Nervous as hell. We've done the classes, read the books, watched the videos but suddenly it feels very real that they're letting us take this tiny human home with just our dad instincts as backup. Wife seems calm but I know she's freaking too. Any last minute advice from you seasoned guys? What do you wish someone had told you?
All those classes and videos won't prepare you for the actual reality of it, but that's what makes it an adventure. Take it one moment at a time and you'll surprise yourself.
Man, that feeling is so real. I remember thinking the same thing leaving the hospital, but once you get home and get through that first night, something just clicks. You've got this.
The nervousness means you care. That's the part they don't teach in the classes. Just take it one diaper at a time and call the pediatrician if something feels off. They've heard everything.
Real talk: you will second guess everything tomorrow and that's completely normal. The baby won't break. You probably won't break either even though it feels like you might. Congrats on your kid.
Welcome to the club. That nervous feeling you have right now? Channel it into paying attention to your kid's cues. You'll learn fast. And sleep when the baby sleeps is real advice, not just something people say.
You know more than you think you do. All those classes and videos actually stick with you when you need them. First night is scary but your kid doesn't need perfect, just needs you there. You got this.
You've got this. Seriously. Nobody feels ready for that first night home and that's completely normal. The good news is babies are tougher than they look and you're going to do fine. Just remember that a fed baby, a clean baby, and a sleeping baby is a win. Everything else is bonus.
Real talk: forget the books and classes for a minute. You're going to do things your own way and that's okay. Every baby is different and every parent is different. Trust yourself and don't panic over every little thing.
Sign in to join the conversation.
The nerves before we came home were absolutely worse than the actual first week for us. Once you're in it and your baby is there, instinct kicks in way more than you'd expect. You've prepared, you're aware, you're going to be great.