Being a new dad is wonderful, but it can be overwhelming too. Having a baby is a huge life change and can trigger all kinds of emotions, from joy and love to guilt and fear. You may feel under pressure to put your partner and the wee one first and bottle up your own emotions. You may be feeling completely left out while your partner and baby bond. And you’ll almost definitely be feeling very tired. Here are some tips to help.
Tips for new dads
Tip #1: Skin to skin
Tip #1: Skin to skin
Tip #2: Take one day at a time
Tip #2: Take one day at a time
Tip #3: Remember things will get better
Tip #3: Remember things will get better
Tip #4: Talk to your partner
Tip #4: Talk to your partner
Tip #5: Say yes to offers of help
Tip #5: Say yes to offers of help
Tip #7: Get some fresh air and exercise
Tip #7: Get some fresh air and exercise
Tip #8: Try some breathing exercises
Tip #8: Try some breathing exercises
Tip #9: Look after yourself
Tip #9: Look after yourself
Tip #10: It's good to talk
Tip #10: It's good to talk
Tip #11: Check in on how you feel
Tip #11: Check in on how you feel
Find out more
The Mental Health Foundation has produced a helpful guide for new dads with lots of advice and information on how to look after yourself, support your partner and look after your relationship and get to know your baby. It also has advice on juggling work and home life and getting support if you’re struggling. You can download the guide here.
You can also find lots of tips and advice on the Tiny Happy People website.
Family Support Directory
Find more support for your family's mental health from trusted organisations in our Family Support Directory.