The real secret of male-bonding with a baby is realizing that you're not supposed to try to be another mother, Your child already has one. What your little one really needs is for you to be yourself. Here are tips to help you make the most of the precious time just after your baby arrives in the world.
Soothe Him/Her Tears
Even though it may be tempting to hand a crying baby back to Mom, take a try at soothing her/him tears (unless she's hungry, of course). Try singing to her, walking her around, gently rocking, or find the closest pacifier for her to suck on. She must learn that Mom isn't the only one who can give her what she needs.
Take the Night Shift
If you aren't home during the day to help soothe baby's troubles, become the "rescuer of the night" when baby cries. This will give you and baby precious alone time and give mom the chance to catch some extra zzz's. Be sure mom has left a few bottles in the fridge for late-night feedings
Cradle Baby Close
When mom is breastfeeding baby she cuddles him close to her chest and baby has a perfect view into her eyes. When you are bottlefeeding him make sure to hold him in the same position, allowing your little one to gaze up at you.
Make Silly Faces
You can definitely be the funny guy. Start by just making silly faces that will make your baby glow with a smile. As your baby gets older try fun games like peekaboo.
Take Him for a Walk
Babies love fresh air, so take your little bundle for a stroll around the block. Try using a sling or carrier instead of your stroller. This will keep baby close to you throughout the walk. Just be sure baby is slathered in sunscreen if it's hot outside and bundled up if it's a little chilly.
Try a Baby Massage
Babies respond to touch, and a simple way to soothe and relax them is with a baby massage. When your baby is quiet and happy (you won't want to try it on a fussy baby) take 10 to 15 minutes to gently rub her legs, belly, arms, and neck.
Special Play Time
Set aside time every night to play with your little guy. Make it part of his daily routine, so when you come home from work he expects his daddy time.
Daddy Dance Party
Babies love music and they love to dance. Even when your baby is just a few months old you can start having dance parties. Turn on some music (or sing a special song) then sway around the room with baby. As your baby gets older you can help her stand and dance (a.k.a. bounce) till she is able to groove to her own moves.
Take a Sick Day
When your baby gets ill it's important for you to nurture him too -- so take a day off to stay home with baby. Try to go to healthy doctor checkups too, so you can hear from the doctor how he's developing and growing.
Be a Part of the Bedtime Routine
A consistent bedtime schedule is very important to helping your baby sleep through the night. Choose a part of the routine you want to be involved in like bathtime. This will help baby understand that when Dad says its bathtime, it's will be bedtime soon too.
[/b]
