Surviving the Newborn Stage: for Dads

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NewDadMustHaves #CollectiveBias

Make this Father's Day one to remember! Prepare the new Dad in your life with my Surviving the Newborn Stage for Dads Guide and a new VTech VM981 Expandable HD Video Baby Monitor with 1 Wi-Fi Camera, 5” Touch Screen.

Father's Day is just around the corner and this year I am super excited to be able to celebrate with my sister and brother-in-law.

After years of infertility, they are expecting their first baby!  I know many of you out there know the ups and downs of infertility and what is included in the process.  Painful treatments, constant shots and generally feeling like sh*t all the time.  It is a hard process to watch, not to mention go through.  I am in awe of both their strength and commitment not to give up on their dream of starting a family.  It's a beautiful thing!

Now my sister and I are both expecting!  Talk about a special experience to share together.

Since they are still getting their nursery put together, I wanted to give my brother-in-law something useful for Father's Day.  Even though I'm sure he would have enjoyed a t-shirt that said something like "I'm the man behind the bump" or "Prepared for diaper duty".  Instead, I opted for the VTech VM981 Expandable Video Monitor.  It's a great gift!

With VTech, you no longer have to choose between style and design, or features and functionality. The VM981 baby monitor has a high-definition color touch screen unit and remote access via the new MyVTech Baby app for Apple iOS and Android.  It's easy-to-install, gives families peace of mind and you can find it on Amazon.com today!

In addition to the monitor, I decided to create a guide to surviving the newborn stage for any new Dads out there.

We can all agree that becoming a parent is a pretty stressful experience.  But, when it comes to new Dads...sometimes they need a little extra help.  No offense to any Dads out there. Everyone is different.  I'm sure some of you knew exactly what to expect.

With these simple tips below, I hope to help you avoid any unnecessary stressors (for both you and your spouse) when the time comes to bring your bundle of joy home.

Limit your guests:

As much as you want to show off your beautiful new baby, make sure to limit your guests.  Too many visitors can stress you, the baby and your spouse out.  Sometimes you just have to say no.  Take time for just the two of you to be with baby and set up a good routine.

Don’t ask “What’s for Dinner?”:

Whatever you do, never ask your spouse "What's for Dinner?".  After a long day of taking care of baby, that is the last thing she wants to hear.  Simply ask, "What would you like for dinner?" and make it happen.

Be present:

Sometimes all you need to do, is be there.  As simple as that may sound...holding a hand, sitting next to your wife, or being a shoulder to cry on is all she needs.

Wake up and help:

I can't tell you how many women have told me that their husbands never wake up to help during the night.  Let me assure you, this is a big deal.  Even if it's just to change the baby's diaper, then hand to mommy to nurse, it is the little things that count.  Your wife will thank you for it!

Beware of over stimulation: 

This is definitely one tip I can tell you from experience.  By the end of the day, after tons of playing, singing, and rocking, my son would be over stimulated and have a crying fit.  Nothing could console him until I would take him to a quiet/dark room and let him decompress.  (I often think adults need to do this from time to time, as well).

Trust your instinct:

Try not to stress about little things.  You will learn exactly what your baby needs just by hearing their cry.  It may need food, a diaper change, to be held, or in the worst case scenario taken to the doctor.  Whatever it is, trust your instinct.

Help around the house:

There will come a time when you may have to pick up some of the slack with chores.  Even if you have divided things up between the two of you, this may not be the best opportunity for you to remind her that the dishes are dirty.  Pick up some of her chores if needed.

Deal with the pets:

If your spouse is the big animal lover of the family, take the time to help with the pets. Make sure they have food, go on walks and let them know they are still loved.  Pets can experience a great deal of stress with a new little human around.

Don't forget about each other: 

Most importantly, don't forget about each other.  Remember to enjoy each others company and take time to recharge.  Have a cup of coffee on the porch together or rent a DVD to watch once the baby goes to bed.

Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift for a new dad?  Look no further!