First night home from hospital, how do I keep the baby alive? | DadHQ

First night home from hospital, how do I keep the baby alive?

1d ago1 min read

Seriously I've never been this nervous. We're home 4 hours and my wife is sleeping and I'm holding our son just staring at him making sure he's breathing. Is he supposed to make those weird grunting sounds? How do I know if he's actually getting enough when he eats? Do I need to burp him after every feed or just sometimes? Feel like everyone at the hospital expected us to just know this stuff. Help.

6 comments217 views

Comments(6)

RRyanNew Dadjust now

First night is wild. I remember holding my daughter and being convinced I'd miss some critical breathing pattern. You won't. Babies cry, they sleep, they eat. Just keep doing what the hospital showed you and you'll be fine. The nervousness means you care.

CChristopher L.New Dad23h ago

First night home is terrifying. Literally every sound felt like an emergency to me. But babies have been kept alive by way less prepared people than you for thousands of years. Trust your gut and call the hospital if something feels truly wrong. Otherwise you're gonna be okay.

SSteve K.New Dad20h ago

You're doing great just by being present and caring this much. The fact that you're awake and watching over your baby means you're already keeping them alive. They're tougher than you think. Try to get some sleep in shifts with your wife so you can both function tomorrow.

CChris P.New Dad18h ago

You're doing better than you think. The fact that you're this nervous means you actually care. Real talk though, babies are way more resilient than they seem. You can't accidentally kill them in the first night by holding them. Just don't drop her and you're golden.

JJayNew Dad5h ago

Four hours in and you're already thinking about keeping them alive - that's the sign of a good dad right there. Honestly the hardest part is just the lack of sleep. Your wife sleeping is smart, you should try to catch some rest too when you can.

MManuelNew Dadjust now

Congratulations on the new baby. The paranoia is normal and actually keeps you alert in a good way. Just remember to breathe. You've got this.