by Damian Papworth

Are you ready to be a father? The first year is always the toughest. It's incredibly challenging; but the rewards are well worth it. So, just what does it take to be the best dad you can be? If you're worried about navigating the ins and outs of fatherhood, don't. It may be hard at first, but a little love and care go a long way.

Of course, there are some incredibly hands on, practicable things you ought to know as a new father. Babies obviously aren't simply cute creatures who will be easy to handle. They cry an awful lot. In fact, babies may be finicky. They may cry for hours on end and often, at first especially, it can be hard to decipher the reasons why.

Babies sob and snivel for a huge variety of reasons. When you're a fresh, out of the box parent, so to speak, it can be quite difficult to figure out what to do and how to make it all better. It's times like that when you can feel overwhelmed and also unworthy of being a father. But don't let things like that get you down. It's all natural. Simply try your best; hold your child, comfort her (or him). Don't get caught up on all the rules.

There are no firm, set terms that are the be all and end all of parenting. There's no golden rule that will help you to become the best parent ever.

Being a good father simply takes some effort and a whole lot of TLC. Even if you're clueless or tend to be the more hands-off type, you can still become the father of the year with some practice.

The first few months are probably some of the toughest you'll know. Both you and your partner will be knackered. A new mother has a lot of work to do, what with feeding and tending to the new baby; but that doesn't mean that she has all the knowledge nor does it mean that she should bear the brunt of the work.

The most crucial aspect of being a father is to engage in team work. Don't simply hand off tasks that you don't know how to handle to your partner. Even if she offers to take up for your slack, hang in there, try to do it yourself. Most likely, both of you will be pretty clueless in the beginning, so take this initial period as a time for both of you to explore the joys of parenthood.

There will be a fair amount of fretting and worrying; taking care of a new baby is hard work, and it can be doubly stressing if it's your first time. Although you won't be perfect, everything takes practice, after all, don't let that fact overwhelm you.

Simply get involved. Don't sit out on the sidelines. Always make time for your children.

Spending quality time with your newborn child is crucial to developing a healthy relationship later on.

Damian Papworth is a dedicated father and husband. He recently took his wife shopping for women's shoes. He found some great information here on women's running shoes.

by Byron Jonas

What an exciting time for new parents! Your new baby has arrived and you want to enjoy every moment of his development. Keeping him safe is a big part of that enjoyment. Here are ten tips to help you along the way.

Inspect the crib for safety

Many hours will be spent in the crib so it is imperative that it is safe. The spaces between the slats should be no more than two and three eighths inches wide. This is about the width of a soda can. Spaces that are wider can allow baby's head to slide through them and become trapped, causing possible strangulation. Also, make sure the crib mattress fits snugly around the edges so that little legs and arms cannot get wedged in between the mattress and the walls of the crib.

Schedule regular visits to his pediatrician

Baby should begin visiting her pediatrician at about two weeks of age. The doctor will check her growth and weight gain as well as physical development. Immunizations will be discussed, as will nutrition.

Heat bottles in warm water, don't use the microwave

Microwaves do not heat evenly. They create hot spots in the formula or breast milk that could scald your baby's mouth and also destroy nutrients. Heat the bottle in tepid water instead. It takes longer but it is much safer.

Don't leave toys in his crib

An infant does not yet know how to move away from a toy that has become pushed up against his face. Although the toy may be soft and inviting, it can cause suffocation. It's best to take them out of the crib, especially when your child is sleeping.

Never turn your back on an infant on a changing table, couch, or bed

When changing your baby's diaper, turning away for even a second can have terrible results. Babies who have not yet turned over on their own can suddenly figure this out and flip before you can catch them. Pick baby up if you have to reach for a diaper or a cotton swab. Don't take any chances.

Use a car seat especially made for infants

New babies should ride in a car seat that is made especially for infants. These seats have proper head support for newborns . It is important that you also face the seat backwards and learn to strap it in correctly.

Make a regular inspection of his toys

Make sure there are no small parts that could break off and become lodged in their throat. Also look for sharp edges and peeling paint. Fuzzy toys can shed and cause fibers to be inhaled, so check the stuffed animals also for shedding fur or loose stitching.

Keep an eye on pets

Pets can become confused when a new little life enters their world. The celebration and changes in their schedule could make them anxious. Never leave baby alone with a pet. Even the most loved and obedient animal can act unpredictably.

Keep small objects out of reach

A baby's natural instinct will be to put things in her mouth. If small items are within reach, this could cause a choking hazard. Watch what she picks up and be prepared to act quickly!

Don't let him wear clothing that is too tight or constrictive

Clothing that is rubbing on soft, tender skin can irritate and cause rashes and discomfort. Little socks can become tight around the cuffs as her legs grow. Check often to make sure there are no tight elastic bands or rough edges on her clothing.

Having a great start in life will be a bit easier if you follow these tips towards the health and safety of your new baby.