Why Dads Everywhere Should Do Bath Timeby Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger 27 Feb 2008 07:34 AM No. . .I don't mean stinky dads should take a bath. Although I suppose that is a true statement. But bath time is the ideal bonding time with baby. Maybe I'm biased, because this has always been my husband's job. However, we have found it to be a great opportunity for dad to get in on the act of bonding. Some of you have posted questions, or send me a PM asking how you can get your husband more involved with the baby. This is my answer: bath time. Skin to Skin Contact Skin to skin contact is essential for forming strong bonds with babies. There have been several studies noting that the lack of skin to skin contact hampers normal development in all areas. In other countries where they don't have NICU facilities as advanced, wrapping baby to mom's bare chest has been a way to help baby regulate temperature, not to mention provide numerous developmental benefits. Even for those of us who live in countries where the NICU is state of the art--parents are encouraged to "kangaroo" their babies. Bottom line: bathing a baby is an opportunity for dad to get that skin to skin contact time. Building Dad's Confidence We have seen and met (both online and in person) many dads who just aren't sure what to do with the baby. I'm sure we could banter back and forth for awhile on society, culture and all else that causes this. But sometimes I think that a lack of practice (for whatever reason) is the culprit. Making bath time "dad's" thing, helps him build confidence. If you find that you're nitpicking about how it gets done--then leave. This way, bath time can really be dad's thing. Bonding that Doesn't Interfere with Breastfeeding Every once in awhile, someone will ask my husband how it's possible for him to bond with the baby while I'm breastfeeding exclusively. I am not knocking bottle feeding here so don't misinterpret the following comment. But feeding is not the be all and end all to bonding. If you happen to be bottle feeding--well then nifty. Dad can do that too. But you don't need to pump, or bottle feed. . .so that dad doesn't miss the bonding. There's plenty of bonding to be had at bath time!
Related Artricles: Do It Yourself Bathtub Finger Paints Learn more about Valorie Delp  Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line. Relevantbaby tags User Comments No comments on this article yet. Be the first to comment! Community Tags bonding, babies, bath time, dads bonding with baby Discuss this article
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