Congratulations you are a dad!

I hope we are the first to congratulate you on being a dad or about to be a dad.

Can we give you some advice, some has indeed been learnt the hard way ! But most is just common sense and giving yourself a little credit when others just may forget that, you , too are new to this game and need a little reassuring and praise too.

• Trust your instincts. A little experience will quickly turn you into the world's leading expert on your own baby.

• Learn from the best. Ask the midwife to show you how to change, swaddle and bathe your baby. Ask other dads for suggestions.

• When it comes to mum, remember to be patient and positive. Communication and support are the key. She'll love you for it.

• Do stand your ground. Let no one push you away from your baby. Not your mother-in-law, your mate, your boss, no one.

• For first timers learn as a family, just the three of you. Keep "help" in the first weeks down to what is needed lest it becomes interference.

• Remember your baby is portable. You can take your baby anywhere. Don't get caught up in fretting about what you can't do.

• You will get frustrated. Step back. Think. Count to some far reaching high number. Think again, and if needs be do it again !

• Make eye contact. Babies talk with their eyes. You will see!

• Relax and enjoy the ride. Make it a daily habit to play with your new baby, check out her tiny little feet, have him fall asleep on your chest, etc. It's those little things that count the most in life.

• When times are trying, remember they too will pass and before you know it, you will have a teenager on your hands.

Some tips for new dads from some old dads!

•      Before you leave hospital or wave the midwife off ,learn to swaddle or burrito-wrap" your baby just like they do it in the hospital nursery. It makes the baby feel warm and secure, a little like the womb.  

•     Babies love to suckle and your clean finger is a great pacifier. Try it with the soft side up. 

•     On your lap slowly bicycle your baby's legs to help him handle gas. Many babies and dads also find this a fun way to play (as well as a good way to develop a world class sprinter).   

•     Arrange to take care of your child alone for the better part of a day within the first month (milestone for dads).  When mom asks how it went, no matter how rough, tell her it went great! 

•      Become your baby's burping expert by gently trying different styles to see what works for her.

Try drop kicking your baby’s nappies into the bin ,3 points from seated position! oh and you've got to pick them up if you miss! and don't forget to tie the nappy bag first!!