Expecting a baby? Getting ready as a dad
A baby on the way can bring excitement, nerves, and a long list of questions, sometimes all in the same hour. Most of the attention goes to mom, and that makes sense. But dads are getting ready too. Here's what helps before the baby arrives.
Rough night? Call or text 988, or 1-833-852-6262 (24/7, dads too).
Be part of it now
- Go to appointments when you can. Hearing the heartbeat or seeing an ultrasound can make it real.
- Take a class. Childbirth, newborn care, or infant CPR. Many hospitals offer them. Boot Camp for New Dads runs classes taught by dads, for dads (some charge a fee, so check first).
- Talk about the plan for the first weeks. Who's doing nights, who's helping, and how visitors will work.
Get the practical stuff done
- Car seat in early, and checked. A certified car seat technician can check the install, often for free; ask your hospital or your baby’s doctor where to find one.
- A safe place to sleep: a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress and nothing else in it. See Safe to Sleep.
- Sort out leave. Talk to HR early. Read taking paternity leave.
- Stock up. Diapers, wipes, easy meals in the freezer.
- Save key numbers: the hospital, the baby's doctor, and 1-833-852-6262, the Maternal Mental Health Hotline, which takes calls from dads too.
It's normal to feel nervous
A lot of expecting dads worry about money, about being a good father, or about how their life will change. Some feel left out, or unsure where they fit. That's common, and it usually eases as you get involved. If the worry is keeping you up at night or won't let go, read anxiety in new dads. Some dads start feeling low before the baby even arrives, and help works then too.
Look after yourself too
- Bank some sleep and keep moving. It helps more than you'd think.
- Find a dad to talk to, a friend, a coworker, or other dads on our community board.
- Know the signs that a new parent, mom or dad, is struggling. Read postpartum depression in dads.
When the baby comes
Read your first week home with a newborn and bonding with your baby as a dad. If it's your second, read going from one kid to two.
Common questions
How can I prepare to be a dad?
Go to appointments when you can, take a newborn care or infant CPR class, install the car seat early, sort out leave with HR, and talk with your partner about the plan for the first weeks.
Is it normal to be nervous about becoming a dad?
Yes. Many expecting dads worry about money, being a good father, or how life will change. If the worry won't let go or keeps you up at night, talk to a doctor.
Can dads get depressed during pregnancy?
Yes. Some dads start feeling low or anxious before the baby arrives. It's treatable, and talking to a doctor or counselor helps.
Are there classes for expecting dads?
Yes. Many hospitals offer childbirth and newborn classes, and Boot Camp for New Dads runs classes taught by dads for dads. Some charge a fee.
Last updated October 2026. Postpartum Fathers is peer support, not medical advice.