Father and Baby Bonding: Our Guide to Dad and Baby Activities

As babies begin to learn their world, Dad bonding with baby is a crucial step in helping to strengthen the initial bonds between the two. In this article, we’ll discuss the many ways that new fathers can become both papa bear and playmate to their baby, from fun activities to quality time.

Is Dad Struggling to Bond with Baby?

Fortunately for new dads and newborns, there are dozens of activities that serve as fantastic bonding experiences that will encourage babies and dads to bond more easily and trustfully. Dads that want to bond with their baby can try:

• Skin-to-skin contact - research indicates that skin-to-skin contact is one of the most effective bonding experiences for baby and dad. That’s because skin-to-skin contact releases oxytocin, which is commonly called the “love hormone.”
• Learning the 5 S’s - learning the five S’s can help dads bond with their babies and cut down on crying when their baby is fussy (talk about a win-win!) The five S’s are: 
• Swaddling
• Side or stomach position
• Shushing
• Swinging
• Sucking 
• Giving baby massages - giving babies massages has been shown to increase attachment between Dad and baby. Massages can also help your baby sleep better and feel more relaxed, so there’s really no downside to giving it a shot!
• Going for a stroll - Getting out of the house can be an exciting experience for dad and newborn bonding opportunities. Use a Baby Bjorn or similar child-carrying device to turn your walk into a bond-boosting moment for you and your baby.

Can Newborns Sense Their Father?

Yes, newborns can sense the presence of their fathers and recognize their voices. In fact, research has found that many infants begin sensing their fathers before they’re even born! Some experts believe infants in the womb may start recognizing their father’s voice as early as 32 weeks into pregnancy. So, it’s safe to assume that Dad bonding with newborn can start earlier than we think!

Do Babies Know Their Dad?

Absolutely, babies do know their dad! From an early age, infants start forming attachments with their caregivers, and fathers play a crucial role in this bonding process. Although newborns might not immediately recognize their father visually, they begin to associate their father's voice, scent, and touch with comfort and security. As dads spend time holding, talking, and playing with their baby, they strengthen this bond, which is essential for the child's emotional and social development.

When Do Babies Recognize Their Father?

Babies typically start recognizing their father around the age of two to four months. At this stage, their visual acuity improves, allowing them to distinguish familiar faces. Additionally, consistent interactions, such as talking, singing, and physical closeness, help babies form a strong connection with their dad, making recognition more apparent as they grow.

Dad Bonding with Baby: More Tips

Early bonding with your baby is a crucial step toward developing a strong and healthy relationship that will last a lifetime.

If you’re a new dad looking for ways to bond with your baby, consider trying out these dad and baby tips and tricks for spending quality bonding time with your newborn. Activities for dads and babies are easy once Dad knows what to do! Here are a few great options:

• Pick Up a Fun Book - reading to your baby is an excellent bonding experience that helps your baby develop the feelings of safety and security that are crucial for the development of healthy attachment behaviors later in life.
• Turn Bath Time Into Bonding Time - dads that want to bond with their babies can take over bath time responsibilities and spend more time splashing and playing with their babies. 
• Use Changing and Feeding Time to Get Hands-On - changing and feeding your baby can help create a sense of familiarity, comfort, and security between babies and new dads. Plus, it’s always appreciated by mom!
• Stick Out the Screams - resisting the urge to call for backup when your baby starts crying can help new dads create deeper bonds with their babies as they soothe and calm them.
• Babywearing - it may sound funny, but babywearing is one of the best techniques new dads can use to bond with their babies. Baby Bjorns, wraps, slings, and backpack-style carriers all make babywearing convenient, easy, and fun!
• After-work Rituals - if you work long hours away from your baby, an after-work ritual like a snuggle-storm or ticklefest can help create a regular bonding experience between dad and baby that can be enjoyed for years to come.
• Paternity Leave - if balancing bonding and work is just too much, it can be worth exploring your options for paternal leave. Some companies provide a week or longer for baby and dad to bond.

All of these quality time strategies will help promote Dad and newborn bonding^[1]. As you create a routine of father and baby  activities, your baby will begin to associate you with feelings of love, care, safety, and security.

What Can You Do Outside With a Newborn?

Luckily for outdoorsy dads, there are plenty of activities newborns can enjoy in and around nature. Popular and easy outdoor activities for new dads and babies include:

• Trips to the park
• Picnics
• Walks around the neighborhood 
• Hiking in nature  
• Visiting playgrounds
• And visiting waterparks and pools with designated swimming areas for parents, babies, and small children

Whichever outdoor activity you decide to try with your baby, remember to load up on sunscreens, diapers, changes of clothes, and plenty of drinks, snacks, and bottles for a smooth, snag-free day. The father and baby can never be over-prepared! Load up on everything you need for a big adventure.

Dad and Baby Activities for Increased Bonding 

New dads also don’t have to head outside to enjoy bonding with their babies. There is a near-endless amount of fun activities dad and baby can do anywhere, including at home, in the car, and out-and-about in public.

If you’re a new dad looking for fun dad and baby activities, try:

• Having silly conversations with your baby
• Regularly reading to your baby 
• Enjoying your favorite tunes with your baby
• Giving soothing fingertip massages
• Playing with puppets
• Singing to your baby
• And mirroring your baby’s coos and movements

7 Outdoor Activities for Babies 4-6 Months

All of the activities mentioned above are perfect for any age range and can be enjoyed indoors, outdoors, and everywhere in between. If you want to continue guiding your baby’s development while bonding as they reach four to six months of age, consider adding outdoor games and activities to your baby and dad routine like:

1. Playing with bubbles
2. Enjoying splash pads, baby pools, and other forms of water play 
3. Sensory play using leaves, grass, flowers, and other parts of nature 
4. Going on hikes where you show your baby the trees, flowers, and nature you come across along the way
5. Enjoy the sights and sounds at your local zoo
6. Swinging in baby swings at the park
7. Exploring the textures of rocks, twigs, and sand 

Bonding with your baby can help set them up for success in relationships for the rest of their life. Taking the time to enjoy the outdoors, explore new experiences, and try out new dad and newborn bonding techniques also creates wonderful memories you’ll hold close to your heart as your baby grows into a toddler, child, teenager, and on to adulthood. 

How Long Does It Take Dad and Baby to Bond?

While baby may begin recognizing Dad’s voice from inside the womb, this doesn’t guarantee an immediate connection. Building trust and understanding between Dad and newborn takes time. If you’re regularly communicating with baby every day, going on little adventures together, laughing, and playing, fathers can expect the Dad and baby connection to start fully blossoming after about six months, once baby has learned to communicate more with you.

Can Dads Struggle to Bond with Baby?

Absolutely– and it’s more common than parents may realize! Studies have shown that nearly 20% of parents struggle to bond with their babies immediately and that it isn’t something to be disturbed about. Many types of bonds take time to grow, and parenthood is no exception. Mothers commonly begin bonding with baby sooner due to the physical bond of breastfeeding; fathers can ensure early bonding moments with skin-to-skin contact, the 5 S’s discussed above, and helping with baby’s needs throughout each day.

How Often Should a Dad and Newborn See Each Other?

While the go-to answer for this question is “as often as possible,” it’s crucial to value the quality of the time spent over the amount of time Dad and baby are together. Bonding takes time no matter what, so fathers should not feel stressed or inconvenienced when co-parenting separately, away for work, or unable to visit for long periods of time. The important part is making the time feel special. Go on little adventures, play with baby often, and find fun dad and baby activities for you both to enjoy! The bonding will come naturally in time.

How Can Dads Support Baby's Development While Bonding?

Dads can play a crucial role in their baby's development by incorporating educational and stimulating activities into their bonding time. Engaging in tummy time to strengthen the baby's muscles, playing with age-appropriate toys to encourage cognitive development, and introducing different textures and sounds can be beneficial. Reading to the baby, even from a very young age, supports language development and helps build a strong emotional connection. By being actively involved, dads can contribute to their baby's growth while also deepening their bond.

What Should Dads Do if They Feel Overwhelmed or Disconnected?

It's normal for dads to sometimes feel overwhelmed or disconnected from their baby, especially in the early stages of parenthood. If these feelings arise, it's important to seek support and not feel ashamed. Talking to a partner, joining a parenting group, or seeking advice from other fathers can provide valuable insights and reassurance. Additionally, setting small, manageable bonding goals, such as spending a few extra minutes each day with the baby, can help build confidence and gradually strengthen the connection. If feelings of disconnection persist, seeking guidance from a professional, such as a counselor or therapist, can also be beneficial.