dads

Baby

Diaper Bags That Are Cool Enough For Dad to Carry

When it comes to sharing parenting responsibilities, diaper duty doesn't (and shouldn't!) discriminate.

When it comes to sharing parenting responsibilities, diaper duty doesn't (and shouldn't!) discriminate. While there are limitless options when it comes to beautiful diaper bags for moms, if you want your baby's dad to share in some of the heavy lifting, consider a bag that he'll be comfortable toting around town. Here are eight options — from the rugged to the sleek to the simple — that'll work for mamas and papas alike.

parenting

A New Magazine For Dapper Dads: Would Your Partner Subscribe?

In the age of digital media, one Brooklyn-based magazine is making a bold debut as a print publication that's devoted completely to the topic of fatherhood.

In the age of digital media, one Brooklyn-based magazine is making a bold debut as a print publication that's devoted completely to the topic of fatherhood. Kindling Quarterly recently launched its first issue, which included features like an essay from the magazine's founder, David Michael Perez, on the role of fathers in American culture; interviews with successful and stylish dads; and a father-child fashion spread. According to the magazine's mission, "Kindling Quarterly playfully assesses and celebrates the multitude of experiences that form contemporary fatherhood." There's a definite focus on creative, artistic types, and Kindling runs more open-ended pieces than the how-tos and guides frequently found in parenting publications. Topics in the debut issue include a photo essay on artist-dad Dan Funderburgh, a piece on traveling through Istanbul with a 9-month-old, and an exploration of the parenting stereotypes found in the 1983 Michael Keaton flick, Mr. Mom.

Kindling will be published four times a year, but at $46 (plus $12 shipping), a one-year subscription doesn't come cheap. While we love the idea of equal-opportunity parenting publications, we have to ask — would your kids' dad be into reading a magazine that's devoted to the topic of fatherhood?

gift guide

Lil Gift Guide: Best Gifts For New Dads

Moms tend to have most of the fun when it comes to baby gifts, so get dad in on the action this season with a dad-friendly gift designed to please.

Moms tend to have most of the fun when it comes to baby gifts, so get dad in on the action this season with a dad-friendly gift designed to please. From one-handed bottle openers to daddy-and-me tees, from the latest tech toys to a manly diaper bag, these gifts will make his new-dad life easier, more stylish, and more fun!

parenting

Doesn't Dad Deserve a Work-Life Balance Too?

The dialogue about moms in the workplace is one that's constantly up for debate, igniting strong opinions from parents and employers alike.

The dialogue about moms in the workplace is one that's constantly up for debate, igniting strong opinions from parents and employers alike. But what about dads? The Harvard Business Review recently shared the results of a new series of studies on how men integrate work-life responsibilities from the Boston College Center for Work & Family, and the results suggest that the American workforce isn't where it needs to be in terms of gender equity.

Here's the gist of Boston College's findings:

  • The first study, "The New Dad: Exploring Fatherhood Within a Career Context," examined a group of new dads who were hoping to adjust their roles at work in the interest of becoming more involved and engaged parents.
  • "The New Dad: Caring, Committed and Conflicted" followed up on the first study and found that for a whopping 99 percent of the dads surveyed, employers' expectations either stayed the same or increased following the births of their children. While 65 percent of the dads surveyed think that parents should share parenting responsibilities, just 30 percent found that it actually worked that way.
  • The final round of research, "The New Dad: Right at Home," took a look at stay-at-home dads who embraced their role as the primary caregiver, allowing their wives to focus on their careers and accept travel assignments, late meetings, and long hours at the office. The results of this study found that dads being at home didn't necessarily accelerate moms' careers.

Our takeaway here? While gender roles at home are a lot more fluid than they were 50, 20, or even 10 years ago, the majority of employers don't seem to acknowledge the idea of a man's role in the office needing to change in the same way that a woman's does once kids enter the picture.

What was your experience? Did your husband's approach to his career change postbaby? Did his employer offer any sort of flexibility once he became a dad?

Father's Day

8 Great Father's Day Gifts For Sports-Fanatic Dads

No matter his sport of choice, we've rounded up Father's Day fun for the sports-loving dad in your kid's life.

No matter his sport of choice, we've rounded up Father's Day fun for the sports-loving dad in your kid's life. From the adventure of a lifetime at pro sports camp to memorabilia and fan gear to show his allegiance to the home team, check out some of our favorite finds for deserving dads.

Father's Day

Skip the Stores: This Father's Day, Give Dad the Day of His Dreams

The most valuable gift to many a dad isn't something materialistic, it's time spent with his family.

The most valuable gift to many a dad isn't something materialistic, it's time spent with his family. While coveted quality time is plenty to be thankful for on its own, we love the idea of surprising him with one of these Dad's Day experiences come June 17. What would the man in your life do if the choice were entirely up to him? That's for you to answer, but these nine ideas should get the wheels turning!

Poll

How Long Did It Take Your Man to Get His Postpartum Body Back?

David Beckham is one of the lucky ones!


David Beckham is one of the lucky ones! Just seven months after baby Harper's birth, the dad of four showed off (almost!) every inch of his toned and tattooed body in one of the steamiest ads to air during the Super Bowl. Wait . . . a postpartum dad showing off his body? Considering that the average dad-to-be adds 14 pounds to his frame during his wife's pregnancy, that's something to be commended! And while we usually talk about the lengths new moms go to lose the baby weight, only 30 percent of new dads say they actually diet with their partners to lose the sympathy weight, making the soccer superstar one of the few.

community

The Best Advice From Your Dads

Happy Father's Day! We already shared our dads' words of wisdom, but let's celebrate the day by looking at the father-daughter photos and fatherly advice our Facebook followers submitted.
Advice From Dads

Happy Father's Day! We already shared our dads' words of wisdom, but let's celebrate the day by looking at the father-daughter photos and fatherly advice our Facebook followers submitted. From fiscal responsibility to dating dos and don'ts, dads are always willing to offer their expertise, so we are sharing these helpful tidbits with you along with the sweet reader-submitted pics of pops.

Pregnancy

Did Your Partner Show Pregnancy Symptoms With You?

Just because mama's expecting, doesn't mean she's the only one experiencing mood swings and food cravings.

Just because mama's expecting, doesn't mean she's the only one experiencing mood swings and food cravings. Eighty percent of LilSugar readers said their partner gained weight right along with them during their pregnancy and now there's science behind the sympathy pounds.

According to a study by Pampers, 23 percent of men experience emotional and physical symptoms similar to those women feel during pregnancy. The most frequently mentioned feeling was mood swings, with unusual food cravings and nausea close behind.

Did your partner have a similar experience?

Holiday

Lil Gift Guide: Best Gifts For New Dads

Clockwise from top left: With a new baby at home, date night at the movies doesn't have to be a thing of the past.
Sure mom and the new baby are getting most of the attention, but dad deserves some recognition too. During the holidays, show him you appreciate his efforts with one of these great gifts!

Clockwise from top left: With a new baby at home, date night at the movies doesn't have to be a thing of the past. Apple TV ($100) streams Netflix, iTunes, iPhoto, and more right to your living room TV, making the sofa the best new spot for Saturday nights. Just because dad is traveling for work, doesn't mean he can't read a good night story. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C910 ($70) brings high-quality video chatting to the big screen TV with minimal distortions. Mom isn't the only one who can bond with baby. The Kokopax back carrier ($150) allows pops to carry the lil one out and about! Add some humor to baby care lessons with the Goodfather CD-ROM ($35), an educational video that teaches baby care via mobster lingo and music. The new addition's toys may be adding some wild colors to the home, but this Vintage Radio ($100) takes everything back a notch with its retro feel.