Dad Advice

Guys like advice in easily digestible chunks. And who better to serve it up than other men who've been there?

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During Pregnancy

What to say when you find out she’s pregnant: “That’s amazing! Yeah, baby!” What not to say: “How did that happen?” —Chris Pegula, founder and creator of Diaper Dude and father of three, Los Angeles

Go to any appointment where there’s an ultrasound—you’ll never regret the experience, and your wife will feel more cared for by your involvement. —Dillon Burroughs, writer-editor and father of three, Chattanooga, Tenn.

RUB! Rub her feet, rub her back, rub her shoulders. —Bert Martinez, motivational speaker and father of five, Houston

Yeah, you’re expecting A child together, but she’s the one who’s carrying it. She gets the good parts of feeling it kick, getting the natural bond, etc. But she also gets the expanding belly, backaches and foot aches, hormones going crazy and, of course, the birth. So give her lots of attention, make her know she’s loved and appreciated. Talk to the baby in her belly, go to doctor appointments, ask questions and learn. Your relationship with both your partner and your child will grow. —Brent Larson, computer programmer and father of two, Shawnee, Kan.

Be proactive in thinking of ways to support her. Doing the dishes after she asks you is nice, but thinking of it on your own is even better. Also, cookies never hurt. —Noah Lang, attorney and father of one, Seattle

If she says that something in the house smells bad, believe her, even if you don’t smell anything at all. At some point in her pregnancy, even mild odors—soft soap, turkey burgers, ice cubes—may smell awful to her. Whatever you do, don’t let the garbage or leftovers in the fridge linger. —Michael Yessis, travel editor and father of one, Rockville, Md.

Flexibility is a biggie. She might refuse a back rub one minute, then change her mind a few minutes later. She might want to go out to dinner, then doze off as you’re phoning for a reservation. You have to roll with it. —N.L.

Take a couple of hours at a time off from work to attend doctor visits or deal with other pregnancy-related stuff. Get your boss and co-workers used to the idea that you’ll be a dad, and when the baby comes, you’ll already have shown that you can handle a little scheduling flexibility and still get your work done. —Bill Nathan, project manager and father of two, San Francisco

Well before the baby is due, take a full wallet and an empty car to Costco and lay in a supply of toothpaste, toilet paper, extra towels, cat litter, extra memory cards for your digital camera, healthy frozen foods—anything that will save you a trip to the store after the baby comes. —Ted Brown, teacher and father of three, Dallas

Never throw out the directions to any piece of baby gear. First, you might have another baby some day, and by then your brain will have moved on and automatically purged all understanding of how that collapsible baby seat ever worked. —Esteban Rodriguez, executive chef and father of one, New York