10 new dad tips I wish I knew before becoming a father

1. Trust your intuition.

You will almost definitely receive a lot of unsolicited advice as a new parent. And while some of it might be useful, sometimes it goes against what you already know about your child. Remember: just because someone else did it that way doesn’t mean you have to.

Trusting your intuition as a new parent is crucial because, even with all the advice and resources available, no one knows your child better than you do. Parental instincts are normally the best guide when it comes to understanding their needs. Whether it’s hunger, discomfort, or emotional reassurance, parenting can be overwhelming, and every child is different, so relying on your intuition helps you work your way through those times when you don’t have a clear answer from books or experts. Feel reassured that you can make the right decisions with confidence, stay calm in uncertain situations, and strengthen the bond you have with your child. Trusting your gut allows you to become the best parent you can be, even when the road feels unclear.

2. Babies are more resilient than you think.
   
   

I remember holding my son for the first time and feeling the immense fear of breaking him somehow because he seemed so tiny and fragile. It took me a surprising amount of time to realise I didn't need to treat him like a piece of fine china. Of course, they're completely dependent on your care, and they go through a huge range of physical and emotional changes in what seems like 10 minutes, but their bodies and minds are designed to bounce back from minor setbacks, like slight illness, changes in routine, or discomfort. They'll be fine and so will you.

3. Everything is a phase.

When you're going through a particularly difficult patch, it can seem like it will never end. Whether it's sleepless nights, constant crying, or a new milestone like teething, everything will pass eventually. When you're in the thick of it understandably it's going to feel rough, and your probable lack of sleep is also going to make you feel more emotional and less resilient - so it may feel harder to be optimistic at times. But try to remember that almost everything is a phase, nothing will last, and things will get better. Things will change, and what was before will be gone.

4. You will figure out everything you need to know. Don’t try to learn everything in one go.

As a new dad, it can feel like you’re suddenly expected to know how to juggle a baby, a bottle, and a million other things all at once, like some sort of sleep-deprived superhero. But here’s the thing: You don’t need to learn everything in one go. Or at all. Fatherhood is more like a long, confusing road trip with no GPS. You're going to take some wrong turns and end up in some questionable pit stops. And guess what? That’s totally fine! You’ll figure it out, one diaper disaster at a time. So cut yourself some slack, laugh at the chaos, and remember—no one expects you to be a parenting expert on day one. You'll figure it out along the way.

5. Your relationship will never be the same, not only good or bad but different.

Becoming parents will inevitably change the dynamic of your relationship. Your priorities, routines, and energy levels will shift, and you’re both adjusting to a huge life change. While I was expecting things to be a little different, I didn't quite anticipate how much. Not necessarily in a bad way; it's just different. The key is communication. Your relationship might look different for a while, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important. You may even find that the shared experience of raising a little one can bring you closer. Just remember, you’re both on the same team, even when you’re both exhausted, covered in baby sick, and trying to figure out whose turn it is to do the night feed.

6. It’s going to be a while before your sex life gets back to normal.

As new parents, your sex life is probably going to take a bit of a backseat, at least for a while. Between all the overwhelming changes and tiredness, it’s normal for you not to feel in the mood very often and for intimacy to feel like it’s on pause. But here's the thing: It's okay, and it definitely doesn't mean your relationship is in trouble. Communication is the key here. Talk with your partner about your feelings, expectations, and any challenges you're facing. Be patient with each other, and remember that this phase is temporary (see point 3).

As your baby grows and routines settle, things will get easier. And when the time comes, take things slow and reconnect when you're both ready. In the meantime, small gestures like hugs, holding hands, or just taking a moment to appreciate each other can help keep the intimacy alive while you’re adjusting to life as a new dad.

7. It’s incredible.

It's pretty common to hear mums talk about how incredible being a parent is and how special the bond between you and your baby is, but dads don't tend to talk about it that much, so I wasn't too sure what to expect. And wow. The bond between father and son is something really special. It's always evolving and growing over time, and I can't wait to see where it goes next. At first, I definitely felt a little unsure as I was figuring things out - how to soothe them and feed them can seem more natural for mum sometimes. But I know in those early months I was laying the foundation for a strong connection. Fatherhood for me is about building trust, showing love, and being there for him, no matter what. And remember, it's not always about being perfect—sometimes, just being there and showing up is all it takes to create a lasting, meaningful connection.

8. You will see the world differently

Becoming a parent totally shifts how you see the world. Suddenly, things that seemed important before, like having time to yourself, getting a full night’s sleep, or just chilling out, don’t matter as much. What really hits you is how quickly everything changes. You start noticing the small stuff more: the way your child's face lights up over something simple or the little milestones you’d have missed before.

I also gained a new sense of urgency about time because before you know it, your baby’s not a baby anymore. And, honestly, you start to realise what really matters: your family, your health, and making memories with the people you love. It’s a mix of feeling like life’s moving too fast, but also seeing it in a whole new way that’s a little more real.

9. It’s ok to cry

Managing emotions as a new dad is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a rollercoaster. One minute, you're on top of the world, holding your newborn and on the verge of tears because you're so obsessed with them; the next minute, you're feeling all the effects of exhaustion and wondering if coffee is actually going to save your life.

You will feel a whole truckload of new and big emotions. It’s totally normal to feel a mix of excitement, anxiety, and exhaustion all at once. Don’t hide it—talk to your partner, vent to a friend, or even scream into a pillow if you need to. Seriously, it helps. You’re going through something massive, so cut yourself some slack. When you can, sneak in a few minutes of "you time"—a quick jog, a bathroom break in peace, or whatever helps you recharge. And remember: crying it out isn’t just for babies. You’ve got this. It's important to take care of your mental health too so that you can help show up for your family. You’re in the trenches, but you're also getting stronger every day.

10. Make time for yourself. It’s ok.

Making time for yourself as a new dad is like trying to catch a moment of peace during rush hour: difficult but essential. Between the sleepless nights, endless nappies, and a baby who thinks sleep is optional, it’s easy to forget about your own needs. And, when helping to care for you and your partner on top of a baby, it's easy to put yourself at the bottom of the priority list. But if you don’t take a step back now and then, you’ll be running on fumes before you know it. Whether it’s sneaking off for a quiet pint at the local (if you're lucky), a brisk walk around the park, or just five minutes to sit down with a tea, you need those moments to reset. And don’t feel guilty about it!

You’re no use to anyone if you’re completely knackered. The baby won’t mind if you take a breather—it’ll only make you a better dad in the long run. So go on, grab that time for yourself. You deserve it.