Carrying the baby in her womb gives the mother a significant head start in the bonding process. A majority of the time, the mother plays the role of a nurturer, while the father may just be there as a player or entertainer.  

However, a recent study shows that men are endowed with parenting skills that are comparable to women. As the mothers undergo hormonal and biological changes after the pregnancy, fathers may also undergo significant hormonal changes.  

Here are a few tips to leverage that change and help you dads bond with your infant:

How to bond with your baby

1.     Connect with her early

Early interaction in the first few hours of birth is essential to strengthen the bond between the baby and the dad. This early intimate connection that they both make goes a long way.

2.     Make skin-to-skin contact

Skin to skin contact has several benefits for the baby, like temperature regulation and blood sugar level stabilization. It also aids in the release of oxytocin — the love hormone, along with giving your baby a sense of comfort and security. So, take your shirt off, hug your baby, and sit like that in a cozy blanket.

3.     Wear your baby

Babies love to be worn. Apart from making it easier for you to carry the baby, it gives you an opportunity to bond with your child. Just make sure that you wear the carrier safely, and it fits nicely both on you and your baby. You can find the best quality baby products care at Baby Edible.

4.     Read to her

Although young babies cannot understand the words that you say, they are fascinated by human voices. They especially love the feeling of being held close and hearing familiar human sounds. This is also very helpful in making your child

5.     Sing her some song

If you have talked or sung songs to your baby while she was in her mom's womb, you have already made her familiar with your voice. Also, infants love listening to music, and you don't need to be Ed Sheeran to please your baby. Just a soft and soothing lullaby, and your baby is going to enjoy that.

6.     Make her dance

Infants love music, and they also love to dance. Even if your baby is just a few months old, you can play some good music or sing, hold her up gently and make her groove. As she grows old, you can also let her stand and dance on her own beat.

7.     Comfort her after each feed

Breastfeeding is always going to be the mother's job. But you can take up the duty to help the baby burp and cuddle her after the feed. This will also give your spouse a chance to relax, along with establishing your role as a nurturing parent. Sometimes, you can also feed her yourself with some good quality baby feeding accessories.

8.     Make funny faces

Babies find funny and silly faces very interesting and entertaining. So, just be the funny guy and make a lot of funny faces to your baby. This will make your baby smile, laugh, and enjoy your company, consequently strengthening your bond with her.

9.     Play with her

Play simple games like funny faces and peek-a-boo. Make your playtime with your baby a part of your routine. This is essential because that way, your baby will start expecting you at the right time, and when she finds you there, it will help build the bond.

10. Take the diaper duty

Diaper duty is another great time to bond with your newborn baby. Even though things can be a little smelly, you can get enough time to talk with your baby, make silly and funny noises and let her enjoy until she gets freshened up.