Surviving Babies First Year

There comes a time in every new mother's life when she realizes that all the pregnancy well-wishes and baby shower gifts left her profoundly unqualified for the realities of life with a newborn. Who knew there would be so much crying - and how much of that crying would be coming from the mom?

Superheroes don’t have babies; real and imperfect non-superhumans do. When we come to terms with this, the result is a happier and less traumatizing start to motherhood. Becky Vieira, the mom behind the popular Instagram account @WittyOtter, provides actionable advice for new parents on what to expect after pregnancy and how to successfully navigate the frustrations and challenges that come with having a baby.

Unfortunately, babies do not come with instructions. They often cry, and you don’t know why. They like being cuddled one minute, and they hate it the next. They’re cute, but they’re also little tyrants who will occupy all of your partner’s attention in the very beginning. Today, millions of men are putting off fatherhood because they’re afraid. Are you one of these men?

Picking up where From Dude to Dad left off, author and founder of the popular Diaper Dude parenting brand Chris Pegula dives into the first two years of parenting and furthers his deeply held belief that you don't have to lose yourself when you become a father. Once again written in Pegula's everyman voice and filled with humorous takes on fatherhood from the front lines, the book is an easy-to-understand resource for new dads, combining hard-won lessons learned, pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice from a dude who hasn't lost his identity (or his sanity).

Although being a new parent can be exciting, most people will tell you that it's overwhelming and emotionally draining. The fear of not knowing what to expect, the expectations you set for yourself, and the pace at which your baby will develop in the first 12 months cause a lot of anxiety for parents. My First Year is more than just a how-to book that will help you raise your baby; it’s a comprehensive and amusing guide that will empower you to tap into the power you know you've always had and raise your baby the best way you know how!

Even if you don’t want to hire a caregiver, you can definitely apply these tips by yourself while getting emotional support from loved ones. Even if you’re a single parent, you will be able to handle a newborn and strengthen your bond with them. No obstacle can beat love and commitment—these will only fuel you to do whatever it takes to raise a healthy, happy baby.