Work/life balance

Think about your role

Before your baby is born, you'll need to consider how you and you partner will split your time to care for them. You may want to think about the following:

• How will you balance breadwinning and caring for your baby?
• Will one of you stay home or might you both work part-time and split the childcare?
• What will family finances allow?
• Will other relatives (or friends) be able to help look after the baby?
• What affordable childcare is available locally?
• Would you consider earning less in exchange for more time with your baby?

Take time off work

You may be entitled to two weeks' paternity leave. Talk to your employer or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Some fathers take some of their annual leave after the birth of their baby, while others take a combination of paternity leave and annual leave. Consider what's most appropriate in the circumstances for you, your partner and your baby.

Your children will grow up so quickly, so don't put work before them. No one ever said on their deathbed: "I wish I'd spent more time in the office."

Flexible work patterns

Does your job allow flexible working hours? If so, consider working the hours that best fit your baby's waking hours, and allow you to spend time with your partner and help out at home.

Find out if your employer has family-friendly work policies in place - these are available for fathers as well as mothers.

Make the most of the time you have

Getting involved in care when you have a new baby will not only help you bond with your baby but will also give your partner a break when she needs it most. For example take over in the evening, even if it's only for half an hour, and give your baby a bath or take them out for a walk.

Make life easier

In the early days, time and sleep will be at a premium. If you have small children you could cook and freeze meals at the weekends to save time during the week. Here are some other ways to save time:

• Reduce household chores, such as ironing, to a minimum.
• If you can afford it, consider having your shopping delivered.

Stay-at-home dads

A growing number of men are giving up work to look after their children while their partners go out to work. There are now more than 100,000 at-home dads in the UK and many of them says it's harder work than a job, but much more rewarding.

It can sometimes be isolating looking after babies - you may not have the supportive networks that new mums enjoy and may be the only man at the local parent and toddler group.

If you're thinking of becoming an at-home dad, it's important to:

• Do at least one adult activity without the children once a week.
• Keep in touch with the world of work, eg doing a bit of freelance work at home.
• Talk to your partner so that a gulf doesn't emerge because you spend your time in a very different ways.

To-do list

• Start talking with your partner about your hopes and expectations before your baby is born.
• Use paternity leave and annual leave to enable you to have time at home.
• Find out about family-friendly policies at work.
• Gratefully accept all offers of help - don't try to be 'super dad'.
• Make the most of every moment you have at home.