Modern dads take a more active role in parenting than fathers of previous generations. A new dad, though, sometimes feels anxious about bonding with his new child. It seems so easy for Mom. After all, she carried the child inside her for nine months. Daddy and Baby have just met. What can new fathers do to bond more closely with their babies and enjoy quality Daddy Time?

New dads and moms should agree to share child care fifty-fifty, whenever possible. That way, Baby will grow accustomed to comfort and care from both Mom and Dad and will bond equally with both parents from a young age. Babies receive comfort not only from being held, rocked, and cuddled, but also from being fed and bathed. In doing all these things for their babies, new fathers become, over time, a consistent and comforting presence.

A new dad should find his own unique way of relating to his child. Babies benefit from differences in how fathers and mothers interact with them. Whereas Mom and Baby may bond while she sings the child to sleep, Dad and Baby may bond while he reads the child a favorite story from his boyhood.

Sometimes Mom needs to let Dad find his own way. If the child is fussy, Dad must develop confidence in his ability to provide comfort. If Mom, albeit well-meaning, comes to the rescue all the time, Dad will feel that his parenting skills are lacking. Mom and Dad must work together to strengthen the family bond as a whole.

Given most people’s busy schedules, new dads must be mindful to carve out several hours per day to spend with their babies. Babies thrive on schedules, and Daddy Time should be an integral part of the family’s daily routine. If Dad makes bonding a daily priority, it will become a cherished part of every day for both Daddy and Baby.

New babies bring joy, but they also keep a household hopping. Everybody in the family benefits when dads share child care equally with moms. Baby receives the comfort and security of two active and loving parents, and neither parent has to feel like they shoulder the bulk of the child-rearing responsibilities.