Originally Posted On: https://www.iquanti.com/

So, you’re about to become a dad. Congratulations! Even if it’s not your first child, there’s still a lot to think about when it comes to paternity leave. Let’s look at a few things to plan for:

Lining up with your partner’s leave

Do you want your paternity leave to happen at the same time as your partner’s, or just at the end so you have the longest amount of time possible before your baby goes to daycare? What about a few months later? There’s no wrong answer—just make sure you discuss it with your partner beforehand and decide what works best for you both. And, of course, give your employer as much notice as possible.

Organize your finances

Have you built up an emergency fund? Have you saved a little extra for doctor visit copays? You and your partner might want to consider life insurance. Life insurance can replace lost income and provide financial security for your loved ones if you pass away unexpectedly. If you already have life insurance, you might want to get in touch with your agent and make sure your current coverage meets the needs of your growing family.

Build in bonding time

One of the best things you can do during paternity leave is to spend quality time bonding with your little one. Talk to them, sing to them, play with them, read to them. You might take turns feeding the baby or go for a walk together. These simple interactions can help you build a strong emotional connection with your child.

Babyproof the house

Sure, they can’t walk yet, but they’ll be able to move around before you know it. If you didn’t babyproof the house before the baby arrived, paternity leave is a good time to do this. Babyproofing involves things like installing locks on cabinets, covering electrical outlets, and getting rid of small objects that could be a choking hazard. You may also want to create a designated “safe space” for the baby to play in.

Plan quality time with your partner

One of the best things you can do on paternity leave is to plan quality time with your partner. It can be difficult to do this with the needs of a new baby, but try to schedule some uninterrupted time together. This could be just a few hours where you focus on each other without distractions, such as a dinner when your parents are watching the new baby.

Plan activities with your other kids

If you have other kids, making sure they feel included during this time is important. Plan special activities with them, like movie nights or days out together. You can also assign them simple tasks to help with the new baby. This will help them feel involved and appreciated, and it will give you some much-needed quality time with them as well.

Catch up on shows (because babies sleep a lot)

There’s no denying that being a new parent is tough. Between the endless feedings and the countless diapers, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on empty. However, one silver lining of newborn life is that babies sleep…a lot. So, it’s no surprise that a lot of new parents find themselves catching up on TV. When the baby sleeps or even when you’re doing something that requires you to sit still for a while, like feeding, it’s a perfect opportunity to catch up on your favorite TV shows or get into some new ones.