New Dad Introduction

[MoonlightPicnic]

Hi all,

I'm a new Dad of 10 days. It's our first child and it's also my first night alone with our fantastic boy as DW is in hospital overnight. I've so far resisted the temptation to order a blow out curry, but the night is young :) (although I'd have a massive guilt complex with DW laid up) . It might be a long night!!

[milktraylady]

Hello! Welcome

[Mrswellyboot]

Many congratulations to you both and lots of happy days ahead!

[PacificDingbat]

Congratulations!

Have that curry - your son won't mind.

[InTheRedCorner]

How exciting I would have ordered the curry hope your wife has a speedy recovery. I had to do overnight when DD3 was 12 days old and I missed everyone loads.

[MoreThanChristmasCrackers]

Ah, congratulations and I hope your dw is better soon.
I would have the curry too

[PacificDingbat]

If you run into an issue with the tiny one, for god sake don't post a question in Dadsnet. It'll take days for an answer !

Feel free to ask on Chat though

I'm sure you'll be fine - father/son bonding is SOOOO important or so I keep telling my DH

[MoonlightPicnic]

Thanks everyone. No sleep yet and then half way through a feed he zonks out-outrageous :) ...Any advice on how to walk like a ninja in the night and settle him in the cot without him yowling blue murder would be most appreciated .

Absolutely Dingbat despite the sleep deprivation I only have to look at him and all is forgiven- Oh I'm such a sucker.

[browneyesblue]

Congratulations :)

Crikey - if there was a definitive ninja move, we'd be gazillionaires by now!

Every (gorgeous, snuggly) baby is different. With DS1, the extractor fan helped. I also downloaded a white noise app. A completely silent room made things worse because the slightest noise would disturb him.

DS2 has been easier, but when he is fussy I find that the temperature change is what makes him howl. If I'm putting him down in a blanket, I cuddle him in the same blanket to settle him (then do the whole 'feet to foot' thing), so that he doesn't notice the difference too much.

Hope DW is back home with you both soon, but at least your little boy is in good tired hands

[Bumbolina]

I'm currently training to be a ninja with my new son - but my daughter gave me a bit of practice.

Tip for getting into cot - if they fall asleep on you, wait 10-20 minutes before transferring. Do the 'arm drop' test to ensure they are in a deep enough sleep to transfer (I.e lift up their arm and let go... if any resistance they are still too awake to move, if it flops - quick transfer!)

[Papa1977]

Hey Moon, congrats! The next few months will be tough, but not as bad as the doom-mongers make out, and the pros massively outweigh the cons. Life is good as a dad! I reckon it gets better as they go along, too. Have fun old boy.

[MoonlightPicnic]

Thanks all. I actually enjoyed that night even though I was a bit zombie the next day (ok I'm still doing the zombie shuffle) :) Mrs Moon is still in plaster and I'm now back at work, but loving the knackered Dad thing. Wish I could work form home full time though. cheers M

ps The Ninjitsu is coming on fine.

[HerVeryLowness]

Congrats Moon! Magical times! I agree with you Papa - the pros in our case definitely outweigh the cons. That said, tiredness does do something to the brain - embracing it and accepting it, sounds like you are Moon!, is best way. Otherwise, i have found sometimes, confusion can ensue.

Our youngest is 3 now and i have found those early times are hazy - probably because of the sleep deprivation - but Bumbolina, your description of the 'arm drop' test has brought it back. Lovely times, it almost makes me crave another!

Keep up the Ninjitsu

[BreakingDad77]

Hiya, congratulations I'm first time dad too and just joined board, up to five months now, kinda sleeping through though not always, sometimes wakes at 1am or 3am. Though better place than every 3-4 hrs.