cover image Rookie Dad: Fun and Easy Exercises and Games for Dads and Babies in Their First Year

Rookie Dad: Fun and Easy Exercises and Games for Dads and Babies in Their First Year

Susan Fox. Pocket Books, $15 (272pp) ISBN 978-0-7434-1034-2

But dads needn't despair. In Rookie Dad: Fun and Easy Exercises and Games for Dads and Babies in Their First Year, Susan Fox, a pediatric therapist, coaches newcomers on the joys and trails of fatherhood. Deploying sports jargon throughout (chapters include ""The Pregame Show"" and ""The Handoff: When Mom Leaves You Alone With the Baby""), Fox encourages enthusiastic and reluctant dads alike to participate actively in their baby's fast-paced development. Games like ""Stunt Pilot,"" ""Tug-of-War,"" ""Peekaboo-Playoffs"" and ""Air Races"" are just the beginning, and moms will be reassured by Fox's emphasis on safety (always support that head!). Old-fashioned advice on feeding, changing, burping and sleep will also be welcome. ( May)