8 ideas to make a first Fathers Day memorable

Becoming a dad is probably one of the biggest events of your life — it can be one of the happiest, but it can also be one of the most challenging, confusing, and emotional times.

As this is your first Father’s Day as a dad yourself (congratulations!), you might be wondering how you can make it an extra special day with your little one, so we’ve compiled a list of ideas to share with you here. 

1. Read your favourite childhood book to your baby

If you don’t have a copy of one of the books you loved as a child, you could tell it in your own words, or see if you can track down the audio version of it and listen to it together.

2. Take your baby for a walk in the baby carrier

Rather than heading out in the car or pushing the pram, you could pop your baby in a carrier/sling for an extra opportunity for closeness. You might like to walk to your favourite cafe, and have breakfast together, just the two of you. 

3. Have some skin to skin time or baby massage

Enjoy some snuggles with your little one on your bare chest, relax in a bath together, or give your baby a gentle massage. All of these release oxytocin within you both, further strengthening the special bond you have. 

4. Have a dance party with your favourite music

Babies don’t have to only listen to nursery rhymes or lullabies. Don’t be afraid to turn up the tunes you listened to as a teenager, sing along, and have a lounge room dance party with your babe in your arms. It will relax you, bring back some memories, and your baby will sense (and mirror) your joy. 

5. Start a book of shared experiences with your baby

Father’s Day could be the perfect time to start recording stories about your baby in a notebook, the notes section in your phone, or a spreadsheet. You don’t have to write down everything that happens, but just a sentence or two about what you love about them, events you share, and any ‘firsts’ you experience. All of these little moments are easily forgotten over time, so this makes a beautiful keepsake.

6. Tell your baby about your dad or special father figure

If for whatever reason you can’t spend the day with your own special father figure, or they’re no longer in your life, sit down with your baby face to face, and tell them something about that person. Describe them, look at photos, and recount your favourite stories or memories. 

7. Have some special silly time together

Children love the opportunity just to get a bit silly with someone (even if they’re still too young to smile and laugh), and it’s a good time to start making it a part of your everyday interaction with one another. Make funny faces, put on puppet shows with the soft toys, read books using funny voices, and get on the floor with them and have some fun. 

8. Be part of their bedtime and/or morning routine

You might already be doing this, but spending time with your little one first thing in the morning and last thing at night will help to strengthen your relationship, and bring you even closer together. So, if your partner is doing the bedtime feed, perhaps you could do bath time or storytime, and when your baby wakes in the morning, you could do the first nappy change of the day.

Look after yourself

Happy 1st Fathers Day, dads! Hopefully you find something here that will make your day even more memorable with your precious baby.

Remember to look after yourself too. If you feel overwhelmed or down about life right now, reach out to your support networks – whether that’s your friends with kids, your own parents or in-laws, or a professional counselling service such as Mensline Australia (call them on 1300 78 99 78 or access their online counselling).