A father doesn’t get the natural bond with a newborn baby that a mother already has at birth.  This isn’t saying a strong bond between father and child cannot be developed.  It’s a very enjoyable process that is worth every minute.  While you may not be natural at it, (especially if this is your first child) a man can learn to become a great parent as easily as a woman becomes a mother.  Many mothers develop parenting skills along the way just like we do.  Of course, it may take some work to learn how to be gentle, playful, and recognizing an infants needs.  Here are Ways For Dad to Bond With Baby:

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 is not only for females.  If you are employed by a company with over 50 employees law says that you are allowed to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for family reasons.

A new father has to put in his time.  Changing baby’s diapers, giving baths, and reading stories are all basic needs of a baby that work to develop a strong bond between a father and child.  Looking into your baby’s eyes while you feed, change, or bath him/her is almost a necessity.  Babies are very touch oriented so the simple act of skin to skin contact is also important.  Take off your shirt while feeding or holding your baby and look into her eyes while you talk or read to her.

The amount of time a child takes can seem overwhelming.  Even spending 3 or 4 hours per day with your baby can make all the difference in the world.  Scheduling and time management can become very important to make sure your baby and family get time with you that they want and deserve.  It may be necessary to diminish time spent on recreational activities or leisure time.  While time spent sleeping with your baby is fun it doesn’t really count as bonding time.  Set aside time each day devoted completely to your child.  You and baby will both come to cherish these father and child times.

Below is a list of easy activities that will build a bond between you and your child.

• Feed him a bottle
• Change his diapers
• Give him a sponge bath (or later, a tub bath)
• Get him dressed
• Rock him to sleep (or just to calm him)
• Take him on walks
• Take him to the doctor
• Sing lullabies and songs to him
• Read to him
• Play with him

Ways For Dad to Bond With Baby