Dad's guide to Newborn Care

Dear Dad,

An involved dad is important to a baby’s first months and years of life.

Even when the dad lives outside the home, babies with actively involved fathers grow into healthier, happier, more successful children and adults. Babies need to form a strong bond with their parents, and that means dad, too.

Bringing home a new baby is a big change for everyone. There are many ways dads can help support mom and baby once they arrive home from the hospital.

Moms body goes through a lot of changes during the pregnancy. It may take a little while for her to feel like herself. Be gracious, patient, and supportive.

LIMIT VISITORS

LIMIT VISITORS

Keep people who are sick away from your baby.
DAILY CHORES

DAILY CHORES

Help with cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
CHECK UP ON MOM

CHECK UP ON MOM

If she is feeling depressed or anxious, encourage and support her to seek help.
Graph
Depression affects up to 25% of dads during their partner’s pregnancy or in the first year after baby is born.

If you or your baby’s mom have anxiety, are feeling depressed, or have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, get help right away. Talk with your healthcare provider. Untreated depression is hard on your baby, your family, and you.

Call 1-800-273-8255 for free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Spend quality time with your older kids by having them help with getting a diaper, smiling at, or reading to baby.

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding Support

Breastfeeding is the best way to provide nourishment to your new baby. It might not be easy at first so give mom plenty of encouragement and support.

WIC is here to support you. Call for any questions or for additional breastfeeding support.

Why Breastfeed?

Star

Breastfed babies get sick less often.

dollar

It’s free!

clock

It’s convenient (no bottles, no mess, and always on hand).

Two Heart

Breastfeeding moms are healthier.

3 out of 4 babies born in Oklahoma are breastfed

Spit Up – Burping – Dirty Diapers

Having breast milk or formula in your baby’s tummy is new to them. Babies spit up less and require less burping as they get older. 

SPIT UP

Speak to your WIC Nutritionist or healthcare provider if you are concerned with the amount your baby is spitting up at each feeding.

BURPING

DIRTY DIAPERS

Be a hero, change diapers!

For breastfed babies:
For formula and breastfed babies over a month:

If you have concerns about your baby’s dirty diapers, call your healthcare provider or local WIC office.

Baby’s Age Wet Poops
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
*Day 4+

*This amount lasts up to the first month or longer.

Baby’s Time with Dad

Tummy time!

Laying on their tummy helps strengthen your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles. Think of it as their daily workout as they prepare for big moves like rolling over, sitting, and crawling.

Play peekaboo.

Talk to your baby and make funny faces while changing their diaper.

Go for walks.

Keeping active—getting out of the house is good for everyone!

Spend time reading and talking to your baby.

Their brain is learning new words every day, even from the day they are born.

Keeping Your Baby Safe

CARSEATS

CARSEATS

Sleeping Safe

Sleeping Safe

Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress with no blankets or pillows.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents on a separate sleep surface until their first birthday.

Your child is depending on you to be healthy and stay healthy.

Fatherhood Resources

Fatherhood Resources

NATIONAL

National Fatherhood Initiative
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse

Check for fatherhood initiative programs at your local Head Start program or school system.