Our Blog
5 Ways Dads Can Bond with Baby
Sometimes a dad can feel a bit on the outskirts of a pregnancy or baby bonding. They don’t do the actual birthing of baby, breastfeeding, etc., but there are still many ways that daddy can bond with baby.
Here are 5 ways that dads can bond with baby.
- Feeding time – If you are formula feeding baby or baby is taking breast milk from a bottle at times, now is the opportunity for hubby to pitch in for those 2 am feedings. It may be difficult at first for you and for him, but soon that 2 am feeding will become special baby/daddy time.
- Story time – Tired of reading Good Night Little Bear for the millionth time? We have seen some dads read the sports page or ESPN magazine in their story-time voices. Who knew golf could sound so sweet?
- Diaper time – Not exactly the most exciting job on the planet, but it has to be done and it can become a bonding moment. We love how Mat uses a Cajun accent when he is changing his daughter’s diaper.
- Texture time – Dad’s bodies have lots of textures for baby as he learns his new world through tactile contact. Everything from a dad’s 5 o’clock shadow to a smooth beard to hairy arms – a baby has a whole “texture map” to explore while bonding with dad.
- Carry time – Babies are portable and dad’s can bond with them by strapping on a baby carrier and going for a walk, doing safe chores together (not a good idea to mow the lawn or paint a room when baby wearing) or doing a hobby together. It’s a great time for baby to snuggle against daddy’s chest and for dad to bond with baby.
What ways has your baby bonded with dad?
Daddy has his own special time with baby when he gets home every night. They both love it!
I love the idea of reading ESPN! How fun to share that.
My youngest son has bonded so well with his daughter. He’s always enjoyed feeding and holding her, talking to her, and snuggling her. I’m not sure he’s to thrilled with changing diapers but he’s bonded very well with her and her with him. He’s a great father and I am very proud of him for that
I have the best husband and he has bonded so well with our kiddos. My husband read to my twins every night for their first ten years. Even now, our toddler will go to him first when she is hurt or sick. He could write a whole book on father daughter bonding!
this is a great post, I’m so glad my husband is there for me and my daughter. He is so kind, I’m really lucky.
They’ve had story time watching ESPN and dad explains what it going on! haha.
love this post..my fiance reads to our children and they love it
I really enjoyed reading this article. The daddy here has school and work so it is helpful t ohave tips on howw he can bond with our babies while he is home.
These are great ideas! I’m sure my husband is going to be a dad who reads Sports Illustrated and the newspaper to baby once he/she is here. I can’t wait to watch daddy bond with baby!
Great ideas! I think it’s a very positive change that dads are so much more involved these days and there are so many ways for them to get involved!
My husband and daughter have bonding time over music it is so cute how he explains the different notes and melodies to her
What a great idea Heidi! Music is an excellent way to connect with your child. 3 cheers for your hubby!
Agreed Steph! Thanks for being a Kolcraft fan.
Ruth,
Thank you! We are sure your hubby will be a great dad.
love this…. great ideas and ways dad can bond
hard sometimes when he’s not here as much!
wonderfullymade729@gmail.com
Thank you Brittany!