How to Prepare for Fatherhood: Tips for First-Time Dads

December 19, 2024

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Becoming a new father is hard work. You may have expectations based on your own experiences with your father. Your role in fatherhood is yet to be determined. You can achieve a wide range of goals in building a relationship with your child. As you think about what it means to be a new dad, consider a few helpful first steps.

Prepare Yourself for Your Newborn

One of the most important steps you can take is to prepare yourself. Not only do parenting classes for dads teach you life-saving strategies “just in case.” They can also help you build your confidence on this life-changing event.

These classes empower you by teaching you more than just the basics. They can help you learn:

How to change a baby
How to burp a baby
How to fit the car seat into the vehicle properly
How to calm a baby that is tired or fussy
How to bond with your child
What the role of a father is and how to be successful

It is okay to not know everything. No one expects you to know everything. Learning how to help a crying baby, for example, takes practice. Give yourself time and the opportunity to learn.

Support Your Partner However You Can

Talk to your partner about expectations in this area, too. What do they want and need from you? You cannot understand how they feel or what they are experiencing from a physical aspect, but you can understand these new emotions and uncertainties. Find ways to provide meaningful support to your partner.

Embrace the Learning Curve

Everyone makes mistakes. No new dad (or mom) is perfect. Yet, as long as you learn from mistakes, you are accomplishing something meaningful. Self-doubt can get in the way of many new fathers enjoying this experience. First-time anxiety is a real thing and can interfere with your quality of life. Expect to learn, want to learn, and set out to educate yourself.

Find Your Support System

How are you going to learn- from your support team? Who is your go-to when you need help with either caring for your child or being a father? Consider the people in your life who can become these resources for you.

Is there a father figure in your life that you can learn from?
Perhaps you want to emulate traits from someone you recognize as a good father.
Who do you know who is knowledgeable about children and providing quality care?

Two men are sitting on a park bench talking to each other.

Remember that, when it comes down to it, your ability to solve problems and keep your baby safe really comes from empowering yourself with knowledge. Take parenting classes for dads, build on that knowledge by watching and learning from friends, and ask questions of those you respect.

Take Care of Yourself Too

You have needs during this time, too. Take time to talk about your fears and goals. Spend time with friends and doing the things you love. Becoming a new dad does not mean you have to give up on the things important to you.

Learn and Lean on Others for Guidance

Make friends with other fathers. Spend time in activities where you can meet and engage with other new dads. Remember that having that support team will help you build confidence when you need it the most.

Prepare Yourself for Your Newborn

Discover how Willow Womens Center supports new dads. Schedule an appointment with our team to learn how we can help you navigate this new chapter with confidence. We have male fatherhood mentors ready to meet with you!