South Phoenix Healthy Start recognizes the important role of the father in parenting. We also are aware of the difficulties you have to deal with on a day to day basis being a father. We have dedicated this page for all the men who take pride in their children and themselves as fathers.

Tips For Fathers

If you haven't spent a lot of time around newborns, their fragility may be intimidating. Here are a few basics to remember:

• Be careful to support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby and support the head when carrying him upright or when you lay him down.
• Be careful not to shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking that is vigorous can cause bleeding in the brain and even death. If you need to wake your infant, don't shake him - instead, tickle his feet or blow gently on his cheek.
• Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller or car seat. Limit car rides and any other activity that would be too rough or bouncy. A newborn is not ready for rough play, such as being jiggled on the knee or thrown in the air.
  
  (Information from www.kidshealth.org)

Ask Dad

Being a father is not an easy job, but there are lots of guys out there who have been through similar circumstances and are willing to share their experiences with you.

If you have any questions ASK DAD or South Phoenix Healthy Start.

Contact us for more information about Healthy Start services!