The first time alone with the baby at home

A little being can become a big problem. At least when the nerves are bare. This is often the case with fathers when they are home alone with the baby for the first time. The woman's saving hand is missing when something unforeseen happens, and that's exactly what often happens. It says: Keep calm. But that is easier said than done. A few hints can help calm breathing and nerves.

If you really need her, she is not there, your wife. But let's be honest: Often it is simply more convenient to get the help of the partner instead of trying something on your own. Being home alone with the baby for the first time may be a challenge. But it is also a very special experience that deepens the closeness to the child. However, there are a few pitfalls that you should not trip over. If you know them, it will be easier to cope with situations that seem hopeless at first sight.

The unpredictable being baby

It is not a revolutionary realization that every baby is different. Nevertheless, as a father in certain situations, one wishes that one has the situation under control, that one knows what to do. But the offspring cares little about this heart's desire, he does what babies have, he does what he is right now. That may mean that as a father you have hardly any of your offspring. Because he sleeps all the time and even needs to be awakened to feed. And only to then immediately softly slumber again. You can then make yourself comfortable with a book, or they watch the little miracle while sleeping and get in raptures at intervals about how happy you are. But it can also be different. Completely different. For these cases, take the book out of your head.

Why does the child just scream?

Screaming children are screaming children for various reasons. If you are not feeling well, there are also different occasions. The problem with the child is of course due to the fact that it can not explain to you in a well-groomed conversation, which does not suit him right now. So the challenge is to figure out where the cause of the crying is. In the best case, this is not necessary if you pay attention to signals emanating from the baby before the beginning of crying. Such signals can be:

• Your baby waves the arms and looks fidgety.
• They notice grunting noises, the baby turns his head and looks dissatisfied.
• It seems excited and kicking.
• The baby whimpers softly and frowns.

If you notice these harbingers, you may already be able to act before the big howl of which you are helpless. Your baby gives you another chance to do something about screaming and crying. When the first silent tears flow without being noticed, an acoustic rhythmic pattern often sounds like "Wa-wa". A short time later, the baby begins to kick his legs violently. There is no panacea for cry children, with each child something different works. But in other cultures, and certainly with us, children are carried close to the mother's body (this is also possible as a father), who discovers the needs of the baby before it comes to tears. So comfort your baby on time so you have the best chance.

Interesting facts: Nature equips every child with a cry reflex, it does not have to be learned, because evolutionarily it is necessary. Laughter on the other hand - meaningful for social interaction - children have to learn first. It may be important for survival but it is meaningless.

If it really hurts

Children do not always scream because they lack something or are in a bad mood. If you, as a father, find that your offspring are not feeling well, there may be some pragmatic reasons, namely pain. The fact that your baby's colic or flatulence just pops up the first time you're alone with him is often enough that you could almost call it "Murphy's Law." There are measures to help with flatulence or similar pain, but sometimes only going to the doctor is the only true remedy. The following activities may help:

• Bathe your baby at 38 ° C and hold it under the chin and neck so the legs can kick.
• Apply ointment or abdominal oil on the stomach and massage it in.
• You can also heat a cherry stone pillow and put it on the baby's stomach (careful: not too hot).
• Try cycling, so move your baby's legs like a bicycle.

Check visits and your own ambitions

If the woman is not already there, some men resort to another tool to not feel alone and helpless. They invite friends. But the noise level of the visit can have a negative impact on the well-being of the child, so pay attention to how often and how much visitors come. Exaggerated ambition is another problem with men when they first come home alone with the baby. Surely you are a good father, and even good fathers have to cope with the pitfalls of living with a baby. Do not be too ambitious. If you really can not get any further, get help. You will get a second chance. And then it will be much easier - with the baby alone at home.

Did I forget something? Can you think of any more points?
I´m looking forward to your experiences and additions.

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