Dads: 20 Ways to Bond With Your Baby

You’ve been looking forward to this day for the last 9 months. You’ve assembled the crib, painted the nursery, and taken the childbirth classes. Now she’s here. You’re finally holding your new baby girl in your arms. It’s everything you thought it would be, until you get home from the hospital and all of a sudden, your new baby seems to have forgotten about you. She’s constantly nursing and being soothed by Mom. How are you supposed to compete with Mom’s delicious milk? Don’t worry, you can still bond with your new baby! Here are 20 ways to get you and your baby off on the right foot to a long-lasting, loving relationship.

1. One of the most important ways to bond with your baby is through skin-to-skin contact. That’s why breastfeeding moms form such a close bond with their babies. There’s no need for you to miss out though. Take off your shirt and snuggle up with baby. It’s the easiest and most effective way to start forming that bond.

2. Strap on the Ergo and pop baby in. Walk around the house or outside. Not only will this close contact promote bonding, but if baby is fussy, chances are the rhythmic movement and beating of your heart will calm her nerves and settle her down. Baby wearing is an easy way to do skin-to-skin contact too.

3. Learn the art of baby massage. Not only does it feel good to baby, it lessens his stress levels, helps him sleep deeper, reduces fussiness, and helps you learn to respond to his needs better.

4. Grab Goodnight Moon and read to your baby. Hearing the sound of your voice is reassuring to her. Plus, it’s never too early to start establishing the habit of reading.

5. Take a nap or co-sleep with your baby. Or just lay by his side while he sleeps to establish close contact and bonding. There’s nothing sweeter than watching a newborn sleep.

More at dailymom.com.