Remember that overwhelming joy when you first heard the news of the pregnancy? But after the initial excitement, a sense of "Okay, what do I do now?" probably set in. Don't worry, that's completely normal! I've been there, and so have countless other dads-to-be in various communities. The key is to remember that becoming a father isn't about being a superhero; it's about becoming a reliable teammate.
D-100: Mindset and Research 🧠
This period is crucial for building your identity as a dad. Empathize with the physical and emotional changes your partner is experiencing, and become a solid support system by researching alongside her. Instead of asking, "Is there anything I can do?" be proactive and share helpful information you've found.
- Attend Prenatal Classes Together: Many programs now encourage fathers to participate. Don't send your partner alone. Learning breathing techniques and how to bathe a newborn together will be invaluable on delivery day and for childcare in general.
- Check Paternity and Parental Leave Policies: Inform your workplace of your plans in advance and confirm any necessary paperwork or procedures. Paternity leave is becoming more common, so don't be hesitant! It's a golden opportunity to bond with your child.
- Financial Planning: A new baby brings more expenses than you might think. Check for government grants (like the First Encounter Use Voucher, Parent Benefit, etc.) and plan your future finances together.
"A veteran dad on Reddit said it best: 'Know your wife's birth plan by heart. You're not just a guardian; you're her number one advocate and teammate who speaks for her when she can't.'" – r/daddit Community
D-30: Packing the Hospital Go-Bag! 🧳
An emergency can happen at any time! It's standard procedure to have the hospital bag packed in advance. Don't just pack for your wife; you need to meticulously pack items for yourself and the baby too. You might think the hospital provides everything, but there are surprisingly many things they don't have.
| For | Essential Items List |
|---|---|
| 👸 For Wife | Maternity handbook, ID, toiletries, basic cosmetics, humidifier, towels, wet wipes, maternity pads, nursing pads, nursing bras, socks, cardigan, tumbler (straw is a must!), phone charger (a long one!). |
| 🤴 For Dad | Comfortable clothes, underwear/socks, toiletries, slippers, towel, snacks, power bank, camera, laptop/tablet (the waiting time can be surprisingly long!). |
| 👶 For Baby | Outer swaddle, inner swaddle, newborn gown, hand/foot covers, hat (all needed for discharge), newborn car seat (essential!). |
D-10: Final Home Environment Check 🏡
It's really just around the corner now. When the baby and mom come back from the hospital, the dad needs to prepare in advance so they can rest in a comfortable and clean environment. It may seem trivial, but it will be a huge source of comfort for your wife.
- Deep Clean & Set Up Baby's Space: Remove dust from every corner of the house and assemble the baby crib or changing table in advance.
- Stock the Fridge: Stocking up on simple meals for the mother and frozen foods for yourself will save you from worrying about grocery shopping for a while.
- Car Seat Installation and Practice Drive: The car seat is directly linked to the baby's life. Read the manual thoroughly and install it perfectly. Some local fire stations or baby supply stores offer installation checks. And it's a basic necessity to figure out the best route to the hospital and the parking situation in advance!
- Keep the Car Gassed Up: You can't be stopping at a gas station when labor starts, right? In the last month of pregnancy, make it a habit to always keep the car's fuel tank more than half full.
Key Takeaway: The Dad's Role
A dad's role isn't just a 'porter' or a 'driver.' Don't forget that you are the 'manager' who controls all external situations so your wife can focus solely on childbirth, and a 'teammate' who goes through the entire process together.
Must-Haves! Essential Baby Items List (feat. Coupang) 🛒
As I've been raising my child, I've found the items on this list to be absolutely necessary. I've tried each one and narrowed it down to just the essentials, so take note and let's all become beloved husbands. LOL
- Feeding Supplies: Even if you plan to breastfeed, it's a good idea to have formula and bottles ready for emergencies. A bottle sterilizer is the number one item that will change your quality of life!
-
✔️ Double Heart
-
✔️ Hegen
- ✔️ UV Bottle Sterilizer
- ✔️ Baby Formula Kettle
The most famous brands are Double Heart and Hegen. I wasn't sure which one would suit my baby, so I bought a small quantity of both products to start.
It turned out our baby preferred Hegen😊No need to boil! After washing, just put them in the sterilizer and you're done!!! Poled is famous.
You have to boil water, so an electric kettle is a must-have.
-
✔️ Double Heart
- Diapering/Hygiene: You'll be changing diapers more than 10 times a day. It's important to choose a diaper that won't cause rashes and gentle wet wipes.
- ✔️ Newborn Diapers
- ✔️ Baby Wipes
- ✔️ Diaper Changing Table
Just buy this, no questions asked. It's an absolute must-have.
- ✔️ Newborn Diapers
- Sleeping Gear: If the baby sleeps well, mom and dad can rest too. These are the items for the miracle of sleeping through the night. An anti-reflux cushion is a necessity, not an option!
- ✔️ Swaddle Up/Swaddle
A Swaddle Up is essential because of the Moro reflex!!!
- ✔️ Anti-Reflux Cushion
![[Namdalla] Pure Cotton Anti-Reflux Cushion (includes mesh Moro reflex pad, double-sided), Cherry Cover + Inner Cushion + Moro Reflex Pad Set](https://img2a.coupangcdn.com/image/affiliate/banner/aa16a99ca9a75f91523bb6925cde9edc@2x.jpg)
- ✔️ Baby Crib or Bumper Bed
The cushion where the baby will spend most of their time. This is also a real essential! Don't buy it used, buy it new. You'll use it for a long time.
A baby crib is used during the newborn stage and not much after. Consider renting one.
- ✔️ Swaddle Up/Swaddle
- Safety/Health Items: These are essential for your baby's safety and health. The car seat, in particular, is a legal requirement for discharge from the hospital.
- ✔️ Newborn Car Seat (Infant/Basket Type)
- ✔️ Thermometer and Hygrometer
- ✔️ Newborn Nail Clipper Set
Get a Philips thermometer for body temperature, and a RimsTail one for room temperature and humidity.
- ✔️ Newborn Car Seat (Infant/Basket Type)
This post is part of the Coupang Partners program, from which I may earn a commission.
Conclusion: Ready to Be the Best Dad
After becoming a dad myself, I realized there's so much to prepare. I went into it with zero preparation and gained this practical knowledge as we raised our child, so I hope this helps new dads-to-be get a head start and become husbands who get praised.
More important than checking off every item on this list is giving your partner the confidence that you are in this 'together'. Childbirth and parenting are like a giant wave; it's hard to withstand alone. It's okay to be clumsy and imperfect. You will learn and grow together to become the best 'team'. I'm rooting for you to become the most amazing dad to the baby you're about to meet! 💪