Moms and Dads
7 Ways Dads Can Bond with Their Babies
For dads who feel left out or overwhelmed, here are different ways you can bond with your baby!
Because paternity leaves are a lot shorter compared to maternity leaves here in the Philippines, a lot of dads tend to feel purposeless or left out when it comes to spending quality time with their babies. This is especially true for babies who breastfeed and automatically get bonding time with their moms. But dads can still cultivate that attachment with their little one! We’ve listed different ways dads can bond with their babies. These are mostly mundane tasks that can be redefined as a time for connection.
Ways Dads Can Form a Bond with Their Babies
1. Alone Time
Having one-on-one time with your little one is crucial. It allows you to think on your feet and become more confident in interacting with your baby. This way, you’re also able to get to know each other. You can discover your own unique methods of soothing your baby and making him or her feel secure.
2. Skin-to-Skin
As soon as a baby is born, it’s encouraged to have them immediately have skin-to-skin contact with their mothers. Not only does this strengthen their bond, but it also encourages successful breastfeeding. Moreover, skin-to-skin contact calms and relaxes a baby, regulates their heart rate and breathing, and stimulates digestion. Dads can try having skin-to-skin time, especially in the morning when they bring their baby out for some sun!
3. Babywearing
Babywearing is often reserved for walking. But you can do this around the house, too! It lets you keep them close and involve them in simple tasks and chores. There are even benefits to this. Studies show that babywearing helps boost cognitive and social development. Moreover, it can help stabilize their heart rate and regulate body temperature.
4. Putting Them to Sleep
It’s a fact of life that babies need a lot of sleep. Take advantage of the many opportunities to rock your little one to sleep. It’s a great time to connect and bond after all.
5. Reading and Singing to Them
The more words your baby hears, the better their language skills are likely to be later on when they start talking. Even if it’s as simple as telling them about your day or narrating what you are doing, you get quality time together and secure that bond.
6. Tummy Time
Tummy time is highly recommended from day one. It’s important for their development and helps strengthen their neck and shoulders. In addition, it boosts their motor skills. Use this time to talk to them or play with them!
7. Changing Their Diapers
Though changing diapers isn’t a favorite chore among parents, it’s just something that you have to do multiple times a day. Embrace the chore and reframe your mindset. Instead of an annoying task, think of it as a time to connect with your baby. Engage with them, sing to them, be silly, and make diaper changes fun!
These are definitely different ways dads can bond with their babies!
When looking to secure that bond with your infant, it’s all about the quality of time rather than the quantity. Paternity leaves may be short and having your partner cover things may leave you feeling left out. But these different ways to connect with your child still cultivate an attachment with them!
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