Make a plan now to prepare for paternity leave and those early days with a new baby. From diapers, feedings, and sleep schedules, to supporting the new mom while in recovery, it’s going to be a whole new era. 

Paternity Leave: How To Best Prepare for Being Home with Baby

Wondering what to expect as a new dad? Here are practical tips about what to do on paternity leave to make the most of this special time. 

Stock the Freezer and Pantry

If you really want to know how new dads can help new mamas once the new baby arrives, start stocking the nest with food. Before the due date, plan simple meals. Then stock the kitchen accordingly.

As new parents, it takes time to find your groove. Pantry staples and freezer foods on-hand help make meal or snack time a snap. Look for healthy, nutritious foods that can be eaten with one hand (in case the other hand is occupied with the baby).

Reframe Paternity Leave

Parental leave can a challenging, yet wonderful experience for dads. But, it isn’t a vacation. Fathers on leave can help provide critical support for the recovering mom. It’s a chance to bond and connect with their new baby, and each other — and not worry about getting things done.

Skip the work emails and home DIY project during your paternity leave. Work can wait. But don’t forget to document these first days as a new parent. Capture this memorable time at home or book a Main Line photo session for baby.

Bond With Baby

Some good advice for new dads? Pitch in on baby care to help bond and connect with the baby (and gain confidence in the process). These bonding moments could include:

• Bathtime
• Diapering
• Bottle-feeding
• Soothing baby

No matter how awkward or uncomfortable a new dad may feel at first, it’s important to get involved with baby care routines. Dads (just like moms) will feel more self-assured over time.

Remember to Rest

People say to sleep when the baby sleeps — and that’s not just for moms. That bit of advice goes for fathers on leave, too. Expect interrupted sleep throughout the night. What new dads need to know is that it’s okay to take little naps during the day. 

Sleep deprivation and other postnatal demands can cause anxiety, depression, or feelings of isolation in moms or dads. Don’t hesitate to seek help from Main Line therapists for postpartum depression.

Leave the House

Dress baby for the weather and take that awesome new stroller for a spin around the neighborhood. Check out Main Line library events for activities for parents of newborn babies. It’s a great way for fathers on paternity leave to socialize.

Plan an outing with baby somewhere welcoming and friendly, such as indoor play spaces in Philly suburbs. It’s amazing what 15 minutes of fresh air and a change in scenery can do. 

Expect to Clean

What do new dads need to know about being a new parent? There will be lots of laundry and baby gear to clean, as well as general housekeeping. Be prepared to help with these cleaning tasks during your paternity leave:

• Bottles
• Teething rings and pacifiers
• Sheets, burp cloths, and baby clothes 
• Breast pump parts
• Dishes and silverware
• Spills, messes, and diaper blowouts
  

While on paternity leave, get into a routine of doing laundry and washing baby items — before they pile up. It’ll help avoid a late night bottle-washing session.

Savvy Parent Tip

Plan ahead with the double-sheet trick. Newborn diapers don’t always fit well. Put two fitted crib sheets, layered with waterproof mattress protectors, on the baby’s mattress. 

This simple trick makes it easy to remove the top (soiled) layer without having to replace a fitted sheet in the middle of the night. 

Plan for Childcare Services

Another way new dads can help new mamas is to research and plan ahead for childcare. Discover what childcare resources are available. 

Visit daycares and collect information ahead of time. It’s a time-saving step to help take the guesswork out of childcare and how to handle who stays home with the baby.

Getting Ready for a Newborn During Paternity Leave

Those first days with a baby won’t be easy. Make the most of paternity leave. Embrace the challenges and the joys of this incredible journey and bond with the baby along the way.

For everything from postpartum resources to baby-friendly outings across the Philadelphia suburbs, check out the Main Line Baby Guide.