Infants don’t come with instructions.

There’s no manual that let’s you know when they are hungry, what to do when they cry or how to soothe them.

Lucky for new and expectant dads and grandpas, there’s a free class “Conscious Fathering” being offered in Lawrence.

It will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, in the Doud Room on the first floor of the United Way Building, 2518 Ridge Court.

The research, evidence-based course will provide hands-on experience with “lifelike” babies, said Jenn Preston, program supervisor for Healthy Families with the Kansas Children’s Service League.

The class is designed to help men be better prepared to meet the challenges of new fatherhood and to parent in partnership with mom. However, it is open to any male caregiver of an infant under age 1.

The course will be taught by Rich Minder, collaborative projects coordinator of the Success By 6 Coalition, and Erin Emert, of Douglas County’s Healthy Families.

Refreshments will be provided along with free materials and a gift. To register for the class, call Preston at 785-506-3105 or e-mail jpreston@kcsl.org.