Bonding with Baby: An Interview with Dad

Bonding with Baby: An Interview with Dad WIC

When a baby is born, the two most important people in their life are their parents. But sometimes dad can feel left out in the early stages of baby’s life. Mom has developed a bond with baby starting in the womb and already feels an attachment to her little one. How can dad feel the same connection? Many dads will make a special effort to create that bond with their new precious gift. One such dad is Javier Sanchez. In the interview below, Javier shares how he bonded with his newborn son.

Live Well:
How did you feel being a dad to a newborn?

Javier: Allie’s mom Ashley loves coming to WIC, especially in the summer. “I come into WIC the first day I can to get the Farmers Market checks. I love to get strawberries with my checks. This year I took my girl with me to pick berries at the farm.” In many states, Farmer’s Market benefits are an added WIC bonus that families use during the summer months. It’s a great way to get your kids interested in fruits and vegetables when they can go to the market or the farms to pick their own food.

Live Well:
What advice do you have for moms to help their partners feel more comfortable with their newborn?

Javier: Work on that bond from the very beginning. Mom should let dad spend as much time as possible with baby, even as a newborn. During that time dad can learn how to care for and interact with baby, and most of all learn to change those interesting little diapers.

Live Well:
How did you bond with your baby the first week? What about later?

Javier: Bonding with my newborn was amazing. Holding him during the first week changed my life. I forgot about work and other frustrations. Over the next few months we moved on to tummy time on the floor, using small toys, rattles and anything that would catch his attention. I was so proud when he flipped on his back for the first time. Every small milestone felt like a great accomplishment. Even changing his diapers felt like some sort of experiment that could only be solved by trial and error.

Live Well:
Did bonding with your baby get easier over time?

Javier: Yes. By six months he could sit and crawl; that’s when the real fun started and our bonding got much easier! Any toy that rolled or made noise was his toy of choice.

Bonding with Baby: Tips for Dads

Dad can bond with baby by getting more involved in the daily routine to give support to new mom and baby:

Help with nighttime feedings: bring baby to mom to nurse.
Go for a stroll with baby: help mom get some rest.
Play: make baby laugh with funny faces or put music on and have a baby dance party.
Soothe baby when crying: sing to baby, hold baby close, and rock the baby to calm them. Hold baby skin-to-skin for special bonding time that is great for baby’s health.

New moms can support dad by giving him confidence and helping only when he really needs it. Trust that he will do his best and don’t run to his aid for little things. If you let dad tackle this in the beginning, he will feel more confident and at ease with his new baby.