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Why Dads Everywhere Should Do Bath Time

No. . .I don’t mean stinky dads should take a bath. Although I suppose that is a true statement. But bath time is the ideal bonding time with baby. Maybe I’m biased, because this has always been my husband’s job. However, we have found it to be a great opportunity for dad to get in on the act of bonding. Some of you have posted questions, or send me a PM asking how you can get your husband more involved with the baby. This is my answer: bath time. Skin to Skin Contact Skin to skin contact is essential for … Continue reading →

Dads, Babies & Bonding

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Babies sure are hard. They’re frequently loud, smelly, uncooperative, and downright unreasonable. You also wouldn’t trade them for ANYTHING in the world, as long as whoever’s asking, asks when you’re not TOO sleep deprived. Since they haven’t learned to speak yet, it can be very hard for new parents (especially new dads who are usually off at work 40+ hours a week) to connect with a new bundle of joy. After some practice, you will be able to tell a lot from your child’s cry, but taking care of your child’s needs is just one part of being a parent. … Continue reading →

Dads in the Delivery Room

In the 1970s, Paul Anka released: You’re Having My Baby and that was a seminal moment in the realm of babies and having babies for mothers and fathers everywhere. You know the iconic images of when mothers gave birth the father’s job was to pace the halls nervously and pass out the cigars when the nurse comes out to announce the birth. Modern Day Fatherhood The modern day concept of fatherhood involves dads being in the delivery room and on hand for the arrival of their new baby. My husband used to say he wouldn’t be in the delivery room … Continue reading →

For Babies Born on the 4th of July

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Congratulations to all the new moms and dads out there who are celebrating a new addition to their families today on the 4th of July. Since there are babies born every day of the year, it is hardly surprising that many children are born on the 4th of July. Any birth day is a great day for parents and children and the 4th of July presents a few challenges, but also a great many treats. Nationwide Celebrations There are only a handful of days during the year where the entire nation celebrates in such a fashion that your baby will … Continue reading →

Valorie’s Breastfeeding Index

Later today I will post a review of the baby blog of 2007 so why does breastfeeding get its own category? Well, in part as an answer to readers who want to read what I’ve written on breastfeeding. I’ve written so much on breastfeeding at this point that you all have asked for an index of sorts so it’s easier to find what you’re looking for. It’s also in part because I’ve become known as the breastfeeding lady. . .guru. . .whatever you want to call it. I’ve been at this breastfeeding business for a long time and many of … Continue reading →

A Sense of Humor

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Believe it or not, blogging is not my full time gig. Most of the time, I am actually coaching team sports for 3-5 year olds. One of the more satisfying aspects of my job (besides getting to play team sports all day with 3-5 year olds) is being part of their lives, and seeing them grow and develop. Many of the children in my program return year after year, and so it is a special treat to see them mature not just athletically, but mentally and socially as well. Of the thousands of young children that I have worked with, … Continue reading →

A Penny a Minute

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My family had driven out of state to my folks’ place for the 4th of July, and something my father said in his living room took me back to the days of years gone by. . . (Picture a wavy transition to a flashback sequence here). In my parents’ family, (as well as the one that my wife and I made) the father ALWAYS drove the car. In fact, as a four year old, I clearly remember feeling sorry for dad because he had to stay awake by himself on long drives, late into the night, while everyone else in … Continue reading →

The Burning Question: Should Men Lactate?

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If you’ve read my blog yesterday about the possibility of male lactation, I left readers hanging as to my personal view on the subject and rather just presented some information to ponder. The summary is yes, men can lactate. The burning question is: should this be the beginning of the revolution of mothering around the globe? Should men and women begin sharing equally the work of. . .breastfeeding? Isn’t the mantra of the women’s lib movement equality and is this not the ultimate in equality between men and women? My short answer to ‘the burning question’ is no, I don’t … Continue reading →

World’s Largest Baby Massage

Now there’s a title that conjures up some mental images. But rest assured, it does NOT refer to the world’s largest baby getting a massage. A few days ago, I wrote about the American Baby Faire. It is a cheap (not entirely free, adults have to pay $8 to get in) entertaining way to check out the newest and coolest things for your baby in 2007. It is sponsored by Babies R Us and is a veritable mecca for all things baby. It is a fun event to go to because, of course, all of these wonderful baby products folks … Continue reading →

Top 10 Baby Shower Gifts

Throwing a baby shower for a loved one or looking forward to a baby shower of your own? There are lots of ways to host a baby shower and we’ve talked about baby shower themes and party ideas both here in the Baby blog as well as in the Pregnancy blog. In honor of July 10, we’re going to talk about the top 10 baby shower gifts you can receive or give to others The Bouncy Seat Sure – not all parents care for the bouncy seat, but it is a great way to soothe and stimulate the baby. It’s … Continue reading →