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You and your wife are expecting your first baby in a few months. That sentence alone has you feeling all kinds of stuff. You’re excited, happy, terrified and afraid. That’s normal. After all, it is your first time to be a dad.
When it comes to expecting a baby, a lot of people focus on the mother, giving her advice and checklists on what she should do to prepare for the big day. Not that many take some time to look at the dads-to-be. They should also be preparing for when that bundle of joy arrives. Your life changes the moment that little human comes out.
This guide is for all the first time dads out there. We have listed the top ten things you should have to help you prepare.
Prepared Hospital Bags
Of course, the first thing that you should have are prepared hospital bags. It’s one of the essential things that you need to have for when the baby comes. Here is our recommended checklist especially when you plan on staying in the maternity ward.
- Camera
- Toiletries
- Cellphone and charger
- Change of clothes
- Pillow
- Snacks
- Safe Car Seat (In case you’re driving the baby home)
- Medication (If any)
- Anything to help your wife (candles, photos, pillows, etc.)
Also, it is essential that you check the pricing and parking situation if you are planning on driving to the hospital. If you’re planning on buying some of the stuff above, take a look at ShopFest 2018 for vouchers. It will help you save a lot of money.
Birthing Classes
Help in the preparing for the birth by signing up for a birthing class together with your wife. It is one of the best ways to get involved in the pregnancy. Plus, with all the information that you’re going to learn, you’ll be more than prepared during the actual birthing process.
Dad-ready Apparel
When you’re little human comes, get ready to walk a lot and carrying your baby. Be prepared by getting a pair of comfortable sneakers and checking out ShopFest for great deals and coupons.
And on that note, don’t forget to buy a few clothes to use when celebrating your child’s great moments. One of the wardrobe staples that you need to have is a well-tailored suit that you can use for special events and occasions.
Photos
One of the most important things you can do for your baby is to take some pictures that you can share with him or her someday. It doesn’t have to be fancy. You can use a DSLR camera or your phone to capture all the best moments.
You can take some photos of your wife’s pregnancy to create a photo book. You can also capture some of your child’s embarrassing moments and compile it into one album. It’ll all be worth it when you take a look at all of these pictures and relive the time when your son or daughter was still tiny.
A Good Doctor
During your wife’s pregnancy, the two of you should look for a trusted pediatrician for your baby. Schedule a meeting or appointment beforehand so you can find the best one you like. Before you select your child’s future doctor, you should check some of the others first.
You need to know that you will be spending a lot of time with the doctor of your choice especially during your child’s first few years. It is essential that you find someone who you think is capable of taking care of your child.
Here’s a set of questions to help you choose the best doctor for your baby.
- For how many years has the doctor been practicing?
- Is there a schedule for newborn visits?
- What are the practice hours?
- Do the doctor’s philosophical beliefs when it comes to raising children aligned with yours?
- What is the specialization of the doctor?
- How far are you from the doctor’s office?
- Do they isolate patients from one another when you wait for appointments?
Baby Gear
When you have a baby, you’ll most likely be cooped inside the house. Get your baby a convertible stroller so you can go out and take in the beautiful weather. It is highly recommended that you get a convertible stroller with a snap-in car seat. Make sure that it is comfortable for you and your baby since it will become one of your most used things in the future. Take some of your time to go and test drive some of the strollers you want before buying it.
Patience
Having a child is one of the most wonderful things in life, but it can also be very stressful. When you are having a hard time, take a deep breath and make the most of your child’s moments. It won’t last long. When worse comes to worst, ask for help from your partner. After all, you are a team. No one should suffer alone.
One of the most important things, when you have a child, is to be relaxed and confident. Your child reacts and feeds off of the energy that you’re giving out. When your patience is running thin, ask for support from your family and friends.
Sense of Humor
Remember that children grow up fast, so it’s best to enjoy the first few years of your child. There will be times when things will get serious. You’ll reach your mental and physical limit but these moments won’t last long.
Responsibilities
It is essential that you and your wife sit down and have a talk. Take a look at your work schedules and assume different roles. Observe your significant other when they are nearing their ‘breaking point’ and step in when they need help. Be there for each other so each one of you can breathe and sleep. Your baby’s first month will test your endurance, so you have to prepare and be ready.
All in all, being a father is one of the best feelings in the world, but it can be just as stressful. Hopefully, this guide will help you prepare as you take a step into fatherhood.
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This post is written in collaboration with Nidhi Mahajan —a partner of The Good Men Project.
Photo: Pexels