This is perhaps the worst kind of father to be. In addition to not helping to raise his baby, this type of dad doesn't want any parental involvement. Whether or not he is married to his baby's mother, she is likely to have sole responsibility for raising their child. If they don't all live together, then he may never see his baby at all.

For the hands-off dad, there will be no diaper changes, no sleepless nights, and he will likely never get spit up on. He won't ever take care of his baby when she's sick, won't go to doctor's visits, and won't know whether or not his baby is sleeping through the night. He also most likely won't have a family for very long.

Some men become hands-off dads by simply trying to delay fatherhood for a while — even after the baby is born. The man who does this may want to be a big part of his child's life, but not until she is more grown up. He figures there will be plenty of time to bond later, when his kid can play a game of catch, compete in sports, or need help with her homework. This dad doesn't want anything to do with any of the baby stuff. But then he is surprised when the baby grows up and doesn't want to have much to do with him, either.

The worst kind of hands-off dad is the selfish one. In addition to not helping at home or taking care of the baby, he still will want all of his own needs met. He may expect his partner to take care of their baby and their home, cook his dinner, clean his clothes, and do all of the shopping, even if she works outside the home too.

Luckily, if you are taking the time and effort to read this, chances are very good that you won't become such a selfish parent. Making the effort to learn what it takes to be a father is a good sign that you want to be involved in your child's life. Be sure you continue to do whatever it takes to avoid being a dad like this.