Before becoming a dad, I used to see photos of tidy babies, playful, smiling or laughing and showing two little teeth sprouting. Instagram and TikTok videos would show babies rolling on the floor are crawling away giggling while the parents run after them making funny abujubuju noises… It all seemed breathtaking.
Those weren’t the reasons I had my kid, but you have to admit it all seemed so cool and beautiful.
Parenthood is cool. And beautiful. Just not in the way it was portrayed in those videos and diaper adverts. Sure there are those moments, but between one cool moment and the next, there is madness, shouting and sometimes spankings in between.
Having gone through the parenting experience, I have realized a few things you will not find in the happy baby videos;
1. Babies are damn expensive
Being able to keep a baby comfortable is quite expensive. You’ll need a baby cot, a constant diapers and wipes. You just need to check the price of pampers. You’ll need to set up your living space to become baby friendly. You’ll need a heater. You’ll most likely need a babysitter/live in nanny if you’re a working mom. You’ll need a transport plan for clinic visists. You’ll need a dr. On speed dial because babies change fast. And a lot more stuff I can’t fit in this single paragraph. Bottomline, all these things need money to run smoothly. So before, you think of a having a baby, have your finances in order.
2. You won’t sleep that much
Having a newborn baby is a very anxious moment. You are always worried about something; is that the best sleeping position? Is the baby feeding enough? Is the baby warm enough? Cold enough?
Your baby will cry. Basically that’s his way of communicating. Wet diaper? Cry. Hungry? Cry. Colics? Cry. General discomfort? Cry. Sometimes the crying can be too much, often at odd times and especially at night.
3. You’ll learn how to change diapers.
Child care has basically been left to mothers. But as I learned, if it’s just the two of you, youll have to learn how to change diapers as the father.
The mother is mostly tired, sleepy and sometimes cranky. You have to understand that she spends most of the time with the baby and little time for rest. Where possible, it is ideal for the man/dad to step up. Change the diaper, rock the baby and generally just bond.
4. Improptu hospital visits
Babies change very fast. One time the baby can be very playful and the next s/he is lethargic and feverish. Or crying uncontrollably. Some of these symptoms don’t have an obvious cause and you have to rush to hospital.
5. Medical insurance will save you a lot.
This emphasizes point 5 above. Sometimes these impromptu visits to hospital can be very costly, or show up when you’re low on cash. Having a valid insurance with your baby as a dependant will save you in these emergency situations.
Make sure your insurance cover is up to date to avoid surprises in times of need.
Me, My Son And His Mom 