Love that kid and let them know how much they’re loved. Nothing else matters, you will have disagreements, fights and struggles. But make sure they know they’re loved even during the hardest times.

You’re going to fuck up. Don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m deathly afraid of heights and my dumbass agreed to get on a Ferris wheel with my (formerly fearless) son. No matter what you do, you will find a way to fuck them up somehow. Just make sure it’s something small like that, and not needing decades of therapy. And remember, they’re smarter than you think.

Firstly congratulations and best of luck to you!

Show Up for Your Partner you guys are a team and need to work together on the schedule and care (we used the huckleberry app to track things). If your wife is planning on breastfeeding then maybe. Gatekeep the House: Manage the visitors. If she’s tired, tell your parents or friends, “Hey, today isn’t a good day.” Be the “bad guy” so she doesn’t have to be. Notice the Small Stuff: Wash the pump parts, fold the laundry, or handle the takeout order. These small wins are huge in the middle of sleep deprivation.

Get your hands dirty. Don’t wait for a manual or an invitation. The more you do early on, the more confident you’ll feel.

Aim to change a lot of diapers. You’ll become a pro, and it gives you “territory” in the parenting world.

The “Dad Sway” Babies often respond differently to a dad’s hold. You might be taller, warmer, or have a deeper voice. Find your signature “soothing move.”

Skin-to-Skin: It’s not just for moms. Hanging out with a shirtless baby on your chest helps with bonding and regulates the baby’s temperature.

Manage Your Expectations. You’re going to be tired.

Survival Mode is Real: The first 6–8 weeks are about survival. If the dishes aren’t done but everyone is fed and alive, you’re winning.

The “Post-Midnight” Rule: Never take anything said between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM personally. Sleep deprivation makes people cranky; just apologize in the morning and move on.

The Baby is a Stranger: You’re meeting a brand-new human. If you don’t feel an instant “movie-style” magical connection in the first hour, don’t panic. Real bonding often grows over the first few weeks as you get to know their personality.

Take Care of Yourself. You can’t be a good dad or supporting partner if you are burnt out.

Tap Out If you feel your frustration rising babies cry a lot, and it can be grating. See if you can let mom take care of the baby while you go take a quick breath to calm down. Don’t forget it goes both ways too make sure she can get a break if something isnt going her way.

Paternity Leave: if you have it, take it.* All of it. You will never regret spending that time with your child, but you might regret missing it.

Don’t be overly harsh on yourself if something doesn’t go like the book. Remember babies like people are all different so something that worked for one may not work for yours.