Just Days After Having His First Kid, This New Dad Has 10 Major Takeaways All Parents Must Read

Updated on Nov 29, 2018 at 2:25 PM

If you've had a kid or know someone who's had one, there's one thing you can likely attest to: the last thing you're capable of doing just days after having your newborn is writing something informative or reflective, let alone helpful. But new dad Joey Parsons is in a camp of his own.

Just 10 days after he and his wife had their first boy, the new dad published a post on Medium for other newbie parents who might be following in his footsteps. And it isn't rife with run-of-the-mill "sleep when the baby sleeps" advice that everyone from grandparents to childcare providers will regurgitate back at you; these are thoughtful and specific learnings. Check out the post for the full 10, but here are our favorites.

Buy food you can eat with one hand.

Gone are the days of forks and knives. "Make sure to stock up on food that's easily eatable with one hand. Or invest in really good side tables around the chairs you'll be in regularly so that you can keep your hydration and snacks at an arm's reach without effort. Eating with two hands is a distant memory."

You will be scared around-the-clock.

This is your first time taking care of a human life. It's supposed to be scary. "Be prepared to be terrified at all hours of the day or night that your little one isn't breathing," wrote Joey. "Even though you're probably sleep-deprived, you'll continuously wake up to check or not sleep at all. I think it's gotten easier as we've learned how resilient he is, but all of the SIDS fear fodder out there can get to you."

Breastfeeding can make you feel helpless.

Latching is such a struggle for so many parents — it's clumsy, hard, and even painful! "The time between coming home and mom's milk coming in was the most trying time for us," Joey said. "Don't be afraid to ask for help or call a lactation consultant. Peace of mind that you're doing the best you can is worth the money. Everyone goes through this and even though everyone will warn you, you'll feel helpless in the moment. Trust me, you'll get through it."

Listen for the "pop" sound.

Getting the baby to latch on during feedings is no easy feat. "We took just about every preparation class there was to take before little one arrived. Everything you learned goes out the window," Joey wrote. "Strangely, no class taught us to listen to the small audible pop that the baby makes when swallowing on a good latch."

If you can splurge, the Snoo will save you.

"The Snoo ($1,160) is probably the most amazing device ever invented. I don't think we would be able to sleep if it weren't for this magical bassinet," Joey admitted. "He never fusses above Level 1 now without being soothed. It's pricey, but if you value your 2 to 3 hour chunks of sleep at night — and that of the little one as well — it's 100 percent worth it."

Snoo

From

$1,160