Dad Blogs - Useful Parenting Tips for Dads » Babies

New Dadlabs book out in time for Fathers Day

Paul Banas — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:04:38 +0000

Our friends at DadLabs.com are at it again with a new book that tries to put in prose what they do so well in video. ... It has many practical tips on subjects like picking a baby name and how to change a diaper, just as you will find on DadLabs TV, but much of the value of this book is the ability to laugh at the early stages of parenthood, just as your pregnant partner is taking it so seriously. There is a time for soulful feelings about incipient fatherhood, but also a time for having a beer and making some crude jokes using all the new vocabulary you've just learned in Childbirth class.

Famous older dads

Paul Banas — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:21:44 +0000

For you men hoping to have a baby at a more advanced age, here are a list of your potential heroes: David Bowie (at 53), Mick Jagger (at 57), Michael Douglas (at 58), Rod Stewart (at 60), Paul McCartney (at 61), Eric Clapton (at 59), Pierre Trudeau (72), Charlie Chaplin (at 73), Saul Bellow (at 84), Pablo Picasso (at 68), David Letterman (at 56), Larry King (at 65 and 66), Woody Allen (at 51), Warren Beatty (at 62), Dennis Quaid (50) and Jack Nicholson (at 53)

Older Dads Father Dumber Kids?

Paul Banas — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 16:35:13 +0000

A recently released study finds that children of older dads score lower on IQ tests even after weighing socioeconomic factors. Australian and US researchers analyzed test results of more than 33,000 US born children born to fathers between the ages of 14 and 66.

... The lead author, John McGrath says that he was surprised by the results, since a lot of the "blame" for DNA errors usually goes to older eggs in the mom.

From the “There but for the grace of God…” department

Paul Banas — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 06:04:45 +0000

Miles Harrison, 49, was an amiable person, a diligent businessman and a doting, conscientious father until the day last summer -- beset by problems at work, making call after call on his cellphone -- he forgot to drop his son, Chase, at day care.

... This is a particularly chilling article on how leaving babies in the back seat of cars to die in a closed car is a tragedy that happens to all sorts of people. ... When airbags were put in cars, new laws required babies and children to move to the back seat, putting them out of sight, and sometimes tragically, out-of-mind.

Maxi Cosi Mico car seat Review

Paul Banas — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 01:50:17 +0000

Snapping in the seat to the base in the car can be a bit tricky, but you get used to it. The Mico will carry your baby from five to up to 22 lbs and the shoulder harness, buckle and infant head cushion are all adjustable as your baby grows from infant to toddler.

... Snapping the seat to the base in the car can be a bit tricky, but you get used to it.

Review: Mutsy Stroller

Eric Cooper — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:23:24 +0000

Pros: Amazingly smooth ride – large, easy-swivel tires make any terrain a snap (the stroller comes with a second set of smaller wheels, but I prefer to leave on the bigger ones) Stands upright when folded – easy to maneuver folding means less time fussing with folding and more time with baby! Wheels easily remove – with one-handed removal, this feature makes Mutsy all the better for quick storage The Mutsy Sitter turns your seat into a wonderful, detached seat for your little boy or girl. ... Cons: It seems larger than other strollers – tight turns or small grocery store aisles may pose a problem It can appear weighty for some – at around 25 lbs for the stroller alone, it can be considered by some heavy duty.

Our intrepid mom and dad reviewers rate the Symmetry Sleep Positioner

Paul Banas — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:44:43 +0000

The challenge was, our active son actually rolled over by himself at 1 week, so was not likely to stay on his side. ... In the months before he was able to really move on his own, we place him in the SSP within his crib, and he slept comfortably. The device stopped being useful once he could roll himself off of it, but by then he was moving enough that the flat head syndrome was not an issue.

Review: Safety 1st (AKA Safety First) OnBoard Car Seat

Eric Cooper — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 19:50:30 +0000

Leave behind base – keeping the base securely in place in the car means not only convenience, but peace of mind that fewer mistakes can be made in the buckling. EEP Foam – I call it the “super shock absorber stuff” and I can safely say my baby doesn’t know what it is, but he is very appreciative! ... Not only is it good for your little tykes, but parents will find the stay-in-car base and the knowledge of the child’s safety among the most important attributes.

Review: SoundSleep for Babies CD

Eric Cooper — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:47:17 +0000

Clue one: The soothing, subtle sound of the heartbeat Clue two:Ambient, soft conversation sounds Answer: The SoundSleep for Babies CD, from Sound Science A lot of parents, especially frustrated ones, have tried products that say they’ll help soothe your baby. ... I put the CD in the player, hooked up the headphones (making sure the volume was appropriate), and put them on a fussy baby. ... Pros: Comprised of actual recordings from the womb, digitally enhanced Based on medical, scientific, and audio research Calms even the fussiest of babies quickly Plays for one hour Keeps baby asleep Cons Unless the room is super quiet, I had to use headphones – otherwise, just playing them on a CD player, baby was uninterested I am always skeptical about products that say they will quiet a baby fast – especially if they’re just going to play music and sounds.

Review: Baby K’tan Carrier

Eric Cooper — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 18:31:52 +0000

Pros: Can be used from birth to 42 lbs – one of the only systems to carry that much Made completely of natural cotton making the carrier very breathable Ability to carry twins – the only carrier I’ve seen that is able to do this Comes in patterns for both moms and dads 8 possible positions for baby Cradle Hug Explore Adventure Twins Two-Hip Hip Back Phone support

Neutral: Can take some practice, but with well written and video instructions, getting the hang of it does not take that long Again we have a carrier with no cons (and only one neutral). That is why with today’s ever advancing products and product ideas, it is important to compare and see what works for you and your little one, or ones!