Tips for Helping Dad Bond with Baby
It appears a lot of new parenting advice out there is for moms only. What about the dads? Dads can help just as much as moms do, you just need to give them a chance. In honor of giving dads more credit and helping them bond more with babies, check out these tips for helping dad bond with baby. This post about helping dad bond with baby is sponsored.
Let dad take over baby duties
Most dads want to be involved just as much as moms, give them that chance. Split the parenting duties down the middle from the start. The more involved dad feels in the beginning, the better. Let him take over duties like changing the diapers, rocking baby to sleep, and even baby wearing.
Communicate with dad more
When dad knows what you need it’s easier for him to get involved. Give him specifics when you need help. This was something that took me a long time to grasp, and it’s one thing I’d go back and change if I could. He may not know what the baby needs, but you can kindly tell him. By communicating with your significant other more, you’re helping him have a chance at bonding with his baby more.
Let dad take over feedings
Whether you’re nursing, supplementing, or full-fledged bottle feeding, dad can help! Allow him to take over bottle feedings. Together, you both can learn how to hold the bottle, how to warm it up, and how to feed baby. The more feedings dad can get involved in, the better. It gives mom a chance to recover from birth. Not to mention, mom and dad both can take over feedings at night, so both parents get some rest. The first night my husband did a bottle feed and I slept for four straight hours, I felt like a new woman. I never minded doing feedings, especially since I was nursing for the most part, but even that one ‘break’ and little bit of extra sleep helped me feel so much more rested and refreshed!
Make the most of feeding time
Dad can bond with baby by making the most of feeding times. Turn on some music and snuggle right up to that baby. Let dad take care of this part as often as he wants. Dads and babies can bond they just need to spend time together. Feeding time is the best time to bond with that baby of yours.
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What tips do you have for helping dad bond with baby?
reesa says
This is really awesome advice. I know my husband had a hard time bonding with our babies and it took him a few years to really get into the whole parenting thing.
Rachel Everheart says
Wonderful tips to make sure Dad feels that bond developing! And for giving Mom that break. Talk about your win/win!
gingermommyrants says
It is so important for Dads to feel bonded to their new bundle of joy. Helping out as much as possible is a great way to help Mom relax and Dad to bond with Baby.
Keikilani says
Love this post on dads! My husband took an active role in our infants lives. They truly bonded with him during skin to skin time.
Claudia Krusch says
Bath time can be a great time to bond. These are fantastic tips for new Dads.
Elizabeth Lampman says
These are great ways for Dads to bond with their new baby. My Husband was a huge help with feedings and diaper changes.
Ann Bacciaglia says
It is so important for Dads to be given the time to bond with baby. Skin to skin contact at feeding time can really help for that bond.
Randa says
These are great tips. Moms often know so much of this already and then forget to include the dads in it. Or we want it done our way and forget that their way is valid too.
Liz Mays says
I think these are great ideas. I definitely think sharing feeding responsibilities is helpful. Little times like that are great for bonding.
Diana Rambles says
These are excellent tips. Skin to skin time is so important!
TColeman says
With all of the hype about baby and mom, it can be hard to focus on what dad needs too. Time with baby to form that bond is so important.
Robin Rue says
I love all of these ideas. It is so important to have baby bond with dad!
Sherry says
My husband was a great help after our son was born. He would take care of him from the time he got home from work until we went to bed. I would do the middle of the night feedings and while he was at work.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
These are great ideas. Moms naturally do most of the things that are associated with bonding, so we have to remember to allow our husbands to do it, too.
Jeanette says
These are all wonderful ideas of how to have a dad bond with the baby. I was pretty lucky my husband bonded with him pretty quick. To this day they are very very close.
Krystal says
This is so important for a new parent. Dads certainly gotta bond with baby too. Very helpful!
Jacqui says
You are spot on with all these recommendations. I think the hardest part is that us moms get nervous, especially with our first kids, so letting dad take over is daunting. Just walk out of the room (or door, even), and all the things on this list become much easier. for mom AND dad.
Victoria Heckstall says
Awesome tips! i should show this to mys sister since she is having a problem with it! Very nice discussion!
michele d says
I am pretty lucky. My husband did many of these suggestions without hesitation. It’s so important for dads to bond.
E H says
This is great advice for Dads! In our family our Daddy is always in charge of bathing time – that’s when I do my cleaning and get a break. It is so important for Dads to take part in baby early development – and it helps us, Mommies, to take a few minute break.
Eloise says
yep! I agree with you… feedings and taking over the baby duties every once and a while helps form a strong bond between the two! (which is very important : )
HilLesha says
These are wonderful tips! My husband didn’t have any trouble bonding with our daughter, which helped give me a breather every now and then. Especially like Jennifer said, it’s usually the moms that do most of the bonding!
uprunforlife says
These tips are spot on. I always breastfed my kids so dad had to figure out other ways to bond with them. I miss my babies being little. 🙁
My Teen Guide says
great tips! this is something that you and your partner should discuss about, especialy if you are just a new parent! it is really helpful
Mary Edwards says
My husband did all of these except the baby wearing. We couldn’t find a carrier that worked for us. But I think we did a pretty good job taking turns and both bonding well with our kiddos. Thanks for the tips!
Dawn Gibson-Thigpen says
i love this post. i think all men and women should read this. it is so important for the dads to bond with the babies as well.
Stephanie Jeannot says
This is such a sweet and thoughtful post. I think time together with the baby is the most important thing for the father to have so that dad and baby can adjust to each other and get used to each other.
Karissa @WithOurBest (@withourbest) says
I really like these. Have you seen the dad and baby dance classes? They are on social media sometimes… so fun!
Jennifer says
These are all such great tips. It’s easy to forget that dads need special time to. Moms generally fall into doing the most bonding type activities, so it’s important to take the time for dads as well.