Bonding with Baby

Most fathers wonder how well they will be able to bond with their children when compared to the mother. Brush aside those fears, dear dads. You can bond with your child just as much as the mother. It is just that the bonding style adopted by you varies from that of your partner. After all, is not daddy different from mummy? Check out some simple tips that will help you bond with the baby and overcome the "daddy blues". As you can see, the best way to bond with your baby is by helping mother take care of the baby.

• If your partner is breast feeding the baby, you will not be able to help with the baby's feeding. However you can offer to burp her after the feed. This may not work out in the day when you are at work. Make the most of the night time feeds.
• Spend as much time as you can just gazing at your baby. Babies love looking at their parents' faces and maintaining the eye-to-eye contact.
• If you do not feel comfortable carrying her in your arms, you can use a sling to carry her in front of you as you walk around.
• Enjoy giving the baby a bath. He will enjoy snuggling close to your breast and keeping himself warm.
• Read out to your baby. It does not matter what you read as the baby will not understand the meaning of the words yet. It can be a story or a piece of news from the newspaper. But you will be surprised to know how comfortable and secure the baby feels when he hears your voice.
• Take turns with your partner in changing the baby's diaper. While you are doing this, try singing and talking to your baby. You can also massage, cuddle and tickle him to establish the skin-to-skin contact.
• Get actively involved with feeding the baby once he starts his formula and solid food.
• When your baby is around 6 months old, start taking him for a walk. He will enjoy this and your partner can catch up on some rest.
• Ask your partner to take photographs of your intimate moments with the baby. You will cherish these memories in the later years.




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• Allow babies to ruffle the hair on your head and breast with their delicate fingers. They may also enjoy pulling at it and running their hand all over your face.
• In the initial days, you can copy the baby's actions and the sounds that he makes. This can help the baby bond with you.
• Accompany your partner for the repeated visits to the paediatrician.
• Hold the baby close to you under a blanket and help him hear your heart beat and breathing rhythms.
• Keep aside some time everyday as play-time with baby. This can also be called daddy-time.
• Do not hesitate to seek advice from experts if you feel you need it.

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