I never considered my house might be
A DEATH TRAP!!
Good thing when baby arrives, he or she cannot go anywhere. Typically that baby isn't going anywhere when you put them down (oh but just you wait...). After the baby does arrive, however, you will probably not be wanting to do a lot of work on the house. You'll have your hands full with a recent labor survivor mom (who will be needing your help), and a newborn baby that can do nothing for itself (who will be needing your help). Needless to say, if you find yourself in this position,
YOU WILL SURVIVE!
But if baby isn't here yet, let's get ahead of this.
First, you will be needing (to be able to leave the hospital) a baby car seat. That's right. I didn't even think of this with my first kiddo! (good thing I wasn't alone!...) You cannot leave the hospital with your newborn unless you have a safe, legal way to get baby home (and that's a good rule).
Second, you should have a safe place to put the baby when you are not actively holding it. Whether that's a crib, ..., or ... is up to you, but don't just lay the baby on the floor! You can do better than that!
Third, will be having diapers for your new bundle of joy. Are you going to be doing cloth or disposable? (Definitely talk to this with your significant other.) My advice, even if you are going to be doing cloth, start with disposables. Those first couple of weeks the baby will be using the bathroom A LOT! Both you and momma will have your hands full, and worrying about spraying diapers and the additional laundry isn't worth the headache (in my opinion). Our goal is not just for you to survive day to day. I want you to be Thriving With Babies!
Forth, will be to have clothes for that little one. This is one area where you can spend as much or as little as you want! If you get to start early, lots of people are trying to get rid of baby clothes on Facebook and Craigslist, and sometimes you can get this for free! Other than that, friends from work and church may have some hand-me-downs they are trying to get rid of, and you can be there to take them off their hands!
And lastly, have some bottles available if momma isn't planning on nursing. She may decide to nurse, and pump. If and when she pumps, that milk will be used in bottles. Get ready dad...you're going to get to feed the baby!
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the things you may want, but I think this will be a solid start. If you have anything you would add to the list, I would love to hear your opinions!
Until next time,
~Another Dad
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