As new parents, a lot of emphasis is placed on the bond between mother and child. They can often be the first parent for baby to bond with, due to their closeness with mum at birth and the bond formed during breast feeding. However, baby’s bond with both parents can be an important part of your newborn shoot’s success!

Sometimes newborns will feel most comfortable being held by their mother, this is natural as they will form a close bond by being held close, familiarising themselves with your smell and the warmth of your bod. But there are many ways that dad can bond with baby too, so that come photo time they are feeling comfortable and settled in dad’s arms…ready to have some amazing photos taken and create some lasting memories!

These are our top 6 tips for what dad can do to bond with baby and ensure a more memorable and successful newborn shoot.

1. Cuddle time

This is a very simple and enjoyable way to bond with your newborn baby. Babies will predominantly form their bonds from touch and feeling your warmth during the first few weeks of their life, as their other senses such as sight are still developing. As baby is not fully able to familiarise people by their faces yet, they will start to become familiar with your scent, your voice, and the feeling of safety that they have when they are in your arms.

 2. Help baby to fall asleep

This is a great way for baby to become more familiar with you. A great time to do this is just after they have been fed and have a full tummy of milk. This will make them feel nice and sleepy and will help them to doze off in your arms! Learning how to soothe and settle baby will help to develop your bond and make them feel safer and more relaxed around you. 

3. Get involved in bath time

For most babies, bath time is one of their earliest fun and memorable experiences, and an enjoyable experience for new parents too! By getting dad involved in bath time, baby will start to associate him with a fun experience and continue to develop a close bond with him. They will start to remember dad’s scent and his face and the next time they see him will associate him with bath time and fun!

4. Changing nappies

As well as being there for baby during relaxing and fun times, it’s also important for dad to be involved with other situations such as nappy changing time. Every activity he does with baby will strengthen their bond and will make baby associate him with the care they are being given. 

5. Getting baby dressed

This is another great way to show baby how much you love and care for them. Be gentle and take your time when dressing baby to make it a pleasant experience that they will associate with you. As they look up at you, feel your touch and hear your voice their bond with you will grow.

6. Taking baby out for a walk

A lovely way to start bonding with your baby is to take them out in their pram for a walk around the neighbourhood. They will love the feeling of the movement of the pram, the new colours and sights around them and breathing in the fresh air. Chat with baby on your walk about different things that you see along the way, and if it’s a lovely day take them out and hold them too. This will keep their bond and familiarity with you as their parent growing. 

Give these tips a try and soon dad and baby will be inseparable! The beautiful bond they have formed will be present in their photos and serve as a lovely memory to look back on once baby is all grown up.