First-Time Dads: Your Preparation Checklist

Going to be a first-time dad? You may still be in shock from the news or perhaps you’re feeling ecstatic because you’ve been waiting years for this.

Regardless of what you are feeling, it’s important to know that having mixed feelings is normal, from outright terror to pure joy.

If we are being honest, it’s difficult to feel prepared to become a father. However, we have prepared a checklist that will help you feel a bit more confident while you await the birth of your baby.

1. Baby furniture

You might think that this is an obvious one, but the truth is that many parents procrastinate on putting together baby furniture. The truth is that when the baby is finally at home and you are sleep-deprived, you don’t want to build a crib or a changing table. This task is difficult enough after a night of blissful sleep. It will be no less than torture doing this after dealing with a crying baby.

2. Infant car seat

You will need a car seat to bring the baby from the hospital. In fact, nurses won’t let you leave until they see you putting the baby in an appropriate infant car seat.

Also, buying a car seat is not enough. You have to practice strapping a stuffed animal or a baby doll into the car. This will ensure that you are not stressed about bringing the baby back home the first time.

3. Decide on where the baby will be sleeping

The decision about where the baby is supposed to sleep will also influence the decision about sleep training. You need to do your research and decide what makes the most sense for your family.

Will baby sleep in the nursery or in your room? In a crib, bassinet, or playpen?

Be prepared to adjust if your first option doesn’t seem to be the best fit.

4. Prepare the nursery

If you have an extra room for a nursery, you should get on it as early as you can. Once you are done with it, you will have more time relaxing and thinking about the big change coming into your life.

5. Decide on the division of labor

The first few weeks after your baby is born can be a breeding ground for arguments and resentment, especially if you haven’t divided the tasks appropriately. This is why it is one of the most important items on this checklist.

Before the baby arrives, you should agree on who will be changing the diapers and when, who will stay up for feedings, and who will handle the dishes and laundry. Both parents have to split the duties and ensure that they get enough baby time and sleep.

6. Purchase the clothes

You might be thinking about all the things you want to buy for your baby. But, for the first few weeks, you don’t need any fancy toys or cute accessories.

What you will need is a robust supply of onesies. Newborn babies might have to change their onesie more than six times a day. You will also need baby socks and other seasonally-appropriate clothing.

7. Stock up on cloth or disposable diapers

Before the baby is born, you have to decide whether you want to use cloth or disposable diapers. Whichever one you decide on, stock up. You can do a cost/benefit analysis of both options and decide which system works best for you.

8. Buy baby-care essentials

As a new parent, you wouldn’t want to run out to get some onesies, wipes, formula, diaper rash cream, or lotion. What you need is a supply cabinet with enough essentials to last a month. It will help take some pressure off. You will also have more time to bond with your child and relax.

9. Prepare meals for two weeks

Premade meals can be a lifesaver. When your baby is home, you might have help from your parents and friends. But a time will come when that meal train will end. So, it is better that you double up on meals. Make more and freeze the leftovers.

10. Do baby-proofing

Your baby won’t be mobile for at least the first six months. So, you can take care of most stuff after the baby is born. However, this doesn’t mean that you leave everything for later. For example, you can take care of plugs and electrical cords before the baby is born to get it out of the way and reduce your burden.

11. Deep clean everything

About two weeks before the due date, take some time to deep clean your house. Move the furniture, clean the carpets, bleach the bathrooms, organize your cabinets, and dust the light and fans. This way, you won’t be worrying about your place being messy.

12. Make all accounts current

If your bill payment is not automatic, take some time to make all the accounts current, regardless of when they are due.

As a new parent, you will be stressed enough. You don’t need the additional stress of worrying about bills and utilities.