Ten things dads can do before the due date

Read up on pregnancy symptoms, trimesters and the birth process so you can recognise what your partner’s going through and know what to expect on the day. Learn the basics of feeding, sleeping, burping and nappy changes –  they’ll be your jobs too. Familiarise yourself with signs of postnatal depression so you can spot them early and seek help if needed.

Make time to discuss the important things well before baby arrives, such as the kind of parents you hope to be, the values you want to pass on and any family traditions you‘d like to keep or start. Agree on how you’ll share night feeds, discipline and household tasks. If you’re blending families, involve older children in conversations about the new baby. Honest conversations now keep communication open later.

A new baby often prompts the first life-insurance policy or a review of existing cover. Decide whether to insure the primary earner only or both parents. If one of you plans to stay home, remember that replacing childcare, housekeeping and other domestic tasks can be costly. Chubb Life can provide options for both mums and dads.

You’ll need to provide name, birth, occupation and citizenship information of both parents (if applicable) when registering the birth of your child. Having everything in one place saves scrambling for paperwork when you apply for the birth certificate.

Babies need more gear than you might expect. Source essentials like a cot, buggy, car seat and change table early so you have time for assembly and installation. If you’re painting the room, do it well before the birth so any fumes have dispersed. Practise fitting the car seat and folding the buggy while you’re well-rested.

Bonus skill: learn infant first aid and CPR.

Book a short course with St John or a certified trainer so you know what to do if your baby chokes or stops breathing. Keep the quick-reference sheet on the fridge.

Go to scans, midwife visits and antenatal classes. Seeing the ultrasound and hearing the heartbeat helps everything feel real, and classes give hands-on practice with nappy changes, burping and bathing. Keep attending post-birth check-ups for extra support during vaccinations and early weigh-ins.

Power tools and newborn sleep don’t mix. Complete noisy or dusty jobs before the baby arrives, while you still have the time and flexibility.

Spend a weekend batch-cooking lasagna, soup and slow-cooker meals, and date and label containers before freezing them. Clear out the spare room for a nursery and tidy the garage for prams and future toys. Sell unwanted items on TradeMe or Facebook Marketplace to fund baby purchases.

Check government entitlements and your employer’s policies. If both parents are planning to return to work, figure out how you’ll stagger leave to delay childcare costs. Draw up a budget that includes reduced income, extra expenses like nappies and formula, and any support such as Working for Families payments. Stay flexible: plans may change if your baby needs more at-home time or one of you chooses to extend leave.

Advice will pour in from every direction. Discuss things, support your partner and focus on what works for your family. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed.