The Power of Dad and Newborn Bonding: How Early Connections Shape a Lifetime

As the non-birthing parent or dad-to-be, it can be beneficial to understand how dad and newborn bonding fits into the equation. You may be thinking that your role won’t be as important as mom’s, but the benefits to both you, your partner, and your baby are proven. Dad and newborn bonding has many benefits, including enhanced cognitive and emotional development of your baby, better social skills and fewer behavioral issues, reduced stress and postpartum depression for fathers, language and motor skill development, and more. There are things you can do as a non-birthing partner to help ensure the best outcome for both you and your baby. I will outline 10 dad and newborn bonding tips below so you can make the most of this time.

Dad and Newborn Bonding Tips

1. Skin-to-Skin Contact

Hold your baby against your chest for skin-to-skin contact after birth and during daily cuddle sessions. This will help regulate their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing while creating a sense of closeness with your infant.

2. Participate in Feedings

If your partner is breastfeeding, it may take some time for latching and comfort before bottle-feeding is an option for the non-birthing partner. Even during this time, you can still be involved by bringing the baby to mom and burping them. If you choose formula right from the start, you can share feeding and burping sessions with your partner. Once latching is no longer an issue, your partner can pump, allowing them some rest from feedings and giving you the opportunity for special time with your little one. Feeding is a great time for eye contact and creating a soothing connection.

3. Diaper Changes

This may seem like a no-brainer and might feel like a chore, but it’s a great opportunity to engage with your newborn. Use this time to make eye contact, talk to them, and provide those comforting touches that make them feel loved.

4. Talking and Singing

Remember, babies have been hearing your voice since before they were born. Your voice is a comforting sound to them. Even though they don’t understand the words, you can talk, sing, or read aloud to your baby to establish early communication and build their language skills.

5. Soothing and Comforting

Learning how to comfort your baby when they are upset can create a special bond. You can rock, bounce gently, or walk with them to help soothe them, showing your infant that you are a reliable source of comfort.

6. Tummy Time

Since it’s highly recommended that your baby sleep on their back for several months until they learn how to roll over, tummy time is essential. While tummy time helps with physical development, get on the floor with your infant and use this time to bond. This gives you a chance to be face-to-face in an engaging and playful way.

7. Babywearing

Using a baby carrier allows you to keep your baby close while freeing your hands for other tasks like cleaning, laundry, and helping your birthing partner heal. This consistent contact will help strengthen your bond, and your baby will be soothed by your movements and warmth.

8. Establishing a Bedtime Routine

Creating a soothing bedtime routine with stories or a gentle massage can help you bond with your infant while providing a consistent source of security.

9. Bath Time

Bathing your baby is another intimate way to bond. The gentle interaction and playfulness during bath time can provide bonding moments and help establish trust as the non-birthing partner.

10. Being Present and Involved

Always be hands-on with your baby from the start. This helps build the bond over time, as bonding isn’t something that just happens after one or two interactions. Whether it’s through daily care, attending doctor’s appointments, or sharing nighttime duties, your baby will sense your love and presence.

The benefits of bonding with newborns as the non-birthing partner are substantial. Not only will you reduce your own stress and risk of postpartum depression, but this will also support your infant’s cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral development in both the short and long term. Don’t skip out on these key moments to be that source of comfort and security for your baby.