· Men ·

It would be nice if we could plan for everything to happen at the right time, such as having a baby, but in reality, about half the pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned. This can make people feel unprepared for a child.

Pregnancy, babies, and children are expensive; and financial pressure can lead to a lot of stress for a family. Although you may feel as though it is your primary role as a father to be the provider, sitting down with your partner and discussing finances as soon as she becomes pregnant can help you both feel more prepared.

• Health insurance for you and your family is crucial. If you do not have health insurance through an employer, look into independent plans, the Affordable Care Act, or state-sponsored programs for expecting moms.

• Look into any specialty programs your family may qualify for, such as WIC or Medicaid.

• Create a savings plan with your partner. Every bit you can save in the months of pregnancy will help build a safety net.

• The average cost of disposable diapers for the first year of your baby's life is $840, or roughly $70 every month. Each diaper you change costs about thirty cents!

• Ask your family and friends who already have children for advice – buying the designer clothing and nursery furniture is tempting, but very expensive and fleeting. Don't skimp on safety, but look into borrowing from those who are not using their baby stuff.

Have a talk about childcare after the baby arrives. Does your partner work? Can you afford daycare or a nanny? Does it make sense for one of you to stay home with the child to save money?