It's Daddy Time by So family
Since most moms spend the majority of their time with the baby, the bond between mother and child often develops quickly. After nine months of carrying them around and another 6 or so months of breastfeeding, the two often become as thick as thieves. This can leave dads feeling left out in the cold, so to speak, when it comes to developing a close relationship with their newborn children. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are several things dads can do to develop a bond with their children that will last throughout their lifetime.

Spend Time with Baby – This is both the simplest and most difficult thing to do especially if the father works outside the home. After a full day of dealing with coworkers and clients, you may not be motivated to spend time with the baby. For other men, feelings of fear and uncertainty may cause them to hesitate at hanging out with the little guy. But like any relationship, spending time with the baby will help you two get to know each other. Changing the baby’s diaper, bathing them, and even feeding them a bottle are perfect times to get close your child.

Physical Bonding – Babies are comforted by physical contact, so carrying the baby around in a sling or baby harness is a great way to bond. Not only will the baby enjoy their time with dad but, you can multitask and do other things such as watch television, work on your business, or help with housework. Other ideas are to take baths together and to lay with the baby sleeping on your chest. But your activity with the baby doesn’t have to always be passive. You can read, sing, dance, and even play with them.

Try Baby Massage – Many medical experts agree that giving babies massages can help improve their overall health. It can relieve colic, help with digestion, relax the baby, and stimulate growth. It is also a great opportunity for dad to talk to the baby and bond with them. Be sure to work with a midwife or massage therapist to learn the best way to massage a baby as well as the types of oils and lotions that are safe to use on their skin. Making an effort to bond with your baby benefits both you and them. It will add a deeper dimension to you relationship that will last a lifetime.