As it is mothers who give birth to babies and who feed them, they tend to bond with their babies in the first few hours after the baby is born. When it comes to fathers, the situation is a bit different. Mothers connect with their babies in the first hours of their birth by being together in a hospital and breastfeeding. Fathers, on the other hand, don’t have this opportunity. Therefore, fathers can start connecting with their babies when their precious ones come home from the hospital. And that needs to be a conscious effort on the fathers’ side. As this can seem hard and challenging at times, we’ve put together a list of parenting tips for dads – here are the 5 best ways to bond with your newborn.
First of all, for dads to connect with their babies, they need to engage in interaction as early as possible. They can create and deepen their bond with some skin-to-skin contact. Another way dads can bond with their newborns is by changing and bathing the baby. Also, babies love it when their parents sing and read to them. You can also find some ways to play or just hang out with your baby. Even though a lot of things depend on moms, there are quite a few things dads can do – if they have a will.
Engage in interaction as early as possible
Early interaction is crucial to developing an intimate bond with your newborn. It would be great to be present in the first few hours of the baby’s birth, if possible. This practice differs from country to country. If you are allowed to be there in the hospital with your wife, use the chance to get close to your baby. Some studies have shown that fathers who are close to their babies in the first few hours of their life, making eye contact, tend to spend more time with their children than fathers who don’t do this.
Have skin-to-skin contact
Moms often breastfeed, so they have natural skin-to-skin contact with their babies. Dads, on the other hand, don’t, so they have to come up with other ways to enable tier babies to feel their skin. Skin-to-skin contact is beneficial for numerous reasons, not only for bonding. Some of these reasons include reducing stress, regulating temperature, stabilizing blood sugar, comfort, security and releasing the love hormone. Hence, it is advisable for fathers to interact through skin-to-skin contact with their babies as soon as it makes sense. Fathers are usually shirtless and their babies are either naked or wearing a diaper, lying on their chests. Nothing beats the smell and touch of a newborn – especially;y a newborn that you’ve created.
Change and bathe your baby
Changing and bathing your baby are also essential aspects of getting to know your baby. These are some activities that you can participate in. Learn together with your wife how to change your newborn properly. And then help out by changing your baby when necessary and giving some time off to your wife. It’s not hard – you need to take off the dirty diaper, wipe and clean your baby, put on a new diaper and dress your baby in fresh baby knitwear or clothes. The baby clothes should be appropriate for the season as well as the temperature; they shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. As for bathing, this can be a family-bonding activity, you can do it together with your partner.
Sing and read to your baby
Besides the things we previously mentioned, there are some fun things you can do with your baby as well. For instance, you can take your baby to your master bedroom and try putting it to sleep. You can sing to your baby or read to your baby. In that way, your baby will learn to recognize your voice. Over time, these can become soothing activities that will put your baby to sleep. There are plenty of lullabies you can sing and a myriad of stories to choose from.
Play with your baby
Even though your newborn is quite young for any kind of serious play, there are still ways you can have fun. You can talk funny to your baby, laugh with it, make funny faces or simply hang out with your newborn. When your baby is old enough, you can take a walk together – you can carry your baby in a kangaroo baby carrier. Just spend some time with your baby – ideas for play will come naturally.
Fathers can become as close as mothers to their babies. They just need to want it and make an effort. Hopefullly, these practical tips will help you bond with your newborn quickly.