How to Help Dad Bond with a Newborn

As mom to a newborn, you likely have ample opportunity to bond with your little one, especially if you are breastfeeding and will be the primary caretaker in your home. If dad is working outside the home, chances are his time to bond with your newborn is limited, which can leave him feeling left out and create a void in your baby's life. Your newborn needs to bond and feel connected to both of his parents. Help your partner develop that bond by encouraging alone time and allowing him to help with the baby whenever possible.

Instructions

    • 1

      Give dad some breathing room with the baby. It is natural to hover and be extremely protective over the baby you carried and gave birth to, but dad needs a chance to develop his own bond with your newborn. Let your partner figure out how to soothe your baby on his own. This allows dad to start to develop his own soothing rituals that are unique to the two of them, such as singing a favorite tune or doing a funny dance -- routines that will only strengthen their bond.

    • 2

      Surprise dad with his own dad-approved baby gear. Don't hand him your flower-covered baby sling -- get him his own. You can find more "manly" versions of all types of baby-wearing products, including baby slings and woven wraps, encouraging him to "wear" the baby proudly and securely, close to his chest. Get him his own dad-friendly, stylish diaper bag that he'll be happy to carry around and will easily fit the items needed to change the baby whenever you are away from home.

    • 3

      Find ways to have dad help with feeding. If you are breastfeeding exclusively, dad really can't bond with your newborn in that way, but he can be the one to bring the baby to you and he can burp and comfort the baby afterward. If you are pumping your breast milk or using formula, dad can easily share in the responsibilities of feeding the baby with a bottle.

    • 4

      Have dad spend time holding the baby close to his face so the little one can familiarize himself with dad's features and scent. Have him speak to the baby in his normal voice so the baby learn his voice. It also gives dad a chance to study the baby's features, look for himself in the baby and learn his facial expressions -- another way to bring the two closer.

    • 5

      Let dad soothe the baby to sleep when he cries in the middle of the night. If you need to breastfeed, give dad the baby as soon as you are finished so he can soothe your newborn back to sleep. Rocking the baby gently against his chest is comforting to your little one and dad can't help but feel close to him when he feels the baby's heart beating against his own.

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