If you’re a new dad it’s likely a scary time. Here are some ideas on ways to foster a relationship with your newborn.
The suggestions come courtesy of Lori Wildenberg, writing for Crosswalk.com.
1. Babies love being outside. Rather than using the stroller, put your little in a carrier or sling. When doing chores around the home, wear your child on your chest so you can bond and clean at the same time!
2. Infants respond to touch. Do the skin-to-skin contact or infant massage. Stroke his head to soothe him. This reduces stress in both baby and parent while improving the relationship. When he’s settled and content massage his arms, legs, and tummy.
3. Hold your baby close so he feels safe and secure. Rock him, dance with him, do the baby sway or bounce him on your knee. Babies need to be held, cuddled, and bounced. They crave it.
4. Change his diapers and dress him. Do your best to make this time fun and pleasant. Many infants don’t initially enjoy diaper changing. Hand him a toy to distract him. The more you change him, the faster you will be at this task. And interestingly, studies have even shown that dads who regularly change diapers have stronger and more satisfying marriages.
5. Bottle feed him to give Mom a break. Babies can see 8-15 inches, just the perfect distance when holding your infant while feeding. In God’s great wisdom He designed babies to see just the right distance when being fed and to have a preference to look at faces rather than objects.