How to Get Dad Involved With Baby Care

When imagining the quintessential perfect moment between parent and baby, chances are that it's a mom you're imagining rocking her baby to sleep. But while it's true that mothers are often the main caregivers for babies, dads don't have to be completely left out of the care process. Inviting dad to help out, asking for his opinion and keeping him in the loop helps him become more involved -- and helps mom maintain her sanity.

Instructions

    • 1

      Get your partner involved during the pregnancy, suggests the N.C. Healthy Start Foundation. Invite him to come to your doctor appointments, consult him about birthing options and make sure he's a full participant in your prenatal care. That way, when your baby is born, he already feels a sense of responsibility and care toward your baby.

    • 2

      Communicate with your partner about the care-giving responsibilities in which you'd like him to participate. In the study "Maternal Gatekeeping, Coparenting Quality, and Fathering Behavior in Families with Infants," published in the June 2008 Journal of Family Psychology, researchers a mother's attitude toward the father was the greatest predictor in father involvement. If you try and take over all of the responsibility, it may affect the bonding and involvement your child's father has with his baby. Instead, let him know that he's welcome and encouraged to take part, and gladly accept help when he offers.

    • 3

      Set aside time where baby and father can interact daily without interruption. Whether it's unwinding after a day of work or an hour in the evening where you can take a bath or read a book, a father can become more involved when he spends quality time with his baby. Encourage him to read books, sing songs and play simple games with your baby -- play and attention is an important part of care.

    • 4

      Ask for your partner's input in your child's care, suggests the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley. Whether you're deciding when to feed solids or if you should switch to cloth diapers, involving your partner in the decision can make him feel more like an active participant rather than a bystander. It also sends a clear message that you want to be partners in the raising of your baby.

    • 5

      Build your partner's confidence by giving kudos when he helps and is involved. If he jumps up to change a dirty diaper, make sure he knows you're grateful by saying "Thanks for taking care of that -- it makes me glad to know you have it covered. You're a great dad." As he receives more positive reinforcement, his confidence grows, and he may be more likely to help out in the future.

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