CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Men Tell All: 8 Changes to Marriage Every New Dad Should Expect

Some of our favorite new dads got really honest about what's changed in their marriages since their babies were born. In short? A whole lot.
save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated April 12, 2019
Hero Image
Image: Shutterstock

Wondering what to expect as a first-time dad? You’re not alone! A new baby naturally has a huge effect on your life, including your relationship with your partner. We asked fathers to shed some light on how having kids changed their marriages. While we were expecting tons of dads to say, “Sex? What’s that?” (and plenty did), we got a lot of unexpected confessions too! From the good to the bad, these dads aren’t holding back. Here’s what’s changed in their lives since baby came along.

1. It’s a more grown-up relationship.
“The reality of family finally hit us. Our second baby made us mature and really begin thinking of the other person and how to help them.” — johnnyjay44

“We are both more confident—as people, friends, lovers, parents.” — dad2b

2. Their partners are more absent—and they miss them.
“My wife? Have you seen her? Haha!” — lovemylittleguys

3. Quality time together is nonexistent.
“We only talk about our daughter and our sleeping arrangements…our time together has lessened.” — yanksfan2

4. Some roles have been reversed.
“Now I’m the one who’s always doing dishes, vacuuming or cooking.” — prepping4baby

5. Sex isn’t as frequent—but it can still be as good as, and maybe even better than, before.
“We’re having less sex!” — jamesdad

“We share a lot more responsibility and I would definitely say more intimacy, as we appreciate our time alone a lot more.” — 88giants80

6. They feel like they’re finally getting this marriage thing right.
“It has made me and my wife grow stronger and forced us to develop teamwork.” — prouDad45

“One thing I noticed on the positive is that we tend to argue about the little things a lot less. Who has time/energy to argue?” — chitowndad

Related Video

“We’ve gotten better at taking turns…sleeping, eating, cleaning, holding the baby—a lot of emphasis on being equitable.” — puertoricanpop

7. They believe this is the ultimate test.
Everything changes. Sex life, conversations, time spent together. Kids change your routine, and it’s when your relationship is truly tested.” — luckyguydad

8. They’ve fallen in love with their partners all over again.
“I didn’t think it was possible, but I fall more in love with my wife with every baby that we have together.” — babyontheway77

User names have been changed.

Are you experiencing negative changes in your relationship after baby? A marriage counselor can really help! Set up an appointment with a local professional or try a relationship counseling app like Lasting, which offers a personalized marriage health program based on your specific concerns, addressing everything from communication to conflict, sex and more.

Updated November 2018

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

mom and dad with newborn baby
Why It’s Normal (and OK!) to Hate Your Partner After Baby Comes
Fact Checked by G. O’Hara
Isaac Rochell #96 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois
‘Dads Don’t Babysit:’ Isaac Rochell’s Candid TikTok Goes Viral
By Wyndi Kappes
dad opening father's day gift with baby
23 Father’s Day Gifts From Son or Daughter
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
ADVERTISEMENT
smiling dad and newborn baby
55 First Father’s Day Gifts That Will Make Him Smile
By Martina Garvey
smiling dad pushing baby stroller
How Overly Praising ‘Good Dads’ Stalls Gender Equality
By Kristen Bringe
father and daughter dressed in formal clothes smiling
8 Steps Fathers Can Take to Empower Their Daughters in Toddlerhood
By Ray W. Christner, Psy.D., NCSP, ABPP
young woman using dating app on smartphone while sitting on couch at home
Match Has Launched a New Dating App for Single Parents Called Stir
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
8 Types of New Dads
8 Types of New Dads
By Kylie McConville
mom and dad holding baby
Why (and How) You Should Make a Family Mission Statement This Year
By The Bump Editors
new parents holding newborn baby on couch at home
The 5 Big Surprises in Store for Your Relationship After Baby Arrives
By Ashlee Neuman
ADVERTISEMENT
4 Ways New Parents Can Strengthen Their Relationship
4 Ways New Parents Can Strengthen Their Relationship
By Tammy Gold
Can Having a Baby Strengthen Your Relationship?
Can Having a Baby Strengthen Your Relationship?
By Jayne Heinrich
Date Night: How Many Parents Are Actually Taking One?
Date Night: How Many Parents Are Actually Taking One?
By Anisa Arsenault
ADVERTISEMENT
shark boy and lava girl tv show still
Sharkboy and Lava Girl Are Returning to the Screen—As Parents
By Nehal Aggarwal
elon musk and grimes pick unique baby name
Elon Musk Opens About Fatherhood and Parenting New Son With Grimes
By Nehal Aggarwal
dad holding daughter at the beach
9 Signs He’ll Be a Good Dad
By JD Roberto
Benjamin and maisani Anderson cooper
The Heartwarming Reason Anderson Cooper Is Co-Parenting With His Ex
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Stacks of money represent unpaid labor of women
Women’s Unpaid Labor Is Globally Worth $10.9 Trillion, Report Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
couple having coffee in bed together
The 5 Most Expensive Cities for Valentine's Day Sitters, Study Finds
By Nehal Aggarwal
man sits down while looking at wifi signal on phone
This New Mom Turned Off Her Husband’s Wifi for the Best Reason
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List