Parenthood is quite a different experience for men than it is for women. A woman typically carries their baby in her body for nine long months, from where their loving bond begins. But for a father, the journey of developing a bond with their baby is a bit different. In the opinion of Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, fathers typically develop a bond with their babies by holding them close, spending quality time, and taking care of the newborn.
Evan Bass Men’s Clinic underlines how fathers may bond with their baby
Bonding implies to the intense physical and emotional attachment between parents and their baby. This bond causes them to foster a secure relationship where they genuinely want to spend time together. As a new father, in order to help strengthen the relationship with the baby, one should try a few of these suggestions in the baby’s first few weeks.
- Take paternity leave if possible. The days and weeks right after the birth of a child are immensely important. Therefore, as a father, one would want to be there for the baby as much as possible.
- If the baby’s mother is breastfeeding, fathers may take over the duty to occasionally feeding them with a bottle. This will allow the baby to get used to the bottle, as well as the father feeding them. If the mother is too exhausted, the father can give a bottle when the baby wakes up in the middle of the night.
- New fathers must try to be an active parent. They must feed the baby, change their diapers, give them bath, walk the baby around if they are crying, and so on. This shall allow the baby to become comfortable with the voice of the father.
Many babies do bond more easily with their mothers, especially if they are breastfeeding. But this should not deter the fathers. As per Evan Bass Men’s Clinic, no matter what, fathers should continue to hold, talk, soothe, walk and be a part of the young life of the baby. Certain first-time dads may find it challenging to build a relationship with a baby who cannot talk or respond, but it is imperative to remember that the early years of a child are a critical time for relationship building. The following suggestions can be tried to connect with the baby in their first year:
- Take the baby around the house in a carrier or by holding them close, and point to and name different rooms or objects.
- Sing or read books to the baby.
- Point to and name the body parts of the baby
The bond between a father and his newborn can form right away for some, sometimes within minutes or days after the baby is born. However, for many dads, it takes a bit more time, and that is completely okay. Adjusting to the arrival of a brand-new life is a huge transition, and it is not unusual to feel overwhelmed at first. Fathers need to remember that bonding is a process, not a race. It will happen naturally as they spend time with the baby and care for them.