Even in today's modern world of dual parenting, many dads are scared into incompetence by the selfless demands of their new role and the ease with which their partners seem to slip into the job of ultra-efficient, super-productive mom. But take heart: Just as when you first learned to ride a bike, execute a lay-up or solve polynomials, the best way to get over your intimidation is by facing it head-on.

"Becoming a father presents each of us a unique opportunity to show what we're made of," says Greg Bishop, head coach for California-based Boot Camp for New Dads. Here are some specific ways to get involved during those first months, when it often seems Mom and Baby are both trying to figure out who the lost-looking guy in the bathrobe is.

The role dads embrace as naturally as breathing – let's face it – is court jester. Since the instinct for pratfalls and constant jokes seems to be part of the dad wiring, you might as well start warming up early with funny faces, silly sounds and goofy games, all of which babies adore.

While initially you may question the value of sticking out your tongue or making silly expressions, there won't be a stopwatch on the planet able to time how fast you repeat that gesture when you receive a tiny grin in response. Think of it this way – if you were to buzz your lips at your boss, it probably wouldn't be met with a positive response. But doing so to your baby will make him think you invented comedy.

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