You’ve received the incredibly good news that you’re going to be a new father. Congratulations! Starting a family and becoming a father for the first time are tremendous blessings. It also can be a somewhat terrifying realization when you consider that you are now going to be responsible for another little human being who will call you “Daddy.”

There are many things for a new father to remember. Just for starters: A baby has a good reason for crying. Your newborn son won’t be able to catch a football, so be patient. These are obvious points to ponder as you grasp the enormity of new fatherhood. There are 3 things that I think are particularly important to consider as you prepare for the new bundle of joy.

1. Get involved in the pregnancy. Many years ago, the mother handled all the pregnancy particulars—the doctor’s appointments, the ultrasound, the classes. However, new fathers have a lot to gain by participating in the pregnancy as much as possible. First, you have a great opportunity to support your wife. She will appreciate your bringing home pickles and rubbing her back, and you will have an opportunity to get involved in fatherhood while your child is in the womb. Second, parenting classes can teach you a great deal about what to expect and will pay off later when your child is crying during the night. Finally, your wife needs your support. She’s a new parent, too, and she is experiencing physical changes which may be scary to her. The time you spend supporting your wife through the pregnancy will strengthen your relationship and your early bond to your new child.


2. Don’t be afraid of the baby. Some new fathers are worried they will do the wrong thing and are afraid to get too involved with their newborn infant. You won’t break the baby especially since you attended all those parenting classes I mentioned before! Father-infant bonding is key. You’ll never get back those first moments with your child. So buy a good video camera and prepare to get involved. Holding and cuddling your infant in the first moments after birth is an experience that cannot be described. You’ll remember it for the rest of your life, and it’ll start out your relationship with your child in a deeply personal way.
3. Fatherhood is priceless. It is also quite expensive. Make a budget for all those things you’ll need: diapers, car seat, stroller, crib. Some parents think that the cost of parenting only hits you when your child reaches college age, but the costs associated with being a new father begin at conception. Plan a budget early, and start saving. Being a new father will be an incredible experience, one that you will enjoy more if you feel financially prepared for the responsibility.

It’s an amazing time when you’re preparing to be a new father. Remember and enjoy every moment of it, because as the cliché goes, it all passes too quickly, and they are off to college before you know it.

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