"Daddy and Me" Activities
You've seen other dads around town who look like they are having a ball with their kids. But how did such great relationships begin? Most likely, they started with “Daddy and Me” activities way back in baby's infancy.
The best kinds of activities for new dads and babies to share are the physically oriented variety. Take baby on a hike in the park or for a bike ride with a baby seat and helmet. Sign up for water baby classes and help your baby learn to swim at an early age.
For times when the weather's less ideal, or when you just want to shoot the breeze with other new dads, find a “daddy meetup” in your area and meet for coffee with others who share your questions and concerns as a first-time parent. Hooking up shouldn't be very difficult — and even though you might at first feel uncomfortable, you'll soon be relieved to know that daddyhood is also new territory for the other meetup participants!
What Happens at a Daddy Meetup?
Daddy meetups can vary from town to town, but the basic premise is the same: They are safe places for dads to brag, ask questions, share advice, and watch their new babies socialize with one another. Generally, each meetup has a time limit of one to three hours, but the members who “meet up” can set any parameters that feel comfortable.
There are several different types of daddy meetups; in some areas, there are even subgroups divided by interests, hobbies, and whether the daddy is employed in a traditional work environment, a work-from-home dad, or a stay-at-home dad.
It's Time to Go to the YMCA
Many meetups are held at the YMCA so that the babies can play (while supervised by Daddy, of course) on floor mats or in the baby pool. Some meet-ups happen at coffee shops with play areas, or rotate at each member's house.
Wherever and however they occur, these meetings are a great way for dads and babies to socialize together. For fathers as well as babies, meetups can lead to lifelong friendships. Forming such bonds can be a great way for your baby to learn the value of social interaction — a skill that will stay with the child as he or she grows into adulthood.
Are you looking for a new way to bond with baby?
Try learning baby sign language. It takes time and patience, but once your baby starts making the connections between hand movements and specific requests, you'll be amazed at how well you can communicate — and how well-bonded you will feel as a result.
More Ways to Bond with Baby
If you're still having a hard time thinking of ways to bond with your tiny new bundle of joy, here are a few more ideas to start the wheels turning in your head:
Carry baby with you in a sling or backpack as you tend to chores.
Go for walks with baby in a stroller, backpack, or sling.
Take the night shift for bottles and rocking.
Sing funny songs to baby.
Watch the game together.
Eat together — and share some food when baby is able to eat solids.
Take naps together (safely).
Be the keeper of snacks and goodies (like Cheerios or vegetable slices).
Help baby learn new things by reading together.
Make a video of baby and watch it together.
Psst: Don't Forget Mommy!
Now that you know all of the wonderful ways you can be an important part of your baby's life, there's one more thing to do: Make sure you leave some time for togetherness apart from your new baby. Keeping your primary relationship alive and well after you start adding children to the mix can be a challenge, so enlist the help of a good babysitter (“Hello, Grandma?”) for as little as a few hours one day a week, just so the two of you can take a break. Time for reconnection is time well spent, as it will help the two of you stay young, fresh, and in love. What more could a kid ask for but parents who love each other like that?
