The honest truth is that no father will likely be ready for the arrival of a baby, especially if this is his first child. But having a to-do list ensures that dads can prepare and limit their stress factors before they get their hands full with the responsibilities of raising a child with their partner.
This to-do list does not just cover the baby's needs but also the contingencies for the parents, so they will be able to manage their time and the long nights ahead. The first few weeks with a newborn will be exciting and exasperating but also bring moments of pure joy.
Here's what fathers have to do as they await the baby's birth:
1. Discuss and file for paternity leave with your employers.
Discuss your paternity leave with employers and plan out the schedule carefully. If your company does not provide paid days off, discussing your options with your workplace's Human Resources officers will be good.
Will you be using personal days or your vacation time? How long will you be off from work? In the U.S., dads may have up to 12 weeks of unpaid but job-secured paternity leaves. However, some states offer paid paternity leaves as well, according to Better Up.
2. Master at least five kinds of easy meals.
There will be nights when dads have to man the kitchen if their wife is too beat to prepare the meals during the first few weeks after the pregnancy. So, before the baby arrives, learn to cook and prepare at least five kinds of meals.
Family & Co. Nutrition suggested preparing pre-cooked and frozen meals in individual portions that can be easily reheated. This idea is a time-saver and lifesaver once the baby is home and the new parents can't waste time in the kitchen.
3. Prepare the baby's nursery; finish home improvement projects.
Parents with the luxury of a spare room may start preparing the nursery during the fifth or sixth month of the pregnancy. Early preparation gives time for the paint fumes to dissipate or for chemicals in the wall decals, the new foam mattress, and the window dressing to off-gas.
This may also be the chance for dads to finish home improvement projects. Figure out what parts of the house should be updated for safety and do some baby-proofing. For instance, the bathroom may have leaks that should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent slipping on a hard surface.
4. Create a list with your wife.
At least three weeks before the due date, sit down with your wife and come up with a list of your care team's names, addresses, phone numbers, cleaning service, support groups, massage therapists, and even friends you can ask for practical advice and support.
On a separate list, jot down the tasks you have to do. Agree to divide the labor and assign specific days for feeding, changing diapers, tackling the laundry, working in the kitchen, and anything else that couples have to share together.
Always ensure that each parent gets plenty of rest and time with the baby.
5. Deep clean the house before bringing the baby home.
According to Neighbor.com, regular vacuum cleaning carpets and furniture will not suffice. While the parents may hire a professional cleaner, dads may also conduct a DIY carpet cleaning to save money.
Electric fans, air vents, air conditioning, and lighting figures should also be cleaned because the baby will be sensitive to household dust. This may be a laborious process, but it's well worth protecting the child with young, developing lungs.
