There’s a special bond between babies and moms, which can leave new dads feeling a little...left out. While dads don’t physically give birth to their babies, they have a vital role to fulfill that is much needed. 

Mom will have her own specific way of taking care of the baby, but you don’t have to do the exact same thing if it doesn’t work for you. Some systems like changing a diaper are pretty universal, but when it comes to reading, playtime, and holding time, you can mix it up in a way that feels right to you and allows you to bond in a different way with your baby. 

Try some of these simple ways to strengthen your connection to your baby.

Ask for More Tasks from Mom

Without a doubt, the baby’s mom is going to be exhausted the first few weeks after giving birth. Use this time to really jump headfirst into helping as much as possible with the baby. While mom might want to do everything, let her know that you are willing and able to help out and take some of her responsibilities. 

Try Skin to Skin 

Babies love skin to skin contact and bond with their parents this way. It is scientifically proven that skin to skin contact regulates your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing as it calms them down. They love hearing your heartbeat, so let them snooze on your bare chest as you watch TV or read.

Read to Your Baby

While your baby doesn’t yet know what you are reading, they benefit greatly from being read to. Reading to them everyday will get them used to your voice in a way that will make it soothing for them every time they hear you. You’ll also be contributing to your baby’s brain power - a research study found that kids who were read to as newborns had a larger vocabulary than those who were not.

Prioritize Playtime

As your baby starts to mature, spend extra time playing with them. As they rock in a baby swing, try making silly faces or singing songs to them. There are endless ways to make your baby feel happy when you have this one-on-one time. Make sure to schedule this playtime every day so that it becomes a part of your schedule. 

Babywearing

Whether with a sling, wrap, or baby carrier, dads that safely wear their babies are rockstars. Babies love staying close to you and you’ll be able to keep a close eye on them while staying hands-free and mobile. You also both benefit from the release of oxytocin, aka the love hormone when you’re close like this as it naturally increases your special bond.