Government advises dads to gaze into their baby's eyes

Is the government guilty of teaching fathers to suck eggs? That's the criticism leveled at a new government advice pamphlet for 'maternity professionals' which highlights areas that new fathers need help in.

Among the recommendations it gives are that fathers should strip off their shirts before holding their babies to aid bonding, and the possibility of giving first-time fathers gift vouchers if they attend antenatal classes. Other ideas include enjoying a 'gaze with a baby for short periods' and the idea that the key to good parenting is ' practise - 45 minutes a day is sufficient to reach high skill levels with a baby.'

Prof Frank Furedi, of Kent University who last week hosted a conference into the Policing of Parenting said: 'It is treating men as complete morons who can't work out for themselves how to wash their child's ears.'

The minister for public health, Caroline Flint, said; 'We want the father to be part of the experience. We find him invaluable.'

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