Mainly for New Dads: Mr. Dad Toolbox
With the arrival of Parker set to happen sometime later this year, we agreed to review Mr. Dad’s Toolbox for New Dads DVD when the Parent Bloggers Network asked us if we were interested. Or, basically, I agreed and FireDad was forced to sit through 126 minutes of things that he already knew. (Though we both picked up a few new tricks.)
Frankly put, if you’re already a father who has already been through the birth and newborn stage of your child’s life, this DVD may not be for you. However, if it has been a long time since the birth of a child you were parenting or if your previous children came into your family as older children via adoption, this video might offer some genuine insight. FireDad, having been through the pregnancy, birth, delivery and newborn phase only two years ago is pretty well-versed in most of the stuff mentioned. Geared more specifically for the brand-new-dad kind of crowd, we agree that, especially for those new fathers, the information can be of great service to various dads.
Some things we liked? Babywearing dads were shown in photographs throughout the video. At one point, fathers were encouraged to put their baby in a “front pack.” As you know, our family is big on babywearing so any positive mention of it, especially for the dad set, gets good marks in our collective parenting book. Breastfeeding was spoken of as the best possible option as well. Tips were given for dads to help support a breastfeeding mother while formula was only given a brief mention as a last resort type option. No information was given on how to prepare formula or how formula can cause more problems (than breastfeeding) with a baby’s digestive system (gas, poop, etc) and what to do, as a caregiver, if something like that should happen.
Things we didn’t like? The classroom setting of the video. Our hospital’s parenting class for new parents is free. (Which isn’t the case in all areas!) This video is $19.95. Going to the hospital lets us ask our own individual questions while interacting with the teacher and other parents who are going through the same thing. Watching a class on video is a rather dry way to learn things. That said, for fathers who are unable to attend a parenting class (schedule conflicts or a pregnant mother who is confined to bed rest), this might be a truly valid option. It also might be cost-effective in some areas. And, for those who are shy and quiet and don’t particularly like to speak up or even be in a classroom setting, this might be a more comfortable way to learn things about babies. Keep that in mind.
The thing my Husband absolutely hated? It had to do with the whole co-sleeping issue. I won’t get into an active or lively debate. However, Brott stated that the danger of rolling over on the child that is sleeping in your bed simply doesn’t exist because you know where you are rolling. My Husband, a paramedic, has seen the absolutely opposite of that statement on an early morning call that has scarred him for life. Saying it doesn’t happen or is not a danger is not helpful. If he had said that you need to be mindful of your baby’s location, even in your sleep, he would have garnered more respect from FireDad and his own personal experience with the topic. Instead, I’m pretty sure FireDad tuned out the rest of the sleeping segment because he was annoyed that the dangers were not appropriately addressed.
A personal favorite was the inclusion, under the “extras” menu, of a section about grief and loss and birth defects. While it didn’t answer the specific questions some fathers may have about miscarriage, still birth and birth defects, simply addressing the issue is a huge step for educational videos on the topic at all. I do think Brott should have been stronger in suggesting therapy/counseling as a legitimate and maybe even necessary step in the grieving process (for fathers or mothers) but I was touched to see it included at all.
The video had its highs and lows. I do believe it would depend on the personality of the father regarding whether or not this would be a good fit for a new dad. If he’s a particularly hands on kind of guy who wants to figure it out as he goes (kind of like FireDad), this might not be the most interesting or intriguing way to go about the parental learning process for a father. If he’s a read or learn first kind of guy, especially if parenting classes are unavailable, too expensive or not an option due to other circumstances, you might very well want to consider this as a purchase for the soon-to-be-dad in your life.
This is the first stop in the review series. Visit the Parent Bloggers Network post to check on how other families viewed this DVD over the next week (or so!).
[...] (as in FireDad and I) reviewed the Mr. Dad’s Toolbox for New Dad’s DVD over at Modern Mamma Marvels. The Parent [...]
[...] The bloggers were impressed that Brott included a section for dads on babywearing, which many dads might feel awkward or uncomfortable doing. “Some things we liked? Babywearing dads were shown in photographs throughout the video. At one point,… [...]