Question 1

What should I pack in my hospital bag as a dad?

Accepted Answer

Pack for yourself, not the baby: phone charger with a long lead, snacks, water, change for parking, a spare t-shirt, basic toiletries, and something to pass the time during a long labour. The hospital supplies what the baby needs. See the hospital bag entry in the manual.

Question 2

How can I be useful during labour?

Accepted Answer

Stay calm, follow her lead, keep her water topped up, time contractions when asked, and be the one who talks to staff so she does not have to. You are the advocate, not the director. See How to be useful during labour.

Question 3

What is the safest way for my baby to sleep?

Accepted Answer

Flat, on their back, in their own clear sleep space, with no loose bedding, pillows or bumpers, in the same room as you for the first six months. Follow The Lullaby Trust guidance. This is editorial, not medical advice.

Question 4

How much paternity leave am I entitled to in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Statutory paternity leave is one or two weeks. What you are paid depends on your length of service and your employer. Check gov.uk for the current figures and eligibility rules. See Paternity leave and pay, plainly.

Question 5

What do I do in the first 72 hours at home with a newborn?

Accepted Answer

Feed, change, settle, repeat. Sleep when the baby sleeps, accept help, and lower your standards for everything else. The first 72 hours entry walks through it step by step.

Question 6

How do I hold, wind and settle a newborn?

Accepted Answer

Support the head and neck, hold them close, and burp them over your shoulder or sitting up on your lap after feeds. Settling is repetition: feed, change, cuddle, white noise, and try again. See Holding, winding and settling.

Question 7

When is it more than just tiredness?

Accepted Answer

If the low mood does not lift, if you feel detached from the baby, or if you have thoughts of harming yourself, that is more than tiredness and it is treatable. Speak to your GP or call Samaritans on 116 123. See When it is more than tiredness.

Question 8

What baby gear actually matters?

Accepted Answer

Spend properly on a car seat, a pram or carrier, and a safe sleep space. Borrow or go cheap on nearly everything else. A lot of baby gear is a con and we say so. See Gear: what actually matters.

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