CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

5 Hints Every Dad-to-Be Needs Before Buying a Push Present

Ladies, you might want to pass these helpful hints along to your partner.
save article
profile picture of Mike Johnson
Updated May 8, 2017
beautifully wrapped presents
Image: iStock

If you’re an expectant dad, you’ve probably thought some about the contents of your hospital bag and the transport plan for when your partner delivers the “I think it’s time” line (which, by the way, is usually much less cinematic than the way it goes down on TV). You’ve prepped for the logistics and you have your breathing coach duties down, but be sure not to forget that icing on the cake—the push present.

Giving birth is the hardest, most sacred act on the planet, so don’t forget to shower mom with a little something to show her how proud you are of her and that you have you her back as you collaboratively embark on the journey of parenting. Sure, it’s only symbolic, but these things matter.

Here are five things not to forget when planning the perfect push present:

1. Remember It’s About the Woman, Not the Man. This one is most important. A new mom is a different person and it’s going to be all about baby from here on out. As the dad, it’s your job to remind her that before this little bundle entered your life, you were attracted to her as a woman. Make sure the gift is a reminder of the sexy, beautiful, smart, funny chica that she will always be to you.

2. Go for Timeliness. Don’t wait to get back to the house to give her the gift. Make sure you find a time to give it to her before you go home. Don’t shove a present in her face in the midst of her baby delivering, but when things quiet down a bit post delivery, collect yourself and make it happen. When you get it home, it’s officially parenting go time, so make sure the birth gift is set beforehand.

Related Video

3. Wait Until You’re Alone. Following up on the last point, try and find some alone time when you give mom the gift. There’s going to be lots of friends, family and visitors around, but find a time when it’s just the two of you. Kick everyone out for 5 to 10 minutes. You don’t want to give a birth gift while trying to entertain an audience. You need to give yourself room to tell secrets, cry and be humble.

4. Shop for Something That Works for Right Now. Spa days and “coupons for chores” and all that stuff are great, but make sure your birth gift is something she can enjoy, wear or look at right now. In the hustle, bustle and emotion of new parenting, one of those “in the future” gifts can just get lost. Get her something that creates a moment right now.

5. The Card Matters! So Don’t Forget It. As guys, sometimes we’re not great with words on the live stage. Buy a card (preferably blank on the inside) and stick it in your hospital bag. Once baby has arrived, spend some time alone to fill in that card with a few words describing your emotions and your outlook for your new family. It will help to freeze the emotions in time as you guys get busy parenting.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

man's hands on pregnant woman's belly, couvade sydrome
Couvade Syndrome: Can Men Experience Pregnancy Symptoms?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
young pregnant couple hugging at home
8 Romantic Ideas for Date Night Before Baby Arrives
By Nehal Aggarwal
Q&A: Husband Doesn't Like Pregnancy Belly?
Q&A: Husband Doesn't Like Pregnancy Belly?
By Dr. Pam Spurr
ADVERTISEMENT
bindi irwin and husband expecting a baby
Pregnant Bindi Irwin Shares Pregnancy Update and Sonogram Picture
By Nehal Aggarwal
new dad holding his newborn baby close
Study Shows Which Expectant Dads May Adjust Easier to Fatherhood
By Nehal Aggarwal
lit candles as tribute to lives lost
BabyNames.Com Posts Powerful Image to Support Black Lives Matter
By Nehal Aggarwal
film stills from ferris bueller's day off and the goonies
These Are the Best Feel Good Movies of All Time, Streaming Service Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
mom's face being hidden by her baby that she's carrying
How to Prepare for the Invisible Business of Being a Mom
By Leslie Bruce
actress shay mitchell has her boyfriend wear pregnancy suit
Mom-to-Be Shay Mitchell Makes Boyfriend Wear Pregnancy Suit to Relate
By Laurie Ulster
How to Prepare Your Relationship for Baby
How to Prepare Your Relationship for Baby
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant couples looking into distant unhappy
6 Common Fights Expectant Couples Have (and How to Solve Them)
By Shannon Guyton
When Baby Makes Three: 11 Smart Tips for Parents-to-Be
When Baby Makes Three: 11 Smart Tips for Parents-to-Be
By Cari Wira Dineen
contemplative couple embraces in beautiful outdoor scenery
How a Couple’s Marriage Survived Their Son’s Unexpected Diagnosis
By Nicole Hannel
ADVERTISEMENT
megan markle and prince harry, harry gives up alcohol during megan's pregnancy
Prince Harry Has Reportedly Given Up His Guilty Pleasures While Meghan Markle Is Pregnant
By Stephanie Grassullo
affectionate pregnant couple outside
A Dad-to-Be’s Guide To Having a Baby
By Daddy Nickell
meghan markle ex-husband trevor engelson red carpet event Anti-Defamation League Entertainment Industry Awards Dinner
Meghan Markle Made Her Ex-Husband Sign a Pregnancy Contract, According to Sources
By Stephanie Grassullo
Chrissy Teigen
Dad Goals: John Legend Helps Chrissy Teigen With Pregnancy Problems in the Best Way
By Sarah Hooper
ADVERTISEMENT
dad on phone while holding newborn
A Breastfeeding App for Dads?
By Anisa Arsenault
men celebrating man shower party
What's the Deal With 'Dadchelor' Parties?
By Lissa Harnish Poirot
How to Get Help From Your Partner Once Baby Arrives
How to Get Help From Your Partner Once Baby Arrives
By Jayme M
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List