Dad's Guide to Baby's First Year For Dummies

Your comprehensive, practical guide to dadhood Your new baby is nothing short of a miracle—and it's no wonder you want to keep your bundle of joy safe and sound through every stage of their first year. Dad's Guide to Baby's First Year For Dummies takes the guesswork out of being your baby's primary caregiver, giving you sound instruction and helpful advice on looking after your baby, the essential gear you'll need to baby-proof your home, practical solutions to common parenting challenges, and so much more. Whether it's due to a fledgling economy or a simple sign of modern times, more and more men are staying at home with the kids while their breadwinning wives or partners deal with rush hour traffic. Whatever the reason you've decided to take on the role of Mr. Mom, Dad's Guide to Baby's First Year For Dummies offers all the friendly guidance and trusted tips you need to be a fantastic full-time parent. Look after your baby and teach children great skills Help your partner through pregnancy, birth, and beyond Follow the habits of highly successful dads Be a hands-on, stay-at-home dad If you're a proud papa-to-be, Dad's Guide to Baby's First Year For Dummies ensures all your bases are covered, so you can spend less time fretting about fatherhood and more time cherishing your wee one.

Introduction 1 Part 1: From Here to Paternity: Conception to Birth 5 CHAPTER 1: Fatherhood 7 CHAPTER 2: Getting Pregnant 27 CHAPTER 3: Pregnancy: A Drama in Three Acts 41 CHAPTER 4: Preparing for a Baby in the House 61 CHAPTER 5: It’s Showtime! Birth 89 Part 2: The First Year 109 CHAPTER 6: Being Dad to a Newborn 111 CHAPTER 7: The First Three Months 137 CHAPTER 8: Months Three to Six 161 CHAPTER 9: Months Six to Twelve 183 Part 3: The Toddler Years 207 CHAPTER 10: Toddling Toward Two: Months 12–24 209 CHAPTER 11: Charging Toward Three: Months 24–36 233 CHAPTER 12: Adding to Your Family 251 Part 4: The Preschool Years 263 CHAPTER 13: Fun and Games 265 CHAPTER 14: Health and Nutrition 281 CHAPTER 15: Getting an Education 305 Part 5: What Happens When 319 CHAPTER 16: Being a Stay-at-Home Dad 321 CHAPTER 17: Serious Illness and Losing Your Baby 331 CHAPTER 18: Disabilities, Disorders, and Special Conditions 349 CHAPTER 19: Separation and Divorce 363 Part 6: The Part of Tens 389 CHAPTER 20: Ten Ways to Improve Your Partner’s Pregnancy Experience 391 CHAPTER 21: Ten Ways to Bond with Your Newborn Baby 397 CHAPTER 22: Ten Ways to Engage with a Toddler 403 Part 7: Appendixes 409 APPENDIX A: Resources for Dads 411 APPENDIX B: Glossary 417 Index 431