Five ways to bond with your child and lay the foundation for a strong, lifelong relationship.
Hold your child close to your chest
When you hold your child close to your body, they tend to calm down and relax. It also reduces stress for dads and increases self-confidence. In addition, oxytocin (the love hormone) is released, which creates tender feelings towards the child [1].
Carry your child in a sling or baby carrier
Hearing Dad's heartbeat and feeling his movements is a joy for the child. Plus, from the sling or baby carrier, they get to see the world through an adult's eyes. It’s a good starting point for becoming inseparable buddies!
Look into your child's eyes often
Children love to study faces, especially those of their parents [2]. The more you look into their eyes, the more love and happiness they feel.
Sing songs and read books to your baby
Children absorb everything that adults say to them like a sponge. They also pay close attention to lips and facial expressions, which helps in language learning. Don't feel like singing or reading? Just talk about how your day went or describe the view outside. It doesn't matter what you say, what’s important is for them to hear the sound of your calm voice.
Stand in front of a mirror with your child
Children love to look at their reflections and watch their dads' facial expressions. Come up with a game, like making silly faces and seeing how your child reacts. It'll be fun!
