An involved dad is important to a baby’s first months and years of life. Even when the dad lives outside the home, babies with actively involved fathers grow into healthier, happier, more successful children and adults. Babies need to form a strong bond with their parents, and that means dad, too.
Bringing home a new baby is a big change for everyone. There are many ways dads can help support mom and baby once they arrive home from the hospital.
Mom's body goes through a lot of changes during the pregnancy. It may take a little while for her to feel like herself. Be gracious, patient, and supportive.
Depression affects up to
25%
of dads during their partners pregnancy
or in the first year after baby is born.
Depression and anxiety are risks for new moms and new dads. If either you or your baby’s mom have anxiety or are feeling depressed, seek help immediately. Contact primary care physicians, OBGYNs, or go to the emergency room if there is an immediate danger such as suicidal thoughts or psychosis symptoms. To find help visit https://psictchapter.com
Breastfeeding is the best way to provide nourishment to your new baby. It might not be easy at first so give mom plenty of encouragement and support.
- Keeps snacks like a peanut butter sandwich, granola bars, and nuts close to mom.
Having breast milk or formula in your baby’s tummy is new to them. Babies spit up less and require less burping as they get older. Parents and caregivers should follow WIC’s feeding guidelines for infants. Ask your WIC Nutritionist for details.
Speak to your WIC Nutritionist or Pediatrician if you are concerned with the amount your baby is spitting up at each feeding.
Be a hero, change diapers!
For breastfed babies:| Baby’s Age | Wet | Poops |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 |
|
|
| Day 2 |
|
|
| Day 3 |
|
|
| Day 4 |
|
|
*This amount lasts up to the first month or longer.
Laying on their tummy helps strengthen your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles. Think of it as their daily workout as they prepare for big moves like rolling over, sitting, and crawling.
Talk to your baby and make funny faces while changing their diaper.
Go for walks.Keeping active—getting out of the house is good for everyone!
Spend time reading and talking to your baby.Their brain is learning new words every day, even from the day they are born.
Carseats
Sleeping Safe
Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm mattress with no blankets or pillows.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents on a separate sleep surface until their first birthday.
Connecticut
Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative
https://portal.ct.gov/fatherhood
Connecticut Clearinghouse
www.ctclearinghouse.org
Unity Way of Connecticut 2-1-1
https://uwc.211ct.org/get-help/informationlibrary/fatherhood
Real Dads Forever
https://realdadsforever.org
National
National Fatherhood Initiative
www.fatherhood.org
National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse
https://www.fatherhood.gov
