21 July 2025
The baby’s familiarity with dad
Reading time 2'
The child-father relationship is just as important and essential for the child’s psychosocial development as that of the mother. However, since the mother has a lead in her connection with the baby, the father may feel out of place and neglected. The fact that the mother is (usually) the main caregiver after the baby is born does not mean that the father cannot also connect with his baby from the very beginning and develop a beautiful relationship of security and trust.
If you are a father, see below some ideas with which you can get in touch with your baby more quickly and effectively.
What does familiarization with an infant mean?
It is completely normal to think that your own child does not prefer you, because you simply see him constantly looking for mom. Especially in moments when he is struggling. You feel frustrated and find it difficult to try again, as you do not believe that anything will change.
Children at this age need their caregivers to cover their very basic needs such as food and sleep. Something that the mother often takes on while breastfeeding. But there are other practical ways to improve your relationship with your baby.
Start with physical contact.
It’s okay to be afraid to hold your baby and have your doubts. Find someone safe for the baby and start hugging and touching, caressing, etc. Skin-to-skin contact helps as at this age babies recognize their dad by smell!
Create consistent routines
Take on the responsibility of taking care of him in any way you can, such as changing his diaper or giving him a bath. You can also start taking him for afternoon walks in the stroller.
Talk to him constantly!
He may not fully understand what you are saying, but he knows your voice and feels safe with it. Use a soft tone of voice and think of a story or song that you can tell him often. Babies love repetition!
Take time to play.
It’s okay not to know how to play with such a small child. However, babies understand and seek to play with others, doing things that strengthen our connection with them. A good option is making faces, or playing with bells to the rhythm, or gently touching their feet.
Getting the baby to get used to dad takes time and a little practice, but it is possible! When the child starts to respond, then it will be a very happy moment for you! The more effort you put in, the more the baby will reciprocate, and more!