Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th! We love and appreciate all of our Detroit dads that work so hard each day to support their partners and children, but how can we support dads and help fathers as they grow their families? We’re talking about some basic tips for new fathers and how they can feel prepared, supported, and how they can bond with their new little ones as they welcome an addition to the family!

How can dads feel ready for a new baby?

• Engage with other dads! Talking to other men who have children will give you lots of good insight into the new world you are entering. Talk with other fathers about how you are feeling, even if you are feeling nervous or worried about fatherhood. Are you anxious, excited, or scared? Talk about it!
• Read books, articles, and watch videos about fatherhood and new babies! Your local library, the internet, and Youtube can give you some great resources about infant care, pregnancy, birth, parenting, and more. You can never be too prepared, and there is so much great information out there. Ask friends or family for their recommendations.
• Talk to your older family members about how they felt becoming a father.
• Talk to mom about how you are feeling about the new baby. Chances are she is having some of the same feelings as you are! Together you can work to be ready for baby and help each other adjust.

How can dads be involved in breastfeeding?

• When baby wakes up at night, offer to get up and assist with feeding! Even though the baby may be breastfeeding with mom, you can support both mom and baby and sit by their side, bonding with your new family.
• Offer to burp your baby after feedings.
• If baby takes breastmilk from a bottle, offer to give the baby the bottle and let mom rest. You’ll be amazed how much you can bond while feeding your baby.
• Rock your baby back to sleep after feeding.

How can dads ensure they are bonding with their baby?

• Talk, read, and sing to your child every day.
• Do your share when it comes to feedings, baths, and diaper changes! It may be work, but these moments are crucial to bond with your baby.
• Practice skin to skin contact! Hold and rock your baby up against your chest, and let the bonding begin!
• Take baby for a walk, and once they get older, to a playground or park.
• Make sure to ask your child about their day once they are old enough to talk to you about it! Showing interest in your child’s life will build a strong bond.

What can moms do to help engage dads with their new baby?

• Allow dad to be a part of this adventure! It’s okay to let go, and let dad care for the child.
• Don’t forget to carve out alone-time with dad. If you can, find someone to watch your baby and have a date night at home or out on the town. Bonding with your partner is important, just as much as bonding with your baby.
• Communicate with dad! Ask dad how he is feeling as a new father, and what excites and concerns him about your new baby. Dads may be reluctant to speak up and ask questions, but communicating about your experiences as a new parent will only improve everyone’s experience in this new phase of life.
• Suggest a special dad and baby activity or tradition!

What are some resources for dads in Detroit?

• Dad to The Bone podcast
• Parenting programs from Starfish Family Services
• Men of Detroit Parent Network Group – 3rd Thursday monthly, 6:00-7:30pm at Detroit Parent Network
• The Children’s Center Fatherhood Initiative 
• Detroit Dads Group