Previous generations of fathers worked tirelessly to provide for their families but played a negligible role when it came to baby care. Today's more involved dad faces a unique challenge: He needs to work just as hard as his predecessor but at the same time is expected to help take care of the adorable creature who has just entered the family fold.

Maintaining progress in one's life and career while being a modern dad can be tricky, but, with a little planning and a lot of effort, it can be done. Here are 7 tips to help you make time for Baby without losing momentum in other areas.

Many fathers mistakenly think they need to spend long periods with their babies to forge a bond. This couldn't be more false. Even brief interactions serve as building blocks in your relationship. Five minutes of singing, three minutes of making funny faces and even 30 seconds of just staring into the baby's eyes makes a difference. And there's no reason you can't integrate the baby into your normal routine. If you don't want to give up reading the stock quotes in the morning paper, why not read them to your newborn?

"Infants couldn't care less whether you're reading an exciting novel or the yellow pages," says Armin Brott, author of The New Father: A Dad's Guide to the First Year (Abbeville Press, 1997). "They just like hearing your voice." Instead of poring over the financial section while downing your bowl of cereal, make up a funny poem about the baby instead. Your stocks won't change over breakfast, but you might miss an unforgettable smile.

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