Great Tips for Dads

I know there are many men out there who feel "left out" when it comes to their children (especially newborns). No matter the situation, fathers generally feel almost intimidated by the mother. Women are naturally "closer" to their babies. They are usually the ones that spend the most time with them (whether the mother is a stay at home mom or just on maternity leave), and bonding with their babies seems to come easier to most mothers than fathers. So below is a list for fathers of ideas on bonding with their little ones.

1. Give your baby a midnight bottle.
Whether your baby is breastfed or bottle fed, this seems to be one thing that really works for both the father and the baby. It's a nice, quiet time for the two of you to just appreciate each other. Not to mention it gives Mom a break!

2. Have a staring contest.
Babies love to contemplate faces, especially those of people close to them. And during this time, Dad can inspect all the beautiful features of his baby's face, as well.

3. Play kangaroo.
Go ahead, Dads, and either just hold your baby close to you for a while or strap on a Snugli and go to town. Both of you will enjoy it.

4. Take a bath together.
Bath time can be fun time. Not to mention, babies enjoy skin to skin contact. So go ahead and strip down and take a bath with your little one.

5. Read to your baby.
It doesn't really matter what you read to your baby, as long as you do it! Babies don't know what you're reading or saying to them when they're so young. It's just the fact that they can sit there and listen to your voice. They usually love it. It calms them and helps acquaint them more with Dad's voice - a voice they will hear for the rest of their lives. Help make that voice a comforting one from Day One.

6. Set a table for two.
If your baby is old enough to be eating solid food, go ahead and set the table for the two of you to just sit, "eat", and enjoy each other's company.

7. Change a diaper.
Yep! Change your little one's diaper. Diaper changes are some of the best times to talk to and touch your baby. Once again, it all comes down to getting to know each other in all situations and bonding with one another.

8. Be there when your baby has a cold or fever.
No one likes it when their little baby is sick. But spending a night (or day) holding and comforting your baby when he is sick will help both of your realize how important you are to each other.

9. Bench press.
That's right. Babies make excellent weights! While having a baby may take away some of your "gym time", they can be a mini workout all in one. Most babies love to be lifted and what not, so go ahead. Get your workout in. Your biceps and baby will love it.

10. Be a texture board.
Let's face it. Most men have more hair than women. Babies usually have a good time feeling that hair on men's faces, chests, arms, etc. Or feeling that stubble on Dad's face. Word to the wise...be careful if Dad has chest hair.

11. Take pictures.
Once again, this helps both of you appreciate each other! Not to mention, it lets grandpa and grandma and the aunts and uncles all see what a great time Dad and Baby have together.

12. Roughhouse (within reason, of course).
Studies have shown that moms and dads hold their babies differently. While mothers generally tend to snuggle and cuddle baby more, dads are usually a little more physical. You should never shake a baby, but you can definitely stimulate their muscles! If your child is old enough to sit up, she might like be tossed in the air or be bounced on the knee...things that Mom isn't as likely to do. Just make sure the the squeals are squeals of delight and not terror.

With these ideas and advice, you and your little one should be closer than ever in no time at all!

And don't forget to stop by MiniTots (link located at the top of this page). They've got great baby products at low prices. Whether you're looking for a crib, bedding, toys, a stroller, a potty seat...or whatever it is you and your little one need - they've got it at prices we can all afford.