10 Easy Ways for Dad to Bond with Baby

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Fathers often feel left out when it comes to bonding with their babies. Here are a few ideas to ensure the strongest of bonds!

Fathers and prospective fathers often feel like they've been "left out in the cold" when it comes to connecting with their babies. A father can't feel his baby growing inside him, (possibly the most important bond between mother and child), nor can he experience the same bonding mothers experience when they breastfeed. But, this doesn't mean that Dad can't bond with Baby!

Here are 10 easy ways to ensure that Dad and Baby develop a strong connection. These helpful hints come directly from those in the know: other moms and dads!

Talk to Baby In Utero

Barbara Kisilevsky, a nursing professor at Queens University in Ontario, conducted ground-breaking research with a team of psychologists from Queens, and obstetricians in Hangzhou, China, that proves babies can distinguish between their parents' and strangers' voices from 30 weeks in the womb. Male voices are lower in tone and are easier for babies pick up than women's higher-pitched voices. The same study found that if dads speak to a baby before birth, the newborn will recognize his father's voice. Charlie Case, mother of 16-week-old India, says, "Ted used to speak to my tummy every night towards the end of the pregnancy, and I'm sure that is why India knows his voice."

Singing to your baby is also an effective tool for bonding, so this is your chance to exercise your vocal chords! It doesn't really matter what you sing—your child will not understand the words, but will respond to the melody.

Participate in the Birth

Be present at the birth of your baby. Nadine Lahana, mother of three-year-old son Luka, with a second baby on the way soon, says, "Brendan felt he really bonded with Luka when he decided to take part in the whole delivery. He cut the umbilical cord, and he made sure he was the first to hold Luka in his arms and to make eye contact. Doing all that bonded him to Luka forever."

Try Baby Massage

Baby massage stimulates the baby and can help a father bond with his child. Massage also helps babies with digestion, relieves colic, eases tension, helps with breathing, and spurs growth. An attending midwife or licensed massage therapist can give parents some helpful hints regarding infant massage, and which oils and lotions are safe to use on a baby's delicate skin.