The Daddy Tool Kit: Bonding With Your Newborn

As a father you hold a special place in the life of your baby. While there is great emphasis placed on the bond between mother and baby,the bond between father and baby is just as important. Today more fathers are taking an active approach parenting by stepping outside of traditional role as simply the provider. In fact, more fathers are attending Lamaze classes, baby showers and being great birth coaches by simply having a desire to take on a more "hands on" approach.

The way that you relate and bond with your baby is quite different in style and manner. There is uniqueness to your relationship with your baby, simply your overall being, your touch, your smell and even the sound of your voice. These are clear distinctions that your baby learns to discern over time. It important to begin bonding with your new baby as soon as possible.

The Tool Kit: You Are Daddy

The tiniest person that you have ever held in your life has just come into your life.

Care: especially for newborns, although they spend the majority of their day sleeping, during their wakeful moments they require lots of care. During this time you can make the most of the time by tending to her needs: bathe,bottle feed, change diapers. When she is upset, you can soothe her just by holding her in your arms and cradle her body while supporting her head. The close skin-to skin contact is just what she needs. You can gently pat her back while you sway softly, or even jiggle her while humming a lullaby or your favorite song.

Playing:If you think that you don't know how to "play" you couldn't be more wrong. Of course you do! Its been some years but you haven't lost our touch. You can play simple baby games like peek-a-boo, patty cake or even better simply make up your own unique games. Try making silly faces and singing silly songs, say your ABC's. She just loves to hear your voice. If it still feels awkward, you will find that overtime it becomes easier, especially when you see her belly laugh at your antics.
Reading: There is nothing better than reading to your baby. You can choose a baby book or even the newspaper, it doesn't matter. She will enjoy looking at the pictures, listening to your voice and its great quality time. Its never too early to begin reading to you baby because you are creating the foundation for language development.

New Father Resources:

Books:
Father's First Steps:25 Things Every Father Should Know

Online Resources:

First Fathers: online website for new and expectant fathers, sponsorship/father mentoring/sponsorship program for fathers of children under age 3,community forum, daddy diaries

Brand New Dad: online website for new and expectant fathers, articles, community forum and more

Boot Camp For New Dads: Class designed for first time fathers: offered nationwide, check for availability in your area.