Baby and Dad need their own bonding time
We loved this advice:
Make sure your baby has ample time alone with Daddy. His touch and voice are different than yours, and this will begin a bonding process and give you a break. Plus, it gets the baby used to being with someone other than you. The first few times can be hard. Make sure your baby is fed and well rested, as this will give you at least one or two hours before you're needed again. Then leave Dad and the baby alone. If you stay nearby, make sure the baby can’t see or hear you and resist the urge to go into the room and "fix" things if she starts crying. Your baby cries with you and you experiment to find out what's wrong. Dads need time to do this too - in their own way. By allowing this time, your child will learn there is more than one way to receive comfort, which will help immensely when you leave your baby with a sitter or another family member for the first time. You could have your partner bathe her, put her to bed or just read or talk to her. Tiffany, mom of one in Colorado Springs, CO
Not only does dad and baby need alone time, but it also serves a refresher for mom! I always tried to do things for myself on a regular basis, (which will be another post;) and felt so blessed that I could leave my boys with their dad. As a stay-at-home mom, I loved doing what I could to assist my husband in providing for our family. I've always had a desire to build a business and so when my boys were little, I sold Tupperware for 10 years! That was a great opportunity for me to get a break from being a mom for a few hours, and a fabulous way for Dad and boys to spend time together.
Here are just a few of the articles I found that stress the importance of a father's influence:
The influence of a loving father will have a lasting impact on the stability and self-esteem of your child. And letting Dad figure out how to calm, play and take care of the baby will give them both the chance to create a lasting, fulfilling bond.
May you also remember that every parent has their own parenting style and that comparing your family dynamics to another is not only harmful to you but not helpful in any way. Just do your very best and God will take care of the rest!
Much love,
RossAnne Gibson
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