Having my first child...

[monk3y]

Post any advice or things I should expect. My wife is 6 months in now...

Everything seems to be arriving quickly and I honestly can't believe I'm going to be a father. We're fine financially and I feel like we have been 'preparing', but I don't feel ready at all (is this normal?)

 

[Numenorean]

Don't post baby pictures on Facebook.

 

[zinfamous]

You aren't ready.

 

[tfinch2]

I'm in the same boat. Babby will be fully formed in September.

 

[OCGuy]

Post baby pictures on Facebook.

 

[Azraele]

It's normal not to feel ready. Have you set the game plan for when she goes into labor?

Congrats on becoming a dad.

 

[zanejohnson]

get ready to feel feelings you didn't even think you could

and congrats

 

[coldmeat]

I'm sorry

 

[PowerEngineer]

It's normal not to feel ready.

This. No one can claim to be really "ready" for their first child!

Be prepared for some major sleep deprivation. I had told people that I "could do my job in my sleep"; having infants not sleeping through the night for the first 3-4 months gave me plenty of opportunities to prove it!

 

[olds]

DNA test to be sure you're the father.

 

[gorcorps]

wear a condom next time

 

[EagleKeeper]

Pre Natal:
Build up your sleep - you will need it.

Strengthen your wrists - they may get torn off.

Supplies:
Look at how many diapers you have and get 3 times that amount. You can always return them for a larger size. Coupons for the diapers can add up to savings. Also, write to the manufacturer for any baby needs- they will send you more coupons.

Cleanup:
Wipes from Costco or Sams club - 1K packs - you will go through at least 20 per day and twice that once the baby starts food

Safety:
Baby proof everything below your waist. Stairs will need gates- get the good ones that swing. A child just walking will enjoy trying to push down a pressure gate. If you have railings instead of walls separating floor levels; get some type of lattice work to put up. The child, once moving can put itself through the spaces.

Track down a baby sitter. After 2-3 months; you need to take your wife out for a nice dinner.

Have the home filled with flowers when she comes home from the hospital.

 

[OCGuy]

As soon as she gets home from the hospital, try for Irish twins.

 

[CalvinHobbes]

You'll never truly be prepared, at least that's what people tell me. Just expect the worst and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Stay up late, go to the bar or, a movie. Throw a party. Have friends over or, hang out at their place cuz, you ain't gonna be doin' any of that after the baby arrives.

 

[Blieb]

Congrats!

Common Courtesy's advice -- fckn' PRO.

- In general - don't give unsolicited advice - don't be THAT guy.
- SCHEDULE. Baby on a schedule = happy family.
- Everything else you'll figure out.

The one thing I'll add ... because no one told me this up front, but I've met several who agree with me while talking about it after the fact ... Females AND males can get postpartum depression. You have to know what to look for. I think I was on the brink, the first 6 weeks were really difficult. After that, babies start smiling and things get to be more fun from there. But man those first 6 weeks damn near ruined me.

 

[Sea Moose]

I want a babby

 

[ichy]

Better you than me.

Remember, your child is not that special and you and your wife aren't special just because you managed to produce one. Obviously it's normal to love your own kid more than anything else in the world, but don't expect anyone else to give a crap.

 

[Texashiker]

Breastfeed - one of the most important things your wife can do for the baby.

Never give a baby a pacifier, unless you have to.

Take lots of pictures, they grow up quick.

 

[PlasmaBomb]

Don't post baby pictures on Facebook.

Post baby pictures on Facebook.

Why or why not?

 

[MiniDoom]

enjoy your sleep now...

 

[PlasmaBomb]

As soon as she gets home from the hospital, try for Irish twins.

lulz

 

[Texashiker]

Why or why not?

Pedobear likes baby pics.

With all the sick people out there, do you "really" want a pic your child to be the center of attention for some sicko.

 

[pcgeek11]

Post any advice or things I should expect. My wife is 6 months in now...

Everything seems to be arriving quickly and I honestly can't believe I'm going to be a father. We're fine financially and I feel like we have been 'preparing', but I don't feel ready at all (is this normal?)

You are never "ready". Being a parent is a learning experience to say the least.

 

[LookBehindYou]

I'm sure everyone and their mother will be giving you advice, here's mine:

*Put the baby on a set sleep schedule as soon as possible, wont' always work, but keep trying.

*Don't tippy toe around them when they are sleeping. Vaccum, do whatever you normally would do. You don't wan't to get to the point where you have to whisper or you'll wake the baby. They will get used to sleeping with normal noise in the background.

*Baby proof the house from the waist down, yes if its dangerous. But that doesnt mean don't keep stuff on the coffee table, shelves, etc. Teach the kid not to touch and they won't touch the shit. Drove me nuts when people would bring their kid to our house and they'd mess with shit because they were used to nothing being there at their house. They weren't taught not to touch because there was nothing to touch.

Just my 2 cents.