Money

Most new dads are concerned about how the new baby is impacting finances. For a little one weighing less than ten pounds, she sure can wrack up a few bills. The hospital can be expensive not to mention formula, diapers, clothes, and all the other baby items you never realized you couldn’t live without.

Fortunately, babies only require a lot of one time big purchases such as crib bedding and then smaller ongoing items such as diapers and clothing. Most grandparents and family members enjoy giving clothing and fun items like toys and blankets as gifts, so that will help the budget. Also, bear in mind that a baby doesn’t need a full closet of items. They grow so quickly that a few quality pieces can last as long as you need them.

Appearances

It’s seemingly superficial, but a lot of dads worry about how they will look toting a kid around. Will they still look tough and manly with a pastel pink diaper bag on their shoulder and a little line of spit up down their back? While this is a legitimate concern, fatherhood does change a lot of things, it can be scaled down quite a bit.

There are man-friendly styles of diaper bags and changing kits available, and some rather amusing bibs and burp clothes that baby can wear to protect you and show off a bit of style and humor. Fortunately, most girls think it’s great to see Dad and baby out together, and men who have been there will completely understand the bags under your eyes and the slightly frazzled look of life with a newborn.

Lifestyle

Does having a new baby mean you can’t do anything you want any more? It’s possible. If all you wanted to do was stay out late at clubs, then yes, having a baby will probably cramp your lifestyle. New babies are a lot of work and require a lot of gear, so most parents stick close to home.

That doesn’t mean you can’t head to a good restaurant or even catch a movie. If you’re blessed with an easy-going baby, you can do almost anything you want. Just bear in mind that you probably don’t want your little baby around loud music or cigarette smoke. But parks, trips, food, and other forms of entertainment are probably fine – at least as long as she’s willing to nap anywhere.

Fatherhood

Overall, fatherhood is a very special time in a man’s life. You have helped create a life, and by watching your child grow you are able to observe a real miracle in the making. This child is a blend of you and your significant other. There is no gift more precious than that first smile, and for some reason, much to Mom’s chagrin, babies always seem to learn to say “Da-Da” first. It’s as if they know how much their Dad loves them.