From changing diapers to installing a baby car seat, becoming a father is a ”game” of skill. It is one of life’s most challenging yet rewarding roles, and there are many things to take into consideration. Let’s take a closer look.
Let’s Talk Finance
The arrival of a new family member will significantly impact your budget, so you must plan ahead.
Make a Shopping List
List your big purchases before the baby comes. You’ll need a Moses basket, cot, baby car seat, changing table, bottles, stroller, and baby clothes. Once the baby arrives, your daily shopping list will include diapers and wipes.
You can also borrow some things from friends who already have kids or look for alternatives online and in brick-and-mortar second-hand shops.
Inform Yourself About Parental Leave and Possible Working Arrangements
Nowadays, more and more companies include parental leave in their compensation plans.
In many cultures, it’s common for a father to go to work while a mother is with child. This practice has changed in recent years. That’s why you need to know exactly what a parental leave policy in your company includes, such as its duration and how it is paid.
As for the working arrangements, the shift that has occurred in the past couple of years, business-wise, introduced various work models, such as hybrid and remote work. If work-from-home is an option, you should discuss it with your employer.
Open a Savings Account for Your Baby
The best time to think about your baby’s future is now. Although you can’t (and shouldn’t) control everything in their life as they grow up, you can still give them a kickstart.
Consider opening a savings plan for your child. It can be your present to them when they turn 21. Or, you can use it for their first car or, when the time comes, pay for their wedding.
Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health
All this money talk, coupled with the joys and challenges of parenthood, can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. But remember, no material item can compensate for the attention and care your newborn needs from you.
Both mothers and fathers face postpartum depression. Be proactive and initiate the discussion about mental health during your partner’s pregnancy. That way, you will create a safe space for both to communicate your struggles and needs.
Also, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if necessary.
Build (Or Maintain) Healthy Habits
‘Mens sana in corpore sano’ means a healthy mind in a healthy body. As a soon-to-be dad, you will need a lot of energy you can get from:
- balanced diet
- high-quality sleep
- physical activity
Regular and healthy meals are the prerequisite for good physical and mental health. A diet comprising whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables is a fuel that helps you be productive throughout the day (and night), especially in the first months after your baby comes.
A good night’s sleep is often a luxury for new parents. Still, you can try to make a sleeping schedule with your partner so that you can get the necessary rest (perhaps not in duration, but quality).
Many fitness instructors say ‘beach body’ should not be our only motivation to exercise. For those who want to be parents, training helps build the muscles necessary for lifting kids and playing with them.
You may not have the time to go to a gym when you become a father, but walking with your newborn in the stroller or doing a home workout is enough to stay in shape.
Learn the basics
Don’t be afraid to seek advice. Whether you turn to your friends with kids, attend parenting classes, or read parenting books, tips on how to bathe your baby, change diapers, help them burp, and hold them adequately will make the first days with a newborn far less stressful with that knowledge on board.
Nothing can fully prepare you for fatherhood, but that’s the beauty of it. You’ll learn so many things with and from your baby. Of course, you’re not doing it alone. If your partner agrees, build a strong support network of friends and family who can jump in whenever you need help with your baby.
And remember, there might be sleepless nights and emotional and mental ups and downs, but we bet you’ve heard people say it all makes sense when you see the smile on that little face. We agree.