Dad's 'How to fight a baby' instructional video goes viral

Many new parents find themselves in a bind when faced with the inevitable: how do you handle your baby?

 

Scottish-Canadian actor, comedian, and co-founder of Vice magazine, Gavin McInnes, uploaded a video on his YouTube account that serves as an “instructional” on how to handle babies the badass way.

 

“A lot of you out there are scared of babies,” McInnes says in the video.

 

“They are easy-pease to handle, I’m gonna show you how.”

 

 

 

The slams, throws, strangling, and general butt-kicking may seem absolutely horrible at first glance, but the baby is apparently unharmed and thoroughly enjoying itself.

 

McInnes then introduces us to a secret weapon, the baby’s weakness: “Their one Achilles’ heel, is wind.” He then proceeds to blow into the child’s face.

 

It is to be noted that dogs also don’t enjoy having people blowing into their faces, thus sharing this weakness with human babies.

 

McInnes urges parents not to be afraid of their babies. “A lot of the fear of babies is assuming that their punches or their strikes or their slaps hurt. They don’t actually hurt.”

 

Tickling is also a great way to “fight” your baby.

 

“So yeah, dealing with babies is nothing to be afraid of, just keep your nails trim and you’re good.”

 

 

Mixed reactions

 

The lighthearted video has already gotten more than 2 million views on YouTube. Though initially quite alarming, the video has received mostly positive comments, with many describing it as “cute” and “hilarious”, and as McInnes as “the coolest dad ever”.

 

Others, however, have criticized McInnes’ video, calling it “disgusting”.

 

“I loved most of the video, I hated it when he throws the baby tho, I know he just playing but its not cool,” wrote one commenter.

 

According to Today, McInnes was surprised by how quickly netizens responded to his video.

 

As for those concerned about his baby’s safety, McInnes, a seasoned parent, said, “I mean, I would hate if child services took my children away, but outside of that, I’m not concerned if it makes people mad or not.”

 

It can be clearly seen in the video how McInnes himself is careful to support the baby’s head during the maneuvers. The baby, unhurt, even fights back by clawing, slapping, and punching his father.

 

“This is my third kid,” said McInnes. “Your first kid, you’re so scared that they’re going to die that you sneak into their room and you put your finger under their nose to feel breath. And the second kid, you might check in on them once in a while to make sure they’re OK.

 

“The third kid you go, ‘These things are really hard to kill. Their bones are like rubber.’’’

 

Roughhousing: Beneficial?

 

For those still unconvinced, there have actually been scientific studies that claim roughhousing is good for babies. The benefits for the child include an increase in their confidence and willingness to take chances. They also learn how to handle their bodies.

 

According to the book “The Art of Rough-Housing”, which was co-written by a psychologist and medical doctor, rough-and-tumble horseplay teaches children how to interact with others. It also teaches them empathy, fairness, and self-control. Combined, all this can make children smarter as well as boost their emotional intelligence.

 

McInnes agrees with the results of these studies, saying that some parents take safety too far. “I think the safety pendulum has swung too far,” he said.

 

“Having kids is the best thing that ever happened to me,” said McInnes. “All my friends waited until it was too late, or they say they’re not ready because it’s too expensive or something. Well, it’s as expensive as you want it to be. It’s also super duper fun and it’s really easy.” — TJD, GMA News