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10 Easy ways for dad to bond with baby
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Understand what your baby needs
Make sure your partner reads all the baby books and magazines you've been hoarding. It's a myth that motherhood comes utterly naturally - most expectant mums start studying hard as soon as they fall pregnant. Many new mothers and fathers feel out of their depth with a new baby and the father can be equally as adept at learning what to do as the mother. The more both parents understand their child's needs and routines, the more relaxed and confident they will both feel. Go for a run
If your partner likes to keep fit then there is no excuse for him not to strap your baby into his pushchair and go for a brisk walk or jog - this will put a niggly baby to sleep, help clear his head and the fresh air will be beneficial to them both.
Put baby in bed with you
There are differing views on having baby in bed with you and your partner, although this practice is becoming increasingly common with parents today. The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health advise against having your baby in bed with you if the child is younger than 18 months of age due to the risk of accidental smothering. The RCM (Royal College of Midwives), on the other hand, says that bed-sharing facilitates bonding and successful breastfeeding. It warns, however, that parents should be aware of certain instances when bed-sharing is not advised and these include: if either parent has epilepsy or diabetes with unstable blood sugars or an infection, if either parent smokes, has had alcohol or takes recreational drugs. They go on to say that as long as parents are aware of these issues and take care when bed-sharing, the RCM believes there is no reason why they should not do so. It advises parents to speak to their midwives/local maternity units for more information on bed-sharing.Encourage dad to be silly
Making silly faces and noises with your child will probably be the only time such behaviour is acceptable in public, so encourage your man to make the most of it. Besides, your child will love it, and you will both love his or her reactions. Nadine says, "When Brendan comes home, instead of collapsing with a beer, he goes straight upstairs to Luka, takes him into the garden and plays with him for at least an hour. Dads keep it fun and exciting - I, and most other mothers I expect, would not be able to just sit on the floor and play ferocious dinosaurs or crash cars for hours."
Make sure your partner reads all the baby books and magazines you've been hoarding. It's a myth that motherhood comes utterly naturally - most expectant mums start studying hard as soon as they fall pregnant. Many new mothers and fathers feel out of their depth with a new baby and the father can be equally as adept at learning what to do as the mother. The more both parents understand their child's needs and routines, the more relaxed and confident they will both feel.
If your partner likes to keep fit then there is no excuse for him not to strap your baby into his pushchair and go for a brisk walk or jog - this will put a niggly baby to sleep, help clear his head and the fresh air will be beneficial to them both.
There are differing views on having baby in bed with you and your partner, although this practice is becoming increasingly common with parents today. The Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health advise against having your baby in bed with you if the child is younger than 18 months of age due to the risk of accidental smothering. The RCM (Royal College of Midwives), on the other hand, says that bed-sharing facilitates bonding and successful breastfeeding. It warns, however, that parents should be aware of certain instances when bed-sharing is not advised and these include: if either parent has epilepsy or diabetes with unstable blood sugars or an infection, if either parent smokes, has had alcohol or takes recreational drugs. They go on to say that as long as parents are aware of these issues and take care when bed-sharing, the RCM believes there is no reason why they should not do so. It advises parents to speak to their midwives/local maternity units for more information on bed-sharing.
Mick Bell, father to Jack, 8 months, says, "I think it is a really good idea to let the baby sleep with the parents sometimes. Jack gets into bed with us probably about three nights a week and has done so since birth. We love it and so does he. I'm not scared of rolling onto him during the night because although I am asleep, there is still part of me that is totally aware that he is beside me".
Making silly faces and noises with your child will probably be the only time such behaviour is acceptable in public, so encourage your man to make the most of it. Besides, your child will love it, and you will both love his or her reactions. Nadine says, "When Brendan comes home, instead of collapsing with a beer, he goes straight upstairs to Luka, takes him into the garden and plays with him for at least an hour. Dads keep it fun and exciting - I, and most other mothers I expect, would not be able to just sit on the floor and play ferocious dinosaurs or crash cars for hours."
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