The moment a dad first sees his baby, cannot be simply put into words. Some cry then deny the fact afterwards. Some are left speechless while others are left gaping. It's a beautiful moment but once they get home the dad tends to get left out. Between breastfeeding and diaper changes and baths, mothers can subconsciously keep the dads out of the picture.
Here are a few tips to help dad bond with the baby.
- Become the Burper-in-chief
Dads may not have boobs so they can't breastfeed, which is a major bonding moment, but they can burp the babies. They will get a lot of bonding time because babies feed a lot thus need a lot of
walking around and soothing to get the burp out. The baby will begin to associate the dad with the comfort that comes with burping.
- Become Top Chef and Feeder
Once the baby begins to
wean, at around 6 months, the dad can take charge of
feeding. They can also prepare the meals to get them more involved in the
kitchen. Before that time comes, you can also take charge of the bottle during night-time feeds to allow mama to get some extra hours of sleep.
- Crown Him Diaper King
Diaper-change can be a good time to bond with baby as the dad and baby will make lots of eye contact. The dad can be in charge of diaper changes as well as stocking diapers. Nowadays, with Pampers pants, ease of change has never been easier! With
Pampers pants you just pull to put on and very easily tear to remove. This will make him find out how changing the baby is in the easiest of ways while immersing into the baby's world even more. He can also get to experience first-hand, getting pee in his mouth. ?
- Go Shirtless
Part of the reason mothers and babies bond most during breastfeeding is due to skin to skin contact. Fathers can get close by going shirtless which will recreate the same bonding effect. It also allows baby to get familiar with your scent and your heartbeat becomes a soothing beat for the little one.
- Become Primary Bather.
Bath time is one of the best ways for bonding opportunities because it accounts for so much more than actual bathing. Singing and talking to your baby during bath time makes the baby associate calmness with the father's voice. It will also give mum a chance to relax especially if she has just given birth. Fathers can be the primary bather and if they're hesitant at first, mum can easily guide him through.
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