Is your hubby ready to play daddy?

So you've found the man of your dreams, and can't wait to settle down and start making babies. But how do you know if he's good dad material? He may say he wants kids, but when one comes along, will he leave you holding the baby... and changing the nappies and sterilising bottles? To answer these questions, just take our quiz.

1. You want him to come to a work or family event for moral support but it's his regular night out with the boys. What's his response?
A Of course he'll come. He knows you wouldn't ask unless you needed him
B He'll come, but only after you've begged and pleaded – and you owe him!
C Sorry, darling, but such outings are sacred.

Why it’s important
How committed he is to your relationship has a direct bearing on whether or not he is ready to start a family. If you think a baby will bring you closer together, you may be in for a shock. Clinical psychologist Claire Halsey says: "A baby plunges you into a 24/7 job that neither of you has any experience of, your lifestyle is turned upside-down and you will probably be long-term sleep-deprived. All this puts a strain on the most rock-solid relationships, so if yours is wobbly already, it's bad news."

There's nothing wrong with him having a night out with the boys, but if he puts them above everything else, including you, he may not be ready for the responsibility of being a dad – or even be that committed to your relationship.

Deal with it
Consider whether you're both happy with each other, whether you both want children and when. Are there things either of you would like to do first, for instance?

2. What are his views on having children?
A It's a huge responsibility
B He can't wait – he loves playing with friends' kids
C It doesn't have to change everything.

Why it's important
Even if your man's a hit with other people's kids, that doesn't mean he's ready to have his own. "Your partner may feel relaxed in kids' company simply because he has young nieces and nephews," says Claire Halsey.
"What's more important is whether he's prepared to adapt his lifestyle. Is he interested in the nitty-gritty of childcare, from doing up the baby's room to choosing baby equipment?"

Deal with it
Ask how a baby will change your lives. Long-term, think about your lifestyle, finances and careers. On a day-to-day level, how will you share baby chores like changing nappies?

3. How often does he clean the loo?
A He always does his fair share of chores
B Now and again, when you ask
C He thinks it cleans itself.

Why it's important
Babies can be cute but they're also mucky. Expect to change around 5,000 nappies per child - then there's all that baby vomit, dribbling and messy eating. If your man is reluctant to do the less pleasant jobs around the house, it could indicate that he won't be first in the queue for the messier baby ones.

Deal with it
Don't feel that you should be doing all the housework just because you're at home. A new baby can take up a whole day - see it as a joint responsibility. Rather than moaning, "You never help", tell him: "We're not keeping the house as clean as it should be. How can we sort it?"

4. He hasn't a clue how to do something. When it comes to advice, does he..
A Ask for help
B Wait for advice to be offered
C Refuse to ask for advice on principle and ignore it if it's given.

Why it's important
As new parents you'll both need to develop new skills pronto, and as with any new job you'll need advice now and again. According to experts, this can be an added challenge for men. Problems come when someone is reluctant to try something for fear of getting it wrong, but won't ask for advice

Deal with it
Let him know it's trial and error for you, too. Discuss different ways of doing things, such as feeding, changing a nappy or bathing the baby. But beware of being bombarded with advice from well-wishers.

5. How does he react if things don't go according to plan?
A He takes it in his stride
B He'll grumble but work round the problem
C He's furious when something mucks up his carefully crafted plans.

Why it's important
Flexibility is key with a new baby. Babies have a habit of throwing up or filling their nappies at unexpected moments, and going anywhere becomes a military exercise. Plus, most new parents find that the reality is different from their expectations.

Deal with it
Before the birth, discuss the possibility of flexible working hours – not just for your benefit but for your partner's, too. Claire Halsey suggests: "Maybe your partner can go in earlier so he can leave earlier and get home for baby's bathtime."

Also, you should both discuss what you'll do when your child is ill. Will you take it in turns to take time off work, or does one of you have a much more flexible job than the other?

SCORING

A . He wants kids now!
Congratulations. It looks like your husband will be a 21st century hands-on father. And if you've both agreed that the time is right, what are you waiting for...?

B. He's on the fence
While your man wants to have kids, he might try to shirk the practical tasks. You both should discuss and plan all the different aspects of childcare as much as possible before the birth.

C. He's not ready.. yet
Your hubby may like kids but is he sure to start a family? Before you take the plunge, make sure you know what you're in for. Hang out with other people with kids as much as possible. Also, think carefully about your relationship and lifestyle, and how a baby would fit in.