5 Things That Make Pregnancy Easier For Soon-to-Be Dads

Everything is a learning process, so hopefully this will put some dads ahead of the curve.

1. Purchase and read Baby 411.

This great book is an indispensable guide to everything baby. From definitions to diapers, this is a must have to make your life easier.

2. Make a list of everything you need to buy and add to the baby registry* before you leave the house.

This novel concept of creating lists will save you valuable time when adding things to your baby registry and from making many, many, many repeat trips. I know, I know. As guys we never need to ask for directions or write anything down and absolutely nothing surpasses the male mind's ability to retain important information, such as sports stats and how to work the universal remote. But it is inevitable we will get to a store and forget something. This will then lead to not wanting to go back to the store and rigging something with a clothes hanger and duct tape. I've been told this is not baby friendly. Remember, check the list twice, shop once.

*You can add items online once you've registered at stores. Be careful though, some items are only available online and will be noted.

3. Never ever under any circumstances agree with her that she looks bigger in any way.

Lie, walk or run away. Act like you forgot she was pregnant. She will be sneaky and ask the dreaded 'Do I look fat?' question in innumerable ways that you won't be ready for. If you slip and reply with anything but a rock-solid 'NO' just go to the garage and act like you just remembered something you needed to do, like changing the car's oil. The garage is your refuge.

4. Learn the lingo.

If you don't speak the language you will definitely be cut out of decision making when it comes to the baby and worst of all you won't be a good dad. And all women will scorn you. What's an aspirator, a Boppie or GERD? What about colic, and why do these bottles help avoid it? You know how much RAM is in your computer, get to know the baby lingo and you'll be an all-star dad that all the women love. Score!

5. Relax.

Most of us don't have any problem sitting back and letting the wife do her obsessive/compulsive thing, but it's easy to get caught up in all the baby broohaha. Before you know it you'll be adding to her stress and not be the awesome/laid back/cool/superhero-ish guy you usually are. Show her you care but don't freak out, nothing is ever 100% perfect and I am absolutely 75% sure pregnancy is only temporary.