How to involve dads more when you are doing all the feeding
Having a new born in the family is one of the most exciting moments for all the members of the family. However, in most cases, dads are often left out in the raising of not only the new born baby but also the mother. Sometimes, the mother may also take a lot of time with the baby that the father is not involved in the activities of raising the new family.
Here are some of the tips to help dads get involved in the new family;
Help in feeding
As it is important that the infant is constantly breastfed in the first months after birth, it may seem there is not much a dad can do at this point. However, the dad can ensure that there is plenty of clean warm water and other foods the mother may require when breastfeeding the baby. The dad can also take a paternity leave in order to take care of the new family. During weaning, he can take care of feeding the baby with expressed milk especially at night to help the mother get enough sleep or a nap.
Bond with the new family
It is not only the mothers who feel the urge to bond with the new born babies, dads also feel the same. Dads can also engage in the bonding experience together with the mother. Studies prove that children who bonded with their fathers when they were young are academically smarter and more secure later in life. To help dads bond with the new family, they can engaged in activities such as changing diapers, and even bathing the baby. The mother can stand back and let the dad get enough practice on these activities. In addition to the chores, the dad should also have enough cuddle time with the baby. This way, the skin to skin contact helps in further bonding.
Be more understanding
There are situations where the dad is expected to be extremely understanding. A dad may get home only to be handed a screaming baby in his arms even before taking off his coat. Even though the dad may have had a bad day, there are higher chances that the mother has had a worse day. The mom is also required to be understanding when the dad feel jealous, lonely and even depressed. Many dads tend to feel this way because they are not the centre of attention anymore. It is important that both the father and mother set their alone time in order to keep the relationship afloat.
Conclusion
One last additional tip, the dad may be required to be the responsible for the baby fun time. This is because the mom may be too much involved in the activities of the house like cleaning and cooking. This way, the dad can giggle with the baby, make funny faces, and even play peekaboo with the baby to keep them happy and distracted. It may also be the responsibility of the father to read to the baby and even woo them to sleep.