New Dads - Everyone's Got Some Advice

One thing I've noticed is that everyone is full of advice for me as a new Dad. While this can be useful, I like the chance to make my own mistakes. Actually, while I like accidently doing the right thing (then I can call it natural talent), I hate making mistakes. Mistakes usally mean jiggling a crying baby at some crazy hour of the morning, or smearing on nappy rash cream and praying the redness goes away before Mum sees.

So I'm not a naturally talented Dad, but I am a tryer and I think I'm doing ok. I won't admit it, but it makes me feel great when my wife says I did well, or at least when she doens't roll her eyes. I try to do my share with our daughter, jiggling her and trying to get her to sleep. One thing I still can't do though is breastfeed (in one of our early attempts to bond I did have a "skin to skin" session with my daughter that lead to a painful yelp from me and a confused crying session from her - I've tended to keep a t-shirt on ever since!).

Not sure where this post is going now, but in spite of the above I am open to advice. It's great when people take the time and care enough to pass something on. So please, keep the advice coming - but remember, this not-so-perfect Dad has selective, not-so-perfect hearing!