Class puts new dads through 'boot camp'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Diaper bags, strollers, bottles, even the right way to wash your hands. It is all part of Daddy Boot Camp.

“It is nice to be able to do that,” said new dad Rob de Mattos. “Help people out and pass along any advice to them.”

In this class, veteran dads teach rookies all about fatherhood.

Bryson Brennan was in the class when he and his wife were expecting their daughter. He sported his own “I make good babies” t-shirt.

“I made a good one here,” he said. “She loves her Daddy. Nothing really prepares you for it, but at least this way you hear what other people have to say so it’s not a complete shock.”

There are no dolls in this class. At Boot Camp, you get the real thing: Diapers included.

“I didn’t know they were going to have real babies in here,” said rookie dad Darrin Eaton.

Certified Instructor David Grelecki has been teaching Boot Camp for seven years. His classes are just some of the hundreds in 43 states and three different countries. Locally, they offer classes at Carolinas Medical Center - University, Pineville and Main.

“That’s the whole concept with boot camp for new dads. It’s mentoring,” he said. “Someone who has gone through that same experience is sharing what they’ve learned.”

Boot Camp is an open forum. Dads can ask whatever questions they want and they can get real hands-on experience.

“It is our belief that every child has the right to have a competent, involved dad from the first day,” said Grelecki.

And it’s not all about the little ones -- Moms will be glad to know they’re on the agenda.

“It helps me,” said Eaton. “I get to learn and experience some of the things she's going through.”

So dads can embrace what’s about to happen.

And if you find yourself in boot camp, remember no women are allowed ...well only if they're under six months.

For more on Daddy Boot Camp: www.bootcampfornewdads.org