[Submitted Question]

I was very excited to become a Dad. The reality is a bit of a let down though. Maybe my expectations were too high. I mostly saw myself playing baseball with the kids or taking him out to the zoo. Now I don't know what to do with a baby that can't even hold his own head yet. I want to become closer to my son but don't know how to go about it.

Geoff P., Texas

[WombToBloom]

Yep, it can be hard to hit balls with a floppy newborn. But you can still bond with him – man to man. You can talk to him – it doesn’t even have to be babytalk. He loves to hear the sound of your voice. You can even snuggle with him on the couch and give him a play-by-play of the basketball game. He’ll love it.

Another cool thing you can do is bathtime (unless he’s a bath hater). Give your wife a little break and soap up the little guy. After he’s dried off and in his pajamas, read him a book or get down on the floor with him and show him some toys.

And you can still do a lot of the fun dad/son things – throw him in the front pack and take him to the zoo, the park, the hardware store.

The best thing to do with a floppy-headed newborn? Snooze on the couch! Stretch out on a Sunday afternoon with a warm, snuggly baby on your chest – two guys napping during the game. It’s all about the physical closeness and the sound of your voice at this age. The rest will come in time and, before you know it, you’ll be playing catch in the yard.

[mickth]

Originally Posted by WombToBloom

Snooze on the couch! Stretch out on a Sunday afternoon with a warm, snuggly baby on your chest – two guys napping during the game. It’s all about the physical closeness and the sound of your voice at this age. The rest will come in time and, before you know it, you’ll be playing catch in the yard.

I agree 100% with this. Honestly, once they walk, you will appreciate the stage where they are immoble. Plus, as said here, it is important to develop a bond at an early stage. Remember, they just spent the last 9 months with mom. Now it's your turn. Let them sleep on your chest, and talk to them while they are laying there. Trust me.

Mick

[DoulaJamie]

I too agree 100%...talk to your infant and cuddle with him....

another thing that a dad can do to get some time with baby is to learn infant massage...its fairly easy and its a great bonding experience...its something that you and him can have...mom's have nursing, dad's can have massage...that's what my husband and I did...once you learn the strokes its so easy...and the benefits are amazing...you will help him grow and learn that touch equals love and caring...there are many books out there and you can ask your peds dr if they recommend anyone...Good luck and start that bonding!!