Ten tips for new Dads

6. Make use of family and friends
We are in a fortunate position in that my parents only live five minutes away. Not only that, but, unsurprisingly, they are desperate to play as active a role as they can in Kieran's life.

And while Lou is also keen for both sets of grandparents to be heavily involved she will never go looking for help.

On a couple of occasions when Kieran was a matter of weeks old, I gave my mum a call on my way to work and suggested she give Lou a ring 'just on the off chance' she fancied a cup of tea or a couple of hours in bed while baby and grandma got better acquainted. It's a 'win win' situation: Lou gets to go back to bed and grandma gets to spend precious time with the baby she hasn't been able to stop talking about since news first broke of his expected arrival.

7. Learn to keep baby occupied
As baby gets older and is able to recognise you, you are able to play a more active role and can keep him occupied for longer while mum has a break. Playing with him on his play mat or on your lap also gives you the opportunity to bond more closely. And the first time he smiles and laughs at you, will make all the sleepless nights worthwhile.

For me, this time comes immediately when I get home from work. He's likely to have loads of toys and, if he's lucky, apparatus such as a baby swing, musical chair or musical mobiles. Have fun trying them all to see what he likes.

But don't underestimate how useful silly faces and noises can be. Blowing a simple raspberry can have him in stitches. If this doesn't work, try modifying your silly noise or try putting on a silly voice. While you are not guaranteed laughter, baby will at least be mesmerised by such juvenile behaviour. And it's fun!

8. Muck in with 'night duties'
Night time routines vary, but in our house I am excused from getting up during the week as I am working.

At the weekend, it's my turn to take on 'night duties' and Lou is able to catch up on sleep. The prospect of getting home on Friday evening after a hard week at work, knowing that you aren't going to have an unbroken night's sleep can be tough to accept, but looking after a baby has to be a team effort. And you've got Saturday morning to have a couple of extra hours in bed (a luxury mum doesn't get during the week) if you have a particularly bad night.

So my advice would be adopt a relaxed attitude, accept that you will be woken up at some point and go about the nappy changing and feeding in a similarly relaxed way. If you're worried about waking up, you won't be able to sleep in the first place and if baby picks up on any tension, he will take longer to go back down.