wellbeing and their trust in you. Here are some fun ways to bond with your baby – right from the start! Talk to the bump! Research has shown that babies can distinguish between their parents’ and strangers’ voices from 30 weeks in the womb—and the same study found that if dads speak to a baby before birth, the newborn will recognize their father’s voice. So talk—or sing—to that bump and your baby will know you as soon as they hear you on the ‘outside’. Pop them in a pouch: Carrying your baby close in a baby carrier is a great way to keep them happy as they hear your heartbeat and your deep voice. You can take them out for a walk while mum rests (warning: dads carrying babies get a lot of positive attention from strange women) or just go about your business – walk the dog, rake the leaves or vacuum – your baby will love the movement and you will get brownie points for being a master baby calmer! Bath together: Bathing a tiny slippery baby can be a bit daunting at first. An easier way to manage bathing is to get in the bath or shower with your baby. When you have had a good play, pass them out to mummy to wrap them in a warm towel and cuddle them dry before a feed. Learn baby massage: Massage is not only good for your baby’s health and development as well as their sleep patterns it’s also a great way to get to know your baby’s non-verbal language and boost your confidence. An Australian study
of infant massage and father-baby bonding, found that at 12 weeks old, babies who were massaged by their fathers greeted their Dads with more eye contact, smiling, vocalising, and touch than those in the control group. Try the colic waltz: Although it’s much more fun to play with a happy baby, when it all goes ‘pear shaped’, Dads are often the best baby settlers: you don’t smell like breast milk so if baby has a bellyache, they can relax without snuffling round for more mummy milk; you have big strong arms to lie them along (with their legs straddled across your arm and a bit of pressure against their belly); or snuggle them against your chest with their head tucked under your chin, and hum as you walk – the vibration and deep noise you make will help them calm in no time. Just do it!: Even though you may feel a bit anxious about your baby care skills, especially your ability to calm your tiny, crying baby, just give it a go! And don’t be intimidated by your partner (Ladies, lock up that mother lioness and step back!). Although your lady may seem more confident than you about baby care, she will take time to find her groove too. The more you participate in the care of your baby, the better you will get to know your child and the more your own confidence will grow. http://www.pinkymckay.com/the-chemistryof-dad-and-baby-bonding/
Congratulates Rhianne Fee
For winning a Treatment, Cut and Blowwave for being a current Palmerston North Patents Centre member Ph: 358 4010 | Hotel Coachman,134 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North | thehaircompany.co.nz Open Mon - Sat, late nights Tues and Thur
ISSUE 300 . April | May 2021
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