Baby Bonding

Dads and Their Newborns

By Cara J. Stevens

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By the end of the baby's second month, Baby is not only responding to his environment, he is also seeking out stimulus, and this is where the active dad comes in. "The key element in father-child bonding is physical, active play!" says Dr. Klinger. "The majority of father-child interactions are not triggered by the child's need state, but because Dad just wants to enjoy his child's laughter."

While there are classes and licenses for just about everything these days, it doesn't take much to become a parent. Becoming an active, involved and loving parent does take a lot of work, but according to satisfied parents throughout history and around the world, it can be the most rewarding role you will ever play.

Reading articles, asking questions and taking classes are a great starting point for initiating the bonding process, but the biggest step you can take is to just do it. "The most important thing is to not be afraid of making mistakes," says Dr. Brock. "Parenting is an on-the-job skill kind of thing, and fortunately babies are very forgiving."

Take Baby for a walk in a front carrier around the house, around the store or around the block.
Read to Baby.
Take a nap together, letting Baby fall asleep on your chest.
Give Baby a bath.
Feed Baby, or support mom while she's breastfeeding.
Dress and diaper Baby – even pick out Baby's clothes for the day.

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