Dad tip #8: Infomercials are a valid form of entertainment

You may find that a recurring phrase or theme of this site is "sleep deprivation". Babies have a way of disrupting your sleep and you may very well find yourself awake at odd hours. While you should always "sleep when the baby sleeps blah blah blah", it's sometimes hard to drop in and out of sleep in five to fifteen minute increments. Occasionally it's just better to stay awake.

There are many ways to entertain yourself while keeping an eye on the baby. Television is potentially one of the easier (and lazier) solutions. What is there to watch on the boob tube at 3:00 or 4:00 am?

In your youth, Skinemax might've been something you'd watch late at night, but it is most assuredly not the best choice now as a.) you don't want to scar baby with soft-core porn and b.) you're just too exhausted to care about it. However, oft-overlooked options that will be just the right level of stimulation for you in your condition are informercials.

Infomercials are great because they're almost always fascinating, they're chock full of unique characters, and they're programs that you can watch five or 50 minutes of and still get the same level of joy and understanding. Here are some of my favorites:

1. Total Gym starring Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley


2. Magic Bullet starring Mick and Mimi,


3. Cableflex starring Jackie Chan,


4. Miracle Blade starring Chef Tony,


5. P90X starring Tony Horton, and


6. Tater Mitts starring Tater Mitts

I'll admit that I have a predisposition to enjoy infomercials anyway (I even watched part of the Magic Bullet infomercial in Spanish on our honeymoon). But, they really are solid entertainment when you're delirious from having only slept a handful of minutes. And if exercise and cooking products aren't your bag, keep in mind that there are plenty of real estate, cleaning supply, music, and hair-related infomercials out there, too. (Hello, Flowbee and Hairigami!)

I'll just have it known that I'm not the only fan of infomercials in the world. Check out this dude who Simpsonized the cast of the Magic Bullet infomercial!