5 things you learn when becoming a dad.

When I became a dad for the first time, there are a few skills that I picked up along the way. The following 5 points are from my own personal experience, but if you have any to add to the list, then I would love to hear them!

#1 – A DIY expert –

DIY tasks increase tenfold. Putting up the cot, decorating the baby room, safety gates, assembling the toddler bed, flatpack furniture, new toys, putting up black out blinds… The list is endless. When having a baby, I found that my screwdriver had almost become like a second arm. My tool box had moved from the back of the shed to the front. I had learnt many skills that I had never even attempted before having a baby.

#2 – A baby gadget expert –

When having a baby, you attempt to get hold of any gadget that will make your life as a new parent just a tiny bit easier. Baby sterilisers, prams, tommee tippies, bottle warmer, high chair, mobiles, baby monitors, car seat, jumperoos, travel cots. Most gadgets usually require a University Degree in Engineering to use, but with a little swearing and throwing stuff, you usually end up figuring it out in the end.

#3 – A health and safety expert –

Before the baby is even born, you will find that you are way more cautious than you ever were before. During the pregnancy, you will be on full bodyguard duty, ensuring that no-one bumps into your pregnant partner. You will be on hand to bring in the shopping and make sure that she doesn’t lift anything else too heavy. Once the baby is born, you get even more protective. Plug protectors, cupboard door latches, removal of anything bite size and swallow-able, no hot drinks in reachable proximity, carpet clean of hair and dirt. It becomes a full-time job.

#4 – You learn to run on little to no sleep –

For at least the first 6 months, you will experience severe sleep deprivation. Night feeds, demanding baby, demanding girlfriend, crying, baby snores, worry that your babies warm enough, the beeping of the baby alarm if the room is too hot. You will have NEVER been more zombie-like. Most of the time, you won’t even be aware of what’s going on, and your social life will become almost non-existent, but it will get easier, I promise!

#5 – You become familiar with almost every cartoon –

This will happen throughout your child’s life, from baby – to infant – to teens. It will probably start with Mr Tumble, In the Night Garden, Peppa Pig and then lead on to Scooby Doo, Thomas The Tank Engine, Tom and Jerry and then up to Adventure Time, Regular Show and The Amazing World of Gumball. These are just a few examples… Be warned, if you’re not a cartoon fan, then you’re definitely about to be… You will have NO choice.

Thanks for reading! If you have any to add to list then please write them in the comments below!