We just got back from the hospital 4 hours ago and my son is sleeping in his bassinet next to our bed. I keep checking if he's breathing. I know this is probably normal but I'm genuinely freaked out. Should I be doing something? Is it okay that he sleeps this much? Why didn't they give us a manual for this thing? First time dad here and feeling very unprepared.
First night is wild. Pro tip: lower your expectations for the next few weeks. Just focus on keeping the baby fed and alive and yourself somewhat functional. Everything else can wait.
Congrats on the little guy! The terror is totally normal. I was up half the night just watching my son sleep and making sure he was breathing. You're gonna do great even though it doesn't feel like it right now.
Sleep when the baby sleeps is real advice. Don't try to be a hero those first couple weeks.
That first night is absolutely wild. You're going to be hyperaware of every sound he makes. Pro tip: white noise machine helped us so much. Also, try to sleep when he sleeps even if you don't think you're tired. You're going to need it.
That checking every few minutes thing is totally normal, man. I did the same thing with both my kids. Give yourself some grace - your son is fine, and you're already a great dad just by caring this much.
You're gonna be okay. Those first nights are wild but you've got this. Before you know it you'll be loading him up for trips and making memories.
The constant checking never really stops, but it gets easier I promise. You're doing great already.
Congrats on your son! First night is the hardest mentally. Just remember every parent has survived this moment and so will you. Your kid will probably sleep through you being nervous about him sleeping. Hang in there.
Welcome to the club. Don't check on him constantly even though you want to. A good monitor changed everything for us. You've got this.
You're not alone in the terror. I remember feeling like I had no idea what I was doing either. Turns out babies are pretty resilient. Take it one day at a time.
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The terror is totally normal. What helped me was realizing that babies are tougher than they look. You're not going to break him by accident. The fact that you're worried about getting it right means you already are doing right by him.