Being a parent is an incredible experience, and if your business provides paid paternity leave, you should take advantage of it. Surprisingly, just five percent of working men take more than two weeks off after the birth of their youngest child, despite the enormous benefits that come with it, such as stronger family bonds and improved interactions with their children.

However, it might be difficult to know what steps to take during this pivotal time for your infant. Here’s how to make the most of your paternity leave and approach this life-changing experience with confidence and purpose.

Support your partner

While this is undoubtedly a time for bonding with your child, it is also critical to support your partner during their postpartum journey. If your partner has given birth, now is the time to assist with household responsibilities such as cooking and laundry. If your child was born through adoption or surrogacy, shared care and teamwork are equally important.

Make appointments and checkups a priority

Your newborn deserves particular care from not only you and your partner but also from medical specialists. Timely pediatrician visits are critical, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Setting these visits in advance is vital, from the first checkup immediately after birth through recurring appointments at various milestones. Maintaining your child’s health and up-to-date vaccines should be top priorities.

Master practical childcare skills

It is critical to study the fundamentals of childcare in order to dispel myths about parenting tasks. Don’t allow stereotypes to prevent you from diving into diaper changes and feeding sessions. You can prepare for these obligations by attending a daddy boot camp at a nearby hospital before your child arrives.

Select the best daycare

Finding the right daycare is an important step if you and your partner intend to return to work after your leave. The daycare should not only provide adequate care, but it should also support your child’s growth path. Seeking suggestions from friends and conducting research online can assist you in making an informed selection.

Create a thoughtful care schedule

While your child’s routine will dictate your days, creating a care schedule will help you and your partner keep organized throughout the first few months. Making time for various responsibilities, such as feeding and napping, can help make daily living more manageable. Revisiting and altering the plan on a regular basis ensures that you are adaptive to your child’s changing demands.

Invest in their future

Given the escalating cost of education, establishing a college fund early on is a prudent step. Your child’s future financial security in higher education can be secured with the help of a tax-advantaged 529 savings plan. Visit the Securities and Exchange Commission’s instructive webpage for more information on these proposals.

Take care of your health

Fatherhood frequently causes changes in your routine, including your workout routines. According to this study, men gain an average of 4.4 pounds when they become first-time dads. Even with additional obligations, being active is critical. Incorporate home streaming workouts like Apple Fitness+ or Peloton to maintain your fitness. Remember that small changes can have a big impact on your overall well-being.

Connect with other dads

The experience of becoming a father can be taxing and alienating, with some fathers developing depressive symptoms. Combat these thoughts by interacting with other fathers who have gone through similar experiences. City Dads, for example, provide tools, support, and even social activities to help you feel like you’re part of a wider group.

Nurture your relationship

In the midst of new obligations, don’t lose sight of the cornerstone of your journey: your partnership. Make time for romantic outings to remind yourselves of your bond. Quality time not only enriches your relationship but also reinforces your joint dedication to this amazing chapter of your life.

Finally, your paternity leave is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go on a journey of nurturing and growth as a father. By taking these practical actions, you may build enduring memories and lay the groundwork for a strong and connected family life.