A Man, a Newborn Baby, and Football?

One of the exciting aspects of being "Dad" is that we are privileged to pass our knowledge and experience on to our kids. This really begins at birth (if not before). They have already learned to recognize particular voices, and I've always found that my 'manly' and soft, low, soothing tones have tended to calm my baby. With this accomplished, I now have the attention of this little one, and also the opportunity to share whatever I desire with this captive audience.

Yep! You'll soon be making all those crazy voice inflections and using plenty of 'baby talk' (at least when everyone but you and the baby is out of the room), but don't be afraid to express portions of this before others. One of the coolest things in this world is watching a big, gruff, tough, all-man man so in love with his child that nothing hinders him from expressions of "daddy-love". Above all, don't be a stranger to your newborn (a mistake of some first time fathers), assuming that you have nothing to contribute during these early weeks.

(At the bottom of this page, you'll have the opportunity to read about some of the ways that other dads have been involved in caring for their babies. - or - You might contribute the insights gained from your experiences!)

It All Comes Back to Football
Football (real, American football) is a limited passion of mine, and my children have all followed my lead in sharing this interest. The day after my first born son came into this world, I brought a radio up to the hospital so that 'we' could listen to 'our' team, Nebraska, defeat Wyoming! I held my son in my arms and lap (except for times the nurses took him) and began sharing with him and teaching him what things I appreciate in life. Obviously, football isn't really an important core value that I must be instilling, but I merely make the point...you are teaching them 'something' from the very beginning of their life! Choose wisely.

Be sure to adapt the life skills you already know to the caring of your newborn baby. Let’s return to football, and relate some of those techniques with which I am familiar. When I played, the coach demanded that I carry the ball “high and tight”. This allowed me to turn my attention to the dangers around me (the big and ugly tackler/defenders) and the places I wanted to go (green spaces...and that favorite place called the ‘end zone’).

This is generally true when holding a newborn (especially when on the move). “Fumbling” is not even an option here, and so holding the newborn ‘like a football’ serves us pretty well. “High and tight” is applicable so long as you interpret “tight” to mean “close” (we aren’t trying to show the full extent of our squeezing power here!).

Personally, I prefer to place the newborn baby’s head in the palm of my hand and put the feet back toward the bend of my arm, but you can certainly reverse this. Either way, this ‘football skill’ will provide security against fumbling, and protection from most of the potential dangers present as you move through this world. Take this concept and run with it...(the concept...not the baby).

• Perhaps you've wrapped a present for your wife (similar to swaddling your newborn baby).

• You've probably changed the oil in your car (perhaps a little mess and clean-up here).

• You might have made your own milk shakes (familiarization with the kitchen).

• Surely you've washed your car (though you really don't need to bathe your child in the driveway).

• You've probably watched a football game while your wife slept next to you on the sofa (though if you've got a baby boy, he may prefer to watch rather than sleep).

• Remember when you were a kid and you tied your little brother to the merry-go-round? (this is not unlike buckling your baby into a car seat).

• How about all the attention you gave your new wife (try that with your newborn, too).

(Do you have other man skills that will translate into great baby care? Share them below.)

You see, it doesn't have to be football. You do most of these life activities because (on some level) you enjoy them or the reward of them. How much better to invest time using your manhood as a gift to mom and baby!

Most of the detail things related to newborn baby care can be (and should be) picked up on the other pages of this site (outside of Dad's Corner), and I'm sure you’ll do just fine provided you give a consistent and honest effort. The satisfaction and enjoyment of caring for these littlest of people overshadows any sacrifice you may make.

Dad's Corner - For the First Time Daddy

Dad's Corner - Newborn Baby Care - A Man's Perspective

Dad's Corner - Newborn Baby Care - A Dad's Way

Tell us how you are involved as a dad!

• How have you become involved in the care of your newborn baby?
  
• What did you do to prepare?
  
• What has surprised you about caring for your child?
  
• What advise would you give to new fathers?

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