Bonding with your baby advice - Dads

My Dad and Me - Bonding for Fathers “My first race in life won, our journey has started Dad!” 12 13 Being listened to Babies give ‘cues’ or signals to what they need through their behaviour and body language. By really paying attention to your baby’s cues, over time you’ll learn how to work out what your baby needs. Hearing your voice Read books, sing songs, and talk to baby about the activities you are both doing. Every word the baby hears helps develop their language skills and builds upon your relationship. Help with feeding Breastmilk is the best type of nourishment for baby. Dads support for breastfeeding can really help mum and baby to learn this new skill. Dads can help lots by giving practical support – a glass of water, another pillow or whatever mum may need. If mum finds it difficult, Dad could encourage her to get help. If mum decides she can’t breastfeed, Dad could consider learning together about bottlefeeding, expressed milk, or formula, and reassure mum that it’s OK. Look after mum Staying positive, and supporting each other as you learn about baby, helps baby to feel happy and safe. Negotiating and sharing expectations now is good practice for how you will work together as parents as the baby grows.