Planning for a Baby as a Team? This New Data Will Encourage You
- Brian Page
- May 24
- 3 min read
For busy dual-career couples planning to start a family, the question isn't just how you'll raise your child: it's how you'll do it together. That's why some newly released data from the U.S. Census Bureau deserves a moment of celebration: American fathers are stepping up in record numbers to take parental leave.
Let's look at the good news and why it matters for your family.
Dads Are Taking More Leave Than Ever Before
According to the latest Census Bureau report, there’s been a dramatic shift in how fathers approach parental leave:
In the early 1990s, a staggering 77% of first-time dads took no leave when their child was born.
In the most recent cohort (2014–2022), that number dropped to 35%.
Even more promising: the number of dads taking unpaid leave has increased by over 400% since 1994, and half of all new fathers now take paid leave (albeit using vacation time).
This means the culture of fatherhood is shifting, not only in how men show up at home, but in how workplaces and partners expect them to.
Why Progress Matters for Dual-Career Couples
When both partners work, parenting isn't just a personal decision; it's a logistical puzzle. The early weeks of parenthood are some of the most overwhelming. Equitable leave can make or break your foundation as a team.
Here’s what the data tells us:
50.1% of first-time dads now take paid leave. That’s nearly equal to the 49.1% of first-time moms who do, showing that families are increasingly approaching child-rearing as a shared responsibility.
Studies show that dads who take leave are more likely to stay involved over the long term, not just as helpers but as equal co-parents.
More time at home for both parents means stronger emotional bonds, better mental health, and a smoother transition into your new life.
In short, equitable leave sets the tone for equitable parenting.
How to Plan for Parental Leave as a Team
This progress is worth celebrating, but good data alone doesn’t make your plan for how you will manage leave, money, and home life.
1. Start the Conversation Early, and Be Honest
Don’t wait for HR paperwork to talk about leave. Discuss how much time each of you wants to take, what you can afford financially, and how you’ll divide responsibilities once you're both home. Be clear about your expectations, and your fears.
I highly encourage you to utilize our free family financial planning calculator to do just that.
2. Budget for Leave Like You Budget for Baby Gear
Whether you’re relying on paid, unpaid, or partially-paid leave, do the math now. Use a simple spreadsheet or a free budgeting tool to map out your income and expenses during leave. This gives you peace of mind and helps you avoid resentment down the line.
3. Build Systems, Not Just Checklists
You're not just adding a baby—you're adding a thousand new tasks. Decide who handles what before sleep deprivation kicks in. Tools like the Fair Play Method can help couples divide domestic labor in a fair and sustainable way.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
More parents, especially fathers, are stepping up. But systemic support still lags. The U.S. has no universal paid leave policy, and workplace cultures vary widely. That's why preparing your home for this transition is just as important as preparing your career.
I help high-achieving couples build systems to manage money and the home together. As the only Accredited Financial Counselor® and Fair Play Facilitator®, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience, including what it’s like to run two careers and raise three kids with an executive spouse.
Click here and reach out if you’re expecting your first child and want help preparing your household for what’s ahead.
Don’t let outdated expectations or a lack of planning strain your relationship. Build your system now, so you can thrive together later.
