What do you do when a baby only wants a mom?
It is normal for babies to become closer to their moms. They bond with their mom even before they are born. Even after birth, they stay in the mother’s arms and are nourished. Hence, the babies easily adapt to the mom. So, as a dad you should know about the ways to be close to your baby. It should be implemented even before the child is born.
The bonding with mom and dad
The child first bonds with his mom. They consider their mom to be their primary caregiver and they don’t want to share it with anyone else. It is a part of their bond that little children only need their mom. They learn to feel safe from their mom. But as they grow older, they begin to relate to others like their father.
The bond between mom and baby begins even before the baby is born. Thus, it is not random that babies become accustomed to their moms. However, it takes time for children to bond with their father. Therefore, as a dad you must work to enhance the relationship between the babies and the dad. Let us consider how the bond between children and parents can be increased.
How can you be close to your baby as a dad?
If your child does not accept being held by the dad, try to be close to the child first. If you interact with the baby, talk, or smile, they will start to feel safe with you. Then your child will gradually become closer to you.
There are many ways for dad to build a strong bond with their child. Let’s see what can be done to help a father bond with a child who seems to prefer his mom.
Spend time together with the baby
You always spend time with babies. Spend time with the babies and engage in activities with them when the mom is away. Then the babies start getting closer to their dad. Also, you can try to comfort babies when they cry. Cuddle them to your chest. This leads to a strong relationship between the children and the father. You can also take your baby outside. Place the baby on something that can carry babies and take them outside. This creates a physical closeness similar to what babies experience with their moms.
Built routine care times
If your baby is bottle-fed, as a dad you can take over the feeding times of your baby. This is a great opportunity to get close to the children. Also, you can maintain special routines to interact with the babies, such as playing, bathing, and calming them. Likewise, you can engage in activities like changing the baby’s diaper and dressing them. That way they will build trust and bond with you over time.
Be a calm, soothing presence
When the baby is upset, soothing the baby by gently rocking, singing, or using soothing sounds. It helps your child to admire and trust you. And if your baby is crying or if they needlessly upset the mother, stay calm. The baby will sense your mood. Then over time, they will begin to associate dad with comfort and security too.
Play together
You can play with your baby. For that, you can use toys that provide entertainment. Also, play with the child making funny jokes. Many babies love to imitate facial expressions. It makes playing with time a fun activity. Likewise, you always talk and sing to the baby. Sing them softly while they sleep. Read stories. Activities like these will help bring your baby close to you.
Be consistent
It is normal for babies to adopt their mom. Therefore, you should always be close to your children and try to be close to them by helping them when they need their mother. Your efforts to provide care, comfort, and attention will ultimately help create a strong bond. Therefore, be patient. Don’t reprimand your baby when they cry. Comfort them instead.
Support mom too
Don’t wait until your wife asks you for help. Instead, help your wife with your baby’s chores. You can allow the mom to rest and you do your baby’s work. This constant bonding with the child helps your child to trust the dad. Help your wife feed the babies, put them to sleep, change their clothes, etc. It will help you get close to your baby.
Give it time
Babies take some time to get used to someone other than their mom. Therefore, you should be patient until the time comes. They form a strong bond with their father, as the babies grow up. Thus, you should always be near your baby and try to be close to them.
Conclusion
As previously mentioned, babies are closer to their moms. However, you can approach your child as a father by following various methods. You can make time for yourself to be close to your baby. You can engage more in activities such as feeding the baby, putting him to sleep, changing diapers, etc. You can also take your baby outside and play with them. Always play with babies by engaging them in fun things they like. Don’t think twice to comfort your baby when he cries. Comfort the baby before the mom holds the baby. Keep the baby on your chest to comfort the baby. It helps the child feel safe.
Here, we have presented some ways that you as a father can be close to your child. You can get closer to your baby by following these methods. However, you can consult a medical advisor to get an understanding of how to take care of babies, how to feed them, etc.