A topic for dads - how to survive the first afternoon together without mom

I think we can agree that most dads very much enjoy playing with a little baby or toddler, especially when they know mom is nearby and can always help when it’s time to feed, change, or put the baby to sleep. But what should a dad prepare for when mom leaves them alone for a longer period of time?

Dad and the infant

If dad is in charge of an infant, meaning a child under one year old, he will need expressed milk from mom, or formula along with instructions on how to prepare it. Whether it needs to be defrosted or just heated up (and to what temperature), and for formula, how much to prepare. It may seem trivial, but it is important so that the baby is content and not hungry.

After feeding, infants are usually burped, which can be an unpleasant matter for dads because some babies spit up while doing it. So it is definitely a good idea to have a cloth diaper or towel on hand so dad does not have to change clothes, and it will also be good if dad tries it himself in advance, so he knows how to burp the baby and how long to wait.

If dad is not used to changing diapers, then he should definitely practice ahead of time so he knows where the diapers are, whether cloth or disposable, the wipes, cream, or whether mom practices the elimination communication method and the baby needs to be put on a potty or over the sink. Dads often have trouble changing a diaper with a big load in it, so they should definitely try it a few times in advance so they are not surprised later.

If the baby is very small or mom is away for a longer time, then another task for dad will be to put the child to sleep. There are many methods for getting a baby to sleep, so it depends on what the baby is used to. Most often it will be in a stroller, so dad should be given instructions on how to dress the baby for the stroller. Alternatively, dad can put the baby to sleep at home in a crib or in the family bed. Play a lullaby, read a fairy tale, rock the baby in your arms, and once the baby falls asleep, lay it down, which can sometimes be tricky so the child does not wake up again.

When the baby’s basic needs are all met, meaning it is fed, burped, and changed, but still not sleepy, then comes the fun moment when they can play together. There is no need to go into too much detail here, because imagination knows no limits and dads are very inventive in this area and can handle it. Moms would often not agree with their kind of fun, but if no one gets hurt, why not make an exception.

Dad and the toddler

Watching over older children (from one year old) may seem easier, but appearances can be deceiving. Heating up milk and changing a lying baby is truly a piece of cake compared with feeding and the greater mobility of toddlers. On the other hand, playing with older children is more fun for dads. Not only can they go with them to a children’s corner or to the playground, they can also invent various naughty antics together at home. Countless photos circulate on the internet from times when dads were babysitting, and it is truly entertaining to see what they can come up with together. Of course, we do not want to encourage dads to misbehave, but sometimes it is nice to play differently than usual.

Besides playing, changing, and putting the child to sleep, dad should know what his child is currently eating, whether they can handle pieces of food without any problem, whether they eat with cutlery, what time they should be fed, and of course what they should eat. Mom usually prepares everything in advance, so dad should be able to handle this without difficulty.

If the toddler still cannot walk on their own or is still walking unsteadily, then dad should watch to make sure the child does not fall somewhere and hurt themselves badly. Unfortunately, some falls cannot really be prevented, but luckily children are more flexible than we think and can withstand a lot.

If mom is away in the evening, then bathing is also up to dad. Dads usually have been doing this activity since the baby was born and they really enjoy these shared moments. But if that is not your case, then dad should also try it in advance.

Next time it will be easier again

Whether dad is babysitting an infant or a toddler for the first time, it can really be a challenge. But there is nothing to be afraid of; somehow it will work out, and by next time he can fine-tune anything he needs to. He can call on one of the grandmothers or grandfathers, aunts, or friends with children of a similar age for help. He can also visit someone and spend time away from home, which older children will certainly appreciate, because they know home well and are not as entertained there as in a strange environment where they can discover the world.

So keep your head up. If you mess something up, don’t despair, the children will not remember it and you can laugh about it later.