Items for Your New Dad Survival Kit

If you’re about to become a new dad, you might be nervous and excited about this upcoming life change. Help ease your transition into fatherhood by stocking your new dad survival kit with these eight items. 

• Diaper bag: Each parent should have their own diaper bag to make caring for the baby easy, no matter who takes a trip to the changing room. Masculine versions that resemble backpacks, tote bags, and messenger bags abound these days. Find leather, camo, and even sports-themed versions with all the compartments of a diaper bag without actually looking like one. 
• Baby wipes: Keep a supply in your diaper bag, of course, but don’t underestimate the many uses for baby wipes besides dabbing a messy bottom. As a new dad, you may quickly learn you can use baby wipes to clean your hands after filling the gas tank, mop up spills in the car, shine your shoes, clean remote controls, swab your keyboard, and more! Always keep a box on hand, both at home and in the car. 
• Hand sanitizer: Having a baby introduces a wide range of bodily fluids and messes into your life. While soap and water are best for washing up, hand sanitizer is useful on-the-go—especially if you run out of baby wipes. 
• Books on fatherhood: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed during the first few weeks of being a dad, but thoughtful advice from parenting books can help you get used to the new norm. 
• Headache medicine: Step one of dealing with a crying baby is to figure out what’s wrong. Once you meet his or her needs, the crying should stop. However, when a fussy baby gets the better of you, it’s okay to fight off headaches with over-the-counter pain relievers. 
• Activities for “me time”: You and your partner will likely want to spend quality time together while the baby is sleeping, but set aside some “me time” each day to help you unwind. Have some activities on hand that you can enjoy on your own, such as audiobooks, podcasts, videogames, and TV shows. 
• Earplugs: You shouldn’t always drown out the baby’s crying—after all, your partner needs help with nighttime feedings and diaper changes—but on nights when you really need some shut-eye, earplugs might be your best bet for sleeping through the night. 
• Coffee: Restless nights definitely call for morning coffee. Consider treating yourself to a new coffee maker or a fancy French press in anticipation of your baby’s arrival. 

If you’re considering reversing a vasectomy, fatherhood could be right around the corner. Discuss your options with Dr. Joshua Green at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal in Sarasota, FL. We can detail the reversal process and help you decide which surgical option may be right for you. Whether you’re ready to schedule your procedure, or you simply want to learn more, please schedule a free consultation with Dr. Green by calling us at 941.894.6428. 

How to Stay Optimistic About Parenting in This Day and Age

Some days, just paying attention to the news can make a person reluctant to have kids. The world can seem like a terrible place, full of danger, but in fact, this is a great time to raise kids! Technology is always improving, kids have tons of opportunities, and dads are more active in their parenting roles than ever before. Do you need more reasons to be optimistic about parenting in the modern age? We’ve got some, so read on.  

• Kids are becoming ever more aware of the world around them. From an early age, today’s kids are aware of nature and their impact on the Earth. They also have more awareness of others and a greater sensitivity to those who are different and may be dealing with challenges. As technology advances, children will learn more than prior generations could imagine, and though the internet certainly has its drawbacks, it certainly puts all kinds of knowledge within easy reach.  
• Empathy is on the rise. There’s empathetic discourse in elementary school now, and kids are growing up in an environment of acceptance. Non-traditional families are more accepted, society approaches disability issues with more concern, and there’s a higher awareness of mental health issues than in the past.  
• Gender parity is growing closer. The world in which kids are growing up features much more concern about female empowerment and diverse representation, and much more understanding about the problems of outdated concepts of masculinity. The bumbling dad stereotype is on the way out, and girls and boys alike are being raised to be smart, strong, and emotionally aware.  
• People are more connected than ever. Technology is connecting us globally, breaking down language barriers and the modern focus on emotionally honest parenting is creating stronger connections within families. What’s more, it’s easy to find support, even when you live far from family, because there are tons of groups of like-minded parents.  
• Having kids is so much fun! It’s easy to share your favorite movies with your kids, and you can bond over today’s many, many superheroes. The toys are really cool, and there’s such a wealth of kids’ music and movies that you’re sure to find some you actually enjoy.  

If you’re ready to become a parent, and considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and we also offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

Advice Every Dad Should Know

Are you about to become a first–time dad? How exciting! If you’re like most dads, you probably want to know everything possible about being a father, so that you can be ready for your new little one. You may have been reading parenting books and surfing the net to gather all the information you can, but when it comes right down to it, advice from real dads is the best way to go. Here, you’ll find some words of wisdom from experienced fathers, given to help you be the best dad you can be.  

• Read, read, read! Even before your child is old enough to understand, read to him or her. Listening to someone reading helps a child develop listening skills and, eventually, verbal skills and a love of reading. What’s more, the time you spend reading to your child is precious and will help you to bond.  
• Never say you’re babysitting your child. This is a thing that many dads say, but it’s inaccurate. When mom is with her child, she’s parenting, and the same goes for a dad caring for his child.  
• Man up and change diapers. Ultimately, it’s not really a big deal. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s important for you to do your fair share.  
• Realize that for the first few months, you’ll be a supporting player in your home life. The mom and the baby will take center stage for a while, and you’ll need to ease the stress on your partner by doing everything you can to keep the household running smoothly.  
• Make the most of the hospital stay. Even if your partner says she’s ready to get out of there and head home, encourage a second night. The nurses can help you, and you’ll be able to get some rest before handling all the middle of the night feedings and new parent anxiety on your own.  
• Appreciate good help. A good babysitter is invaluable, so take your time finding one, and then stick with that person. 
• Don’t worry if you don’t fall in love at first sight with your new baby. Not everyone is into newborns, and some parents find that it takes a little while to form that strong connection.  
• Skip the buttons. Baby clothes with buttons may be oh so cute, but all those tiny buttons are a pain. Go for zippers or even Velcro to make your life easier.  
• Sing to your baby, and find a song to be “your song.” It can be a nursery rhyme or just a favorite song of yours, but when you sing it to your baby often enough for it to become familiar, it can distract and soothe them.  
• Step up without being asked. Your partner will appreciate it if you take the initiative to do the things that need to be done, without constantly asking for permission. Don’t worry, taking care of a baby is easier than you think; they’re not made of glass.  
• Routines are the key to a smooth home life. Eating, napping, going to bed at night, waking- all of these things need to be on a schedule. At first, it may feel like you’re being too rigid, but kids thrive on routine and it will make your life less stressful.  
• Don’t use your job as an excuse to slack off at home. If your significant other stays home with the baby while you work a full-time job, it does not absolve you from child-related responsibilities after work. Being at home all day with a baby is exhausting, and help from the other parent is extremely important.  
• Take tons of pictures. They don’t have to be high-quality shots, but the pictures you take will help you remember this time with your baby. Babies grow and change quickly, and the days are so hectic that it’s easy to forget things if you don’t take photos.  
• Remember one thing: the days are long, but the years are short. Try to live in the moment as much as you can, because even though this time is exhausting, you’ll be astonished at how quickly it flies by. When you take the time to appreciate your child as he or she grows into a person, you’ll have those memories to cherish later.  

When you’re ready to become a dad, don’t let a vasectomy stand in your way. If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and we also offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

Parenting Tips for New Dads

You’re a father? Congratulations! Welcome to the wonderful, disorienting, panic-inducing, stressful, euphoric world of parenthood. Being a new dad is exciting, but at the same time, you might feel like your world has been turned upside down. How will you manage with this little person who is suddenly depending on you? Relax- you’ve got this, and here’s some advice that may help you feel more confident.  

• Remember, the baby is not the only baby in this situation. If you think about it, you’re so new at parenting, it’s like you’re a baby too. It can be overwhelming to feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, but this is one job where you’ll absolutely learn as you go along. You do not have to have everything figured out right out of the gate, you just have to love your child and invest time in getting to know this new little person.  
• Embrace the chaos. Raising children is a messy business, and it’s wise to recognize that you don’t have total control over the situation. Learn to laugh at the crazy, and appreciate your new normal.  
• Read the books, but study your child. Parenting books can teach you some best practices, but not every technique works for every child. Because each person is different, it’s important to learn what works and what doesn’t with your own unique child.  

• Create routines. Babies usually cry for one of three reasons: a need for food, a need for sleep, or a need to be cleaned. One of the biggest secrets to parenting success in the days of early childhood is to be proactive about setting up an eating and sleeping schedule. When your life has some sort of structure, it will be easier for you to find time to rest. What’s more, children thrive when there are boundaries in their lives.  
• Sleep as much as you can. Switch off middle of the night feedings with your partner, and do the same with getting up with the baby in the morning. Look at it as giving each other the gift of sleep, because sleep can be hard to come by in those early days.  

If you’re a man who has already had a vasectomy, and you think you’ve lost your chance at becoming a father, take heart! The Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help, with safe, effective vasectomy reversal, performed using the most up-to-date microsurgery techniques. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. We accept major credit cards as well as cash and checks, and we also offer a payment plan option for those who are unable to pay the entire fee at the time of surgery. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

Dads and the Bedtime Routine

Being a father is rewarding, but sometimes it’s hard to work in enough quality time. A dad who works full time may not be home in time for dinner, and often, families pack so much into weekends that there’s very little time left for relaxing and enjoying your kids. The solution? For many dads, the answer is to take charge of the bedtime routine.  

What’s so great about bedtime? It’s a peaceful time, in which kids and dads can have time together that’s relaxed and enjoyable. As an added benefit, at the end of this time of bonding, the kids are usually asleep. It’s a nice thing to do, too, because studies show that women tend to carry the bulk of the “mental load” of raising kids. When dads step up to handle bedtime, it gives moms the opportunity to take a much-needed break.  

As a dad, you’re probably always looking for ways to spend time with your children one-on-one. Giving your children this kind of attention at bedtime can make them feel special and important, which benefits everyone involved. They’ll remember these special moments all their lives, and being involved in caring for your kids can help you appreciate the unique individuals they are. If you have more than one child you’re putting to bed at a time, consider taking turns putting them to bed, so that each parent gets the opportunity for this focused time with each child individually.  

What constitutes a good bedtime routine?  

• It’s consistent. Regular sleeping and waking times are important for children, even on weekends. By sticking to a set bedtime, you’ll help your children get enough sleep so that they can be well-rested during the day.  
• It has a pattern. This pattern will shift as the child grows and reaches different developmental stages, but in general, it should include all the things a child needs to do to get ready for bed, along with some relaxing activities like reading a book, listening to gentle music, and talking about the day. Try to keep the bedtime routine to 30 minutes or less, not including bath time, and be firm about when it’s time to go to sleep. Sticking to a familiar routine can give a child a feeling of security and a sense of well-being. 
• It’s healthy. A good bedtime routine can include a healthy snack, light enough that it doesn’t interfere with sleep. Dental hygiene should also be part of your bedtime process because instilling good dental habits will have lifelong benefits. The bedtime routine should not include any stimulating activities like video games or screen time. In fact, these types of activities should be discontinued 30 to 60 minutes before you begin putting the child to bed.  
• It’s cozy. The room should be dark, quiet, and cool but not cold, the child should be dressed comfortably, and the noise level in the house should be low. If your child does not like the dark, use a night light or leave the hall light on and the bedroom door open. A security object like a doll, stuffed animal, or blanket can make a child feel secure, comfortable, and in control when falling asleep.  

When dads take over the bedtime routine, both they and their children benefit. Being a dad is a great experience, and sometimes men who didn’t think they’d want to play that role may find themselves regretting their decision to have a vasectomy. If you’re considering a vasectomy reversal, the Center for Vasectomy Reversal is here to help. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men who need a vasectomy reversal or have other concerns about their fertility. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

Father’s Day Guide for the New Father

Is your husband a new father? What an exciting time in a man’s life! Being a first–time parent is a wonderful experience, and the first Father’s Day is a major milestone. If you’re looking for a way to truly celebrate the new dad, we have some suggestions.  

• Plan a fun date night. What does he really like to do? Whether he’s a movie buff, a golfer, or someone who likes sports, you can easily find a way to create a date that incorporates some of his favorite activities and foods. It might be fun to recreate your first date or to do something you’ve never done before, like an escape room or laser tag.  
• Dress him like his mini-me. Whether he’s a sports nut or a music buff, it can be fun to choose matching outfits reflecting his interests for Dad and the baby.  
• Get him a book he can read to his child. Children benefit when parents read to them, and reading to a baby can be a fun task for a new father. Choose a book that you loved as a child, or a book about dads and kids, to give even more meaning to this special time together.  
• Create a memorable keepsake. If you have a little one already, it’s easy to find creative ways to make a father’s day gift from the child. Little kids’ handprints and footprints can be used artistically to make a gift he’ll treasure, and children a little bit older can answer questions to create a funny interview all about dad. Baby isn’t born yet? There are prints that can translate your baby’s heartbeat and the sound of your voice into sound waves, which can be made into interesting artwork, especially appealing if the new dad is into science.  
• Celebrate the person he is outside of fatherhood. Spoil him a little bit, with an Apple watch, a GoPro, or some other gift he’s been wanting but hasn’t allowed himself to get. A new camera might be a good idea, especially now that he’s got a little one to photograph.  
• Choose a gift that will make him laugh. A funny onesie for the baby or t-shirt for the dad can be a good gift for a dad with a sense of humor. You might also look for a humorous book, perhaps a book about fatherhood or a collection of dad jokes, to give him a chuckle.  
• Plan a treat that makes him feel like royalty. Let him sleep in and then bring him breakfast in bed. Cook his favorite meal. Do something just for him, to show him that you think he’s special. 
• Use photos to make a meaningful gift. Frame a photo, create a custom photo book, or make a slideshow or movie that shows the highlights of your pregnancy or adoption journey. If your child has already arrived, you could do the same thing with milestones your baby has already hit.  

At the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re committed to helping men pursue their dreams of fatherhood, even after a vasectomy. Under the direction of Dr. Joshua Green, our caring and skilled team provides state-of-the-art treatment for men, in Tampa and Orlando, who need reversal of their vasectomy or have other concerns about their fertility. Whether you’re ready to schedule a procedure or just have questions and want to learn more, you can contact us through our website, or call 941-894-6428 to arrange a free consultation.  

What to Expect in Your First Few Days with a New Baby 

If your little miracle is the result of a vasectomy reversal, then there’s a good chance you’ve been planning and preparing for your newborn for quite a few months. By now, you should already have plenty of supplies on hand, from diapers and rash cream to baby monitors and thermometers. If you do find yourself short on a few items, consider asking family or friends to make a run to the supermarket for you. You’ll want to spend your time getting to know your new baby. 

When you watch this video, you’ll hear about how important it is for fathers to share in the baby care responsibilities. You should also have reasonable expectations for bringing your new baby home. For example, you shouldn’t expect to sleep through the night for a while. Instead, focus on bonding with your baby. 

Here at the Center for Vasectomy Reversal, we’re proud of all of the little miracles we’ve helped to make possible. If you’ve been struggling with vasectomy-induced male infertility, call Dr. Joshua Green at (941) 894-6428 and request an appointment at our vasectomy reversal clinic in Sarasota. 

Becoming an Older Parent