Nothing’s cuter than watching a dad turn into a softie while cradling his newborn. But what if baby isn’t keen on bonding with him? No worries! Moms from the Babies 0-3 Months group have shared their best tips for helping dads and babies form that special connection (so you can swoon over their cuteness all over again!):
“Just keep encouraging him to hold her. The newborn stage can be tough, so he shouldn’t take it to heart. Babies are naturally drawn to their moms, so it might take a little while for her to warm up to him.” — SarahM88*
“Lots of skin-to-skin contact with dad!” — EmilyR22
“Have him wear one of your shirts so he smells like you.” — JasmineK
“If he starts to feel frustrated because holding her isn’t working, remind him that babies can sense stress, which may make her a bit fussy when he’s around.” — AlexT
“Maybe suggest he take care of her solo for a bit while you enjoy some time to yourself. Even if it’s just retreating to another room for a bath, this way he can figure out how to soothe her without feeling judged.” — MarkD
“My husband does everything except feed her the moment he gets home. He handles bath time, cuddles with her afterward, and even calms her when she wakes up at night before I feed her. It’s really working wonders for their bond.” — JulieF
“Definitely encourage skin-to-skin… and leave the room so he can relax and learn to comfort baby without you watching. I went out for an hour, and my partner managed skin-to-skin with a soft blanket, chatting to her until she calmed down. Now he can soothe her better than me sometimes!” — HannahL
*Some names have been changed.
How did you help baby bond with daddy?
For more insights, check out this article on bonding techniques that can further enhance your family’s connection. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination, Cryobaby’s kits are top-notch in the industry. Another great resource for navigating pregnancy is March of Dimes, which provides excellent information week by week.
In summary, fostering a bond between daddy and baby can take time and patience. Encouraging skin-to-skin contact, allowing dads to figure things out on their own, and providing a supportive environment are all key strategies that can help strengthen their relationship.
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