10 Thoughtful Ways Dads Can Bond with Their Newborns
Whether you’re already holding your little one or preparing to meet them soon, know this: your presence matters more than you know. Babies are born wired for connection, and bonding isn’t just a “mom thing.” There are so many beautiful, simple ways you can begin building that lifelong relationship from day one.
Here are 10 thoughtful, research-backed, and heartfelt ways to bond with your newborn, no matter how much sleep you’ve lost or how unsure you feel. You’ve got this!
1. Skin-to-Skin
We always hear about skin-to-skin when it comes to moms, but did you know dads can do it too? Snuggling with your baby on your bare chest isn’t just super cute, it also has so many benefits! Skin-to-skin helps regulate baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and stress levels. And for dad? It releases oxytocin, the hormone of love and bonding.
Skin-to-skin can be done as soon as the baby is born and can be especially helpful for dads to do after a cesarean. These benefits still apply in the following weeks, so get to cuddling!
2. Talk to Baby
This one may sound simple, but talking to your baby is impactful! Your voice is already familiar to your baby since they’ve heard it in the womb. That familiarity brings comfort! Many people feel silly talking to a baby since they can't speak back, but I promise, it gets easier and it’s fun.
Some easy ways to get started are narrating what you're doing. Pretend you’re a talk show host and just start blabbing, babies don’t understand but will enjoy hearing you. You can tell them what you’re doing or about to do (“Let’s change this diaper!” “We’re buckling you into your carseat, I know it’s not fun but it’s for safety.” “Would you like to hear about my favorite team? Yes? Okay, let’s get started”). You can also read aloud, and it doesn’t have to be baby books. Anything you’re reading, you can do so out loud so baby can hear your voice. Not only are you bonding, but also building language skills with every word!
3. Babywearing
Wearing your baby in a wrap or carrier keeps them close while freeing your hands. It promotes bonding and can help soothe fussiness. Plus, it’s a great way to help your partner rest while you take over baby duty with confidence.
Babywearing can make doing things with a baby in tow much easier! Things like going on a walk, walking the dog, shopping, being at family functions, and mroe can be made into a bonding experience when baby is secure on you.
4. Be Involved in Feedings
Feeding time is a great time to bond with baby–and, it happens multiple times a day! If bottle feeding, you can take on some of the feedings. Set yourself and baby up in a comfy place and bond over their meal! You can talk, sing or just be with your baby.
If your partner is breastfeeding, you can still be involved! Bring water or snacks to them, burp the baby afterward, take on the diaper change, or do skin-to-skin snuggles post-feed. You can also just hang there with your partner while they feed. Breastfeeding can sometimes feel lonely, especially in the middle of the night or if your partner prefers to feed in private while in gatherings or out in public.
5. Learn Your Baby’s Cues
Bonding isn’t just about holding your baby, it’s about knowing them. Pay attention to your baby’s cues: hunger, overstimulation, sleepiness. When you respond to their needs, you’re building trust and your own parenting confidence!
Babies thrive when they feel safe and comfortable. Being there for them when they communicate (in their own ways) is an important part of building that relationship. You can learn your baby’s cues by watching and learning your baby, reading about common cues, or having a professional, like a doula, help identify and explain your baby’s cues.
6. Create a Routine Together
During those initial weeks when you take some form of parental leave, you can begin creating some routines with your baby. Whether it’s morning diaper changes, bedtime stories, or stroller walks, routines create comfort. Choose one or two times a day that are your thing with baby. These small rituals build secure attachments and help you both feel more grounded.
7. Take the Night Shift, Sometimes
Sometimes, baby has a hard time getting back to sleep in the middle of the night. Those quiet 3 AM snuggles are moments of connection! You can take turns with overnight care, if possible, or make the overnights a party of three (you, baby and your partner). You’ll get to know your baby on a deeper level—and show up as a true parenting partner.
8. Keep it Moving
Babies love gentle motion. Rock them, dance with them, or go for a walk. As baby goes getting more mobile, you will continue to have fun with movement! It’s a great way to keep baby entertained and learning.
Another thing you can do with baby is tummy time! This can be part of your routine with baby, too. Tummy time is great for baby’s development and is an excellent way to bond with your baby in a way that is productive and fun.
9. Be in the Know
Bonding with your baby also happens in the day-to-day details. Show up for pediatrician visits when possible so you can ask questions and learn about your baby’s development firsthand. Get familiar with their daily rhythm, like when they tend to nap, what their different cries mean, which songs calm them down, or which toys they love. When you stay connected to these everyday moments and decisions, you’re not just observing—you’re parenting with intention. That kind of presence builds deep trust over time.
10. Trust Yourself
There’s no manual for becoming a dad—and that’s okay! It’s normal to feel unsure or even a little awkward at first. But the more time you spend with your baby, the more you’ll learn their rhythms, their needs, and your own strengths. You don’t have to know everything, you just have to keep showing up. Your baby doesn’t need perfection. They need your presence, your love, your voice, your arms. Trust that you are exactly who they need, just as you are. You’re doing better than you think.
This is just the beginning…
Bonding with your baby isn’t about doing everything perfectly; it’s about being present, paying attention, and growing together. These early days are just the beginning of a relationship that will keep evolving for years to come. Every diaper change, silly song, midnight snuggle, and baby giggle is part of the foundation you’re building.
Parenting can be playful, rewarding, and full of connection. So give yourself permission to enjoy it—to learn, to mess up, to try again, and to keep discovering who your baby is (and who you’re becoming, too).
You're not just caring for a baby. You're getting to know a whole new person. And that relationship? It only gets better.
Happy Father’s Day.
