Iwasgoodonce
Old School Grand Master
As a father of twins.
Enjoy it. It really is life's greatest journey.
Enjoy it. It really is life's greatest journey.
Not really a rant, sorry. More a clarification of my original rant rather than an entirely new rant. I wanted to clarify that, for new dads actively seeking advice, getting advice from the correct demographic (dads) in sufficient amounts (more than just one source) doesn't preclude the need for a rational analysis of said advice.Neil":og31m0ls said:incorrigible":og31m0ls said:Rational sense was implied when I said "make your decision", but not stated explicitly. My bad. My line of thinking is that dad's all over the world have been raising kids since the beginning of humanity, so if advice is what one is seeking, then it's in one's best interest to ask enough dads and see if there is a majority or general consensus, which would tend to indicate that such a consensus is probably fairly rational advice, but in the end, of course, it's the OP's own decision to make.Neil":og31m0ls said:There's something to that - but all the same, when I had kids, I decided to largely ignore people - I'd hear what they say, take it with a pinch of salt, but largely do my own thing. Whatever I did do, had to make rational sense to me, rather than just buying into somebody's opinion or their dogma.
"Take it with a pinch of salt" (i.e., "consider the source") is also great advice for anyone asking for advice about anything IMHO. Call it dogma, opinion, ulterior motive, agenda, or whatever - everyone that gives advice will be influenced by their own experiences, attitudes, and emotions; and the "pinch of salt" will hopefully enable the one who asks for and receives advice to filter out the potentially bad advice.
In any case, it appears from the popularity of this thread that there's no shortage good advice from well-intentioned dads who have no motive other than to help the OP by giving him the benefit of their experience, and for that, I'm happy.Rant over.
Not really sure it warranted a rant, really?
All I was saying is that many think it's a good idea to canvas opinions, and cherry pick. Thing is, you'll often get conflicting opinions from different people - all very convinced - often with nothing other than dogma support it.
Me? Well I didn't go canvassing opinions, but I listened to what people had to say - many I ignored, some I maybe took it on board, but if I'm honest, I largely just ignored it all - but the actual parenting? I think most sort it out for themselves.
There's some factors where hearing what people can have to say can make sense - good products, bad products. But then, really? Not sure - practically most threads on most subjects will have people contradicting each other.
As to the actual dealing with a baby? Well nothing trumps actual hands-on doing. Learn by doing. And my only true point on that, is don't be put-off, discouraged from being able to do everything, right from the off - even when they're still in hospital.
Neil":1xhv1tk3 said:The one thing I would say? Be able and familiar to do everything with the baby - because you might have to anyway - plus, you'll always be able to do stuff, take them places, and not be dependent on mum. Helps make you good at it, and helps create a bond with your baby.
grogee":3nbyb8tg said:Congrats bbb, and yes lots of useful info. I admit I've never heard of a muslin cloth. Sounds like I'm going to be very familiar with them soon.
What are your thoughts on bike carrier for older baby/toddler? They look fun but also dangerous...