Just For Dads

Becoming a Dad can be both exciting and scary. You baby needs to get to know you, just as much as you need to get to know them.

Let’s get started:

One of the first things that you can do is to hold your baby skin-to-skin. Take your shirt off and place baby belly-down on your chest or tummy. Your heartbeat and warmth is very soothing.
Respond to your baby’s cries of communication. By comforting your baby, you are showing them that they can trust you and their new world.
Talk and sing to your baby. Your baby has been listening to your voice long before they were born so your gentle voice will be very soothing to them. Learn a new lullaby – they don’t care if you can’t hold a tune.
Spend time playing with your baby while they are on their tummy. Lay your baby on your chest or on a blanket on the floor and position yourself so you are face-to-face. This tummy time is important to do several times a day to strengthen their neck and shoulders and prevent them from getting a flat head. This is an important and fun job for Dad.
Look into your baby’s eyes and tell them about your day. By spending lots of time with your baby you will build a special relationship that is very important for your baby’s emotional health.
Support your baby by supporting their Mom. Provide her with lots of encouragement to help her adjust to her new role as Mom. Communication is even more important now that there is a third person in your relationship. Express your feelings in a positive way using “I” messages as you transition from partners to parents.