It's completely natural for it to take weeks or even months to develop an emotional bond with your baby. If you're one of those parents, then don't worry. Your bond with your baby will come with time. And there are a few easy ways to strengthen this special father-child relationship from day one. Here are 6 simple dad-baby bonding activities to try. As a new dad, you can help your baby to be the calmest baby on the block.
That will lead to a budding relationship between father and baby, and give Mom a well-needed break. Bonus: Dads tend to be amazing baby-calmers! We know that skin-to-skin contact is a helpful bonding tool between Mom and baby, as it prompts the body to release hormones that relieve stress. Make silly faces, play peek-a-boo, or sing songs for baby. Set aside regular time for this so that as baby grows, this special time becomes a part of your daily routine. Keep it moving. Carry your baby in a sling or front carrier on walks or as you go about your daily routine.
Help with baby care. You can soothe, bathe, change, dress, and burp your baby. You can also sit and keep mom company during feedings. This helps you bond with baby and supports your partner. While most newborns don't require frequent bathing, having dad take a bath in body temperature water with the baby on their chest is a wonderful way to relax and bond.
The baby feels secure and comforted and the father can enjoy a relaxing bath while focusing on enjoying time with their newborn. Remember, safety first! Always have another adult available to hand the baby off to when entering and exiting the tub. Babies are slippery when wet. While the United States is hardly known for its generous leave for parents after the birth of a baby, both mothers and fathers are entitled to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off in the first year after the birth or adoption of a child according to the Family and Medical Leave Act and still have job protection.
Fathers can plan to utilize this benefit and even consider using some of this leave when and if the mother returns to work, taking the opportunity to be the primary parent for a period of time. Planning ahead for this leave both from a financial and workload standpoint would be helpful.
Fathers can make time everyday to read to their baby. Certainly, when very young, the baby is not understanding the words, but nevertheless, newborns and young infants are fascinated with the sound of human voices and are very comforted by being held close and listening to the voice of their father, safe and familiar.
In the beginning, it is not even important what is being read, just that time is set aside to do so. Read your favorite novel, magazine or newspaper if you like! As the baby gets a bit older, you can start reading more age appropriate books with pictures that are attractive to infants. Babywearing offers a great opportunity for fathers and babies even newborns to connect and bond. Most babies love to be worn, and when a father does so safely it is a chance to further strengthen the bond between a father and his child.
Additionally, wearing a baby makes it easy to be out in public or doing tasks and chores around the home, or even working, depending on what type of job the father may have. There are many types of carriers on the market and families should always make sure they are using a carrier safely and responsibly, and that it fits both father and baby well. Fathers can find ways to get their much needed exercise in while also spending time with their baby.
While it is essential for mothers and their babies to develop a deep connection, it's also important for fathers to spend quality time bonding with their babies. An increasing amount of research suggests a strong correlation between early father-infant bonds and the happiness of the entire family.
A growing body of research has shown that when dads spend time with their newborns and begin developing a strong relationship with them from the very beginning, they reap a number of benefits. When both of these bonds are fostered from day one, parents and kids alike enjoy a lifetime of benefits.
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