get fussy or cry while you teach, take a break to soothe them. A couple of shushes, gentle singing, and a back rub can bring your baby back to calm so they can get back to learning efficiently.

Mental Health Hack #4: Help Your Baby Finish Words.

As your baby’s language centers develop, they will start to vocalize noises that almost sound like full words. Help them finish these words, sounding out each syllable so they can begin to form those associations in their brains.

Mental Health Hack #5: Identify Everything Around You.

Especially important in the latter half of the first year, you’ll want to teach your baby the name of every object, person, and place they interact with. If you make them a mini-Italian dinner, make sure to say, “this is spaghetti.” If your sister comes over to visit, let them know, “this is your auntie.” These behaviors will make it that much easier once they start to speak and help them understand not only the names of things but the meaning behind those names. (Location 1377)

Chapter 7

Relationship Hack #1: You’ll Need to Sacrifice a Few Things.

Parenthood is all about sacrifice, and you’ll have to become comfortable letting certain things go. Your life has changed dramatically, and you’ll lose some of your autonomy. Some of it will come back in time, but some won’t (and that’s okay!)

Relationship Hack #2: Prepare for Sleeplessness.

Sleep is incredibly important, but getting the right amount of rest as a new parent is not possible. Watch for the signs of sleep exhaustion, including confusion, lack of energy, and irritability. Do what you can to nap when your partner is watching the baby, and know that your sleep schedule will eventually normalize. 

Relationship Hack #3: Watch for the Signs of Postpartum Depression.

PPD is incredibly serious, so watch for the signs that your partner may suffer from this illness. These signs include: Lack of motivation Mood swings Avoidance of others Thoughts of suicide or harming the baby If you recognize the symptoms of PPD, contact your doctor immediately. 

Relationship Hack #4: Be Patient With Your Partner.

Being a new parent is incredibly difficult, and it’s understandable to get frustrated when your significant other makes a mistake. Try to see the situation from their shoes and understand you are both tired and stressed out. Patience pays off, and when you give your spouse the benefit of the doubt, they are more likely to return the favor. 

Relationship Hack #5: Rekindle Your Sex Life.

Don’t let the intimacy in your relationship slip away due to the responsibilities of parenthood. Remind your partner that you find them sexually desirable, find time to spend together, and respark the fire of love in your life. It may take a few weeks or months after the baby is born, but once your partner is ready, get back in the bedroom! (Location 1596)

Chapter 8

Balance Hack #1: Prioritize What’s Important.

It’s a tough pill to swallow, but the fact is there just isn’t time for everything. Make a list of all of your responsibilities, and try to rank them based on importance. Being a dad will come first most of the time, this is a give-in; that being said, maintaining your status at work is also vital to your family’s financial health. Learn to prioritize the most essential activities, and become comfortable with compromise.

Balance Hack #2: Time Management is Essential.

There are only so many hours in the day, but you’d be surprised how much time we waste. Between our phones, TV, drinks after work, and every other leisurely activity, we rarely use each day to its full potential. Breakdown how you use your time, eliminating unavoidable activities like work at sleep. Look at the hours you have left and try to fill them with as much productivity as possible (making sure to give yourself a small chunk each day for “me-time”).

Balance Hack #3: Prepare for the Unexpected.

Parenthood is a lot like improv, and you’ll need to roll with the punches  when it comes to dealing with the challenges that get thrown your way. Part of this is thinking about the more unfortunate turns life can take, like…well, death. Creating a will and getting a life insurance policy, while a bit of a bummer, can give you valuable peace of mind as you raise your children. Knowing your significant other and children will be safe in the case of your passing can allow you to focus on the present, and be the best dad you possibly can.

Balance Hack #4: Create a Budget.

Budgeting is a life skill that can help anyone, parent or not. Calculating your income and tallying up your expenses can help you keep a healthy financial flow, as well as highlight any extraneous spending you may have. I was shocked when I laid out my budget on how much I was spending on things like eating out at restaurants and getting coffee every day. Cooking at home and making my own coffee saved me hundreds of dollars every month, which allowed me to make more significant contributions to my child’s college fund.

Balance Hack #5: Don’t Forget the Fun.

While it is important to work hard and give your all when it comes to being a father, you still need to schedule in some time for yourself. Neglecting to do so can lead to increased stress, which will start to hamper your performance both in the workplace and at home. Make sure to invest time in a hobby, and try your best to have a night out with friends every once and a while. Your spouse will also need some “me” time, so talk with each other about how you can adjust your schedules to make this happen. (Location 1871)