Research has shown that what happens during the first hour of a baby's life can maximize the bonding experience between parent and child. This is why it's ideal to introduce skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour after birth.
Flynn says, as Mum has carried the baby for nearly 10 months, bonding has already started. For Dad, holding his new-born is the start of that magic process. Research has shown that men who hold their baby close in the first 24 hours after their baby is born, report better bonding with their new-born.
Use Extra Precautions for the First Two Months
So, it's advisable to avoid letting most people touch your baby and to avoid crowds, says the pediatrician. "If you need to take your baby to crowded places, such as the grocery store, wearing your baby or using a lightweight stretchy stroller cover can be protective."
There is no reason why he should or shouldn't be the first to hold the baby. This shouldn't be an issue to argue about anyway.
The consensus seems to be that a gradual “step-up” plan is best. Frequent overnights in young children causes insecurity and thus developmental delay. Instead, the overnight visits should start with longer periods in between, and gradually increasing in frequency and length over three to four years.
Research shows that the involvement of fathers in early childhood has important consequences for child developmental and psychological outcomes over time. Being involved in a baby's sleep routines is a good way for fathers to strengthen their bond with their child and to support their partner as a mother.
A formula-fed baby can be left with another caregiver as soon as you feel comfortable leaving them. If you're breastfeeding, it's important to wait until breastfeeding is well established, which typically takes about 3 to 4 weeks.
Fathers can read or speak to their baby to enhance this bond and encourage language development. Fathers can also change diapers and offer bottle feeds, in addition to rocking, holding (including skin-to-skin/kangaroo care), soothing, and playing with their newborns.
Research has shown that what happens during the first hour of a baby's life can maximize the bonding experience between parent and child. This is why it's ideal to introduce skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour after birth.
Dr. VanVleet says it is a good idea for parents to choose who will visit the baby early on and who won't. She says it might make sense to hold off on some visits until the baby is about 3 months (12 weeks) old to allow the baby to build up their immunities. It's all up to the parents, though, in the end.
Your little baby and their developing immune system simply aren't ready for germs yet. In fact, a newborn's immune system isn't considered to have adequate function until 2 months old! Feel free to be a mama bear, It's up to you what you ask of your visitors.
As with most aspects of pregnancy and the postpartum period, there's no one-size-fits-all rule on when to return to work after birth, and every new mom's situation will be different. Some moms return to work just a few weeks after having a baby, while others take up to a year (or longer) of maternity leave.
The first hour of a baby's life is often referred to as “The Golden Hour,” and in these 60 minutes, skin-to-skin time is so helpful in establishing a bond. Skin-to-skin time doesn't have to be just Mom and baby in The Golden Hour. Dad can be involved, too, and get some time in with your little one.
Kissing a baby can have serious health consequences for your little one whose immune system is still developing. This means that all family members, friends, and even mom and dad and siblings, need to be mindful about saving those kisses for another time when your baby is older.
However, infants' immune systems aren't fully developed, and they're very susceptible to viruses. People's mouths are teeming with germs that often aren't serious for adults but could be dangerous for young children. Thus, it's best for people outside of a baby's household to keep their lips to themselves.
Don't lift your newborn by or under their arms
Your baby's head and neck muscles are very weak for the first few months. If you pick them up by or under their arms, you risk injuring their arms or shoulders. Worse, their head will dangle and could flop around, potentially causing a brain injury.
Keep visits short and frequent
Frequency is more important than duration when it comes to infant visitation. This means it's better for the baby to see the other parent four times a week for two hours at a time than for one eight hour visit per week.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to newborn visitors, but it is important for new parents to set boundaries and take precautions so their new baby stays healthy. Parents should try to limit the number of visitors their babies come in close contact with overall.
One in 10 men experience anxiety and depression symptoms in the first six months after the birth of a baby, and one in five will experience a mental health problem during pregnancy and the first year after birth.
Whatever the cause – hormonal changes, fatigue, stress, or legitimate mourning over the loss of the free and easy "pre-baby" lifestyle – it's now recognized that paternal postpartum depression is very real for some dads.
While there's no set age, most parents don't feel comfortable leaving their baby until after the first four to nine months. Before that, a lot is going on with your baby as they learn their daily routine. You may still be perfecting breastfeeding or working on the bond between you or your partner and the baby.
Father and mother – children need both of them for healthy development. It is less about gender-specific role models and more about biological sex itself. When mom and dad are equally available, babies prefer... both, Swedish family therapist Jesper Juul says.
Night two can bring way more crying that the first 24 hours. The theory is that during the second to third day postpartum, your newborn is discovering they are no longer in the comforts of your womb.