3 months in and I finally feel competent (small wins)

Dec 51 min read

Ok so I know this probably sounds dumb to experienced parents but I genuinely panicked about diaper changing and bathing in the beginning. My 3-month-old doesn't cry when I do it anymore, I can change him one-handed now, and yesterday he grabbed my finger and gave me the biggest smile. Felt like I actually won at something. Also finally learned how to swaddle properly so he's not looking like a burrito that's falling apart. It's silly but I feel less like I'm gonna break him every second now.

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Comments(10)

RRob P.RegularDec 6

Same place as you. 3.5 months and I finally can give mine a bath without my wife hovering. Feels good man

FFrank D.RegularDec 7

lol dude those early wins hit different. Congrats on the diaper confidence - that's actually huge because it means you can handle them when mom's not around

CCole B.RegularDec 6

Bro this is the biggest thing. At 3 months you're basically in survival mode so when something becomes routine it legit feels like a superpower. Wait til you can change a diaper one-handed while holding a coffee. Peak dad energy

SSam F.New DadDec 7

the fact that your kid isn't crying anymore means you've built actual trust with them. that's not a small win, that's foundational parenting right there

TTyler K.RegularDec 7

Not dumb at all. The bathing thing was legitimately my biggest anxiety. Like I was terrified of dropping him or getting water in his face. When my 3mo stopped tensing up during baths I felt like I'd won the lottery

GGary R.RegularDec 8

Wait til 6 months when you can actually play with them and they recognize you. That's when it stops feeling like you're just keeping them alive and starts feeling like parenting. You're closer than you think

SSteve B.RegularDec 8

Honestly this doesn't sound dumb at all. I was the same way - couldn't even swaddle right for like 6 weeks. The anxiety of holding this tiny human and being responsible for keeping them alive is legitimate. Congrats on turning the corner

CCarlos M.New DadDec 8

The no-cry diaper changes are legitimately a milestone. My daughter used to scream like I was torturing her. Now at 8 months she just chills. You've earned this confidence

EEric V.RegularDec 8

Dude that's HUGE though. Those first few months are terrifying because you're convinced you're gonna break them or do something wrong. The fact that your kid is comfortable enough not to cry? You're clearly doing it right

FFrank T.RegularDec 7

These small wins are actually everything though. At 3 months you're past the survival phase and starting to feel like you know what you're doing. That's not small at all