New Father & Newborn

A Special Word to Fathers

As a father, you have an important role to play in taking care of your baby. Your baby needs you. And mom needs you to share many of the responsibilities of taking care of your new baby. When you do things with your baby, you and your baby get closer. You and your baby form a bond that helps her feel safe and happy.

You may feel nervous around a newborn. Or you may be afraid to touch your baby because you have never done it before. The best way for you to get over the uneasiness is to hold your baby.

Here are some things you can do to be a part of your baby's life. You will find that the more you do with her, the more comfortable you will be.

• Hold and cuddle your baby.
• Smile and laugh with your baby.
• Talk to your baby. Your baby will quickly learn your voice and know that you are her daddy.
• Change your baby's diapers.
• Cuddle with mom and your baby during breastfeeding.
• When mom's breast milk or formula has been put in a bottle, you can give your baby the bottle. Cuddle with and talk and sing to your baby during bottle time.
• Take your baby for a walk. Babies love the sights and sounds of the outdoors.
• Play with your baby.

Babies Know Parents From Strangers.

Spend lots of time with your newborn and the two of you will get to know each other.

Also, research finds that very young babies know the difference between their parents and strangers. There are many changes that take place and new things to learn when you become a parent. It doesn't happen overnight. Be patient with yourself. The love you have for your baby will help you learn to become a good parent. Just as no two babies are exactly alike, no one takes care of a baby in exactly the same way. Be a loving parent. Do your best. Enjoy your baby! Ask questions if you need help.

Excerpt from: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Healthy Start, Grow Smart, Your Newborn, Washington, D.C., 2002.