Physically preparing for the new baby
There is not much a new father can do to prepare for newborns. What needs to be done by a father needs to be done BEFORE the new baby was conceived. However, new fathers can try to quit smoking, quit drinking and other vices once the new baby was conceived. The new mother needs to do the same thing too.
Planning for the new baby: the house and car
With a new baby, depending on whether you plan to co-sleep with your baby or whether you're planning to plonk the baby in a separate room affects the changes to your home. Either way, we recommend having a separate room for your new baby, even if the new baby will sleep with a new parent for the first few months. A crib, some toys, a place to put all the baby clothes, shelves to convenient grab lotions, creams, diaper wipes, diapers, etc. near the changing table is a MUST.
You also need to think about getting a baby seat as well, a baby chair for the house (at the right height for the dinner table) and baby seats for cars (for traveling). Some infant seats can be adjusted to fit the adult dining chair AND get into the car at the same time. They are slightly more expensive than the conventional baby chairs, but very convenient multi-function PLUS is really convenient for your new baby.
Another thing that is important for your new baby
Frankly, that is important depends entirely on your own budget, preferences and lifestyle. You can live without some things if you think you do not want to waste money.
If you have had previous babies before, you may not need too many new baby clothes. Cope with their new baby clothes very quickly and would be a waste of money to shop for new clothes. You can get hand-me-down from the nephew as well, if you wish. What you may have to get are blankets, sweaters, coats, and clothes to go out. At home, your new baby will not mind old clothes. In fact, it is the fact that your new baby will probably like wearing old clothes better than new clothes. Do not forget utensils like baby bowls, breast pump (if you're planning to pump breast milk for your new baby at work), baby bottles, cloth diapers, diapers, baby wipes, lotions, shampoos, bath gels, towels, baby blankets, blankets baby, bibs, stroller, etc.
And do not worry, you'll do fine. The best thing to do is to get referrals from friends and family bias.
