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An indispensable survival manual for guys entering the trenches of fatherhood, Be Prepared is loaded with one-of-a-kind insights, MacGyver-esque tips and tricks, and no-nonsense advice for mastering the first year as a dad.
Finally, a book that teaches men all the things they really need to know about fatherhood...including how to:
change a baby at a packed sports stadium
create a decoy drawer full of old wallets, remote controls, and cell phones to throw baby off the scent of your real gear
stay awake (or at least upright) at work
babyproof a hotel room in four minutes flat
construct an emergency diaper out of a towel, a sock, and duct tape
Packed with helpful diagrams and detailed instructions, and delivered with a wry sense of humor, Be Prepared is the ultimate guide for sleep-deprived, applesauce-covered fathers everywhere.
Fatherhood can hit you like a sucker punch. The baby arrives, you're showered with help and gifts and food for a week or two, and then everyone leaves. And you are suddenly hit by this overwhelming feeling that nothing will ever be the same again. Someone has taken away your old life and replaced it with this really long, frustrating community service project.
For the first couple of weeks post-baby, you may feel anxious, depressed, and lonely, and why shouldn't you? You're completely at the mercy of a relentless little dictator, and there is no relief in sight. But as you're wallowing, it's important to remember that you are not alone. Fathers the world over, from Copenhagen to Cape Town, from captains of industry to ditch diggers, have all gone through this rough patch.
For the majority of dads, this phase lasts somewhere between eight and twelve weeks, at which point you switch into the "I might as well make the best of it" phase. Several factors combine to help lift the dark clouds from your head, including:
The baby is sleeping longer hours. You're feeling more adept at handling and troubleshooting her.
She's finally smiling at you (the baby, not your partner).
If this period lasts more than three months, or you begin to feel completely overwhelmed or withdrawn, talk to your partner and friends and think about seeking professional help.
Contents
Introduction
The First WeekWhat Your Newborn Won't Look Like
What Your Newborn Will Look Like
Newborn Party Tricks
Handing Over the Baby
You Are the A.V. Club
Why Your Partner May Not Be Functioning Properly
Breast vs. Bottle
Bidding Farewell to the Breast
The Joy of Burping
The Basic Change
Your Newborn and Your Pet
How to Entertain a Newborn
O-3 Months
The First-Month SlumpMoms and Mood Swings
Scrubbing Your Sprout
Coping with Crying
Wrestling the Breast Pump
Bottles Up!
Sleeping Like a Baby
Returning to Work
Reading Sports Illustrated to Your Baby
A Guy's Guide to Strollers
The Infant Ensemble
4-6 Months
Your Mental HealthResuming a Sex Life?
Protecting Your Back
Circuit Training Your Baby
Tethering Everything to the Baby
Temperature Taking Tactics
Getting Medicine into a Baby
Soothing the Teether
Be Prepared for Outings
Great Outings 4-6 Months
Driving and Crying
Using the Baby as a Prop
Breastfeeding in Public
Starting Solid Foods
Effective Diaper Disposal
Skill Builders 4-6 Months
7-9 Months
Sleeping Through the NightGoing Mobile
Babyproofing
Removing a Foreign Object from the VCR
The Terrible Tube?
Great Outings 7-9 Months
Skill Builders 7-9 Months
Babies and Language
The Secret Meaning of Peek-a-Boo
The Big Bath
First Haircut
10-12 Months
Eating Like a PersonBabies and Restaurants
Great Outings 10-12 Months
Skill Builders 10-12 Months
The Decoy Drawer
Rigging Emergency Diapers
Advanced Changing Maneuvers
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Making Your Baby Laugh
Babies and Airplanes
Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn
How to Neutralize a Runner
Camping with Your Cub
The First Birthday Party
The New Year's Panda
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Authors
Anonymous
Posted September 20, 2011
This book prepares you from the first page and the first moment your new baby emerges. An easy read with fun pictures and humorous content, this book gives you the tips, tricks, and general information you'll need for taking care of your new baby and dealing with the changes associated with it.
I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book for all of the new Dads that I know.
Chaise_Michael
Posted February 8, 2010
A handy little and a quick read for busy dads.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Journeyhers
Posted February 10, 2009
I got this book for my husband and brother, both soon-to-be-dads. Written by guys for guys, this book takes a light hearted approach to parenthood. If in the wrong mood, an evolved man may take offense to some of the humor, as it is pretty basic guidance in parts. Illustrations are a bit funky, but do the job. Our favorite part are the first two pages that set expectations about what a baby really looks like when first born. I would buy again.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 30, 2005
I bought this book on friday and read it over the weekend.It gives u great informaton as well as advice on reading sports illistrated to your baby. I loved learning how to make a diaper out of a towel, a sock and duct tape.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 20, 2004
With Father's Day just around the corner, I was searching for gifts for the many friends of mine who are presently (or soon will be) new dads.I bought this book for one of my buddies, looked through it before giving it to him, then bought three more for all of my pals in the 'new kid' category, and one for myself, and I don't even have a significant other at present. This handbook is informative and funny,and has great illustrations.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 13, 2004
Have you ever seen the shocked look on the face of a new father? Seen him struggle to manage the new tasks facing him? Run out and buy Be Prepared as soon as you can. I have given this book to 3 new fathers this week and they have been delighted to receive a book written JUST FOR THEM! I have even witnessed a wife trying to wrestle the book from her husband. Be Prepared is both informative and funny. A great read for both new and 'old' dads. The learning never stops!
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Posted February 26, 2010
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Posted September 8, 2011
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Posted July 21, 2012
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Posted September 13, 2010
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Posted January 31, 2012
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Posted February 8, 2009
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Posted July 23, 2011
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Posted December 15, 2009
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Overview
An indispensable survival manual for guys entering the trenches of fatherhood, Be Prepared is loaded with one-of-a-kind insights, MacGyver-esque tips and tricks, and no-nonsense advice for mastering the first year as a dad.
Finally, a book that teaches men all the things they really need to know about fatherhood...including how to:
change a baby at a packed sports stadium
create a decoy drawer full of old wallets, remote controls, and cell phones to throw baby off the scent ...