How to Share Newborn Care With the Father

From conception babies form a lifelong bond with their mothers, however forming a bond with the father takes effort and involvement with an infant on the father's part. Sharing in the care of the infant with the mother is a proven way to build a special father-child bond. Here are some pointers on how to share the care of a newborn between parents. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Share in feeding the baby by bottle feeding or cuddling with mom and baby. Talk and sing to the infant when giving him/her the bottle. Wake up at night when baby and mom wake and offer to take turns feeding and changing the baby, especially if the infant is bottle fed.

2. Relieve mom and give her some alone time by taking the baby for walks or errands. This alone time allows the father to bond with the baby and mom to rest.

3. Talk to and play with the baby often at specified times during the day. The infant will learn who 'Daddy' is and look forward to this special time making the baby feel safe and happy.

4. Help with the daily care of the baby by changing his diaper without being asked, dressing and bathing baby and helping with the baby's laundry. In the beginning, these tasks are pressing for the mother, so helping whenever possible will ease mom's load.

5. Learn to soothe the baby. Since babies mostly cry to communicate for the first few months, helping the baby relax with massages, special toys or songs is another way to bond while relieving some of mom's stress.