Many expectant fathers or new dads have a hard go of having special time with the baby. Since new mothers spend so much time with the baby, the expectant father may have little time to spend with the baby and therefore bonding does not take place. Bonding with the new dad is a major ordeal considering so many expectant fathers go through just as much anxiety as new mothers.
For new dad, advice on how to spend time with baby can be easy. Expectant father or new dads should make time to take part in bonding experiences the same as the new mother does. Take turns giving the baby a bath, and sing or talk to the baby while the bathing takes place. This will help the baby to bond to dad, and also makes dad more comfortable with the baby. Taking turns feeding baby with a bottle will also help new dads to bond with the baby. Although dads tend to spend less time with new babies, the short amount of time it takes to change a diaper can be a bonding experience.
When changing baby’s diaper, talk to baby or give the baby a toy he or she enjoys. This will let the baby know that you are thinking of his or her likes and dislikes, and if you are constantly talking to the baby while changing the diaper, there is less of a chance of baby becoming fussy. When you talk to baby during the changing, the baby gets used to the sound of your voice, and therefore dads are more easily recognized by voice alone.
If men need dad advice, who better to go to than your own dad? Dad advice can be given from other dads of newborns, as these are men who are also learning how to bond with their babies. Spending time with your baby in ‘tummy time’ is one of the best bonding experiences. Tummy time is a chance for dad to lay down on the floor or bed and hold baby against his tummy. This lets baby feel close and safe with dad, and also helps the baby to be comfortable. Playing with a favorite toy or simply singing or talking to baby during tummy time will help with the bonding experience.
Every day about the same time, take 10 minutes to just pick the baby up and talk to him or her. Even if you don’t think he or she can understand you, they get used to hearing the sound of your voice. This alone helps them to be able to recognize you and will help with the bonding experience. When singing or talking to baby, use a calm and soft tone of voice so as not to make baby upset or scared. Playing games with baby like patty cake helps baby with recognition of your voice and also helps with coordination. Little things are what mean the most to new babies, and the more time you spend with them the better.
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