Bonding With Your Baby
It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters — together.
Let’s be honest. You’re tired. You might be back at work, or you're deep in the cycle of feed-play-sleep (or lack thereof). "Bonding" can feel like another item on your to-do list, a performance you're supposed to put on.
But here’s the secret: Bonding isn't an event; it's a thousand tiny moments.
You don't need two hours of uninterrupted, educational play. You just need five minutes of being present. Your baby doesn't want a perfect dad; they just want their dad.
Here are simple, low-energy ways to connect with your baby at different stages.
Newborn (0-3 Months)
At this stage, bonding is all about comfort, security, and senses.
- Skin-to-Skin: You don't need a special reason. Just take your shirt off, put the baby (in just a nappy) on your chest, and cover you both with a blanket. Do it while you watch TV or listen to a podcast. Your heartbeat, warmth, and scent are all they need.
- The "Dad Voice": Talk to them. Tell them about your day, your work, or the football game. Your deeper voice is distinct from their mum's and is incredibly comforting.
- Own a "Job": Make bath time your time. Or make the nappy change after their morning feed your time. Use that small window to make eye contact, smile, and talk to them.
Infant (4-9 Months)
Now they are more interactive. They're learning about cause and effect, and they love your face.
- Floor Time: Get on the floor with them. You don't even have to do much. Just lie there. Let them crawl on you, grab your nose, and explore. You are their favorite climbing frame.
- Silly Noises & Faces: This is peak "dad joke" territory. Raspberry sounds, peek-a-boo, and ridiculously exaggerated expressions are pure gold. You are helping them learn about emotion and interaction.
- Narrate Your Life: Making coffee? "Look, here's the coffee machine. It makes a whirr sound." Unloading the dishwasher? "This is a plate. It's round!" It feels silly, but you're building their vocabulary.
Older Baby (10-14+ Months)
They're on the move, and their little personality is shining through.
- Reading (The Right Way): Don't worry about finishing the book. Just sit them on your lap and let them turn the pages. Point at the pictures. "That's a dog! What does the dog say?"
- Shared Music: Put on your favorite (kid-appropriate) playlist and have a dance. Lift them up, spin them around.
- The "ReadyDad" Nudge: The ReadyDad app is designed to give you one simple idea like this each day, matched to your baby's age, so you don't even have to think about it.
It's that simple. Just show up. Be present. You're building a bond that will last a lifetime, one small moment at a time.