For a lot of moms and dads, pregnancy is a rollercoaster. Most dads want to be a part of this magical experience but don’t know how to do it. Well, here are a few tips to make a dad feel involved in the pregnancy: 

How To Make A Dad Feel Involved In Pregnancy

1. Include Him In The Pregnancy Announcement

Once you find out you are pregnant, tell your partner first. Then plan together how you are going to announce the news to everyone else. 

2. Bring him along to your doctor’s visits

While you want to schedule your doctor’s visits around your own schedule, going with your partner is a great way to make them feel involved. Make sure he goes to all the important ones, such as the first ultrasound and the ultrasound when the gender is revealed. 

3. Make Sure He Gets A Man Shower/ Dadchelor Party

A dadchelor party is a baby shower for men that is planned by a friend or a group of friends of the father-to-be. It’s a great way for him to have a great time too. Just allow his friends to plan  whatever they like to do, whether it’s watching sports or playing video games.

4. Register Together

Don’t hog the baby registry. Involve your partner on things that you do not have a firm opinion on and let them have a say in what makes it to the registry. You may know exactly the kind of crib or car seat you want to get, but they can pick out one or two outfits that they like. 

5. Decorate The Nursery Together

Allow your partner to contribute to the design of the nursery. For example, you can narrow down to a few colors and patterns that you like then let them make the final choice on the one he likes best. 

What About After The Baby Is Born? 

Here Are A Few Things Your Partner Can Do: 

• Get hands-on from the start. Things like diaper changing, bathing, dressing, playing, and settling will help him build his skills and confidence while also creating lots of one-on-one time for your partner and the baby. 
• Learn the baby’s cues: Encourage your partner to pay attention to your little one’s cues, and over time they’ll learn to work out what the baby needs.
• Encourage physical touch: Physical touch makes your little one feel safe and secure while also stimulating their brain development. Encourage your partner to carry and hold your baby as often as possible. 
• Let them talk to your little one: Talking to the baby further helps strengthen the bond between dad and baby. Plus, with every word, your little one is developing his language and learning skills. 
• Help out with breastfeeding: Your partner can place a glass of water nearby, grab the nursing pillow, or give you massages as you breastfeed. He can also get a few chores done as you breastfeed. 
• Learn on the job: Encourage your partner to get informed and learn new information by reading online, talking to other dads, or even attending parent groups. 
• Ask for help: Let your partner know all the different ways you would like him to help out. 
• Support each other and your relationship: A baby can put a strain on any relationship. Stay positive and figure out how to care for your little one together. 

Final Thoughts

Having a partner by your side can make your pregnancy journey a lot easier. Ask for help when you need it and let him play a major role in your little one’s life. And don’t forget to take care of yourself as you do! Good luck!