A new dad has many jobs to think about when getting ready to have a baby. But they often aren't confident on how to help when we bring the baby home. Nesting is part of a woman's mental preparation during pregnancy and is a natural urge not too dissimilar to our animal friends. It is during this time that we mentally and physically prepare ourselves and our homes for our babies to enter the world. Our partners go through their own transformations and mind set changes while waiting for the baby to arrive, they are usually eager to attend appointments, birth classes, read books and listen to podcasts on relevant topics but it is still hard for them to truly understand their role in those early days and how they can be of most help.

Here is our list of things that the new dad/partner can be in charge of during those first couple of weeks to help everyone get settled in at home.

How to help when we bring the baby home:

• make me a tea while I'm feeding the baby 
• change nappies
• be in charge of bathtime
• keep my water bottle full and close
• check in on how I'm feeling about visitors each day and run defence / set boundaries with loved ones
• keep the fridge and freezer stocked with nutritious meals and snacks - make sure I'm not living on cold toast
• keep on top of housework
• change our sheets often
• work out how all of the new baby items and gadgets work and when we should use them
• swaddle the baby
• sit and chat to me while I feed the baby
• clean and sterilise bottles, pump parts, dummies
• if there are older children, take them out and keep them busy so I can rest when the baby goes down
• look after yourself