The way Americans are living is changing. Some are delaying parenthood and having children later in life. More surprising, however, is that many are embracing single parenthood.
Single mothers often steal the spotlight in this conversation, but single dads are stepping up in big ways, too.
Research shows that about 3.05 million children lived with a single father in 2023. That’s a significant number of dads taking on the challenges of raising kids solo, proving that parenting isn’t bound by traditional roles.
Are you also planning to step into the world of parenting as a single dad? That’s one of the best decisions. Whether you’re adopting a baby or taking the surrogacy route, caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially at the start.
Babies don’t come with an instruction manual. But we’re here to help you along this incredible journey. Here are a few tips that will help you care for your little bundle of joy.
#1 Get Comfortable with Changing Diapers
Diapers will be a big part of your life for a while. At first, changing smelly diapers will be challenging. But you’ll be a pro in no time—of course, with a bit of practice.
If Robert Pattinson can excel at changing diapers despite having a fiancée, so can you.
Set up a changing station and stock it with all the essentials you’ll need—a few packs of diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream.
When it’s time, lay your baby on a safe surface, like a changing table or a clean towel. Undo the diaper, but be careful—sometimes babies surprise right in the middle of a change. Use wipes to clean from front to back properly to prevent infections. Make sure your baby’s skin is dry before you put on a fresh diaper.
Note that babies do develop some rash or irritation during the first month due to wet diapers. To treat it, change them as soon as they are wet.
#2 Feed Your Little One Every Two to Four Hours
Typically, babies need to be fed every two to four hours, whether it’s expressed breast milk, formula, or a combination. Yes, this includes nighttime, so prepare for some sleep interruptions. It’s tough, but it won’t last forever.
Watch for hunger cues like rooting, sucking on hands, or smacking lips. Hunger cues are your baby’s nonverbal signals to you that it’s time to eat, says Cleveland Clinic.
As a single dad, infant formula might be your go-to like most. But be cautious when you’re buying one.
Some infant formulas, particularly cow’s milk-based ones, have been linked to a rare but serious condition called necrotizing enterocolitis. NEC, or necrotizing enterocolitis, is a dangerous intestinal condition that inflames intestinal tissue, eventually resulting in its death.
Chance Dean, a preemie who died within 25 days after birth, is a case in point. Born in Southern Illinois near his family’s home, Dean was fed infant formula, after which he developed NEC and passed away, unfortunately.
Dean’s parents filed an NEC lawsuit suing Abbott Laboratories, the manufacturer of the Similac Infant Formula. Chance’s parents aside, more than a thousand parents whose children developed this serious gastrointestinal illness have filed NEC lawsuits.
The lawsuits allege that the manufacturers did not adequately warn about the NEC risks linked to their products, notes TorHoerman Law. Abbott Laboratories aside, Mead Johnson, the manufacturer of Enfamil, is the defendant in the lawsuit.
Steer clear of infant formula, hence. Instead, consider buying human milk from a milk bank. It’s a safer alternative to cow milk-based formula.
#3 Go Skin-to-Skin Often
You might think skin-to-skin contact or kangaroo care is just for moms—but no, it’s for dads, too.
As you hold your baby against your bare chest, they will feel your warmth, hear your heartbeat, and instantly feel safe. Holding your baby against your chest helps bond them, calm them, and even regulate their heartbeat and temperature.
To practice kangaroo care, find a quiet spot, take off your shirt, and place your baby in just a diaper on your chest. Cover them with a soft blanket and relax. You can do this during nap time, after feeding, or just whenever you both need some chill time.
Research published in ScienceDirect found that kangaroo father care for seven days improved father-baby bonding. This practice was especially beneficial for fathers who initially struggled with bonding or felt anxious about childcare.
Being a single dad to a newborn might be the hardest thing you’ve ever done, but it’s also the most incredible. There’s no magic formula, and you’re bound to make mistakes—but that’s okay. What matters is the love, care, and effort you bring every single day.
Keep your pediatrician on speed dial. Call them if you have questions about sleep habits or feeding schedules. Also, ask for help whenever you need it. Reach out to family, friends, or other dads for help or advice.
Above all, remember that your little one doesn’t care if you know all the tricks or have it all figured out. To them, you are their superhero, and that is what really matters.
