Diary of a Third Time Dad

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WEEK SEVENTEEN - JUNE 2002

Dinner guest.

So my wife and I went out to dinner with the baby. I had the baby in the sling and we were sitting there having a nice time when a lady walked up to us and said the following: "I noticed you have your baby in a sling. You must also be breastfeeding and having him sleep in your bed with you too. I did the same with my kids and I just had to come over and tell you what wonderful parents you are." She wanted to get a sling for a family member but didn't know where to buy one. We talked for a few more minutes and then she left.

This really struck me as odd how she could read so much into us (especially the "wonderful parents" part) simply by observing that a dad had a baby in a sling at dinner. Is a dad holding a baby in a sling at dinner such a rare sight? I guess it is. Any dads out there, give your wife a break from the baby whenever you go out if the baby is in a good mood and not hungry. In fact, try to plan dates for when you know your baby will take a two-hour nap in the sling. Your wife will appreciate eating a nice hot meal without the little "parasite" attached. (Of course, I use the word parasite in the nicest and most loving sense of the word)

I'm innocent!

One problem with breastfeeding is that I can't tell when Joshua has a poopy diaper. It just doesn't smell at all. Now, most people would consider this a good thing, but sometimes I'll be holding him for an hour or two, and then pass him off to my wife. She immediately will say he's poopy, and why didn't I tell her sooner or change him myself? I'm innocent, I tell you. I just can't smell it!

Ready for solids?

I can understand why people used to start solid foods at four months. Joshua really seems interested and ready to start tasting. But we're holding off until 6 months, because research has shown (and the AAP agrees) that waiting until 6 months can decrease the chance of all types of allergies throughout childhood. So in the meantime, he just gets to sit there and watch us all eat.

Our new babysitter.

Everyone needs to be able to put their baby down for a few minutes and get things done around the house. Wouldn't it be nice to have a live-in babysitter for just that purpose? Well, we found one. The exersaucer. Joshua loves it, and he's usually good for a half hour at least.

Also, here's a little reminder about walkers (like an exersaucer, but it has wheels and the baby can roll himself around the house by pushing with his legs). Not only are walkers dangerous (giving baby free reign of the house and stairs), they are also bad for leg development.

Dr. Bob

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