| By Kathleen Tomes, BBP President & Blog Editor |
| Did you know more babies are born in the fall months than in any other time of the year? That means there are a lot of anxious expectant parents out there this time of year! While the last few months have been focused on the expecting mom, dad’s turn in the spotlight isn’t too far away.It’s only natural to have some trepidation about the life changes coming when baby arrives but dads, it seems, have a whole different set of fears.Top Five Fears of New Dads |
| 1. I won’t be ready when the baby comes |
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More than 80 percent of the fathers they were worried they wouldn’t be able to perform when their partner was in labor. They were afraid of passing out, throwing up, or getting queasy. Doctors say dads who become engaged in the process do better than those who sat by and watched. Get the new dad “in role” with Daddy Scrubs! These special scrubs stand apart with the words “I’m the Daddy” printed on the back and they double for extra comfort as dad supports his partner through the birthing process. |
| 2. I won’t be able to build a bond with my child |
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Many new fathers feel left out of the bonding process, especially when it comes to breastfeeding. They can’t feed the baby themselves and they envy the closeness the mother and baby share when nursing. Dad can, however, participate in the feeding process without undermining mom’s breastfeeding efforts by using specialized bottles. He can also get that “close” feeling bond with baby carriers made to adjust to larger bodies. |
| 3. My relationship with my wife will change |
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Bringing a baby into the world definitely changes the dynamics of a couple’s relationship, especially during those first few months. Both partners need to make an extra effort to make time and place for romance. A staycation is a great option for parents who aren’t quite ready to leave baby for an extended amount of time. |
| 4. I’ll lose my “man”-ness carrying around all that frilly baby gear |
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With so many fathers taking an active role in the raising of children these days, baby products are no longer made with just mom in mind! Diaper bags come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Even strollers, like this dad-friendly line made by Joovy, are designed for both mom and dad to use! |
| 5. Can we really afford to pay for a child? |
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This is one biggest fears men face and it is deeply wired into our culture. There’s no doubt that raising children is expensive (the latest estimates put total costs at around $300,000!) but th ere are plenty of ways parents can save money every day. Using cloth diapers, like the ones made by Phoenix-based Evolution Diapers, is not only eco-friendly it can save more than $1,700 in diapering costs. Parents can also save money by making their own baby food at home. |
| While most new dad fears are well founded, my best piece of advice for any new parent is to trust your instincts. I can’t count the number of times following my gut feeling helped to alleviate a problem for my babies (and conversely how many times I wished I’d followed my instincts when problems arose). My other piece of advice, of course, is to “like” the Brilliant Baby Products Facebook Page and we will do our best to keep you updated on the latest and greatest baby products out there to make parenting easier. |
